HDTV antenna

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hexumjunkie
hexumjunkie Posts: 191
edited July 2008 in Electronics
I'm a big tailgater and recently got a small HDTV for tailgating. what kind of antenna can i use on top of my truck to get HDTV signals from 45 miles away? Can I use a Direct TV dish that I dont use anymore as an antenna?
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited July 2008
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    Massillon, Ohio? Buckeye fan?
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    yes massillon...no to the buckeys....GO BLUE!
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    I'm a big tailgater and recently got a small HDTV for tailgating. what kind of antenna can i use on top of my truck to get HDTV signals from 45 miles away? Can I use a Direct TV dish that I don't use anymore as an antenna?

    Don't think so. High Def channels are on the UHF frequencies primarily. There are a few in some locations on the high VHF (FOX in my neck of the woods) but even they will be moving to UHF by next year. I don't believe the LNB's on a satellite dish will tune UHF/VHF. Best bet is probably a visit to your local Radio Shack. I use a Winegard Sharpshooter and get stations 45 miles away.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited July 2008
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    Michigan? boo!

    I was going to say the sharp shooter also.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    im looking for something as small as possible to put on top of my truck
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    sqaure shooter? or sharp shooter?
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 8,064
    edited July 2008
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    I would check antennaweb.org to find out what stations are available, then look at the frequencies (probably UHF, but maybe some VHF).

    Check Antennasdirect.com. They have tons to choose from for range, size, etc.
    See profile for rigs. Nothing else here.
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    i was able to pick up an hd station from about 20 miles with just a piece of rg6 hanging out the back....unreal i could get a faint abc analog....if i get an antenna i should be in buisness....
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  • mdschlayer
    mdschlayer Posts: 209
    edited July 2008
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    I'm in Akron, and standard rabbit ears work for most of the stations around me. Make sure the one you get receives VHF and UHF. I'd say try Radio Shack first, and if it doesn't pull in Cleveland stations, try a Winegard or ChannelMaster.
    LSi15's, LSiC, LSiF/x's, LSi7's, vr3 crossover upgrades, SVS PC-12 Plus, SVS SB-16 Ultra, Marantz AV8805, Parasound amps, LG OLED65C9PUA, Clarus Crimson, Signal Cable, Atlas Cable, Shunyata and Synergistic A/C conditioning, dedicated Cardas 30A and Furutech 20A AC lines, Box Furniture, Solid Tech ROS, Symposium roller blocks
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    Is vhf even needed anymore?
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  • mdschlayer
    mdschlayer Posts: 209
    edited July 2008
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    I do believe of some of the HD channels are in that frequency. And after the 2009 switch, I think the plan is to move all HD channels off UHF and back to VHF.
    LSi15's, LSiC, LSiF/x's, LSi7's, vr3 crossover upgrades, SVS PC-12 Plus, SVS SB-16 Ultra, Marantz AV8805, Parasound amps, LG OLED65C9PUA, Clarus Crimson, Signal Cable, Atlas Cable, Shunyata and Synergistic A/C conditioning, dedicated Cardas 30A and Furutech 20A AC lines, Box Furniture, Solid Tech ROS, Symposium roller blocks
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 8,064
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    Is vhf even needed anymore?

    Yes, some stations broadcast their HD signals on VHF. In Atlanta, we have two stations that do this, and I believe after the analog shutdown, many will switch their UHF signals to the VHF slots currently occupied by their analog signals. VHF tends goes further with the same signal strength.
    See profile for rigs. Nothing else here.
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    my buddy let me borrow an hd antenna with a 22db gain see how that works before i buy the big boy......
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
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    billbillw wrote: »
    Yes, some stations broadcast their HD signals on VHF. In Atlanta, we have two stations that do this, and I believe after the analog shutdown, many will switch their UHF signals to the VHF slots currently occupied by their analog signals. VHF tends goes further with the same signal strength.

