Is there a UHF-only DTV Winegard antenna?

[winegardvtuser]

I finally got one of those DTV converter box. I used to receive analog VHF/UHF via a Radio-Shack VU-90XR antenna, installed in my attic (constrained to a single direction).

Now, after switching to digital, I receive only one channel: WCFE-DT (57.1). A full list of the channels in my area (according to antennaweb.org) can be viewed in the following snapshot:

[img=http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1290/antennaweb.png]

I looked at Winegard's web page for HDTV Home Antenna, but all I could find there were antennas that are both VHF and UHF.

I was hoping to find a UHF-only antenna, since I was actually hoping to not be constrained anymore in placing the antenna in my attic. I understand that UHF-only antennas are supposed to be smaller.

But I couldn't find any UHF-only antenna for DTV in Winegard's web site. Is there such an antenna?

Also, based on the snapshot that I provided, are there additional tips or advice that you can provide regarding an antenna selection?

For example, could the SS-3000 suffice? How about the SS-1000 SquareShooter?

(Note: I implied in my post here that I am willing to give up the only VHF channel in the list (WVNY-DT 22.1).

Thank you!

[winegard]

Good morning winegardvtuser,

I am unable to follow the link you posted to the antennaweb channels. Could you please supply your zip code so we can take a look?

We do indeed offer several DTV UHF only antennas including:

HD-9032 (UHF Only)
35 Active Elements, 15" max width
31.5" vertical height, Channels 14-69
40-60 Miles

HD9095P (UHF Only)
39 Active Elements, 95" Boom Length
27" Max Width, Channels 14-69
40-60 Miles

HD-8800 (UHF Only)
26 Active Elements, 45" Max Width
34" Vertical Height, Channels 14-69
40-60 Miles

HD-4400 (UHF Only)
13 Active Elements, 22" max width
34" vertical height, Channels 14-69
30-50 Miles

HD-9022 (UHF Only)
26 Active Elements, 78.5" Boom Length
15" max width, Channels 14-69
30-50 Miles

HD9075P (UHF Only)
26 Active Elements, 60" Boom Length
27" max width, Channels 14-69
30-50 Miles

Square Shooter: SS-2000 (UHF)
Channels 14-69
SS-2000 amplified (20-40 mile range)
SS-1000 non-amplified (0-20 mile range)
20-40 Miles

All of these antennas are listed on our HDTV Antenna pages that you can find here.


Reply with your zip code and I can help narrow down those choices. Thanks!

[winegardvtuser]

Thank you. My ZIP+4 code is 05403-7320. I would appreciate your recommendations.

(please note that I need to place it in the attic)

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

Looking at your area. I can't really promise that any antenna will do very well for you installed in your attic.

However, an option that might work is an MS-2000.

http://www.winegard.com/kbase/upload/2451916.pdf

This is small enough that installed outside it can be easily hidden or ignored and since you have channels coming from several directions an Omni Directional antenna may be better for you anyway.

[winegardvtuser]

Thank you. The vast majority of the stations in my area can be received with a directional antenna aimed at 86 degrees.

I know I have to give up 2-3 stations, in order to receive the other 5-6 stations with a directional antenna. That is fine with me.

Is there a directional antenna that is small enough to fit in the attic that you can recommend?

Thanks!

[winegard]

Good morning winegardvtuser,

Here is the antenna recommendation from our Technical Service Manager.

You could consider the MS-1000 omni directional antenna or the HD-1080 2 bay directional VHF/UHF antenna. Either antenna should work for since you are less than 20 miles from your stations.

Please note both of the antennas he recommends are both UHF/VHF. However, I believe you will be very happy with the size of these antennas. You can view pictures and more information on the following page...

http://www.winegard.com/offair/zone1.php

[winegardvtuser]

Thank you for the recommendation. Is your Technical Service Manager sure that an omni-directional antenna would work better (in my attic) than a directional one?

What is the return policy on Winegard antennas? Can I buy 3 and return 2, keeping the one the empirically provides the best results?

[winegard]

The omni-directional will not work 'better' in a sense that it will have slightly less gain than the directional antennas in your attic. However, you are only 20-30 miles out from all of your stations (post-transition) and there is typically no reason to have to sacrifice channels because of the direction at that mileage or the difference in frequencies (uhf/vhf).

The omni-directionals are also very small and could easily be mounted outside to improve that signal.

Are their other reasons you believe you will have problems? Are there obstructions, large buildings or hills between you and the broadcast locations?

[winegardvtuser]

Are their other reasons you believe you will have problems? Are there obstructions, large buildings or hills between you and the broadcast locations?

The tallest building in Vermont is 12 floors... and is not near where I live. There are lots of hills and mountains in Vermont but I don't know whether there are any between me and the broadcast stations as listed in this link.

At any rate, even if there are, the sophisticated program at antennaweb.org would have already taken that into account, right?

As for "other reasons to have problems" I am simply trying to avoid buying multiple antennas (that I cannot return) just to find which one works best. I tried an indoors rabbit ears antenna and unfortunately it receives only channel 57.1, which is 38 miles away from me, the most distant of all stations. This is surprising to me and suggests that distance is not the most important factor in my case.

I wish there was a way to try some antennas (even used ones, which I believe should behave exactly like a new ones).

Any new tips based on the additional information I provided here?

Thanks.

[winegard]

Our recommendation is still the MS-1000 or the HD-1080. Mounting these in the attic will reduce signal compared to mounting outside but either should be fine. You can move up in size of antenna to give yourself more wiggle room but for a tight attic or small outdoor installation to receive the channels at your location, those two should handle it.

If you would like additional information I would recommend calling our technical services manager Hans Rabong at 1-800-288-8094 ext 675.