Best TV antenna for Chicago HDTV reception
Hi Denny & Rhonda-Great Website!
I live in Joliet Il. and have two HDTV's. I currently use indoor rabbit ear antennas for my reception. Some of the Chicago stations come in great, others not so good (in and out) and a couple not at all. My address is _________ St. Joliet 60431. What TV antenna would you recommend for me. I would prefer an indoor antenna but if I have to install one outdoors that's ok. I just want to get good reception on all of the Chicago HD channels so I can shut my cable off.
I read Rhonda's page about TV antenna, cable or satellite. My wife Gina and I decided to try her suggestion and keep track of our viewing habits. We did this for two weeks and to our surprise we found that the majority of the time we were watching free TV and paying for it. All I want is good consistent reception. Thanks for all of your help,
Greg and Gina ________
________ Street Joliet, Il. 60431
Greetings Greg and Gina,
Digital/HDTV reception can be a little tricky in the Chicago area if you don't choose the proper antenna. During the digital transition currently going on now each station is assigned a channel to broadcast their digital/HDTV signal on. This channel is different then their analog channel. Many U.S. TV stations are currently broadcasting their digital signal on the UHF band channels 14 to 69. However, most U.S. TV markets will have at least one VHF (2-13) channels after the analog shutdown in February 2009. In Chicago channel 2 CBS WBBM is currently broadcasting digitally on channel 3. TV channel numbers are assigned frequencies to broadcast on. The lower the channel number the lower the frequency. The wavelength of channel 3 is 92" so unless you are very close to the transmitters a small compact antenna is out of the question. To receive the lower VHF channels efficiently requires a larger antenna that can capture the VHF wavelength.
I wish I could recommend a simple indoor antenna for you but we are receiving negative reports from across the country from people who are using all types of indoor antennas for their digital/HDTV reception. The reception problems are very similar to yours stating the digital picture goes in and out. Many report that some days the reception is good and other days it is not. Or every time someone walks around the room or a car passes by the signal goes in and out. Many of these people switch to analog reception when this occurs, but switching to analog won't be possible after the analog shutdown. The best solution is to get the proper antenna before the February 17th 2009 deadline.
The absolute best choice for your location for consistent quality digital/HDTV reception is the miniMAX II antenna. This antenna is designed to receive all channels from 2 through 69. Along with the antenna I suggest the Winegard HDP 269 antenna preamplifier. We have enjoyed excellent success with this combination throughout the Chicago area. All of the Chicago TV transmitters are to your Northeast at a distance of just under 40 miles. With few exceptions we have found the miniMAX will provide consistent quality digital/HDTV reception in about a 60 mile radius of the Chicago TV transmitters.
To receive all of the Chicago area stations the antenna can be installed in a stationary position with the narrow end pointing Northeast. For the best results the antenna should be installed above any nearby roof lines if possible.
One other note, The miniMAX is not a cheap flimsy antenna. It is of very high quality and will provide you with many years of service.
I am completely confident that this combination of antenna and preamplifier will provide you with outstanding digital/HDTV and analog reception.
If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
TV Antenna Source
Denny,
Thanks for the great info. I have a couple more questions before I order.
I'm a little confused about the preamplifier, do I need a separate cable to get power to the preamplifier?
Also, I'm thinking I would like to use the J-pole mount, is this a good choice? I would like to use the antenna for both HDTV's where does the splitter go?
I will order as soon as I figure out everything I need.
Thanks again,
Greg
You're welcome Greg. The preamplifier does not require a separate power cable. Preamplifier are a two part unit, the mast mounted amplifier and the power supply. The mast mounted portion mounts just below the antenna and the power supply is located indoors and requires an electrical outlet. The power supply included with the preamplifier sends low voltage electricity up the coax cable to power the amplifier.
The installation would go like this. Run a short piece of coax cable from the antenna output to the mast mounted preamplifier input. We offer a 2.5 foot cable on our coax cable page for this purpose. From the preamplifier output run coax to the ground block that you should install on the coax cable just before it enters your home. From the ground block run coax to the power supply input labeled Ant. From the power supply output labeled TV run coax to a 2 way signal splitter and from the splitter outputs to the TV's. Next a
ground wire should be ran from the ground block to a suitable ground such as a
ground rod. A ground wire should also be ran from the antenna mount/mast to a ground. That's it.
