OTA HD Antenna in Attic with Solar Board Decking

[WooHorn]

Ok, I had planned on putting up some Radio Shack UHF/VHF antenna in my attic in order to get som HD reception until I go to complete HD system.

Of course the technical "antenna" and HD forums completely dish attic installations and go further to say that if you have solar insulation or board on the attic roof, you will get 0% reception.

I am within 20 miles of transmitters, have a high attic, and I can keep the antenna away from wires/other metal, but I have metallic solar board type planking on the ceiling. Is there ANY hope, or do I have to go outside?

 

[brntorng]

What makes you think you have to go to your attic to get reception? Have you tried to get HD OTA with a simple <$5 bowtie UHF antenna (DTV is UHF only; no need for VHF) near your set? That's often all you need. If that doesn't work you can experiment with an antenna in the attic (start with the cheap bowtie) before trying a higher gain antenna and eventually committing to a permanent installation if any of the antennas do the job. RF reception isn't easily predictable, so I wouldn't rule out the attic without trying it, if it's necessary at all. If near the set or in the attic don't work, try an upstairs closet if you have a 2 story house to get higher while avoiding the metallic roof. As you try this, remember that a higher gain passive antenna is generally better than an amplified antenna.

 

[WooHorn]

I want to split it along with my DTV signal and the attic is right above the wall box where all of my DSL/DTV controls are, so the attic be great if it works.

I just wanted to know if anyone thought there was any hope.

Thanks!

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

I just did a relocation on an antenna for HF poster GardnerBarnes; he had his in his attic & had to go with the antenna for HD on KXAN / ch. 36 due to the contractural argument between KXAN's parent & his satt. provider.

We did a relo on the antenna because he was too close to a cell tower... I haven't heard about any issues with the relo, i.e. the signal is now good. His roof decking DOES have SolarBond / ReflecTech type OSB on it.

In his case, we mounted the antenna to the chimney (his is brick 'n mortar).

 

[OrangeHair]

I had amplified rabbit ears up in my attic (with tech shield) and had very few problems. I'm probably 20 miles from the antennas as well. Didn't get PBS but I imagine it's the furthest signal.

 

[Horn_Spanker]

I get all the Austin HD channels with about a 16x12 piece of rabbit wire and two coat hangers push pinned to my wall. It looks lovely!

 

[William Cannon]

SW Austin here... I get all the locals in HD with an amplyfied antena. I got the Terk that costs about 50 bones or so.