HDTV transmitter/antenna information

I don't know the Kalamzoo area (except that Gibson made guitars there in the 60's, and now Heritage uses the facilities), but you need a good line-of-sight from your antenna to the HD transmiter antenna. Depending on antenna height and transmitter power, 30-40 miles is about the best you'll be able to do on distance. The HD transmitter is not always co-located with the main station transmitter.

Your local HD TV stations probably have web sites. Check these out and look for high def info. You can also call the engineer at each station descibing your location and asking for recommendations, or send him/her an email.

Google Weingard & Channel Master. They have plenty of good outdoor antennas.

You might try avsforum.com Lot's of experience there. I've been using a Channel Master in my attic for the last few years to pick up the stations in Boston. This has worked pretty well for me except the Fox affiliate which, I believe, happens to be to closest tower to me at about 35 miles. It's either multipath or atmospheric. These over-the-air HD broadcasts are by far the best HD pictures, especially live events, with the exception of HD-Net.

OTA is kind of tricky and sometimes takes abit of luck. I would suggest trying a cheap UHF antenna first to see if you can even get a signal. My experience with Terk antenna's has been terrible. They just never worked for me. YMMV

Have you considered getting your local HD broadcasts via Direct TV? Does away with the need for a seperate antenna.

thanks so far everyone.

I may just end up putting an antenna and rotor up on the roof and trying it.

Dweller I did go to the website you mention and it looks hopeful.

Dan ed my brother has the mother of all UHF antennas in his garage and maybe I will borrow it try that as well.

Agaffer I have a great big tree in the line of connection to the local sattelite and besides I am cheap.