Where can I get a rooftop TV antenna, installed, on a budget

William Sommerwerck wrote:

Inasmuch as "rabbit ears" do a horrible job at best in receiving UHF
signals, such a comparison would be useless. *That* is one reason
that the post praising "the TV's rabbit ears" over any indoor antenna
was so laughable.

I don't remember the poster praising rabbit ears over _any_ indoor
antenna -- just the Terk. Are you certain he's wrong -- or lying?
Message-ID: <9kap945ekd4j20o4jmiqtjru57ssbdmi4c@4ax.com>

His post, in part "Several indoor antennas work significantly better that
rabbit ears? I think not. If his rabbit ears won't work then a super duper
amplified "As Seen on TV" antenna would be a waste of money."

NOBODY had yet even mentioned Terk antennas.

But yes, the Terk I later mention is just ONE of several that work better
than rabbit ears, and that was with several DTV converter boxes.
 
On Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:07:08 -0700, UCLAN <nomail@thanks.org> wrote:

tnom@mucks.net wrote:

In as much as "rabbit ears" do a horrible job at best in receiving UHF
signals, such a comparison would be useless. *That* is one reason that
the post praising "the TV's rabbit ears" over any indoor antenna was
so laughable.

Who uses rabbit ears for UHF? All TV's with a UHF tuner have a
terminal for hookup of a UHF loop.

In your original post of this thread (about receiving DTV signals, many
of which are UHF): "Several indoor antennas work significantly better that
rabbit ears? I think not. If his rabbit ears won't work then a super duper
amplified "As Seen on TV" antenna would be a waste of money.

Rabbit ears for UHF DTV signals? I think not.
In my book the term "Rabbit Ears" assumes that if your TV is new
enough to have a UHF tuner then it will also have the UHF loop which
is the UHF equivalent to Rabbit Ears.
 
Jeff Liebermann wrote:

If you can see Mt Wilson, you will get good reception. If you have a
bunch of buildings in the way, you'll have problems. The exercise is
to position the antenna so it points to Mt Wilson and does NOT have
any obstructions. My guess(tm) is about 15 degrees from true north.
Go to www.tvfool.com. Click on the TV Signal Locater button. Enter
your address. You'll get a list, sorted in order of descending
estimated signal strength, of all the available stations. Part of the
list is a column showing the pointing azimuth from the address for
each station. If the transmitters are all in one spot, that simplifies
life greatly.

Jerry
 
tnom@mucks.net wrote:

Rabbit ears for UHF DTV signals? I think not.

In my book the term "Rabbit Ears" assumes that if your TV is new
enough to have a UHF tuner then it will also have the UHF loop which
is the UHF equivalent to Rabbit Ears.
<g>. Don't hurt yourself.

It's been at least ten years since I've seen TVs with a VHF and a UHF
antenna input. Most TVs have ONE antenna input - for an F connector -
and assume the antenna is a combo VHF/UHF antenna. You gonna hook the
VHF rabbit ears and UHF loop to a signal combiner to hook them both up
to this connector?

More to the point, the OP wanted solutions for an analog TV when stations
go digital in 2009. So, he will have to use a CONVERTER BOX connected to
whatever antenna he chooses. Guess what? Those converter boxes only have
ONE antenna input, assuming a combo VHF/UHF antenna. Your VHF rabbit ear/
UHF loop idea won't work.

So *beside* the fact that several relatively low cost indoor antennas will
out perform your beloved rabbit ear/UHF loop idea, the rabbit ear/UHF loop
idea will not be easy to hook up.

I've been involved in tests with several indoor antennas with various
digital->analog converter boxes, and they outperform regular rabbit ears,
no matter how you define it.
 
On Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:08:44 -0700 (PDT), Jerry
<jerry_maple@hotmail.com> wrote:

Go to www.tvfool.com. Click on the TV Signal Locater button. Enter
your address. You'll get a list, sorted in order of descending
estimated signal strength, of all the available stations. Part of the
list is a column showing the pointing azimuth from the address for
each station. If the transmitters are all in one spot, that simplifies
life greatly.

