Indoor Antenna recommendation

Wow, alot of action took place on this thread since last I was here (as an aside, I must limit computer time due to my current EMF sensitivity - caused by cumulative years of viewing.)

Anyway, I still think back to the time I had that 13" (or was it 15") black & white Zenith, which I'd then bought at Silver City. The guy there said it's the best, and indeed, I got consistently clear reception on Channels 2-13.

Granted, since then, alot of building has been going on, including a 3-story house next door (though that's more at a downgrade than me, since I'm near the crest of hill, albeit the 3-story house is "closer" to the direction NYC is). But I wonder whether that makes much difference, since even at that time, there were some tall buildings (i.e. senior housing projects) within a mile radius of me in the direction of NYC.

I've also been considering something less drastic, such as placing a corrugated brown carton on top of another carton, then placing the rabbit-ears on there. I can't progress with experimentation, though, until I get a new TV, and that in itself will be a huge hassle given my forementioned situation. I hope that with any updated posting, I have something positive to report.

What I can't understand, is why the TV stations can't broadcast higher up, even after the Twin Towers collapsed.

Is it possible to phone any of those stations to ask them this basic Q? If anyone should know the lay of the land, shouldn't they be the ones? I should think it's in their best interests to provide surrounding people with such info. Or is this a naive assumption?

What I can't understand, is why the TV stations can't broadcast higher up, even after the Twin Towers collapsed.

Because they were the tallest buildings(or mountains) within 200 miles of NYC.Line of site is important for any frequency above 30MHz.
Out west 1,000ft+ mountains are a dime a dozen and are within 30 miles of most cities but on the east coast you don't have that option.

Originally Posted by edDV

It ain't all cheer out here. I'm at 3000ft elevation but still need a 900ft mast (according to rabbitears) to get all the nets OTA because I have a ridge behind me. Next best city is 90 miles away and currently they're only broadcasting DT at 25KW vs 1000KW for the big boys.

Every house has a story.

Yeah but you hillbillies don't have to deal with the crime and smog like us lowlanders.

Hi Minni,

Here's a few tips that might help you in your antenna (OTA) reception scenarios.

TIP #1

I would suggest that you go out and find a good amplified rabbit ear version. They usually
go by db ratings. 25db is prob all you will need, and anything else is prob not going to do
much or any better if not worse. I don't know.., as you'll have to test whatever is avail
to you at the time of your research. Anyway.

Look for models that come with a variable db knob. They are usually better because you
can reduce the strength or feedback.

Next, try and make sure that the model includes the UHF (usuauly 'O' shaped) and after
that, you should be set for testing different direction scenarios.

The purpose of the finding this type of amplified (manage'able) antenna is because you will
need *both* the dipoles and the 'O' (I forget the term for that UHF part. So, 'O' it is) in order
to adjust for maximum signal reception. Believe it or not, on some models the two do work
hand-in-hand. And my guess is that people who use this type of indoor antenna do not
realize this and consiquentially pull in the dipoles and adjust the 'O' when attempting
to tune in for any UHF stations. Anyways. Then, while you are adjusting your antenna
you also have to consider manuvering the whole unit too, not sitting it on its base and only
adjusting the dipoles (left/right) etc.

When using an antenna (any kind) your optimum location is always closest to the window or
wall leading to the outside. Adjusting antennas (specially in distance circumstances) will
more than likely not bring you much signal strength. The closer to the window the better!!

Oh, and don't feel so bad or goofy about it.., I have my attic/outdoor antenna situated on
stacks of empty cardboard boxes closest to the bedroom window.

TIP #2

I know it's rather crude, but its better than nothing..

If you don't have an HDTV or hd tuner box or whatever, HD 'wise with a signal strength
meter of some sort, then here is what you can do to get a rough idea of where to point
your antenna during direction search.

If you have an older generation tv with coax cable (for the analog antenna) you can hook
up your antenna to that tv set and then observe it for signs of possible stations.
It will be tracking for the analog's but that is ok. What you are doing is guaging for where
to point for HD reception. Once you've found those channels that seem to be HD
one's, then you are ready to hook that antenna up to your HD tv/tuner/box and auto-tune
in for any possible hd channels.

Please don't get us wrong about antenna.web -- it does serve as a decent reference (for
most channel line up's) if you want to know what channels might be out there. Other than
that then you have to sior cream it using the above scenarios.

All the best in your BIG-Apple HD endeavors,

-vhelp 4556

Thank y'all for the explanations re: WTC & tips re: decibels, placement near window, etc.

As I said previously, I didn't yet purchase another TV (whether EDTV or HDTV, not sure, but whatever the case, I hope it's chemical-free);
... when I do, I'll be in a better position to tinker around.

As for the altitude factor, I'm curious. Is there an online topographical map anywhere, showing the topography in the surrounding radius of NYC?
Maybe as concentric circles? Granted, Bear Mountains is quite far from there, but there are mountainous areas closer to NYC, so I don't understand why they need to broadcast just from NYC itself.

This has been an interesting thread, since I am trying to figure out what to do about an anlog TV in a second-floor bedroom, which is the only one in the house not connected to cable. So far, I have no clear anwer, but I now have a better idea of what my choices are.

@Minni: I don't think most members here are uncaring about your chemical sensitivity issues, but at this site people really make an effort to stay on topic for threads, which in this case is about antennas. You could try starting another thread regarding your other problem, but frankly I think you'd have better luck finding some answers on a site for fellow sufferers. This just isn't something that many of us have ever had to think about.

edDV, you sure know your way around the www
I feel sorta you went thru all that trouble posting the map, since I have a very slow system and small screen so each download takes ages and I can't make out the topography lines the way I did when I once viewed a hard copy topographical map.

