What is the best OMNI-DIRECTIONAL antenna for pulling in over the air digital stations?

Question

Looking to put an antenna in a fixed location in my attic to run multiple tvs.

Would like to pull in as many nearby channels as I can without needing to constantly adjust the antenna.

Will use digital converters on the tvs to pull in the digital signals.

Answer 1

Every location is different in terms of the antenna type you need. Your best bet is to go to http://www.antennaweb.org



Put your address and style of home into this web site & they will tell you exactly the type of antenna and the direction the antenna should be pointed to receive digital broadcasts in your area.

Answer 2

You're probably aware that the best omni antenna, even with amps installed inline, won't do the job that a good directional antenna will do. If you're far enough away from your antennas, I won't suggest an omni.



But you probably have the same problem I have: install an antenna in your structured attic, where there is no room to swivel your antenna to get all your channels, thus a rotator will do you no good.



The next best thing is to determine where most of your stations are transmitting, and point an directional antenna that way. If you decide that there are two transmitters located 180 degs from each other at your location, you could try mounting two antennas and combining their signals at the mast, so you can get both of them.



Fortunately, my home is oriented is such a way that, when I installed our antenna, it's pointed directly between two strong transmitter locations about 45 degs apart. The lobes on my antenna catch both transmitters pretty well. However, the backside of my antenna has difficulty receiving the transmitter located directly behind our house. One of those things.



Wish I had a better suggestion. Good luck.

Answer 3

I am a little unsure to what you mean by Omni - Directional antenna, however the 2 most common antenna's are the Phased Array & Yargi, check that the antenna you purchase is suitable for the TV stations you are seeking (VHF/UHF). BTW these are outdoor aerials which I suggest you use if you are going to run multiple outlets. A phased array will give you a wider scope of reception, while a yagi is very directional. By that I mean that a phased array should be mounted broadside to the incomming signal (TV Station transmitter) & a yargi should be aimed directly at incoming signal. Most if not all free to air channels are transmitted from a common location usually elevated in either hight or geographically so the signal can reach the highest volume of users, it may be advisable for you to enquire as to where your local transmitter is situated so that you have a starting point to aim for. Once having installed your antenna you can then adjust (move antenna across the signal path) for best reception. You may also purchase a distribution amplyfier/splitter for multiple oulets. For a DIY as you appear to be, I suggest you go to either Dicksmiths or Jaycar for their advice.