Antenna Question

[jack]

Hello. I need advice about combining antennas. i live in rural N.E. Texas, zip code 75574, on a hill, elevation about 385-400 feet. I have an older radio shack uhf/vhf combination antenna with a RS pre amplifier. I don't know the model antenna but it has about 54 elements. I get all Shreveport (60 miles) stations clear and Longview/Jackonsville (75 miles) with slight snow. Mileage is just a guess. The Dallas stations (120 miles) have heavy snow and unwatchable. I was wondering if can add a second antenna such as a deep fringe Wineguard uhf/vhf and combine both of them to improve range. Also is it possible to have a pre amplifier on both antennas and then combine them after the power supplies? would that be too much amplification? Do i just need to use one? I would like to get the Dallas stations especially channels 11 and 27. My mast is at 30 feet but i plan on raising it to 40 feet. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tigerbangs]

At this point in time, whatever you consider has to based on the imminent digital conversion that will occur on Feb 17, 2009, just a month away. If you have not purchased a digital TV or converter boxes, you need to do that NOW, as you will otherwise have nothing to watch after Feb 17.

Before you spend any money on an antenna, buy the converter(s) that you need and assess the state of your reception in digital. You shold be able to see the Shreveport stations clearly in digital, and may be able to get Tylet-Longview-Jackson stations with the right antenna, but I guarantee that adding another big antenna to your old antenna and adding multiple amplifiers is NOT the answer.

[jack]

Hey thanks. I have an older Sony that is supposed to be hd. When they run digital tests the picture is still there so i assume it is. Just in case, i should be getting 2 coupons for convertor boxes this week in case i need them. I am going to wait until Feburary 17 and see how it works, just getting some ideas about it. I was looking at the Antennas Direct 91xg and possibly adding it to a good vhf antenna or the RS uhf/vhf i already have. These would be pointing the same direction. How far apart on the mast would these need to be? How much should i tilt the 91xg? Thanks.

[tigerbangs]

If your Sony is more than 2 years old, I wouldn't expect that it will have a digital TV tuner of it's own, and definitely not if it isn't an HDTV...if it is, find out the model number and get it to me, I can confirm whether it is HDTV capable or just HDTV ready. A "HDTV ready" TV has component video inputs for an outboard HDTV tuner, but doesn't have the tuner installed. If that's what you have, don't buy a convertor: invest in an HDTV TUNER, so you can see true HDTV. The converters do NOT do HDTV. The difference in picture quality is significant! I would try digital TV, and not wait until the last minute becaise you may find yourself without any TV if you do...LOL Do digital first, and see what comes in, then we can work on the antenna. I usually don't recommend using an all-channel antenna along with a separate UHF antenna, although I do know people who have done it. All of the Shreveport stations will remain on UHF after the digital switchover, so you may not have any need for VHF at all.

[jack]

My Sony was alot older than i thought, a 1993 model. It is a Trinitron KV-27TS32. It has video and audio inputs on both the front and back. Does this mean it is HDTV ready? If so which tuner would you recommend? If not which converter is best? I saw some converter boxes for fringe areas.

[tigerbangs]

Nope, the Sony that you have ins neither HDTV ready or capable: it's a plain old analog Sony, albeit a very good one. You will need a digital converter to see any TV after Feb 17. I have had good luck with the Zenith DTT-901, however, I suggest that you look at the discussion of HDTV converters here on this website to determine what is best for your specific needs.

[tvreception]

I'm not sure what you really want to do here. When you say that you want to improve reception, are you thinking that you want to receive the stations from 120 miles away? If so, save your time and money, that's not going to happen. Also, I would not wait until February 17th to start getting ready. I think maybe you are thinking that nothing happens with digital until Feb 17, but in fact almost all digital is ready now. If you go and get some converters now, you can watch digital tonight! Evaluate your needs after you know what you have. Also, Unless your budget doesn't allow, I sure wouldn't sit around waiting for coupons from Uncle Sam, as that program is out of money.


Steve
http://tvreception.net

[tigerbangs]

The message here is clear: don't wait for analog to go away before making your converter purchases. Digital Tv is a reality today, and you can start watching digital TV as soon as you connect your new converter: waiting for Feb 17 is going to cause you nothing but pain on the day of the switchover!