I live in the Pine tree capital of the world, 32312. According to antennaweb I need a multidirectional pre amp antenna. I'm looking at A Winegard MS2002 Metrostar VHF/UHF Amplified Omnidirectional TV Antenna. any comments on this antenna or what would be the the best antenna ?

You don't need an omnidirectional antenna. All your local (Tallahassee CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX) stations are in the same general direction, and so is a PBS station (operated by Georgia PBS). If you're interested in the CW (are you?) or backup PBS (especially PBS), ABC, FOX, et al, stations, that's where the multiple directions thing comes in. Those stations are also longer-range, and would probably require a rotor and preamp -- more hassle you don't need.

Your antenna will have to be a directional antenna for best results. I suggest a Winegard HD7210P or HD7082P if the antenna is going outdoors. Is it, or are you thinking attic? Anyway, they're very weather-resistant, and are directional enough for your needs.

The only stations to worry about (unless you want the CW 24-1 or WFSU PBS 11-1) are 6-1, 14-1, 27-1, 40-1, and 49-1.

Two of those stations (NBC 40-1 and PBS 14-1) physically broadcast on VHF-low (long technical explanation), so you'll need an antenna designed for that band, and the Winegards I mentioned are good enough. No matter what antenna you choose, there will be frequent dropouts on both NBC and PBS during thunderstorms in the region before Feb. 2009. In Feb. 2009, NBC will move to UHF, so you'll be set there, but PBS will remain on VHF-low.

I'm torn between the two antennas in terms of which one is better for you; both have their strengths and weaknesses. How much do you care about PBS (including both Georgia PBS and Florida State PBS) reception?

Thanks for the infro,
We don't watch that much PBS, so that isn't that important. Mainly fox and some nbc 40. It will be outside.

I will check those antennas out.

Thanks again

A few updates:

1. According to Wikipedia, the Georgia PBS station (14-1) won't begin sending a digital signal until July at the earliest. It'll broadcast on physical channel 5, and will either stay there, or possibly move to physical channel 6 (still virtual 14-1) in Feb. 2009, depending on the source.

2. In addition, the CW is either now available, or will be available after analog shut-off in Feb. 2009, from the WTWC (Tallahassee NBC) site at high power, on UHF physical channel 48, or virtual channel 57-1.

3. As for an antenna selection: In short, I've decided that the HD7082P is probably the best for you.

The long of it / an explanation:

The toughest challenges today are ABC 27-1 (which is broadcasting at a freakishly low power on UHF), PBS 14-1, and NBC 40-1. Both NBC and ABC will move to high-power UHF transmitters at their current digital sites in Feb. 2009, but as previously mentioned, PBS will still be a problem at that time. However, it should still be receivable on most days, and besides, you admit it's not a big deal.

In the meantime, I hope that ABC 27-1 (physical channel 22) will be just strong enough for the HD7082P to bring in. You may need to try multiple sites on top of the roof, as a few feet in any direction could mean the difference between a lock and not. You may need a Winegard HD7084P to pull that channel in at the current power level. I hope not, as the cost of that antenna is pointless for the reception situation after analog shutoff.

No matter what antenna you get, try to point it at ~65 degrees clockwise from due north (basically east-northeast), or ~70 degrees from magnetic north.

I'm curious: What digital tuner will you use? One built into a high-def TV? A digital coupon box being used to convert an old 4x3 ratio standard-def TV?