    Not exactly true (but close). Currently 91% of digital broadcasting occurs on the UHF frequencies. Some stations have petitioned the FCC to be allowed to return to their "former VHF frequencies" after the conversion is complete. Right now it looks doubtful because while VHF does go farther, it does so by "skipping" which is not really a good thing (at least for the FCC). Regardless, getting a UHF/VHF antenna is the smart move although I would concentrate on the UHF capabilities primarily.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    the indoor antenna sucked big time......would buy the square shooter but it doesnt do vhf.....and u guys say i need vhf....trying to pickup 5.1 abc hd....
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    the indoor antenna sucked big time......would buy the square shooter but it doesnt do vhf.....and u guys say i need vhf....trying to pickup 5.1 abc hd....

    Not true. Reading from my Square shooter owners manual the antenna is designed to receive HDTV signals whether broadcast on UHF or VHS. The difference is that UHF stations are received from a greater distance, high band VHF (7-13) is next, and low band VHF (2-6) is the shortest distance for signal strength. In my area, I receive Fox out of Mobile Al. which broadcasts on channel 9 VHF. The transmitter is about 45 miles away. I have the SS-2000 model.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
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    The Winegard SS (sharp or square) is a superior product.

    And, for the record, there is no such thing as an HDTV antenna, only an antenna. It receives, the TV decodes. You can pop up rabbit ears and pull in any HD signal if you're close enough. Just a clever switcheroo on the name to convince people with perfectly capable antennas to buy new ones for "HD."
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    Marty913 wrote: »
    Not true. Reading from my Square shooter owners manual the antenna is designed to receive HDTV signals whether broadcast on UHF or VHS. The difference is that UHF stations are received from a greater distance, high band VHF (7-13) is next, and low band VHF (2-6) is the shortest distance for signal strength. In my area, I receive Fox out of Mobile Al. which broadcasts on channel 9 VHF. The transmitter is about 45 miles away. I have the SS-2000 model.


    my abc is cable channel 5 and antenna chanel 5 and hd is 5.1 this is the channel were most concerned with getting from about 40 miles.....is this the antenna we want? ill order today if so......
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    my abc is cable channel 5 and antenna chanel 5 and hd is 5.1 this is the channel were most concerned with getting from about 40 miles.....is this the antenna we want? ill order today if so......

    The designation 5.1 is a "remapped" frequency to make it easier for people during this conversion to digital/HDTV. It is probably not the real frequency being used. Go to antenna web (link below) and you should be able to find the real frequency and distance from your actual zip code (or the zip code where you will be using the antenna). I can't tell you this is absolutely the antenna ypu need because terrain, buildings, weather, and everything else can affect reception. I can only say that in my case, I receive all UHF and High VHF digital signals from within 45 miles of my location. The antenna is more tuned to UHF (travels greater distances) than VHF. I would say that if the real frequency is high VHF you should be fine. If it's low VHF, you may have to try it and see.

    http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    * violet
    uhf WEWS-DT 5.1 ABC CLEVELAND, OH Feb 17, 2009 (post-transition) 352° 41.3 15

    looks like channel 15 in the long run....so this should be good right?
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    * violet
    uhf WEWS-DT 5.1 ABC CLEVELAND, OH Feb 17, 2009 (post-transition) 352° 41.3 15

    looks like channel 15 in the long run....so this should be good right?[/QUOTE

    Sorry, haven't been on in a while. Yes, 15 would be in the UHF band and the Square Shooter is a very good UHF antenna, and a pretty good hi-band VHF one.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    yes massillon...no to the buckeys....GO BLUE!
    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    yes massillon...no to the buckeys....GO BLUE!

    Get outta my state! GO BLOW your tweeters.
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    anybody know anything about pre-amp?
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  • hexumjunkie
    hexumjunkie Posts: 191
    edited July 2008
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    Square Shooter Came Today....big Warning Saying Dont Get Near Power Line....how Close Are They Talking About..? The Book Didnt Say...and I Dont Feel Like Dying....
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
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    hexumjunkie wrote: »
    Square Shooter Came Today....big Warning Saying Dont Get Near Power Line....how Close Are They Talking About..? The Book Didnt Say...and I Dont Feel Like Dying....

    It's the standard government warning for those mounting it on a roof, mast, etc. I think it means "don't come in contact" with power lines. If you're permanently mounting it outside you should probably keep it several feet way from power lines (better yet, run a ground wire).
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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