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Denny's TV Antenna Source  

Do it right... do it once... and be done with it!

Detailed information for the do - it - yourself television antenna installer.

 

Determine which antenna is right for you.
Get top HD antenna performance!
Use the FCC signal analyzer.

Antenna Attic Installation
Things to know before you start. 

HD Stacker TV Antenna
VHF/UHF/FM

A true long range TV antenna.

Reduced wind load with increased stability 

Optimized for digital signals

Made in the USA       

100% satisfaction guarantee

 

Topics below on this page

Money back guarantee.
Denny, tell me about your EZ HD antenna
What is a digital TV antenna?
HDTV antenna Fact or Fiction?
Cable TV public enemy #1
Pre-amplifier basics & troubleshooting.
Where did you get your antenna experience?
Everything to install a TV antenna system.
Multi-directional TV antenna system.
TV antenna direction/aiming.
TV antenna rotor installation.
TV antenna outdoor Vs. attic mount.

Current ASK DENNY Topics

Topics on page 2 

Digital antenna/professional installer.
HDTV antenna for my attic.
TV antenna local reception.
HD 7080 or MS 2000 antenna.
Winegard MS 2000.
MS 2000 mounted on chimney.
Shopping for an HDTV antenna
A simple antenna-presto TV.
TV antenna selection for HDTV.
Antenna output.

Topics on page 3

Best TV antenna for HDTV reception in Chicago
Installing a tripod antenna mount.
Do it yourself TV antenna.
Indoor TV antenna.
Winegard MS2000 installation height.
Outdoor TV antenna to mount on tower.
HDTV antenna selection.
Damaged TV antenna.
Missing weather boot

Topics on page 4

The Winegard MS 2000, HDTV,
and Directv "Also known as Marvin's page"

Topics on page 5

Indoor TV antennas are hit and miss.
Multiple TV antennas, one down lead.
Tripod antenna mount on my roof.

Topics on page 6

TV antenna for the attic.
I'm really interested in the MS 2000 omnidrectional antenna
Dropping satellite, going to a TV antenna.
I can't have an outdoor TV antenna.
Long range TV antenna, I want to reach out and grab other cities

Thank you for helping make Denny's TV Antenna Source the best TV antenna website on the internet.  Have a question pertaining to TV antenna installationHave a suggestion to help us serve you better?  Have a TV antenna success story you would like to share? We are waiting to hear from you.    Privacy Policy:                                                                                   Antenna Installation Service for Michigan.

Money Back Guarantee

Denny, I can't find a website or a local dealer that offers a money back guarantee (without strings attached) on their antennas. What if I can't get good reception am I stuck with an TV antenna that doesn't work? I think you should offer some kind of money back guarantee.

I think you're right. TV antennas come with a 90 day manufacturers defect warranty but that doesn't help you if the antenna is not defective. The reason dealers hesitate to offer a "no strings attached" money back guarantees is many times the problem with the reception is not the TV antenna it's improper installation. Hopefully people will contact me for help before returning the antenna. 

OUR GUARANTEE: If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, for any reason, return it with-in 90 days of the purchase date, to Denny's Antenna Sales 3758 W. Washington Rd. Ithaca, Mi. 48847 for a full refund of your purchase price. (See full details at the link above).

Thank you for your suggestion, we'll see how it goes.
Denny
Denny's Antenna Outdoor TV Antennas and Accessories

Denny, tell me about your EZ HD TV antenna.

The whole idea of the EZ HD TV antenna design was to produce a small less obtrusive antenna that can be mast mounted, wall mounted and is small enough to easily fit into most attic spaces and still provide excellent signal gain. Inch for inch I don't think there's a better performing VHF/UHF antenna on the market. As you probably know most smaller antennas fail to provide good even signal gain. The EZ HD does and it's an excellent choice for strong to moderate signal strength areas. In weak signal areas a larger antenna such as the HD Stacker may be needed.

What is a digital TV antenna?

Denny, All over the internet I see antennas that claim to be digital tv antennas. Is there really any difference? James

 Hi James,

The answer is no. The term digital TV antenna is misused in an attempt to exploit the consumer. Thousands of TV antennas over the past couple of years have been sold to unknowing consumers who were unaware that they didn't need a "digital TV antenna" or "HDTV antenna" to get the digital signals.

However, TV antennas can be designed to enhance digital TV reception performance. As you may know I designed two antennas specifically for digital TV reception. The EZ HD TV antenna and the HD Stacker TV antenna. The whole idea of the design of these antennas is to offer top performance in a smaller package.