I think the
J-pole mount is an excellent choice for this antenna, as long as the antenna can be pointed Northeast.
Let me know how everything turns out.
Take care,
Denny
Denny,
I wanted to update you on my installation and reception. The installation went off without a hitch except I didn't get very good reception at first. I went back through everything and found I had connected the coax cable to the wrong connection on the power supply. When I got that right everything came in perfect on both TV's. We have not noticed the picture going in out at all. I want to thank you for all of your help. I will certainly recommend your service to anyone interested in a TV antenna.
Thank you from the ______ Family.
Greg
UN-hook the money sucking cable
Hello Denny,
I live in South Bend In. and I can't afford cable any more. I want to un-hook the money sucking cable and install a TV antenna to get local channels.
Greetings Walt,
TV antennas should be installed above the roof line for best reception. That's not saying one below the roof line won't work. The best suggestion I can give you is installing a pipe from the ground up supporting it with a wall bracket to the the roof facing as it passes. The pipe can extend up to ten feet above the bracket. The installation method is to tip the pipe up with the antenna Etc... already attached to the pipe. I have an TV antenna installed that way on my house. If needed I can take a picture of it and send it to you. I hope this helps you.
Best Regards,
Denny
Installing a TV antenna tripod
Denny,
I would like to purchase a tripod and a tv antenna. I'm a little hesitant to put anything on my roof. Can you tell me how to install a tripod, and do you ever have problems with wind or leaks. By the way our local ABC TV station has your article HDTV antenna fact or fiction on their website, that's how I found you.
Frank
Hello Frank,
Good Question, I have installed just over 600 hundred tv antenna tripods over the past 18 years. To date I have never, I repeat never have I received a complaint. The trick is proper installation.
The first step is to find your roof rafters using a stud finder. Locate two studs with one stud in between on one side of the peak. On the other side of the peak locate the the stud in between the two studs you found on the opposite side. Mark the center of all three studs, chalk works good. Next place the roof sealing pads (included with our tripods) on the bottom of each tripod leg platform. Position each leg directly over each stud you previously marked. Make sure you are centered over each stud and press each leg firmly onto the roof. Caution: It will be difficult to move the tripod mount after this step. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the lag screws (lag screws included). Drill holes in the outside two holes in the leg platforms through the shingles and into the 2X4 rafters (a total of six). This procedure is important to avoid cracking and splitting of the plywood and rafter. The last step is installing the lag screws. As you tighten each leg down the sealing materiel will ooze out creating a waterproof seal. You have just installed a tripod that will outlast your roof shingles. Important: This procedure only works with the 5 foot tripod. The 3 foot tripod will not line up to your roof rafters. Only use 3 foot tripods with small antennas 80 inches or less or the MS 2000 round antenna. Also if your home is older and has roof planks instead of plywood, as many of the older farm houses have in our area, finding the studs will not be necessary.
The article you referred to HDTV Fact or Fiction is now published in over 300 locations on the internet.
I will be adding pictures of actual on-the job installations to our website as I can.
Thanks,
Denny
Do it yourself TV antenna
Hi! Denny,
I'm looking for a DIY tv antenna (you know do it yourself tv antenna). Which one do you think would be the easiest for me to put together and install?
Bonnie
Bonnie,
The Channel Master advantage series antennas are the easiest to assemble. They do not perform quite as well as say the Winegard HD series but they don't cost as much either. All in all, they are a good television antenna. Have you considered the Winegard MS 2000 omnidirectional TV antenna for your location? All of the antennas we sell can be assembled by a non professional. If you have any difficulties just give me a call.
Thanks,
Denny
Winegard SS3300
I have a 27" Panasonic TV with an old amplified Radio Shack Indoor antenna. I was wondering if the Winegard SS-3300 Sharp Shooter Indoor HDTV TV Antenna works with analog signals, and might be a good choice for an indoor antenna with my TV. I bought a Terk amplified antenna not sure of the model # has a bow tie antenna on top. It didn't work as good as the old one I have. It's hard to buy one and spend a few bucks and not have it work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Dan
Dan,
The Winegard SS-3300 probably wouldn't be any better than your Radio Shack antenna for analog signal. There isn't any magic Analog antenna for indoor use. I wish I had better news, your best bet is to stay with what you have or install a good outdoor TV antenna.
