Quote:
Originally Posted by jefkar
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a new HDTV antenna? I currently have a winegard fold up. I would like to get something that is shorter and doesn't need to be cranked up and down. Any Suggestions?
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The best I can recommend is what is on your roof.
You want something shorter: HEIGHT IS MIGHT
The one you have is a VHF/VHF/UHF antenna.
Though adding a WINGMAN (around 30 bucks and you may not need tools (or a simple pair of pliars) to install it) will improve the UHF performance
Adding the SENSAR PRO to replace your wall switch or ahead of your Matrix Switch (Box of many buttons) also improves it BIG TIME.
But the Batwing with Wingman outperforms all the competition, And that is WITHOUT the Sensar Pro.
How important is height? Well there are two answers.. First height above interfernce.. IT is important to get the antenna above other stuff on the roof as things like an Air Conditioner make a much better DOOR than they do windows.
I did a test once (VHF) where I was talking to some folks via a repeater (This was 2-way radio) system, the relay station was around 50 miles away.. I was good copy.. Another Ham tried to join in without success but we got enough of his call to believe I might hear him direct.. I could..
He was running around 40 watts effective radiated power at 30 feet.. I was running closer to 1/4 watt effctive power at 250 feet.I COULD SEE HIS HOUSE from where I was standing we were that close HEIGHT IS MIGHT.
By the way.. What is the difference between a regular TV antenna and an HD TV antenna? PRICE of course. HD costs more.. works exactly the same and in many cases 10 or 15 years ago was sold as a regular TV antenna. But put HD on the box.. and the price goes up.