Will my investment be worth it, to get an attenna.

[redveggi]

We want to get rid of cable since most of the shows we watch are on network TV. We want to set up a system with a DVR type thing with the antenna and stop paying for a bunch of stuff we don't use.
We are scared to invest a bunch of money and find out that we really miss cable or that we can not watch the few shows we really enjoy.
According to your antenna finder application it is recommended to get a Winegard HD7698P which has a price over $100. The application also says that we will not be able to receive WISH-TV, WYIN, WTHR, WIPX-LP, which are NBC, PBS, and ION. These stations are over 60 miles away.
These networks are some of our most watched. I am wondering why the application recommended this antenna? I am also wondering if there is an antenna that would work for us, or are we doomed to pay?

[tigerbangs]

Please give us either your coordinates, or post your results from http://www.tvfool.com , as there is no way to know what is possible in your area without that information.

[redveggi]

My location is 40 degrees 27'05.27"N 86 degrees 58'19.99"W.

[tigerbangs]

While I wouldn't think that you'll pick up ION where you are, the other stations should be available with a large VHF-high-band plus UHF antenna: you are only about 55 miles from Indianapolis, and those stations will be available to you if you install the right antenna and preamplifier. While you can use a Winegard HD-7698P, I would also consider using a rotator and a good preamplifier like a Winegard HDP-269, which has high overload capability, and will handle the strong signal from WLFI, which is nearer to your house than the Indy stations.

http://www.winegard.com
http://www.chhannelmaster.com (for the 9521a rotator)
http://manuals.solidsignal.com/AntInstallGuide.pdf