Thanks for visiting the TV Antenna Source.
Best Regards, Denny
Indoor TV Antenna
Hello Denny
I live in downtown Detroit and am in need of an antenna. I used to have a roof antenna, but someone else apparently needed it more than me! Your Sharp Shooter sounds very interesting. I have a Philips/Magnavox, 27 inch, manufactured in April of 99. On the back there is a silver connection, with outside threads, for the antenna. It is labeled ant "A" 75 ohms.
Please advise on what may meet my needs.
Thanks
Carol
Carol,
The
Sharp Shooter TV antenna was design for high definition/digital indoor TV reception. For your situation an antenna for indoor use I would consider is the
round antenna (MS-2000). This antenna receives signal in all directions and is used indoors frequently. If you have an attic you can mount this antenna there, the higher the better with any antenna.
Remember you can return any of the antennas you purchase and try.
Feel free to contact us for any further questions you may have.
Best Regards,
Denny
Winegard MS2000 Rotorfree Antenna installation height
morning,
What is the minimum height a winegard ms2000 antenna should be mounted ...
Mark,
With a
MS-2000 antenna (like any other tv antenna) we recommend that the antenna is over your roof top. The rule is (minimum height) for any antenna the higher the better in most cases. Some people put the MS-2000 in the antic and are satisfied.
Your terrain, one story house or 2 story house are all a factor for TV reception along with the output power of the channels you are trying to receive.
Do you have a MS-2000 or are you planning on purchasing one? I would need more information to determine if the MS-2000 is the best antenna for you (zip code).
Best regards,
Rhonda
I'm planning to purchase one .my zip is 60176. it`s for the garage tv .
no cigars in the house... thanx mark
Mark,
After checking out the channels in your area a
MS-2000 Round television antenna should work great for you. I believe you will be very happy with the antenna you have selected.
If you need any further help please let us know.
Remember you can always use our guarantee (if you are not satisfied in anyway you can return for a full refund).
Best Regards,
Rhonda
Outdoor TV antenna to mount on a tower
Hi
I want to buy an antenna from you. What I need is an outside model that I can mount on a tower in my back yard, I don't want to mount on my roof. My lot is 1/3 acre so the distance for the run would not be more than 50 feet to the house. I have 4 TVS. My main TV is a Sony projection with build in HDTV. I live in Kalamazoo, West side. If I cancel my cable, will I get channels 2-69 with an antenna; do I need an pre-amp etc. Also, what hardware do I need to by in addition to the antenna; like coax? etc. I am open to buying your most expensive antenna if you recommend it. My zip code is 49009.
Regards
Frank Martin
Greetings Frank,
You have numerous channels available to you all within 100 miles or less. With that in mind I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Wingard HD 7084 TV antenna. Since the channels are in several directions you would benefit from a
rotor I also would highly recommend the AP- 8700 TV antenna pre-amplifier since your splitting the signal 4 ways.
You will need: antenna, coax cable, and mast pipe. optional items: rotor, rotor wire, and pre-amplifier. If you haven't already, visit antennaweb.org view the channels available to your area. If I can assist you in anyway please don't
hesitate to contact me.
Best of luck!
Denny
Thanks much Denny for the advice. If I place the antenna in my back yard, what do I do, bury the coax in the yard and route it into my house?
fm
Yes, some route the wire inside of PVC pipe but that isn't necessary. I personally know of quality cable that is buried under ground that is twenty years old and still working fine.
Denny
Thanks Denny
Your welcome
HDTV Antenna
I'm looking for a directional HDTV antenna w/ pre-amp that has a range of at least 50 miles (Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 to Chicago) for Chicago VHF/UHF HD channels (NBC, FOX, etc.). I believe it should have a "violet" code.
Which one do you recommend? Prices?
Installation pretty easy?
Is it easy to hook-up to DISH network satellite HD receiver?
Any other info you can provide?
Thanks, Ed
Ed,
You have an enormous amount of channels available to you. Both Milwaukee and Chicago have stations that are or will broadcast their digital signal on VHF along with UHF (view at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-1743A2.pdf so you will need an antenna that is designed for both VHF and UHF reception. I would recommend a
Winegard Hd 7084 tv antenna and an
Winegard AP8700 as the tv antenna amplifier. The Channel Master 3018 and the Winegard PR 7037 would also work with the AP 8700 amplifier.