Not all TV channel numbers are what they appear to be. The old analog signal frequencies were broadcast on channels 2 - 69. The digital signals we use today stop at channel 51. We no longer use the channel frequencies above channel 51 to broadcast digital signals. Also, very few channels (less then 2%) in the USA use the channels 2 - 6 frequencies. The wider the frequency range a TV antenna must cover the larger it has to be. TV antennas designed to receive analog TV signals had to cover channels 2 - 69. TV antennas can be designed and tuned to receive the specific frequencies used for digital signal broadcast. This allows the antenna to be smaller and yet offer the same performance or better performance as the larger antennas designed for analog reception.

To make matters worse some manufacturers designed antennas for UHF only (channels 14 - 69). These antennas worked fine for pre-transition digital reception because most channels were UHF. However, on June 12, 09 many stations in the USA reverted back to high band VHF (channels 7 - 13) causing major problems for those who purchased these antennas. These antennas are still out there today so be aware that any antenna smaller then the EZ HD will likely not offer good performance on channels 7 -13. You may want to visit antennas and digital TV.

Best Regards,
Denny

Hi Denny, I live at ______________ Drive, Chino Hills, California, 91709 .   With my current TV antenna, I cannot get channel 2, 4 or 5.   Can I use the EZ-HD TV Antenna VHF/UHF/DTV? .

Thanks Chet ______________

Hi Chet,
 
The TV channel numbers 2, 4, and 5 now (post digital transition) are merely symbols reflecting their past analog channel number. This is true for most channels across the Country. Channel 2 WCBS in your area is actually broadcasting their digital signal on channel 43 UHF. Channel 4 KNBC is on 36 while channel 5 KTLA is on 31. However, there are 3 high band VHF channels broadcasting from Los Angeles. Channel 7 is on 7. Channel 9 on 9 and 11 is on 11.
 
I think the EZ HD TV antenna is a very good choice for your location. We have a dedicated EZ HD antenna page on our website just for Los Angeles TV antenna reception. We send a lot of EZ HD's to the LA area with very good success.
 
If you intend to supply multiple TV's using a signal splitter. A distribution amplifier such as the HDA 100 or the HDA 200 may be needed. To supply a 2-4 way signal splitter use the HDA 100. To supply a 6-8 way splitter use the HDA 200. I don't believe you would need any signal amplification if there's no signal splitter and the cable run from the antenna to the TV is 75 feet or less. Also see De-mystifying Digital Channel Numbers and Real vs.Virtual channels.

If we can assist you further, please don't hesitate to contact us.
 
Best Regards,
Denny Duplessis

HDTV Antenna Fact or Fiction?

Denny,

As I read your article HDTV antenna fact or fiction? I'll admit I had a hard time believing you knew what you were talking about. I have been to numerous TV antenna sites that claimed to have specially designed antennas for HDTV. Some even claimed if you didn't have an HDTV TV antenna or digital TV antenna you wouldn't be able to get your local HDTV channels. I emailed the article to our local TV station here in New Jersey and to my surprise the station engineer emailed be back saying that you were correct in your facts. I apologize for doubting you.
Great site! Roger

Well Roger, I can understand why you would doubt the information found in HDTV Antenna Fact or Fiction?. It seems everywhere you surf on the internet pertaining to the sale of TV antennas (with some exceptions) you find HDTV antennas or digital TV antennas. I wrote the article in an attempt to combat this misconception.
Your apology is accepted, but not needed. Thanks for letting me know. Be sure to let me know how your antenna works out.
Denny

What's the Best TV Antenna?

Denny, I've heard it all! Everybody's got the best antenna. Are your antennas as good as you claim? I want good reception and I don't mind paying for it once. I want to drop my satellite service and I want to make sure I get good reception. My stations are 65 air miles to my south from the Twin Cities.
The address is_________________ Hinkley, MN 55037.

Thanks for your time and the informative web page.

Robby

Hi Robby,

Best antenna can mean a lot of things. I think consumer's consider antenna performance first, followed by the quality and construction of the antenna, price, ease of installation, how the antenna looks and where the antenna is manufactured. When you refer to my antennas I assume you are referring to the EZ HD and the HD Stacker. I suggest you visit Best TV Antenna. Here you will find among other things actual head to head test results comparing my antennas to other popular brand antennas. Then if you want from the best antenna page there are links to both antennas so you can check them out. Both are made in the USA.

If you have any further questions please feel free to reply.

