In between two cities?!!!

[suprtma]

I lucked upon your site and find it to be very informative for first time antenna users like myself. I used the beta antenna selector you provide on your site. It recommended the AntennasDirect 43XG or the Winegard YA-1713.

I live in Auburndale, Florida (33823), which is right in the middle of Orlando and Tampa. I am guessing I can pull channels from both locations, but it appears the antennas recommended are directional. My question is do I have to have multiple directional antennas, multiple antennas in general, or are there other types of antennas that might be better for this scenerio? I am wanting to mount the antenna outside on my roof and connect it to multiple tv's in the house (4). I have not had much luck with local tv guys who seem to not know what they are talking about. Any help would be great. Feel free to contact me at (863) 287-4865.

An outline of what is needed and why would be great. I am somewhat technical and can do most anything without the help of technicians, provided I have semi-good instructions....I have found with this antenna switch the "how to's" are not very good.......As soon as I get mine all set up I plan on posting a "how to" step-by-step possibly with this new Flip video thing my wife got this weekend.

[tigerbangs]

According to TVFool.com, you are only about 33 miles from the Tampa-St. Pete transmitters, but about 56 miles from the Orlando transmitters . Tampa will be easier for you to get: you can use a smaller antenna: you will need a much larger antenna for Orlando. While we can engineer an antenna system that will get both cities, except for local news and sports, the programming is largely duplicated between the two cities. If you have need of both cities because of specialized programming like live sports, be aware that it will involve 2 antenna, two amplifiers, and 2 different distribution systems, with an A/B switch at each TV set to choose between the two antennas.

As an alternative, you can use one antenna that can be mounted on a rotator and turned to the city of your choice, but that solution will mean that all the TV sets will have one cable running to them, but ALL TV sets will have to watch the TV stations that come where the antenna is aimed: meaning either TSP OR Orlando, but not both simultaneously.

I can lay out a system for you in either case: with the single antenna and rotator or the two-antenna-dual-cable system. Consider what are your priorities, and let me know, and I will give you the system that you need.

[suprtma]

Since I posted the other day, I was at Target and picked up a small Phillips UHF/HDTV digital antenna (sounds like a sales pitch to me), model MANT 940. I plugged it in to my living room tv and ran it out the front door onto the porch steps (pretty redneck, i know)......Where it is located it faces more north (to include northeast and northwest) with medium size oaks which provide cover from the sky. I am picking up quite a few channels, such as, 6.1 and 2 (cbs), 8.1 and 2 (nbc tampa), 9.1 (abc-orlando), 13(fox is not strong enough-tampa), 16.1,2,3,4 (usf-tampa), 27.1 and 2 (orlando), 28.1,2 (abc-tampa), etc.

What makes it possible for me to be able to get both Tampa and Orlando channels with one antenna (omni-directional?)? I really do like being able to get orlando and tampa, due to my sports addiction ( I am upset not being able to watch monday and thursday night football).

Also, do you have any suggestions with watching internet shows over your televisions? I have looked at several options (apple tv, wd live) and just wondering if you have ever explored it?

Thanks for your help

Travis

[suprtma]

tiger: have you been able to review my last post within this thread? Just curious as to your thoughts?

Travis

[tigerbangs]

Yes, you may pick up some TV vstations with that Phillips antenna, but you will not get reliable reception from both TV markets with that antenna, even if you mount it high on your roof. My original suhhestions still stand.

[suprtma]

Ok.....fair enough.....I really appreciate you taking the time and volunteering to help all of us who lack the knowledge......I have been wavering, but decided I want two antennas (one for orlando and one for tampa channels). when you do the switch, do you have to scan for channels each time you switch (it doesnt seem like you need to, but I have to ask because nothing seems easy anymore)......I live in a deeded subdivision, like most places in sunny florida and have concerns about antenna size. the antenna that faces tampa would be on the street side, thus not allowable by the restrictions. I do have my attic on that side of the residence with a louvered vent on the west end. Would it be possible to place the antenna in my attic (it is the size of a large room....thanks again for all of your help!!!

travis

[tigerbangs]

The FCC has ruled that your HOA cannot restrict the installation of TV or radio antenna to pick up local TV channels: whatever provisions that your HOA has made about antenna MUST first conform to the FCC regulations. You can read the ruling here:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html