OTA in Waukesha

[kevbeck122]

I'm moving to an apartment in Waukesha next year... probably downtown near the river.  I'm not planning on getting digital cable, so unless TWC gets 18 and 24 HD (QAM), I'm going to have to watch HD OTA.  Right now in the falls I get everything OTA at 90+ except for 18 and 24 which I get at 50-75 usually, with really old rabbit ears.  I'm just wondering if the rabbit ears will be sufficient or if I'll need something else.. assuming that 18 and 24 go high power as planned next July?

[jfelbab]

I'm moving to an apartment in Waukesha next year... probably downtown near the river.  I'm not planning on getting digital cable, so unless TWC gets 18 and 24 HD (QAM), I'm going to have to watch HD OTA.  Right now in the falls I get everything OTA at 90+ except for 18 and 24 which I get at 50-75 usually, with really old rabbit ears.  I'm just wondering if the rabbit ears will be sufficient or if I'll need something else.. assuming that 18 and 24 go high power as planned next July?

I'd have my doubts if rabbit ears would be sufficient.  You will be around 20+ miles from the transmitters. Living in one of the new apartment complexes there probably would not offer the best line of sight to the towers either.  What complex are you looking at? The new one on Barstow?  That one may have some NE facing units  which might help.  I think you will need a better antenna though.

[Drummerboy]

River's Edge Apts provides a hook-up for their rooftop antenna's but I didn't have HD when I live there so no idea what could be received.  I believe I was able to pickup all the analogs plus they put the front door security camera on channels 3 I think.  I'm sure the nicer newer complexes do something similar too.  Just check the rooftops of the complexes.
Otherwise you might get away with one of the higher end indoor antenna's depending on building materials, neighboring buildings, and what hill you're on.

[kevbeck122]

Well, I'm transferring to Carroll next year so my first choice would be the college owned apartments.  I'm sure they don't have any antennas on the roof because both apartment buildings have cable.  I'm pretty much stuck with using an indoor antenna or QAM.  If I can't get in one of the college apartments, then I'll probably be looking at the cheapest I can get that is close to the college.

[Drummerboy]

I've heard that subsidized Stafford antennas work just as good as antennas bought with hard-earned cash.