TV Antenna Recommendation

[clostio33]

I am looking for a few recommendations on the antenna I should be considering.. I want to catch as many channels as possible but the local (PBS, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC (the one that has a distance of about 57 miles) are a must. My TV Fool analyst is here (TV Fool). I am open to placing the antenna outside, on the roof, in the attic, or inside. I will be connecting two TV's. I was considering getting a multi-directional but I am not sure if that is necessary. Thanks in advance.

 

[MrPogi]

It appears that your TVfool report was done at ground level. Could you please do your report at roof top height?

But it looks doable, for sure.

 

[clostio33]

Here is the new report. TV Fool

 

[MrPogi]

That's problematic...
You can point to 78 degrees, or 308 degrees. Both will require a UHF/VHF combo antenna.
If you point to 78 degrees, WLPB PBS in that direction is weak. If you point near 308 degrees, you have a weak signal from NBC 7 or 35.

I'm going to suggest an Antennacraft HBU-44 pointed to about 78 degrees - and since the signal from PBS 23 is quite strong, you should get it off the back of the antenna. You could also try pointing the same antenna to about 285 degrees to get channel 7 NBC, and the others to the NW at about 308. ABC, CW and Fox are booming strong and should come in almost anywhere you aim an antenna. Because they are so strong, I advise you not to use an amplifier or risk overloading your tuner.

I suspect that with the HBU-44 and a lot of playing around with the aiming, you will find a direction that gets you stable reception of all the major networks. But if not, then adding a rotor will get them all for sure - but only as a last resort. Rotors are problematic with digital TV.

 

[clostio33]

Thanks for all the great information. I looked at the Antennacraft HBU-44 but I am considering the Antennacraft HBU-33 (http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennasHBU.html) and based on price and specs do you see any red flags I need to consider which would convince me to buy the Antennacraft HBU-44? Again thanks for your time.

 

[MrPogi]

I think the HBU-33 will do. It has the same UHF section as the HBU-44, but the HBU-44 has a higher gain on the VHF. The price difference is only $10 or so, so that's not a big factor.

I suggest getting it from Radio Shack. They don't stock them usually, either order online or have the store order it, and pick up in-store. That way you can return it to the store if you need the HBU-44 or HBU-55 instead.

 

[bhowe]

Id like a recommendation for an outdoor antenna, my location is below? Can I also have two antennas aiming at different directions and branch the signals together?
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id=e6a40bbf2ecc4f