u've got a large number of stations at 30 miles or so distance...youre very lucky....
so get a small rooftop type antenna locally (that u can return if necessary, ideally)....put it in your attic and experiment with what direction gives u the max number of channels.....and dont use any amps, they would probably overload in your situation... youre too close to a lot of signal sources, including fm stations and who knows what else....
attic antenna installs are great when they work, which they often do at distances like yours... i've had very good luck with them.....they are zero maintenance, the antenna will never wear out or become storm or weather damaged, no lightning issues, u dont have to risk personal safety or aesthestics being on the roof, etc etc...
run the coax to the attic first and assuming u have one, start by experimenting with a 'rabbit ear' type antenna in the attic before u buy anything new....just to see what u can get that way....u might be surprised with some good results...and as always, u should try to keep any antenna away from any metal such as electrical conduits, etc that might be nearby....whether in the attic or outside...
let us know how it works out...good luck
Quote:
Originally Posted by espbeetle /forum/post/16858545
OK Antenna Experts, thanks in advance for your help! Here's the TVFool: Attachment 148245 We have a ranch style house in central NJ with a few tall trees around the house, but no large buildings. If at all possible I would prefer the antenna not be too big and mount it in the attic. Is that going to be possible? I've got only one TV, a new Panasonic plasma with built in tuner, though a second TV may be added later. Will I need an amp? Fire away...
u've got a large number of stations at 30 miles or so distance...youre very lucky....
so get a small rooftop type antenna locally (that u can return if necessary, ideally)....put it in your attic and experiment with what direction gives u the max number of channels.....and dont use any amps, they would probably overload in your situation... youre too close to a lot of signal sources, including fm stations and who knows what else....
attic antenna installs are great when they work, which they often do at distances like yours... i've had very good luck with them.....they are zero maintenance, the antenna will never wear out or become storm or weather damaged, no lightning issues, u dont have to risk personal safety or aesthestics being on the roof, etc etc...
run the coax to the attic first and assuming u have one, start by experimenting with a 'rabbit ear' type antenna in the attic before u buy anything new....just to see what u can get that way....u might be surprised with some good results...and as always, u should try to keep any antenna away from any metal such as electrical conduits, etc that might be nearby....whether in the attic or outside...
let us know how it works out...good luck