Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
1. I don't think this is something with a cut-n-dry answer
Thu Oct 3, 2013, 12:22 PM
Oct 2013

I'm basing this on the basics of RF, instead of specifically digital antenna knowledge. So it may be off.

Putting the Antenna inside the attic is going to reduce the signal strength - the RF has to pass through the roof/walls. Whether or not that is a problem is going to depend on how strong the signal is outside your house. If it starts strong enough, the rooftop model should work fine in the attic. If you're at the edge of reception, the rooftop model may not be able to get a strong enough signal.

As a result, there isn't a cut-n-dry, "this always works" answer.

But there's also a significant difference between those antennas. The rooftop model is directional. You have to point at the transmitters. That works nicely if the transmitters are all the same direction from your house. If they're not, that's going to cause a problem.

Let's say you live in Colorado Springs. The transmitters are located like this:
http://www.antennapoint.com/antennas/show?id=80921
If you want the channels from Denver, the directional antenna will work fine. But if you point it at Denver and want that Colorado Springs station to the South too, you're SOL with the directional antenna.

The Attic/rooftop model isn't directional, so it should pick up that station to the South, as well as the stations to the North.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»DIY & Home Improvement»Advice on HDTV Antennas?»Reply #1