I'm close to the signals, but still bad luck with HD: Do I need a more powerful antenna?

Question

I have two HD tvs, and even though I live about 4-8 miles from the sources, I get really bad video, always cutting out. Currently its no big deal because I just use analog- gets a little grainy sometimes, but it doesn't bother me too much. Once they cut analog however, I know I'm going to need digital.

In analog, even without an amplified antenna I'm fine. However, for digital I bought a 15 db amplified antenna, and it barely helps if any. I bought a relatively cheap outdoor antenna (about $50) to see if that helped, and that was even worse. I'm so close to the signal, I shouldn't even need an amplified antenna, but I'm on the side of a hill with a lot of trees, so theres a lot of interference. (according to antennaweb.org, I should be good with a "yellow - green" antenna. However.. one of the best channels we get is 42 miles away where I should need "purple"?) Is it a lost cause or would it be worth buying an expensive external antenna or like a 50 db amplified antenna? or just an inside directional antenna? Will an amplified antenna help if the problem is purely interference and not distance? The switch to HD seems like a nightmare for those of us who can't get clean reception!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Your problem may be that you are getting too much signal!  

There is a phenomenon called "multipath distortion".  This is when you get strong reflections off objects (buildings, hills, etc.).  The signals can add and cancel out depending on the length of the paths.  In analog, multipath would show up as "ghosts".  Digital can't ghost, but multipath can distort the signal beyond the receiver's ability to correct for it.  This also makes sense for the distant signal, it's far enough away that any multipath would not be noticeable.

Personally, I would dump the amplified antenna.  In some cases they can actually make the situation worse.  If you are four miles away, you should be able to get by with rabbit ears.  Other strategies would be to move your antenna to the other side of the house or get more height (to look over the hill) or not aim directly at the transmitters.  Anything to get out of where all the signal paths come together.

I hope this helps.  Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.

Answer 2

  You may want to check your signal input settings (wherever that is in the menu). If your trying to receive over the air signals, make sure that you set the signal input to antenna. If you're doing cable, set it to cable. The two settings are "very specific" and not interchangeable in terms of use.