Antennas: The uglier, the better
So you tried it, and the bow-tie antenna did not work. Before jumping into a bigger outdoor antenna, you can shop around for amplified rabbit ears. This is where most people get derailed by fancy claims of digital antennas and HDTV ready. Before shopping, most people will check http://www.antennaweb.org/ to see what type of antenna is recommended for their location. It is a fairly good guide, but it does not take into account those trees, buildings, and tin roofs nearby. Mine says I need a yellow style antenna, which is basic rabbit ears, but because I live near a school, water tank, and surrounded by trees, they just aren’t able to work well for me. But likewise, I don’t need a huge UHF / VHF / FM outdoor antenna with a rotor, but I do have one and I am very happy with it.
Mine is on the back side of the house and somewhat hidden from the street
, but I am not ashamed of it, nor does it reduce the property value of the entire neighborhood. Homeowner Associations have tried to ban outdoor antennas, but it is against the law for them to prevent you from having one. Visit the FCC website for details. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html
Some Engineers have jokingly said the uglier the antenna, the better. Well, maybe so, especially if you consider this design: http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/ And why not? I’m going to try it. It isn’t rocket science, and quite frankly, I’ve heard many good reports of it. And, oh yes, it is ugly! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=798265 I’ve certainly wasted more time than this on crazier things. It’s a 2X4, aluminum foil, and some coat hangers.
Sure it isn’t weather proof, but if you read on, some people have made an outdoor version, but I wouldn’t be ashamed to hide it in the attic as is. And where most of us live, it should work. It’s also cheap enough to build several, and run the wire straight down the wall to your TV. Certainly would be a good “Father / Son” project!
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