Antenna for OTA HD in Miami

[turak]

I'm in the process of replacing my Dish Network setup with AT&T Uverse. Since Uverse only allows me to tune two HD channels at a time I've decided to try out a HDHomerun and OTA HD.

The HDHomerun and small indoor antenna (Winegard SS-3000) arrived today and I started playing around with it. UHF channel's (NBC, CBS and CW) all seem fine. I'm getting absolutely no signal for VHF (ABC and FOX) though.

The towers for all of these channels are within 20 miles of my house and located in the same direction. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is my antenna or if the two VHF stations just aren't broadcasting in digital yet.

Does anyone live in Miami and use OTA HD? If so are you able to tune ABC (WPLG) and/or FOX (WSVN)?

[Clift]

Originally Posted by turak

I'm in the process of replacing my Dish Network setup with AT&T Uverse. Since Uverse only allows me to tune two HD channels at a time I've decided to try out a HDHomerun and OTA HD.

The HDHomerun and small indoor antenna (Winegard SS-3000) arrived today and I started playing around with it. UHF channel's (NBC, CBS and CW) all seem fine. I'm getting absolutely no signal for VHF (ABC and FOX) though.

The towers for all of these channels are within 20 miles of my house and located in the same direction. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is my antenna or if the two VHF stations just aren't broadcasting in digital yet.

Does anyone live in Miami and use OTA HD? If so are you able to tune ABC (WPLG) and/or FOX (WSVN)?

I used to live in Miami, and I know that both of those channels ARE, in fact, broadcasting in HD and have been for over 6 years now. I think the issue might be your antenna. The indoor ones are hit or miss. I would reccomend you look at antennaweb or AVS forums and find out what freq they are broadcasting at and which direction your antenna should be pointed. Sorry I don't use OTA with the HD Homerun so I don't know more. Maybe someone else has more information on resources you could use to help you further.

[HelenWeathers]

I live in Miami and use this outdoor antenna:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...cid=3795375717

I get really good HD Digital signals from Channels 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 17, 33 and 39 and their subchannels. Channel 35 (and subs) signal is gimpy 50% of the time.

[gjvrieze]

Originally Posted by turak

I'm in the process of replacing my Dish Network setup with AT&T Uverse. Since Uverse only allows me to tune two HD channels at a time I've decided to try out a HDHomerun and OTA HD.

The HDHomerun and small indoor antenna (Winegard SS-3000) arrived today and I started playing around with it. UHF channel's (NBC, CBS and CW) all seem fine. I'm getting absolutely no signal for VHF (ABC and FOX) though.

The towers for all of these channels are within 20 miles of my house and located in the same direction. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is my antenna or if the two VHF stations just aren't broadcasting in digital yet.

Does anyone live in Miami and use OTA HD? If so are you able to tune ABC (WPLG) and/or FOX (WSVN)?

Can you go to Tvfool and post your pre and post results? I can help for sure, given that data!

[jerryt]

7 and 10 being VHF channels require a larger antenna and maybe an amplifier. Some tuners have alot of trouble tuning those channels.

Check antennaweb website to determine when they are schedule to change freq.

[trini0]

At my previous residence in Lauderdale Lakes, we had to use an external (Batwing) antenna with good results from Miami/WPB stations.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...PROD=ANWGS2200
If you're serious about picking up stations regularly, get an external antenna.
Unfortunately I'm in a condo now, but I have access to an "attic". Hopefully next month, I'm going to try putting a
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...p?PROD=HD7694P to pick up the Miami channels.

[turak]

Originally Posted by gjvrieze

Ca you go to Tvfool and post your pre and post results? I can help for sure, given that data!

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...7c72213a0f5fd9

[gjvrieze]

Originally Posted by turak

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...7c72213a0f5fd9

This would work great for you, it covers VHF-HI and UHF, with no VHF-LO elements which make them HUGE.
Outdoor is always better. If you go in an attic, it is about a -13dB loss in signal on average.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...p?PROD=HD7694P

Also, if you just go grab a decent $30-40 outdoor antenna with 300ohm>75ohn balun, you should have all your OTA channels dropout free.. (bad thing about getting one locally is that it will be a VHF-LO/VHF-HI/UHF, so long elements here again, when VHF-LO is not needed)

Your signals are too strong for an amp, so just run RG-6 to the antenna and down to the tuners... If you need to split more then 4 ways, think about a Channel Master Distribution Amp (not as much gain as a pre-amp, so it will not overload) But I doubt even split 6 ways, that you will get dropouts with Line Of Site (LOS) at less then 20 miles!

I tend to go with a little bigger antenna, just so that signal is a bit more reliable when the weather gets bad, not to say the "youtube" antenna (a 4 bay bow tie) would not get all of the channels 24/7 hung on the wall...
Also remember that computer tuners are a generation behind the Converter Boxes, so more signal is a good thing (the CECBs are much better then say the HDHR at dealing with multipath)

I do a lot of antenna tv work and am a ham, so my advise should be spot on (I hope

Added:

With your aim for Miami, I would not be surprised if you get Palm Beach stations..... The aim will be just to the East of straight North....