Jerry
Seems like a great idea. Too bad I get:
The requested URL /modeling/tmp/e342501848/getall.php
was not found on this server.
instead of a chart. I'll try again later. Thanks.

--
# Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D Santa Cruz CA 95060
# 831-336-2558 jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
# http://802.11junk.com jeffl@cruzio.com
# http://www.LearnByDestroying.com AE6KS
 
On Aug 8, 12:13 pm, michaelscipion...@gmail.com wrote:

Your post was a month ago, but if you're still interested...here goes!

The bunny ears are not going to cut it come Feb. 2009.
If they are working fine now, they may still work if they can watch
UHF (18-69).

We already got them a DTV box, now we need the rooftop antenna
installed. I have read about how to do it. I'm fuzzy on pointing the >antenna or bolting down the mast on an old roof. Perhaps a pole >anchored in concrete would be better.
The higher the antenna the better, but still you may not need a
rooftop.

I was hoping to find someone who sells and installs the antenna, so a
Pro (or semi Pro) could take care of it.
I foundhttp://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=ANTINSTbut
the out the door cost would be about $400 or so. An expensive gift to
give someone if you ask me. I called another guy out of Santa Monica,
but he is asking $500.
Do you know anyone who can do it for less? I almost feel inclined to
do it myself. Radio Shack sells a large antenna for $99. Bah this post
is very stressful.
Don't buy a large antenna, you don't need one.

Lesson I learned is, don't open your mouth to help. I fear if I take
on this project I will muck it up. TV reception is hit and miss, the
advice I was given is point the antenna to Mount Wilson.
How do I do that, use a compass?
Wrong! The new HD converter boxes come with an signal strength
indicator that also buzzes. The box will tell you which direction to
point the antenna! But, you're right, Mt. Wilson is the best
direction.

If you've read this far, my hats off to you.
Best regards,
Michael Scipione
If you're listening Michael, or anyone else who's interested in an Off-
the-Air HD changeover (sure beats da moneysucking cable or dish).

I live in San Bernardino, a good 50 mi west of LA and a good 40 mi SE
of Mt Wilson, but I get 52 HD channels! Many are Spanish language,
but I get all of the major Networks, PBS, oldies and cartoons, and in
beautiful HD on my old Sony TV via the new HD converter box (RCA) I
got at Walmart for $60-$40coupon!

My secret is that Grey-Hoverman Antenna. I went to the website,
looked closely at the dimensions, and made one out of PVC and clothes
hanger wire. It works great on my roof. It even receives VHF as well
as UHF (some stations will continue to transmit VHF after Feb09).

HD channels are wonderful! There's no snow, no ghosts, no weird
interference, in digital you either get a good enough signal (my box
needs at least 15% signal strength) or you get a digitzed freezframe.
I get KCET at 50% and our local PBS station, which is only 15 mi away
but in the opposite direction SE, I get 60% with the antenna still
pointing toward Mt Wilson! (I don't have or need an antenna rotator.)

Here's da bottom line: (If you really need sumptin betta than
rabbit...)

1) I can help you make a G-H antenna. (free email advice)
2) I can sell you the pre-cut PVC parts with directions. ($25)
3) I can make a G-H antenna for you. ($50)
4) I can make a G-H antenna and install it for you. ($100)

I hope you see this, still have your girlfriend, and haven't bought
that $99 antenna!

Sincerely, dickawa ujm789@hotmail.com
 
ujm789@hotmail.com wrote:

The bunny ears are not going to cut it come Feb. 2009.

If they are working fine now, they may still work if they can watch UHF
(18-69).
Many stations will be reverting back to VHF in February. Many will be
on UHF. So ordinary "rabbit-ears" won't cut it. Those that paid $$$ for
a UHF only rooftop antenna installation will be upset.

If you're listening Michael, or anyone else who's interested in an Off-
the-Air HD changeover (sure beats da moneysucking cable or dish).