My first choice for the antenna is the HD 7084, here's why. The 7084 has more gain which means fewer digital signal drop-offs in poor reception conditions. It also has a higher front to back ratio which means you would have less chance of co-channel interference (overpowering) from your local channels when viewing distant channels. The 7084 is also built better than either the 3016 or the 7037.
The AP 8700 is your best amplifier choice because of its high input capability 110,000mv. With the number of powerful local channels you have, your gonna need and amplifier that can handle several strong local channels without overloading, yet still can deliver the signal from your distant channels. Information and pricing for all three of the above antennas can be viewed at http://www.dennysantennaservice.com/1136892.html The amplifier can be viewed at http://www.dennysantennaservice.com/1078731.html
I hope I have been some help to you. If you have any other questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for visiting the TV Antenna Source.
Denny
Damaged TV antenna
Mr. Duplessis,
I regret to inform you that my TV antenna was heavily damaged by UPS during shipment. See attached photos.The carton was broken in half, as was the antenna. My order confirmation number is E19911731 The broken antenna arrived today,Thursday, July 20. The box containing the tripod and coax cable arrived yesterday, Wednesday, July 19. It contained a packing receipt. I have not been able to find the ground block GB-25 which I ordered. Please advise me how to proceed with returning this broken antenna for replacement.
Sincerely,
James
James,
I am sorry that your antenna arrived broken. We will ship you an other one right away. I will contact UPS about the damaged antenna you received and they usually want to see the damaged goods. Please hang on to the damaged antenna until you here from us. If you would call me tomorrow or send us your phone number and I will call you with the details on exactly how UPS needs to handle this. The grounding block should have been in the attached bag with your lag screws.
Best Regards,
Rhonda
I looked repeatedly in the bag containing the tar strips and lag bolts - no grounding block was in there.
I looked in the empty carton again just to see if it fell out but no luck.
James
James,
Your grounding block is on it's way.
There is no need for the damaged antenna to be sent back to us.
You do need to hang on to the antenna for the UPS person to see it. They may call you first. A new antenna has been shipped to you.
Please keep in touch with me, I will be in touch with you until this has been resolved.
Best Regards,
Rhonda
Rhonda
I'm back from my vacation now - sorry for the delay in writing this thank you note.
I received the replacement antenna; undamaged. It's installed and I'm pulling in 13 HD stations. I'm still lacking NBC, and CBS will require a second antenna, but I've got some adjustments to make with the wiring to reduce the number of splitters and connections.
Thank you for your help in getting a replacement antenna to me.
I'm definitely recommending you to any of my friends who may be curious about OTA HDTV.
James
Missing Weather boot
Dear Dennis,
I received my antenna on Friday and I'm anxious to hook it up. It appears that I'm missing (or maybe it wasn't included in the package) a rubber boot for the coaxial cable connector to the antenna. I have looked in the the box and styrofoam inserts, and in the plastic bag of parts that came with it, but I don't see any rubber boot.
Can I get one at Radio Shack?
Thanks,
Clay
Clayton,
Your coax wire was suppose to come with a boot on it. We must have forgotten it. Yes, you can pick one up at Radio Shack. In order to put the boot on you would need to cut the connector on the end of the coax off. Then a new end would have to be put on the coax wire. Do you know how to do that? If you would like we can send you a boot, a new wire, or you can put dielectric grease in the end of the coax. Dielectric grease is what Denny uses when he installs them.
Please advise us on what you would like to do.
Best Regards,
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda,
Would I use the dielectric grease rather than the rubber boot?
I was wondering if I could use some silicone caulk, I have that on hand.
Let me know.
Thanks,
Clay
Clayton,
Yes you would use the grease rather than the boot. Actually I prefer the dielectric grease. Silicone on the outside of the connection would be okay. The grease goes on the inside of the connection and does not conduct electricity. Silicone although low does conduct electricity and must go on the outside. I'm not suggesting this, many people install the cable without any weather protection. The antenna itself is a pretty good umbrella.
Silicone will work fine, it's a little more difficult to remove the connector if necessary.
I apologize for this inconvenience, we do occasionally drop the ball.
Best Regards,
Denny
HI Dennis,
No problem! I will probably just get some of the grease.
Thanks, for all your help!
clay
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