what antenna works best for digital tv change for people who live in rural areas 50 miles from broadcast tower?

Question

i have a large antenna mounted on a pole 40 feet high that works just fine but when i hook up converter box i get nothing but ABC which is the strongest station i get anyway. does anyone have any input on this that does not cost a small fortune?

Answer 1

Probably because ABC is VHF in your area and that is what your antenna is designed to receive. Most digital stations will be in the UHF band and need an antenna designed for this. http://www.solidsignal.com sells quality products. I recommend the following antenna if you are located very far from the stations, they make smaller versions too depending on gain needed:



http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AD-DB8



I also recommend a good preamplifier. I currently am using this one and you can find many other people on video forums who use this as well:



http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANC7777



Last but not least, if you have many splitters or very long lengths of especially RG-59 wire, you may need a distribution amplifier. However, I wouldn't get that until you see if these two items helps.



Also, if you haven't already, go to http://www.antennaweb.org and see how far and what direction the stations are in. If they are located all around you you may need a rotater

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

what antenna works best for digital tv change for people who live in rural areas 50 miles from broadcast tower?

i have a large antenna mounted on a pole 40 feet high that works just fine but when i hook up converter box i get nothing but ABC which is the strongest station i get anyway. does anyone have any input on this that does not cost a small fortune?

Answer 3

Most likely your antenna is placed in the wrong direction. Almost any commercially available antenna (Jerrold, for example) should work well. (Assuming you spend $30 to $50 on a good, properly functioning antenna) But, the antenna must be "tuned" according to signal strength and all the elements must be intact and not bent or missing. If you can get your hands on a signal strength meter, you can keep turning (rotate it on the pole) the antenna until you acheive the desired effect.



In some cases, you may need a directional anntenna. directionals are those strange shaped, often square or pointy, antenna. They can be "aimed" toward the TV towers.



Also, if you receive signla, but it is weak, you can add a small amplifier to increase the signal for distribution to the rest of your home, but remember ... if you receive distrotion, you amplify distortion too.