Antenna Needed?

What sort of antenna do we need to purchase to get a signal with the new dtv converter box in rural Alaska?

I think a good starter question for you is, were you able to receive TV signals before the switch to digital television? Have you been to TV Fool to measure the distance from your house to broadcast towers?

, angel!

First, please read this post -- How to ask for DTV Reception Help -- for tips on what we'll need to know to provide decent advice. I'd visit TVFool as suggested, but enter your GPS coordinates instead of an address, because TVFool tends to be more accurate when using coordinates in rural areas.

Keep in mind that, for most people (at least those who aren't antenna geeks!) and locations, 75-80 miles to the transmitters is a practical limit for reliable terrestrial reception. At significantly greater distances, the cost of equipment, not to mention the labor needed to install it, rapidly becomes prohibitive. IOW, there are situations where satellite service is the only practical solution, and "rural Alaska" may well be one of them.

I don't know if this is another one of those "dead end requests" for help- I hope not, because I really like to hear peoples reactions when they do get get OTA DTV signals!

I have noticed though a lot of people ask for help... and when you request more info... no response, nothing. It's gotta be frustrating.

So, C'mon back, angel, and WELCOME!

There's not many places that can't get at least SOME free tv signal... But yea, Don, Rural Alaska is probably one of them. But if they have internet, then they should be close enough to something.

I'd be willing to bet that they could get by with FTA (Free to Air) satellite if they don't want a monthly bill. Yea, they'd need a big dish from that latitude, but if it cost $$$ remember thats money they wouldn't be sending away, never to see again. Same with even an expensive OTA antenna setup. Which brings up a topic for another thread... How much money do you have into your OTA antenna system?

We have way TOO many onetimer posts !

It's easy to forget how sensitive most of this type Poster is, they don't know anything about anything, and are eminently aware of it. Therefore a lot of insecurity is present.

It's SO important for them to be made to feel welcome.
Sites like this one certainly count on and are appreciative of the "Regular" users, but to make it grow, you GOT to have new members come along and STAY !

How we approach them, and what they see posted here can make a world of difference !

KISS it up front !
If you challenge a newbie with a lot of questions, which very likely are going to overwhelm them, they're gone. So, as we all know, a lot of just the simple stuff needs to be said for each of them, and if you're really trying to hold on to more users, you GOT to say it over and over (to each one that comes along), most won't do a Site search for relevant information.
Patients is the key.

Additionally, posts which are argumentative or users which banty their opinion back and forth, are not in the best interest of anyone, specially a newbie. They see that, and it's "bye" (usually) !
The best way to deal with that is, keep your focus on the OP (Original Poster), direct your comments directly to him/her, and avoid a direct confrontational engagement with another user.

There are a lot of opinions here, just because someone else has one that's different from yours, states his, does not mean that an argument need be started. EVERYONE's entitled to an opinion.
It's not what you say, but how you say it, which should include respect and dignity for ALL.

Have a good Day !
S.W.