Re: Is it likely a different digital converter box will provide more TV channels?

Considering that the unit will cost no more than $20 with the coupon, you
might as well get another one.

In addition to different front-end sensitivity and multipath-
rejection capability, there's an additional tweak that some converters
provide which might be worth considering: "smart antenna" support.

The CEA has created a standard for "smart" (steerable) TV antennas...
ones which can switch their directional sensitivity pattern around,
under control of the TV or converter, in order to get the best signal
on each individual channel. In theory, any converter or TV which has
compliant smart-antenna support, can control any compliant steerable
antenna.

According to http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/smart_antennas/

"Preliminary tests by the CEA R-5 Antenna Standards committee have
shown impressive results, finding that a smart antenna can be most
effective in ghosty areas and can increase DTV system performance by
as much as 12dB. In addition, both the MSTV and the NAB have
endorsed the technology, and the NTIA is allowing the interface on
converter boxes certified in its DTV coupon program."

Taking advantage of this would require buying an installing a "smart"
antenna in the attic, and perhaps buying a new converter box.

It's also important to take into account the question of whether all
of the DTV stations in the viewer's area are on UHF (in which case a
compact antenna may work) or whether some are on VHF high-band or even
on VHF low-band (in which case, a physically-larger antenna is likely
to be required for good reception).

A roof antenna will almost certainly beat out an attic-mount.

--
Dave Platt <dplatt@xxxxxxxxxxxx> AE6EO
Friends of Jade Warrior home page: http://www.radagast.org/jade-warrior
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