Mult-directional vs Directional

[BMonci]

So I ditched cable and looking to upgrade to an outdoor HDTV antenna. I just don't know if I should get a directional or multi-directional antenna. I really only care about getting the majors, and they all seem to be in the same general direction (see below). My question is how limited is the directional antenna? If I point to 103 will it not pick up 107? I am about 29 miles from all of the towers, and they are in these directions according to antennaweb. Is there some greater benefit to a directional? I am placing inside the attic also.

NBC (uhf) - 107 degrees
PBS (vhf) - 103 degrees
FOX (uhf) - 104 degrees
ABC (vhf) - 107 degrees

[smp375]

In my experience, the directional antennas do pretty well at short distances like that, pointed anywhere within 90 degrees of the towers. In my childhood home, in Kenosha, WI, our antenna was pointed east and we got all Milwaukee and Chicago channels pretty well; those towers were at about 345-350N and 190-195S. I currently have a directional antenna in my attic, pointed directly at the Milwaukee towers 350N, and I can still pick up Chicago channels most of the time from 174S; of course the only one I care about is channel 9 (WGN) so I can watch the Cubs from time to time.

[BMonci]

Excellent information. Thank you so much!

[ProjectSHO89]

A "directional" antenna is usually one that has a horizontal beamwidth of less than 45 degrees (or so) and with significant suppression of side and rear lobes. A "multi-directional" antenna usually has a much broader horizontal beamwidth and usually offers only slight to moderate (if any) suppression of side and rear lobes.

Unless you have difficulty with off-axis signals causing multi-path reception, a multi-directional antenna will work in most situations where the signal is not compromised by distance, terrain, or other external factors.

If you post your actual TVFool link or chart, we will be able to better advise you on the selection of an antenna that is appropriate for your location.

[BMonci]

TV fool info: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d8d17934d5640b5

[ProjectSHO89]

A modest high-VHF/UHF (7-69) antenna should be all that is needed provided you mount the antenna outdoors. Typical examples include the Antennacraft HBU22, the Antennas Direct V-10, and the Winegard 7694.

Aim it at the San Antonio antenna farm and you should get all your desired channels.