HD antenna

[justrideit]

Someone in the paper has a UHF - VHF antenna with mast...cheap. Will this work as an effective antenna for my Sony HD tuner?

 

[Mysteryed]

I would assume so. I believe that the HD content on the Sony is on a sub-carrier of standard FM which I think is between channels 6 and 7 on the VHF TV band... check frequencies here: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.pdf It's a bit old but some still applies.

 

[Damon Hill]

The FM band is 88 to 108MHz; it starts where Channel 6 leaves off. Channel 7 starts at 170 MHz.

Not knowing the specifics of the antenna you describe, it's impossible to guess whether or not it will work effectively for you. Some TV antennas are designed to block the FM band to reduce interference and if it has a limited number of VHF elements, then gain will be low. Still, it might work well for you on the roof.

 

[bastek]

Which is better? With the VHF elements straight (parallel), or in "V" shape? I guess V is more directional?

 

[Ken Kelly]

Any VHF antenna will work.

 

[mhardy6647]

Any broadband VHF TV antenna probably offers the equivalent of a single center-fed dipole for FM. OK but not the sine qua non. Best bet is a good dedicated FM Yagi and a rotator (unless all of your favorite stations are in one place relative to your home location). They're not quite as cheap nor as easy to find as they used to be... but they're around. Stark Electronics, e.g., in Woosta Mass has 'em:
http://www.starkelectronic.com/fm.htm
(don't bother with the crossed-dipole omni, though)

There are also plenty of DIY options with great performance. You can search for "J-pole FM antenna" here or on Google to find just one flavor.

Avoid expensive boutique amplified antennas (I won't mention any names).

PS When it comes to antennae... you cannot beat altitude

 

[justrideit]

So I will pass on the $10 antenna. If I am going to make the effort to mount something on my roof...I want it to work and work well.

Thanks guys.

 

[analog]

I built a jpole and it works quite well. It was about $20 in copper pipe from Home Depot and an afternoon putting it together. I am more than satisfied with its performance.

 

[JimJ[VT]]

How demanding are you about FM reception?

Can use anything from a dipole to a multi-element Yagi on a rotator with a roof tower...just depends on what you want to be able to hear.