TV antennas

[prop769]

We have been using a rooftop antenna for our TV, with acceptable reception. We purchased a converter box to receive digital but we lose several channels due to weak signals. Maybe we just need a new antenna. We're looking for recommendations or ideas. Thank-you. 

[Craig S]

If you are interested in receiving the Tucson DTV channels KGUN (ABC, ch35), KOLD (CBS, ch32), KMSB (FOX, ch25), KUAS (PBS, ch28), KUAT (PBS, ch30), KHRR (Telemundo, ch42), KVOA (NBC, ch23), KTTU (UPN, ch19), KWBA (CW, ch44), all of which are on UHF channels, then replacing your existing outdoor antenna with a 'high-gain' UHF antenna should be the solution.

A dedicated UHF antenna similar to -> http://www.antennasdirect.com/42XG_television_antenna.html -- will provide a much stronger signal to your DTV converter box than the VHF/UHF combo antennas that were originally installed on our houses in EE, and which by now are severely deteriorated by the weather.

Replacing the coaxial cable to the antenna would be a good idea too -- since the portion of it that's outside and exposed to the sun would have deteriorated over the years too.  But, I'm not sure how easy that would be.

[Craig]

Just as a follow-up, I'm curious to know if you were able to upgrade your antenna to receive all of the Tucson digital channels -- most notably, channel 27 which is 'hiding' behind the mine tailing 'mountains' between EE and the transmitter site in Tucson.

[Max]

After reading this thread, I contact Craig who was kind enough to come up to our house with two antennas for us to try.  We found the reception excellent for the networks, ABC (ch. 9), CBS (ch. 13), NBC (ch. 4), FOX (ch. 11) and PBS (ch. 6), all in HD.  Since our TV is new and HD ready we required no converter box.  In addition we received about a dozen other channels, mostly Spanish language and the Home Shopping network.  Craig recommended two different antennas from Radio Shack, but neither were available.  He also recommended Elliott Electronics (1301 S. Tyndall Ave, Tucson).  Elliott recommended the Winegaard HD-7010, $59.99 plus tax.  After cancelling COX cable TV, we'll pay for it in a month. Many thanks to Craig for his invaluable help.

[cjsurprise]

An alternate antenna -- the Winegard model HD-8800, 8-bay bowtie -- will also work for receiving most, but not all, Tucson stations in Green Valley.  (One PBS station, Ch 28, is 'hidden' behind the tailing piles and likely won't be received.)  The antenna lists for $69.99 and is available from a number of web sites for between 44 and 52 dollars, with typical shipping charges of 12 to 20 dollars.  (The 'For Sale or Rent' listings have a like-new HD-8800 listed for 40 dollars, with no shipping charges.)

[prop769]

Just an update on the TV antenna situation. I recently replaced an old and damaged antenna with a Winegard model HD-8800 purchased via the Forum 'For Sale or Rent' listings. We now receive all available channels very clearly. Thanks to Craig who, as always, was a great source of information. Once again the EE Forum came to the rescue.