Terk or Winegard?

[rulabee]

Hi everyone, just picked up an outdoors antenna (the TERK HDTV S) for no other reason than the fact that it's one of 3 options I had at the electronics store where I was. I'm wondering if it was a wise choice. I have no restrictions on where I can install the antenna in my building, and I really don't care what it looks like as long as I get the best reception possible.

Right now I only have the Terk leaning against the window, cuz it started to rain, and although the picture is fantastic on a couple of channels, the signals seems weak and staticy on the rest, and it takes about 4 seconds of darkness in between changing channels. I have an HD Panasonic TV. I'm in Times Square, NY 10018, my understanding is that I'm in between the 2 towers, the one south of me in the empire state building being the main one. Was this a wise choice, or should I have bought a Winegard as this forum seems to imply they're somewhat superior? I don't care about cost, I don't have cable or satellite at the moment, so I'm willing to "splurge" the get the best quality and the most channels.

Appreciate some advice since I obviously have no clue what I'm doing

[tigerbangs]

Unfortunately, the very best antenna mouted indoors in Manhatten is only going to do so much for you. If you have a clear shot to the ESB from a window, then you have a good chance of getting good TV reception, oherwise, it's a gamble, and indoor antenna usually won't make a lot of difference.

[rulabee]

Thanks for the reply. The Terk I bought is an outdoors antenna, the only reason it's sitting indoors right now is because I haven't decided if I'm going to install it or take it back since I didn't exactly do any research before getting it. I don't have a clear view of the ESB, i'm surrounded by high rise buildings. I guess my question is what antenna would give me the absolute best chance of getting as many channels as possible? size/price being irrelevant. and I have to say even without being properly installed, the picture quality I'm getting now with this antenna (on a few channels) is way better than what I had with DirectTV!

[Avis]

Hi, I live in Forest Hiils (Queene), New York. I have been also experimenting with antennas. The best indoor antenna I have tried so far was Winegard ss3000. It gets me very good reception for channels 2-11, plus sometimes channel 25 and 50, and Spanish channels (these have good reception but alas, I don't speak Spanish). I read a review from someone who lives in Manhattan and who got excellent reception with this antenna so that's why I got it. However, I have no idea how to position this antenna to get better signal for ch31 and 50 - nothing seems to work. Perhaps I should place the antenna closer to the window - unfortunately the cable/wires are too short for that.

I have been reading reviews and Winegard SS200 (it looks the same as Terk HDTV Slim - is this the one Rulabee has?) sounds very promising for both indoor and outdoor use- so I am planning to try and use it. They are supposed to be desiged for urban environment wher signals bounce off buildings and other structures. Also, Antennas Direct Clearstream2 sounds great - but this one is just for outdoor use.

I was surprised at the clarity of reception obtained via DTV converter box + antenna- I had no idea such a clear reception is possible without cable! I am definitely giving up cable - I ve been paying $65 a month.

Another thing, I heard that reception can also depend on the type of converter box - so perhaps one should try a few of those as well.

I wish more people from New York City shared their experience here - it's really hard to find much from this area.