Best Antenna for my Area

[Joyce from WV]

Ever since the switch from analog to digital, we have not been able to receive any channels on our TV. Obviously, this was not a top priority for us. On the analog system, we only received 2 channels, so you can see that we would have some problems picking up digital. Our problem is, of course, our lack of proximity to TV towers. We have an old antenna (15 or 20 years old) with a cheap new booster. Inside, we have an old TV with a converter box. We live down in a narrow valley. That said, the site I looked at specified our location as Lat: 38.555957/ Long: -81.270603, zip 25005. Although not avid TV watchers, we would like to at least pick up a couple of channels for news and weather. I have tried to research the new antennas but there are so many choices, and I just don't understand enough about the differences to make an informed choice. We are willing to purchase a new antenna, booster (I saw something about a pre-amplifier but don't know it it would be useful for us), or any other items you might think is necessary. Also wondering if it would help our situation if we bought a TV that has the HD capabilities so we can get rid of the converter box. We have 2 TVs, but would only hook one up to the antenna. Your recommendations would be very much appreciated. Thanks, Joyce from WV

[tigerbangs]

Oh yes, the fun of trying to get TV reception in the hills of West Virginia! To answer your questions: no you can't expect to receive any TV reception where you are: the hills are just to severe. I am going to post a copy of the terrain between your house and WDTN, channel 7, which is only 14 miles from you: the terrain is just impossible! it's cable TV or satellite for you, I'm afraid: sorry...

http://www.tvfool.com/modeling/tmp/9fbe ... WDTV-2.png

[mcthomas21]

I live "in the hills of West Virginia" and I get nice HD reception on a cheap antenna from Ebay. The antenna cost $30 and pulls in 10 channels while sitting between two of those WV hills. Also my father gets 8 channels sitting between two hills that are no more than 80 yards apart. So yes, antenna reception can be achieved in the hills of West Virginia.