Help with HDTV antenna.

[fyrmedic01@hotm]

where I live I can only get a couple over air HDTV channels but. I was interested in which one the forum thinks is better.


http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/28602/rpem/ccd/productDetailSpecification.do#tabs


http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/91092/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.do#tabs

I have a pioneer PDP 5050HD and use the automatic channel finder..Maybe that is not the best way? I get two channels with the smaller antenna set up in my garage(can't go inside.) reception is decent but I hear I can get at least one more channel?

I cannot mount anything on the roof so It must be able to go in the rafters of my garage. I am open to suggestions if these two are not the way to go

 

[Lincoln]

Forget about Terk, it's overpriced and under performs. The first thing you need to do is figure out the distance and direction of your house from the broadcast towers you are trying to receive the signal from, this can be accomplished by typing in your address at antennaweb.org. This site will tell just how much antenna you should need to pick up your local stations. Keep in mind that having in the garage rafters (equivalent to an attic install IMHO) will reduce the antennas range by at least 40%. Because of this you want more antenna then suggested by antennaweb. For example: if you are 20 miles from the towers then buy an antenna with UHF performace rated at, at least, 35 miles. I was 25 miles from my towers at my old condo but needed an antenna rated for 60 miles to get all the stations (due to stucco walls with metal mesh and tile roof, most typical brick veneer, wood siding, etc, doesn't have metal mesh in the walls).

 

[fyrmedic01@hotm]

A giant rooftop is not going to happen...any other brands than terk you recomend

 

[Lincoln]

Channel Master but you have to face the fact that there is no magic bullet here...you either have a proper antenna for your situation or you don't receive the channels..most of these wizbang tiny, odd looking contraptions are snake oil.

I'm not saying you must have an antenna on your roof (although it's best option) but you might need a decent size antenna if you plan to hang it from the rafters inside the roof. There are square UHF antennas that are popular and work well for most HD markets (the ones that all the staions are above ch13, but higher VHF are somtimes recvd well on UHF antennas, the ones above ch 9), you don't need a Yagi (traditional roof style) if you are not trying to receive VHF stations.

 

[Duffinator]

One of the small antennas that does work is a Zenith Silver Sensor. Google it for more info. You can mount a large outdoor antenna in your rafters or attic. I have a UHF antenna from RS mounted in my attic and pick up all the channels in Sacramento. http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=15-2160

Just an FYI, you can mount an antenna on your roof and no condo or homeowners association can stop you. The FCC clearly states that no entity can stop you from receiving a public signal. I live in a community with a very strong HOA. I sent them an email with my intention of mounting an antenna on my roof and explained the issue with the FCC. Their attorney got back to me giving me permission to mount the antenna on my roof. But the antenna mounted in my attic worked perfectly so no need to mount it on my roof.