Best Regards,
Denny Duplessis.

Preamplifier Basics & Troubleshooting

Denny,

Thank you for all your help with my amplifier problems. The TV antenna amplifier I got from you was my third one and it works great. Now I know there probably wasn't anything wrong with the first two, it was how I had them installed. You should let everyone know what you taught me on the phone.

Thanks Again, Robert

Robert,

Excellent Idea, since 60% of reception problems are related to pre-amplifiers I think I will. In addition visistor's to this page may want to visit Preamplifier Basics. There are two parts to a mast mounted TV antenna pre-amplifier. The antenna amplifier portion is mounted on the mast close to the TV antenna. The power supply (included) is located indoors. The coax down lead runs in and out of both parts. The outdoor amplifier is located near the TV antenna because that is where the signal can be amplified before signal line loss occurs. The function of the power supply is to supply electricity to the amplifier, it does this by sending it up the coax cable, the same cable that sends the TV signal down to your TV.

This is where most problems occur. To transfer electricity through coax cable you need two conductors (wires). With coax cable the conductors are the center copper wire and the silver wire braid and shield located just under the rubber coating on the cable. The wire between the two parts can not have any interruptions in the power flow. If it does the preamplifier will not work. An antenna amplifier that isn't working provides worse reception than if you had no amplifier at all. Damaged wire/connections, signal splitters and screw on (non crimping) type cable connectors are the number one causes of amplifier failure.

To test your amplifier tune your TV to a channel that has a picture, unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet, the picture quality on your TV should worsen, if it doesn't chances are your amplifier isn't working. Next check your wire for damage (some wire damage occurs inside the wire and cannot be detected by examination). Remove any signal splitters located between the indoor power supply and the TV antenna mast preamplifieramplifier. Next check your connections to be sure the connectors are making contact with the cable braid. If you are using screw on (non crimping) cable connectors be sure ample braid is folded back over the outside of the coax and connection to the braid is being made as you screw the connector on. Using a voltage meter you can test the wire at the amplifier to determine if the electricity from the power supply is present.

Most power supplies have the output power indicated somewhere on the unit.
I hope this is helps anyone struggling with their TV antenna pre-amplifier. Also see: Preamplifier Basics and Troubleshooting

Denny

TV Antenna Experience

Denny, How did you get your experience ?

I started when I was about twelve years old installing my first tv antenna on my parents house in a little town called Fruitport on the west side of Michigan. With my first success behind me neighbors began asking me to install their TV antennas. In 1988 we moved to our current location here in Ithaca Mi. I began installing antennas again to earn a little extra money. I read several books on the subject and asked a lot of question. Most of my training has been on the job. I have personally serviced over 12,000 customers in the past eighteen years. Many people are surprised to find out I still go out and install TV antennas. I enjoy it very much, however at fifty two years old, going on big two story farm house roofs and climbing fifty foot towers takes a little more effort. The ladder is getting a little heavier and the houses a little higher. I really enjoy it, I'll keep going as long as I can.

Update: I have since retired from the installation service. My son Tony now (who started with me when he was five years old) does most of the installation work.

Thanks, Denny  

List everything to install a TV antenna system

Hi Denny,

Great speaking with you earlier. I'm interested in a complete list of everything I need (prices too, please). I will begin the search for someone to install it.

Warm regards,
Jay

Greetings Jay,

It was a pleasure speaking with you also. Items you will need to properly install a Television antenna.

TV antenna.
I recommended to you the HD Stacker TV antenna as the best TV antenna.

TV antenna mount.
We discussed either an eave mount or a 5 foot tripod mount. Both mounts come with lag screws.

Mast Pipe
One 5 foot mast pipe If a rotor is to be installed this pipe will be cut into two pieces. One piece will extend from the tripod to the rotor. The other piece will extend from the rotor to the TV antenna.

Coax cable (antenna down lead wire) The coax cable must run from the antenna to the TV. Multiple set hook up requires a signal splitter and cable to
run to each TV from the splitter.

Cable fasteners are used to secure the cable to the house.

TV antenna rotator (rotor) (optional) The Channel Master 9521 is our best TV antenna rotor. It comes with the outdoor motor and indoor control unit. 

Rotor wire. The wire runs from the rotor motor near the antenna to the location of the indoor control unit.

Antenna preamplifier/booster  The pre-amplifier is designed to be located near the antenna. It's purpose is to overcome the signal loss that occurs when the signal travels from the antenna to the TV or TV's. Preamplifier's are highly recommended for use with long cable runs and or multiple set applications.

