Multi-directional vs. directional antenna

[Jan]

I have taken down my old directional antenna and setup the multi-directional DB8 antenna. ( irrelevant info was edited out ) So what's the best directional TV for outside the loop nw Houston. Local electronic stores do not stock outdoor antennas. Cable or dish is too expensive.
After redoing the initial setup on my HD Sony I found that it was on cable setting instead of antenna thanks to Tigerbands problem solving. I was blaming the snowy and ghosting on the new DB8 . I get a very clear picture and most channels but will realign the antenna this weekend and hope some other channels come in clearer like before with my old antenna.

[tigerbangs]

Given how close you are to the transmitters, I would have opted for a more directional antenna than the DB-8, since multipath (ghost) reduction is not a part of it's resume. You are also going to have to contend with 3 VHF digital stations after Feb 17, 2009, so, if this was my installation, I would return the DB-8 and get an AntennasDirect XG-43 or an XG-91 PLUS a VHF yagi like a Winegard YA-1713, 0R an Antennacraft Y-5-7-13 and as Pico-Macom USFJ -VHF-UHF antenna joiner, and aim the array at the transmitter farm: case solved!

[Jan]

Thanks for the info tigerbangs. You're suggest using both a UHF and VHF with an antenna joiner. Why not just use an already combined UHF/VHF antenna like Winegard 7080P or the Winegard ghost killer HD7210P? The XG-91 and the YA1713 are both have booms over 7ft. I haven't seen but a couple of review on the HD7210P? Does anyone use this antenna?

[tigerbangs]

My thinking about the XG-91 is that you can probably get it in a trade from the retailer from whom you bought the DB-8, whcih woule be more convenient. The HD-7210 has virtually no gain, and would not be a good choice to run multiple TV sets without using a preamplifier. The HD-7080P is a decent antenna, as long as you don't have channel 6 in your area, as it has almost no gain on channel 6. If you can get a refund on the DB-8, Iwould also consider the Winegard HD-7694, which will do the job well in digital dor you and is smaller and less conspicuous than the HD7080P. You will not need low-band VHF capability after Feb, 17, 2009, so why design for it?

[Jan]

After realigning the direction of the DB8 multi directional the VHF Stations are not viewable. DB8 says it new 2009 modet is VHF enhanced but it is NOT. As of now 4 Houston area stations will be broadcast in VHF after Feb. 17 and the 3 main ones are KUHT 8 PBS, KHOU 11CBS and KTRK 13 ABC. Anyone buying an OTA in the Houston and out lying areas as for as 95 miles, take note.
I will exchanging my DB8 for a Winegard Directional Antenna from the HD769 series.