Thinking of putting up an outside antenna

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by Adam

Has anybody compared different models of outdoor antennas, I'm curious as to which perform the best for distant stations. I have one of the old channel master "color vector" series of antennas, which I think is great, but I don't think they've made those in over 30 years.

I have not compared many different types, but here are a few guidelines (my 2cents worth):
1. Size matters...This can be boom length in flat style antennas, or reflector size on screen reflector types... bigger is better!
2. Don't bother to buy elements that you don't need... Very few locations have digital channels below channel 7.... older designs that cover down to channel 2 have very long elements that will not be used. If you have an older antenna with long elements fine, use it, but don't pay for low band coverage if it is not needed in your area*.
3. Bargains can be had... it is fairly easy to find a decent older all channel antenna that is being replaced because the owner believes that it is not "HD".
4. In most cases a bigger antenna without an amplifier will outperform a small antenna with a booster amplifier.

*Here is an example of a fringe antenna designed for UHF and high VHF only (ch 7 and above):

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...0Antennas&sku=

not affiliated,
jr