Ground Accessories.

I hope this is useful. All of detais and pricing are listed at the links provided above. Most all information needed to properly install a TV antenna is available on our web site at Everything needed to install a TV antenna.

If you would like to discuss your particular installation in detail give me a call 1-989-875-4902.
Best Regards,

Denny

Multi directional Outdoor TV antenna system

I have tv stations in different directions and I have 3 tv's in my house. I would like to stay away from a tv antenna rotor. I used to see tv antennas with 2 or 3 antennas pointing in different directions so you could get all the channels without turning the antenna. Also it allows all the tv's to work on all the channels. Doesn't anyone do that anymore ?

Greetings,

Not as much as they did in the past. There are two reasons, 1.In many cases the Winegard MS 2000 omnidirectional TV antenna has replaced the need for that type of antenna system. 2. There are very few people around who have the experience and knowledge to design a multi directional TV antenna system. I have designed and installed them for apartment building and private residences and still do today. We do offer the bi-directional EZ HD TV antenna system that allows for TV reception from two directions. If you or anyone else would like to discuss the design of a system for any particular location contact me anytime, or call 1-989-875-4902  M-F 8:00am to 5pm E.S.T.

TV Antenna Direction

Which end of the television antenna is the receiving end ? Thanks, Barry

Hi Barry, On a VHF/UHF TV antenna it's the narrow end that points toward the station. On the bow and screen Channel Master UHF antennas the side with the bows (some call them cat whiskers) points toward the station. You may want to visit How to aim your TV antenna. 

Denny

TV Antenna Rotator (Rotor) Installation

DENNY
WHAT SIZE PIPE SHOULD I USE ON THE ROTATOR TO THE ANTENNA AND HOW HIGH SHOULD I GO WITH THE PIPE FROM THE ROTATOR TO THE TV ANTENNA
THANKS
FARREL

Farrel,

The pipe diameter can be 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" OD. The length of the pipe from the rotor to the TV antenna should be kept as short as possible.  The total length of the pipe will be determined by the 6" or so that goes in the throat of the rotor and whether your antenna is double boom. Total length is somewhere between 2 to 5 feet. The reason I suggest keeping this portion of the pipe as short as possible is to reduce the stress on the rotor. The longer this portion of the pipe is the more stress it will put on the rotor when the wind blows. If you need to increase the elevation of your TV antenna do this with the pipe below the rotor. This will not add stress to the rotating bearings. Also on our site you can find installation help for rotors.

Regards,
Denny 

TV Antenna Selection  Outdoor Vs. Indoor Attic Mount?

Help!!!!

I need an outdoor television antenna, but do not know which to choose. I live in Justin, TX. and am about 30-40 miles from the tv towers, also I live in a 2 story house and it is extremely windy here. I need a sturdy tv antenna and was wondering if I could install it in my attic. My brother said if it is in the attic I would lose 50% of the reception right off the bat. The majority of the hd broadcasts are on the uhf band but one of them, abc is on vhf.  I would also like one that will receive fm signals. Sorry to be so long winded. any help is appreciated.
thanks again.
John

Greetings John,

Your brother is partially right. You will lose some reception installing the TV antenna in the attic. How much depends on roofing and side wall materials. If your side walls or roof have metal material such as aluminum siding, foil faced insulation etc. your loss could be 50% or a lot more. If your dealing with wood, vinyl siding etc; the loss should be from 20% to as much as 40.

If you choose to mount the TV antenna outside I recommend the HD Stacker antenna. It's very durable and would stand up to your windy conditions very well. It has plenty of gain to receive channels 30 to 40 miles away and much more.

Depending on how long your cable run or runs are or if you use a splitter to go to more than one TV you may want to add a antenna preamplifier, especially if you choose to mount in the attic. I suggest a visit tp Antenna attic installation for more information.

Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions and thank you for visiting

Best Regards,
Denny

    Ask Denny Page 2                                       ↑ Back to Top of Page. ↑

The topics on Page 2 are:

Digital antenna/professional installer  
HDTV antenna for my attic.
TV antenna local reception.
HD 7080 or MS 2000 antenna.
Winegard MS 2000.
MS 2000 mounted on chimney.
Shopping for an HDTV antenna
A simple antenna-presto TV.
TV antenna selection for HDTV.
Antenna output.
Digital TV antenna signal in and out.
TV antenna installation needed.
TV antenna installer needed.

Denny's TV Antenna Source
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