Sheboygan Antenna?

[jsmith]

I live just outside of Sheboygan and just had Dish Network installed with their HDPak... I guess I was misinformed, because I thought I could get Local channels in HD through them. That not being case I need an off-air antenna to pick up Milwaukee stations in HD (or Green Bay). My question is, what antenna should I get to accomplish this? Can I get away with one of those powered antennas to install in the attic (Terk TV55 for example) or do I need a huge outdoor antenna? I'm confused in antenna land... Help?

Thanks, Jamie
Toshiba 57H83
SuperDish w/Dish 811 HD Receiver

[Gregg Lengling]

You are right, you did misunderstand about the locals...they are SD only.  The only network HD on Satellite right now is CBS via Directv (in CBS O&O markets which Green Bay is one), and soon FOX via Directv.

You will probably need an outdoor antenna from you location to get reliable Digital HD reception.  And if you plan on both Milwaukee and GreenBay, you will either need a rotator or run dual antennas.

Good luck.

[RobbQ]

Originally posted by jsmith
Can I get away with one of those powered antennas to install in the attic (Terk TV55 for example) or do I need a huge outdoor antenna?

Gregg is right that you will probably need an outdoor antenna.  Just FYI, I would stay away from the Terk antenna.  Most people find that it is a big waste of money.  If you need to prove it to yourself I can sell you one of the stinkin' things cheap.

Robb

[jsmith]

I was leary about the Terk products anyway, I have their "high-end" indoor FM antenna and it's just a little better than nothing... ! Without spending a fortune and attempting to be inconspicuous about it, what would you guys recommend for an outdoor antenna.

Jamie

[Gregg Lengling]

Most Digital's are on UHF so you can go with a Channel Master Dual Bow Tie.  They are very high gain and aren't as large as the huge VHF/UHF combination Yagis.

[jsmith]

That's a good suggestion, inexpensive and inconspicuous, thank you! One more quick question, while I was on Channel Master's site I went to antennaweb.org... it didn't show any digital channels in my area, should I be concerned. The Channel Master 4228 says it has a range of 60 miles... ?

[Gregg Lengling]

I wouldn't worry about the range that they calculate as the fringe antennas that they show with 100 mile range ect. won't give you a good picture on analog much less a solid picture on digital.  I wouldn't worry about antenna web as there are persons on this board that are futher away from some stations in Milw and GB and still get them using less than adequate antennas.

[jsmith]

Thanks for all your help Gregg. So in your opinion, if I purchase the CM4228 8-Bay Bowtie antenna (pretty much the best UHF model they sell, I think), I should be able to pull in most Milwaukee HD channels pretty easily... ? I'm just W. of Sheboygan, by about 2 miles.

Jamie.

[Gregg Lengling]

You'll have a little problem with WDJT-DT depending on your path and of course WITI still isn't on their big tower so write Fox off.  I have a friend in Sheboygan Falls that receives 4,10,12,18,24 and 36 so you should also be able to.

[JonC]

Jamie -

I live just south of Sheboygan Falls and have an Outdoor antenna on a rotor.  I can get all the Milwaukee (except 6, of course) and Green Bay stations just fine.

If you want to see my setup, PM me and we can arrange a time for you to see it.

[JonC]

Wow!  Has AntennaWeb been burned or something?  They have become *extremely* conservative on their predictions!

I found Jamie's statement about AntennaWeb not showing any digital stations for Sheboygan suspect, so I just went out there and typed in my information...

When I setup my HDTV setup about a 1 1/2 years ago, AntennaWeb showed that I should be able to receive every digital station from the Milwaukee and Green Bay areas that were broadcasting.  Now it only shows that I should be able to receive 3!  As I just wrote in the previous message, I can get *every* digital station in Milwaukee and Green Bay (except 6) with a large outdoor antenna on a rotor.  I can't just be that lucky... there's others up here receiving the same amount of channels.

Just keep that in mind when looking at AntennaWeb!

Jon

[Sparkman87]

Originally posted by Gregg Lengling
You are right, you did misunderstand about the locals...they are SD only.  The only network HD on Satellite right now is CBS via Directv (in CBS O&O markets which Green Bay is one), and soon FOX via Directv.

Good luck.

Dish also had CBS-HD on satellite if you are in the CBS O&O area.  Still haven't heard if ch 58 is giving waivers for people in theirGrade A or Grade B signal area.

[jsmith]

JonC,

Just an FYI... I found this place in Oostburg - Custom Communication Solutions, LLC, they specialize in HD Digital TV via antenna. I spoke to a guy named Brad, really nice guy... knows all about receiving HD in the Sheboygan area. If anyone else in the Sheboygan area is interested, his number is (920) 564-6030.

Jamie.