HDTV Antenna Amplifier?

[BG3]

Yesterday, I installed a Phillips outdoor HDTV antenna since our cable company doesn't offer any HD programming. We're getting over 20 HD channels that are all nearly 30 miles away according to AntennaWeb.org.

There are several more stations being picked up but are not viewable. Is there an amplifier that would further improve the gain on the antenna?

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this question. I wasn't sure exactly where to ask it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bandphan]

is it pole mount? You shouldnt need an amplifier for it. I added a second one orignally to pick up 2 markets here in fl.

 

[chadnliz]

I dont think you can do anything about them with an amp, you either get them or you dont.

 

[Exit]

There are antenna amplifiers available. Just Google "antenna amplifiers". I got one from Radio Shack which amplifies at the antenna. Whether you would get more channels with an amplifier is a try it and see proposition. I think the ballpark cost for an antenna amplifier is about $60.

 

[bandphan]

Yesterday, I installed a Phillips outdoor HDTV antenna since our cable company doesn't offer any HD programming. We're getting over 20 HD channels that are all nearly 30 miles away according to AntennaWeb.org.

There are several more stations being picked up but are not viewable. Is there an amplifier that would further improve the gain on the antenna?

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this question. I wasn't sure exactly where to ask it.

Thanks in advance!

and twenty channels is pretty good

 

[markw]

Where do you live?

Remember... all HD stations are digital, but not all digital signals are HD. I'm minutes outside of NYC and we only get 7 HD channels out of about 40 digital channels. but I will say that a non-HD digital picture can be prety durn good.

What antenna do you have? Some already have an amp built in.

It's just a VHF/UHF (and possibly FM) amp and unless you can mount it at the antenna itself, not inside, any improvement will be minimal.

Remember, amplifiers amplify the "bad" noise just as well as the intended "good" signal so the the ultimate result might be a strong, noisy signal instead ofa weak one.

 

[BG3]

Where do you live?

Remember... all HD stations are digital, but not all digital signals are HD. I'm minutes outside of NYC and we only get 7 HD channels out of about 40 digital channels. but I will say that a non-HD digital picture can be prety durn good.

What antenna do you have? Some already have an amp built in.

It's just a VHF/UHF (and possibly FM) amp and unless you can mount it at the antenna itself, not inside, any improvement will be minimal.

Remember, amplifiers amplify the "bad" noise just as well as the intended "good" signal so the the ultimate result might be a strong, noisy signal instead ofa weak one.

I'm in position where I can catch signals from Charlotte, Winston-Salem, High Point, Greensboro & Raleigh, NC. So, I have a couple of Fox, ABC, CBS, etc.

I'll have to count how many are 720 or better. But, you're right about the SD signals, they're much better than my cable signal.

The antenna is a Phillips MANT-950. It has 15db/18db amplification built in for VHF/UHF, not sure if it's in that order though.

Right now, it is mounted on an old mini-dish mount. I'm going to pick up some antenna post today to raise it since it is currently below the peak of the roof. I think 2 sections of antenna post will get it over the crest of a nearby ridge and reduce any interference from the trees.

 

[majorloser]

I'm using a cheap Rat Shack antenna in the attic that uses a small amp. They don't even sell it anymore. Works fine for me. I pick up two different markets. Of course most of the stations I wouldn't watch if you paid me.


Here's a little site that may help:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Just enter your Zipcode to see what's available.

 

[jcPanny]

Ota Tv

There are only 4 or 5 major networks (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, etc.) and it sounds like you are getting multiple feeds from each network. Some are likely the analog and digital feed of the same channel. I am not sure what you would gain with >20 channels since they will be more duplicates of the same networks.

 

[Exit]

I think an antenna amplifier is particularly usefull when running a line to more than one location in a distribution system. There you lose signal strength each time you split off to a new location and the amplifier can keep the signal strength up.

 

[bandphan]

remember that adding to much amplification to the signal can have a reverse effect

 

[Firberop]

No amp needed

I got a nice sized outdoor antenna from Radioshack and installed itin my attic works like a charm

 

[BG3]

There are only 4 or 5 major networks (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, etc.) and it sounds like you are getting multiple feeds from each network. Some are likely the analog and digital feed of the same channel. I am not sure what you would gain with >20 channels since they will be more duplicates of the same networks.

I finally remembered to count last night. I'm getting 12 distinct HD channels (720p or better). The majority of the remaining channels are digital. Even the digital channels are several times better than my cable channels.

I still haven't had a chance to pick up the antenna post to raise the antenna. I'll let you know how that works out. It won't be this weekend. Maybe next....

 

[markw]

Consider yourself blessed.

I finally remembered to count last night. I'm getting 12 distinct HD channels (720p or better). The majority of the remaining channels are digital. Even the digital channels are several times better than my cable channels.

I still haven't had a chance to pick up the antenna post to raise the antenna. I'll let you know how that works out. It won't be this weekend. Maybe next....

Twelve HD channels is a boatload for OTA.

Here in NY all I can pulll in in HD is the major network feeds: CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, WOR, CW and PBS. All the rest are SD digital locals, including for ION which is a newcomer