In any case, I'm sure there are higher areas such as west, northwest (in NJ), which means they can broadcast from a high building in a more mountainous area, which could virtually equal the height of the Twin Towers.

Whatever the case, please don't worry about it, I shall remain with my curiosity intact

Off-topic: To usually_quiet, thanks for the heads-up or thumbs-up, whatever... Believe me, I'm totally aware the issue is a suppressed one due to the powerlessness of its victims, that's why the companies are given free reign to keep rolling out the nightmares en-masse. Anyway, don't worry - the only reason I continued the off-topic mention in my March_8th post was to explain why I can't tinker yet.

Originally Posted by Minni

As for the altitude factor, I'm curious. Is there an online topographical map anywhere, showing the topography in the surrounding radius of NYC?
Maybe as concentric circles? Granted, Bear Mountains is quite far from there, but there are mountainous areas closer to NYC, so I don't understand why they need to broadcast just from NYC itself.

If you want to see which terrain is blocking NY transmissions, you can try browsing something like this.

Better yet is to download the free program Google Earth and you can visualize everything 3D, which is a far more intuitive way to see what's going on with the terrain in your neighborhood, IMHO.

Chuck

OK, I know it's been a year, but I finally bought another TV (this time 19" Sanyo) after having thrown out that chemical-laden Emerson.

So I looked up this thread again in my Favorites, and browsed the posts.

Update:
On the Sanyo, Channel 7 gives me quite good reception, though even that isn't 100% stable picture. The other channels are staticky and fuzzy pics, worsening even more as I raise the volume.
Note, Though, that I'm using the bare basics:
Composite red/white/yellow cable
RCA Ant111 rabbit-ears with square loop, kindly depicted by edDV above.

AntennaWeb recommends for me medium-directional, and for some stations medium directional with pre-amp. (edDV is right)

To edDV and/or anyone: Despite antennaweb, at this point, does the following strategy make sense?

(1) Try for the Shielded Coax plus Philips Silver Sensor (both via Walmart) and return if the combo doesn't resolve my reception

should I try component or HDMI cables as well?

Philips 12' Quad Shielded Coax:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7811228#ShortReviewTitleBar
Philips Silver Sensor antenna:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3904686

(2) If the above coax/antenna (and/or HDMI) don't work:
Find an installer (would they provide all necessary cables & antenna?)
I looked up "antenna installer" in yellow pages, but nothing there. How to find same?
When I spoke with Sanyo phone support, the guy claimed they don't install. On the other hand, while waiting to speak with Sanyo, their automatic voice-system implied that they do provide installation personnel. So which is the truth?

P.S. I'd like to add my heartfelt appreciation for all your helpful advices

Minni,
1a.That Philips coax cable is marketing hype,any RG59 cable will do.RG6 is required for in-wall and outdoor use.
1b.The Philips Silver Sensor gets good reviews if you can still find one.

2.Installing an outdoor antenna will give you the best reception but I would first move the indoor antenna near a window,placing it on the sill if possible.

Thanks! In response to your question, yes, that Sanyo link is my TV. I don't want to jump the gun by praising it yet, rather I'm still reserving judgment, having learned a harsh lesson with the reeking Emerson. I will say, though, that operating it is more intuitive & smooth.

Do I take it that I should shop, say at Walmart or Radioshack, for:
RG6 cable, and
RG59 cable?

or rather just one of the above cables (if I try indoor antenna first)?

As for antenna, you're right, it doesn't seem like that Silver Sensor is available anymore at Walmart.

So I'm thinking maybe this?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034

On 2nd thought something so high-tech would probably be prone to problems, not to mention EMFs - I suffer too much from those as it is.

Re: HDMI - silly me I'm a novice thru & thru!

I can't see myself putting one of those monstrosities you pictured outdoors. NO way.
I'll probably wind up needing an installation guy - as if I know where to find one.

OK, thank you.

The guy at Walmart said they'll soon be getting a supply of analog-digital [indoor] antenna's by RCA or Philips (priced at $30 to $50) which he "claimed" solves many peoples' reception issues.

He claimed it comes complete with necessary cable, and that there's no LED screen, just rabbit ears.

I'm thinking I should take it w/a grain of salt.

All I did was move the connection from the rusty old "outdoor" antenna (in my second-story attic) from my analog gear to my ATSC hardware. Works like a charm in Southeastern Queens, I'm amazed the digital reception is ten times better than what I got on analog. Yet my relatives in North Brooklyn, within swimming distance of Manhattan and five stories up, get zilch on digital without using a powered indoor antenna they picked up from Radio Shack. Even with that, they can't pick up WNET-13 from Jersey at all. Go figure.

Hi, sorry for the delay (due to my computer intolerance).

In response to yours, I'm not in a high rise, rather in a ranch-style house, and there probably are high-buildings as obstacles. I am, though, on the crest of a hill.

Are you saying that in such an instance, even an attic antenna might not work, but rather only cable would cut it, especially due to the advent of digital broadcasting?

I recently phoned Walmart again, and a girl told me they have in stock these models:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SDV2750-27-Amplified-Superior/dp/B001HVRAK4

She also read off: RCA 1837GM (which I can't seem to find via google

I don't see myself going cable, due to the expense, nor even rooftop (unless maybe there's something inconspicuous).