pre amp vs. distribution amp

[RAULO34]

I've gotten two recommendations for 29678. One from this forum (thanks tigerbangs) has the Wingard HD-7696p with a Wingard HDA-100 dist. amp. The other has a Wingard HD-7084p with a Wingard AP-8780 pre amp.Both agree on the Ch. Master 9521a rotator and good splitter.Whats with these different amps? Older, newer design? For different mounting applications? Ones better for larger,smaller size antennas? You got my attention. Thanks.

[tigerbangs]

You use a preamplifier where TV signals are weak: a preamplifier helps to overcome the line and splitting losses associated wih weak TV signals, long lengths of coaxial cable and splitting the signal for distribution. Preamplifiers tend to have lower signal inputs than a distribution amplifier does, and are intended for remote mounting on an antenna itself or an antenna mast. Preamplifiers are not recommended where TV signals are strong because of their tendency to overload in the face of multiple strong local signals.

A distribution mplifier has high output capability and high input capability. it is intended to take strong, interference-fee signals and boost them so that they can be distributed to multiple TV sets. A distribution amplifier can be used in strong signal areas without overloading. Distribution amplifiers are intended for indoor mounting, and are usually placed in the incoming signal line prior to splitting the signal.

Signals are pretty strong where you are: you really don't need a preamplifier, but if you intend to run multiple TV sets, a distribution amplifier is recommended. Many people attempt to use a preamplifier to power multiple TV sets, and this may work as long as the incoming signals from the antenna are not too strong. The Winegard HDP-269 preamplifier is frequently used in strong signal areas because it has a very high input overload threshold, but it's output capability limits it to powering no more that 4 TV sets . Distribution amplifiers can be bought with as much as 50dB goain, and have the power to run more than 100 TV sets when used with a proper distribution network.