HDTV Outdoor (Indoor) Antenna

[hertz]

I would suggest to don't forget to use a quality coax cable. Some installations use a large amount of cable causing so much losses in signal. This is an area that everybody should look carefully and don't try to save money buying cheap coaxial cable.

[Wolfie351]

Originally Posted by wxboy

Unfortunately due to building codes, I can't use it outdoors, and we don't have an accessable attic.

Just curious, what sort of building codes prohibit an outdoor antenna? If it's an HOA issue, they can't prohibit antennas and small satellite dishes.

[enigma9o7]

Originally Posted by wxboy

Unfortunately due to building codes, I can't use it outdoors

That's illegal, they can't stop you from using an antenna outdoors.

FCC Fact Sheet on Placement of Antennas

The rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

Effective January 22, 1999, the Commission amended the rule so that it also applies to rental property where the renter has an exclusive use area, such as a balcony or patio.

[Rich A]

There ARE situations where those FCC rules do not apply. Just a couple:

Under some circumstances where a central or common antenna is available, a community association or landlord may restrict the installation of individual antennas

Also:

(as was mentioned by the previous poster) in more detail.

The rule applies to antenna users who live in a multiple dwelling unit building, such as a condominium or apartment building, if the antenna user has an exclusive use area in which to install the antenna. "Exclusive use" means an area of the property that only you, and persons you permit, may enter and use to the exclusion of other residents. For example, your condominium or apartment may include a balcony, terrace, deck or patio that only you can use, and the rule applies to these areas. The rule does not apply to common areas, such as the roof, the hallways, the walkways or the exterior walls of a condominium or apartment building. Restrictions on antennas installed in these common areas are not covered by the Commission's rule. For example, the rule would not apply to restrictions that prevent drilling through the exterior wall of a condominium or rental unit and thus restrictions may prohibit installation that requires such drilling.

Read the whole thing. There are some circumstances where this rule would not apply.

As an aside note there also is another different section regarding Amateur Radio towers and antennas. That is more in favor of the antenna owner. As a Ham Radio op myself, for almost 40 years, I've been involved in many a town meeting where residents were trying to block the installation of a ham radio tower. In all cases the ruling was eventually in favor of the ham due mostly to the FCC section on those types of installations.

I have two TV antennas mounted just below the top of my own ham radio tower. One neighbor of mine was not happy about it, but has gotten used to it after 35 some odd years. Besides, my house was built for me before his was .. and the tower was already in my back yard before he bought his house. heh heh.

I won him over by telling him that my large antenna/tower structure would be the first thing to get hit by lightning, thus protecting HIS aluminum sided house.