Radio Shack vs. AntennasDirect?

[FlyingSaucer]

I am considering the AntennasDirect SR-15 ($40) and the RadioShack U-75R ($25). The SR-15 certainly looks better made, but I can't get the actual specs on the RadioShack to compare.

I am only 6 miles from most stations. Using an old RadioShack butterfly thingy I easily get all but 2 local HDTV stations in Boston. BUT, I am unable to get UPN so am thinking about getting one of the above antennas.

Any experience with these antennas out there?

Also, any ideas as to why one station won't come in at all (WSBK-DT [UPN]) when other stations that are at SAME range and direction (WBZ-DT [CBS]) comes in @ 80%?

 

[korsjs]

i would start cheap and work your way up. i believe radio shack lets your bring things back if you are not happy with it.

 

[FlyingSaucer]

I'm gonna do the faux pas of replying to my own post.

FWIW, the Radio Shack U-75R is a cheesy piece of sheet metal. I went to the store, looked at it and wouldn't buy it. It's poorly constructed in every way. It doesn't even have a 75-ohm connector. Simply a white tag on a nut that says "attach wire here".

I can't speak for its reception, but it couldn't last a New England winter. Yeah it's cheap, but you get what you pay for. yuck.

 

[crash331]

most antennas dont have a 75 ohm connecter. they have 2 leads for a 300 ohm connector. use a blaun kit.

 

[korsjs]

good advice. and by the way, welcome to the site. you will get lots of good info if you visit often.

 

[Kevinw]

natennadirect is a reputable company that make better antennas than RadioShack.
If you have questions this is the owner of antennasdirect
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/member.php?userid=8639

 

[bcope9]

RadioShack's antennas are made by Antennacraft. The only two antenna's that I would recommend from RadioShack is VU-120XR and the VU-190XR. They don't make a very good short range antenna. However, if your that close to the towers, put a bow tie on a pair of rabbit ears. May not be the prettiest, but it sure is the cheapest.

 

[Kevinw]

RadioShack's antennas are made by Antennacraft. The only two antenna's that I would recommend from RadioShack is VU-120XR and the VU-190XR. They don't make a very good short range antenna. However, if your that close to the towers, put a bow tie on a pair of rabbit ears. May not be the prettiest, but it sure is the cheapest.

I agree with you ,with the caveat that if you have no other option for roof mounted antennas then do indeed use the RS VU-120 or -190, I use the VU-160( discontinued) . Other option first like the ChannelMaster 4228 or some of the anrennas direct Yagis

 

[dispatcher_21]

If your only 6 miles from the tower, why not try a Zenith silver sensor? You can get one from Amazon.com for under $30.00(at least when I bought mine). I use mine and get signals from about 40 miles away no problem, though I do need to tweak it a bit to get the best signal.

 

[Kevinw]

If your only 6 miles from the tower, why not try a Zenith silver sensor? You can get one from Amazon.com for under $30.00(at least when I bought mine). I use mine and get signals from about 40 miles away no problem, though I do need to tweak it a bit to get the best signal.

WOW missed the distance , Either the Sivlver Sensor or Antennadirect indoor would be my choices.

 

[FlyingSaucer]

Why not the indoor antenna?

When I got the HD receiver, I tried an old UHF antenna indoor at the TV.
Ugly but I got 6 stations. Next I put in inside the attic, got 8. But could not pull in UPN consistently. With the external SR-15 mounted on a mast above the dish, I get 10.

Admittedly, I did this mostly as a hobby, not that I need Moesha in 1080i.

When I get a second HD receiver I will route the OTA signal to the second TV and no longer pay D* for my locals.