Antenna question....

[Friendswood]

I'm sure this has been the subject of numerous threads, please humor me. :)

I live in a very rural area on a mountaintop. I currently have a cheapy antenna which can bring in two of the locals in high def. Almost all of the local station towers are within a 50 mile radius of my house.
Could someone suggest a good long range antenna that would maybe allow me to get a few more channels?
There really is nowhere to purchase antennas in my area, so I'm sure it would have to be purchased on-line and shipped.
It's either Radio Shack or Lowes in my area...that about my only options for local buying.
Thanks in advance.

[BNUMM]

I'm sure this has been the subject of numerous threads, please humor me. :)

I live in a very rural area on a mountaintop. I currently have a cheapy antenna which can bring in two of the locals in high def. Almost all of the local station towers are within a 50 mile radius of my house.
Could someone suggest a good long range antenna that would maybe allow me to get a few more channels?
There really is nowhere to purchase antennas in my area, so I'm sure it would have to be purchased on-line and shipped.
It's either Radio Shack or Lowes in my area...that about my only options for local buying.
Thanks in advance.

I use a Winegard fringe antenna but I have seen others post that their Channel Master antenna works well.

[jclewter79]

Radio shack has a long range one for $100. Looks kinda flimsy though.

[cjever19]

You really first need to consider if your desired signals come from one location, or multiple (uni-directional or multi-directional antenna) and do you want VHF, UHF or both. You need to do your homework if you don't want to waste your money.

Read up...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=611957

and see what stations you could get, and are they VHF or UHF...

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

There are many place to buy online...

http://www.google.com/search?q=uhf+vhf+antenna

[DavidRobert]

Being on the Mountain top is good. Next, you need to determine what digital channels you want to get. They may be UHF or VHF or Both , after Feb 2009. A quality beam/long range Winegard would be worth considering. My past experience with Radio Shack long range antennas is disappointing. Plus they may not last long in a high top wind area. A rotor may also be something to consider. Lastly, what ever you put up, spray the antenna with a clear spray ( 99 cent can @ Walmart) and it will extend the life of the antenna . OH, put electrical puddy around all electrical connections to keep out the water and corrosion.