FV-HD30 question

[jasblak]

I recently bought a FV-HD30 FreeVision antenna. This is my first attempt at using an OTA antenna. I'm in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and the info from tvfool for the channels I watch is -

ch 4.1/35 (NM)60.8dB (Pwr)-30.0dBm LOS 21.0 miles 158 deg
ch 5.1/41 (NM)60.6dB (Pwr)-30.3dBm LOS 21.2 miles 156 deg
ch 8.1/8 (NM)59.2dB (Pwr)-31.7dBm LOS 21.0 miles 158 deg
ch 11.1/19 (NM)54.6dB (Pwr)-36.3dBm LOS 22.0 miles 155 deg
ch 21.1/29 (NM)61.8dB (Pwr)-29.1dBm LOS 22.0 miles 155 deg
ch 33.1/32 (NM)59.8dB (Pwr)-31.1dBm LOS 24.1 miles 158 deg

I have the antenna outside and it is plugged directly into a TiVo with no splitters, amplifiers, etc. The RG6 cable is approx 75 feet. The TiVo reports the signal levels on a scale of 0 to 100 as -
4.1 80-89
5.1 97-99
8.1 94-95
11.1 99-100
21.1 87-90
33.1 42-66

I rarely see any problems on 5.1, 8.1 or 11.1. The signal level on 4.1 fluctuates and the picture pixelates occasionally. The picture pixelates on 21.1 even more often even though the signal strength is more steady. 33.1 fluctuates a lot and is basically not watchable. The info from tvfool shows the channels are all similar direction and distance.

Would adding a preamplifier help? If so, which one? I've read that you can over amplify signals and some channels are strong already.

Also, if a preamplifier is recommended, how would the FreeVision with a preamplifier compare to the GS-2200 (with or without the wing attachment) since it already has an amplifier built in? Would the GS-2200 be a better choice for me?

Thanks.

[winegard]

Good morning jasblak -

The use of a preamplifier is not recommended due to the strong local signal strengths. Try raising or even lowering the antenna to see if you can find a stronger signal level for all channels. Maybe try relocating the antenna to a different location. Trees can give you reflections and cause multipathing. Upgrading the more directional antenna such as the HD7694P will give you a narrower beamwidth to eliminate multipathing and give you a stronger signal.