[mythtvnz] Freeview-T UHF Antenna in strong signal area

[Brett]

> 
> I live in Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland where UHF signal strength is
> supposed to be quite strong as it's close to the transmitter. Our
> house is fitted with a medium/low-gain antenna (kinda like this one,
> but maybe even
> smaller: http://www.freetv.co.nz/webapps/p/61418/52840/306850). No
> masthead amp, no diplexer fitted (so just one antenna connected).
> However, an VHF antenna above it. Line of sight very blocked by a big
> and dense tree 10m from the antenna.
> 
> 
> Now I'm not an antenna expert but I know enough about them to know
> these things can be quite critical. Simply fitting a high-gain antenna
> (a long one) with a masthead amp might just create a too strong
> signal. Well, at least with analog that was the case so I assume
> digital will have similar issues(?)  so I'm wondering what the right
> plan of attack is.
> 
 
> _______________________________________________

The general consensus is the nova 500 is a bad radio. Thankfully the
freeview set-top box has to meet a specification that is not just price.

Normal high gain antenna (long yagi) is more directional..this is not
necessarily good/better for urban canyon, trees, roofs & partial
blockage by land.

Masthead amps are a last resort..the better brands GME-Kingray have
selectable gain in diff bands.

DVB_T modulation (cofdm) is very immune to multi-path because of low
symbol rate.
So a high gain & wide angle antenna like ganged array, commonly referred
to (incorrectly) as a phased array, works very well in multi-path urban
environs..
And this style of antenna is small (diff shape) & cheap. So antenna
people don't use them.

You can get the ganged array in (at least) 12dB & 18dB gain versions.

Coax matters. Make sure the run is low loss UHF. RG-6 using waterproof
(grease filled) crimp F connectors.