Do over the air antenna amps work?
November 25, 2006 4:45 PM Subscribe
HDTVfilter: Have you had success with over the air signal boosters or amplified antennas?
I moved recently here in Chicago and lost about ten of my over the air HD channels. I think it's because my new apartment is tucked between two mid-rise buildings where as before I had a good line of site view of downtown (where I assume all of the broadcast towers are.) I'm just under two miles north of downtown so distance isn't the problem.
I use an indoor passive (non-amplified) antenna like this one. The channels I'm missing all score somewhere in the 30 to 60 dB range, so they are unwatchable... I've found in general I can't tune a channel unless I get in the 75 dB and up range.
Tonight at Best Buy I looked at an inline booster which claimed a 10 dB increase ($39) and several amplified antennas which claimed 20 to 30 dB increases ($50-60)... should I invest in one of these? (Unfortunately I don't think I can install an outside antenna in my current building.)
I've read through most of the HDTV OTA questions but I haven't found any that specifically address either amplified antennas or separate in-line amps.
What I'm wondering is if I buy an antenna or amp that claims to boost the signal by 20 or 30 dB will I really see my 60 dB reception jump to 90 dB? Thanks!
I moved recently here in Chicago and lost about ten of my over the air HD channels. I think it's because my new apartment is tucked between two mid-rise buildings where as before I had a good line of site view of downtown (where I assume all of the broadcast towers are.) I'm just under two miles north of downtown so distance isn't the problem.
I use an indoor passive (non-amplified) antenna like this one. The channels I'm missing all score somewhere in the 30 to 60 dB range, so they are unwatchable... I've found in general I can't tune a channel unless I get in the 75 dB and up range.
Tonight at Best Buy I looked at an inline booster which claimed a 10 dB increase ($39) and several amplified antennas which claimed 20 to 30 dB increases ($50-60)... should I invest in one of these? (Unfortunately I don't think I can install an outside antenna in my current building.)
I've read through most of the HDTV OTA questions but I haven't found any that specifically address either amplified antennas or separate in-line amps.
What I'm wondering is if I buy an antenna or amp that claims to boost the signal by 20 or 30 dB will I really see my 60 dB reception jump to 90 dB? Thanks!
I just put a new answer in I am ditching cable -- rabbit ear suggestions?
An amplifier reduces the effect of downstream noise. So, if the antenna is sitting right next to (or on top of) the TV, an amplifier won't do much (might even be worse than without). If you have a long run between antenna and TV, an amplifier at the antenna end could be helpful.posted by Chuckles at 5:48 PM on November 25, 2006
I used the same antenna as ponce (also with antennaweb.org) and got some pretty good results, although I don't live in the city.
The amplified Terk is one of the better indoor antennas on the market, but you'll have to move it around for the best signal. If you can add the channel to your TV, and then display a signal strength meter, you may be able to play with the positioning and find some decent signals.
Personally, I've given up the indoor antenna and now use the HD channels available for free over cable.
If you can get it in HD OTA, then chances are you can get it in HD over cable for free (unencrypted QAM) - you just need a QAM tuner.
Your cable line may already be carrying these, but if not, all you need is the most basic cable TV package and the HD QAM channels will be enabled. As for the QAM tuner, if your TV does not have one, there is a really expensive TiVo, and maybe some standalone models (but I can't seem to find any online). I use a HD tuner card in my HTPC (MyHD MDP-130) and it works very well, but I wouldn't recommend it as it's a bit dated and incompatible with XP MCE. I guess what I'm saying is to plug the cable into your TV and see if a scan picks anything up (don't bother if you know your TV doesn't have a QAM tuner).
Anyway, an antenna is definitely worth a try. There are far too many variables to recommend any specific one, so if you're willing to bear it then buy/return one at a time and see what works best. Maybe a non-directional antenna will suit you better since you live closer to the source.
Happy hunting.
posted by pants tent at 6:28 PM on November 25, 2006
The amplified Terk is one of the better indoor antennas on the market, but you'll have to move it around for the best signal. If you can add the channel to your TV, and then display a signal strength meter, you may be able to play with the positioning and find some decent signals.
Personally, I've given up the indoor antenna and now use the HD channels available for free over cable.
If you can get it in HD OTA, then chances are you can get it in HD over cable for free (unencrypted QAM) - you just need a QAM tuner.
Your cable line may already be carrying these, but if not, all you need is the most basic cable TV package and the HD QAM channels will be enabled. As for the QAM tuner, if your TV does not have one, there is a really expensive TiVo, and maybe some standalone models (but I can't seem to find any online). I use a HD tuner card in my HTPC (MyHD MDP-130) and it works very well, but I wouldn't recommend it as it's a bit dated and incompatible with XP MCE. I guess what I'm saying is to plug the cable into your TV and see if a scan picks anything up (don't bother if you know your TV doesn't have a QAM tuner).
Anyway, an antenna is definitely worth a try. There are far too many variables to recommend any specific one, so if you're willing to bear it then buy/return one at a time and see what works best. Maybe a non-directional antenna will suit you better since you live closer to the source.
Happy hunting.
posted by pants tent at 6:28 PM on November 25, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by 7878ponce at 5:38 PM on November 25, 2006