I'm looking at the RCA HD receiver,and I want to receive local channels.What types of antennaes will work?I would like to use a attic ant if possible, and what type of signal loss is expected.Also does the HD dish work with standard and HD receivers at the same time?Thanks.

Good question. I'm also interested in knowing if a special antenna is required, or will any good OTA TV antenna also recieve broadcast HDTV signals?

Experts? Jump in anytime.

Dave

Hi ya folks,

For local HD reception, first check and see whether your local stations are now transmitting HD programs.

If so, next step is to find out if the stations are broadcasting in VHF and/or UHF. You need to know this to determine what type antenna to get.

Okay, here's a rundown of some that perform well in lots of installation:

* Outdoor - Channel Master 4248 yagi ($45) or the Winegard 9095 (about $60); these are UHF only

* Smaller indoor/outdoor (wall-mountable) - Channel Master 3021 ($25)

* Indoor set-top - Antiference Silver Sensor ($30) or the Radio Shack UHF double bow-tie ($17)

Don't bother with the Terk models. More hype than performance.

You can save a bundle by buying the components yourself vs. getting it from a prof antenna outfit. You can always buy the materials and have the pros install it.

Rule of thumb for antenna: the bigger the better, the higher (i.e, rooftop install) the better.

If you're worried about HOA restrictions about antennas, read this

[Link: keohi.com]

You may need a rotor if you are near other large metro broadcast centers. The Channel Master CM 9521 rotator with remote control is very good.

If the signal is weak at the output end of the antenna, you may need a preamp. The Channel master 7775, 7777 are good. Winegard AP-4700 (16db) is good and so is the higher gain AP-4800.

Always always always have a rooftop antenna grounded. The mast should be grounded to a ground rod vs. water pipe. Coax line from the antenna should also have a discharge block/lightning arrestor and tied to the ground rod. Properly grounding the antenna is needed to reduce the risk of damage to persons and property by channeling the bulk of the lightning energy to ground; reduce the risk of fire; meet NEC requirements and local antenna install regulations; and eliminate the possibility of insurance companies denying a claim due to improper grounding or lack thereof.

For more info on antenna, HD applications, and sources for antenna materials, go here..

[Link: keohi.com]

Whew!

Thanks,
Errol

Keohi HDTV
[Link: keohi.com]
Your Friendly HDTV Tips Site

I use a paper clip. Works great.

Kon...

How big a paper clip? Also, how high do you have it mounted? Is it still wound like a normal clip, or did you straighten it out? ;-)

You've got to be specific to be helpful. See Errol's post. He seems to know how to do it! ;-)

Dave ;-)