I live in San Bernardino, a good 50 mi west of LA and a good 40 mi SE of Mt
Wilson, but I get 52 HD channels! Many are Spanish language, but I get all
of the major Networks, PBS, oldies and cartoons, and in beautiful HD on my
old Sony TV via the new HD converter box (RCA) I got at Walmart for
$60-$40coupon!
Hint: You're getting NO HD channels with your converter box. You're getting
analog conversions of digital channels. They AREN'T called *HD* converter
boxes, they're called *DIGITAL* converter boxes. They CAN'T put out a digital
signal, hence they can't put out a HD signal. You are receiving a stations
digital signal, be it HD or SD, and watching an analog conversion. You are
NOT watching "in beautiful HD."

Sigh...
 
UCLAN wrote:

ujm789@hotmail.com wrote:

The bunny ears are not going to cut it come Feb. 2009.


If they are working fine now, they may still work if they can watch UHF
(18-69).


Many stations will be reverting back to VHF in February. Many will be
on UHF. So ordinary "rabbit-ears" won't cut it. Those that paid $$$ for
a UHF only rooftop antenna installation will be upset.

If you're listening Michael, or anyone else who's interested in an
Off- the-Air HD changeover (sure beats da moneysucking cable or dish).

I live in San Bernardino, a good 50 mi west of LA and a good 40 mi SE
of Mt
Wilson, but I get 52 HD channels! Many are Spanish language, but I
get all
of the major Networks, PBS, oldies and cartoons, and in beautiful HD
on my
old Sony TV via the new HD converter box (RCA) I got at Walmart for
$60-$40coupon!


Hint: You're getting NO HD channels with your converter box. You're getting
analog conversions of digital channels. They AREN'T called *HD* converter
boxes, they're called *DIGITAL* converter boxes. They CAN'T put out a
digital
signal, hence they can't put out a HD signal. You are receiving a stations
digital signal, be it HD or SD, and watching an analog conversion. You are
NOT watching "in beautiful HD."

Sigh...
Oh come on now, Just when I thought I was gettng ahead of the game with
my goverment issued converter! What a why to spoil it all! ... :)


--
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy"

"Daily Thought:

SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT
THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS.
http://webpages.charter.net/jamie_5"
 
September 8, this year, Wilmington,North Carolina will switch to HD TV.
www.tvpredictions.com
cuhulin
 
cuhulin@webtv.net wrote:

September 8, this year, Wilmington,North Carolina will switch to HD TV.
www.tvpredictions.com
cuhulin
No, they will switch to *digital* TV. Digital can be SD or HD. The FCC
has only mandated digital, not necessarily HD.
 
FCC is all screwed up! They have an all screwed up dude by the name of
Powell up in there.F..K the FCC!!!!!!!!!!!!
cuhulin
 
cuhulin@webtv.net wrote:

FCC is all screwed up! They have an all screwed up dude by the name of
Powell up in there.F..K the FCC!!!!!!!!!!!!
cuhulin
Wake up! Powell left the FCC quite a while ago. Take a long nap?
 
UCLAN wrote:
cuhulin@webtv.net wrote:

FCC is all screwed up! They have an all screwed up dude by the name of
Powell up in there.F..K the FCC!!!!!!!!!!!!
cuhulin

Wake up! Powell left the FCC quite a while ago. Take a long nap?

He's trolling, as usual.


--
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There are two kinds of people on this earth:
The crazy, and the insane.
The first sign of insanity is denying that you're crazy.
 
tnom@mucks.net wrote:

Several indoor antennas work significantly better that rabbit ears?
I think not. If his rabbit ears won't work then a super duper
amplified "As Seen on TV" antenna would be a waste of money.
I disagree, strongly. Read some opinions on AVS, or go to:

http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/reviews/Terk-HDTVa-reviews.html

I've seen this antenna and the unamplified model in action, along
with ordinary rabbit ears. It was no contest.

The lowest cost outdoor rooftop antenna will greatly outperform the
best indoor antenna.
Dunno 'bout that. I've seen some pretty pathetic excuses for outdoor
antennas, and some quite well performing indoor ones. For 20 miles
and a digital signal, an indoor antenna and a converter with a decent
front end should work fine. Besides, the OP didn't sound like he wanted
to mess with masts, guy wires, etc.
 

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