Antenna for HDTV

[tbil99]

If the transmission tower for an HDTV signal is the same tower used for another UHF signal, can you test the antenna by tuning into the UHF channel or are there other issues like signal strength and broadcast power levels?
In this case, the tower is about 5 miles away and I'm more concerned with the fact that I am in an condo, facing the other direction (ie. sight line issues).

[HomeyFour]

I live in an apartment facing the wrong direction, broadcast from 15 miles away. No problems whatsoever when using a Terk T5 antenna.

[tbil99]

Originally Posted by HomeyFour

I live in an apartment facing the wrong direction, broadcast from 15 miles away. No problems whatsoever when using a Terk T5 antenna.

Some signals have very low broadcast power.

[Harold]

You can judge the signal somewhat, by looking at the analog (NTSC) signal with a regular TV and use it to orient the antenna for the best picture. Of course, most DTV applications have some sort of signal strength measurement. BTV's is a little awkward to use for this purpose.

I guess it's what's between your antenna and the line of sight to the transmitter that might be the issue. How thick the wall is, what the materials are etc. Since you are very close, you may be ok.

AVSForum has extensive advice for OTA DTV for every major market in the US. I learned a lot from that site. Very helpful, at least for the Houston OTA thread.