"HDTV" UHF/VHF Antenna setup

[erj_pilot]

Greetings all...just need some advice from the resident TV antenna experts:

I literally cut the cable to Xfinity last December and have enjoyed watching Netflix and Amazon Prime programming. To receive my local OTA network stations, I'm considering one of these for installation IN THE ATTIC...

http://amzn.com/B000SAKJ4Y
or
Amazon.com: Winegard HD7084 Winegard Platinum HD Series HD7084 High Definition VHF/UHF Antenna: Electronics

Couple of questions for our resident installation gurus:
1. Do I need a pre-amplifier with either of these antennas if the antenna "farm" is only 31 miles away and the path is relatively a straight shot?
2. Since this will be installed in the attic, do I need to ground the antenna and coax to the grounding block of the house?

Thanks!!

 

[3dots]

You really don't need any of that stuff. I switched to DeepDishSouth.net and they sent me this. It just stands in the corner but it's a little awkward when we have company .

 

[JcMack]

Use this site to get some info about distance and antenna suggestions. I'd try a omnidirectional flat like
'Mohu leaf' antenna and stick it in a second floor window. I'm about 25 miles as the crow flys from the Chicago broadcasters and get about 60 channels. The antenna needs occasional adjs. so I'd avoid the attic.

AntennaWeb - Home

 

[rwsmith]

I would liked to have sprung for the in-the-attack antennae but I could only afford one of those cheapie 1' X 14" 'plates'. It works sometimes good but often lousy sometimes pixilated and sometimes the sound just drops out for about 30 seconds. It's aggravating but like I said, it's cheap. I checked the location of the transmitter and besides being out on the fringe, I think there are some interferences with airplanes and bridges.

 

[shaggist]

The 2 antennas you linked should not need additional amplification, as they are designed for a greater reception range than you indicated. If all the signals that you plan to receive come from the same point on the compass, you won't need to rotate the antenna to each source for best reception. If not, then a method to align the antenna with each signal source will be needed. Check with a local TV repair guy and see what he says.

 

[johngalt]

You don't need a special HD antenna, the one from your old analog TV should work fine.

 

[RobzGuns]

Winegard makes good stuff. I had their HD antenna and Amp in my RV, but rarely needed to use the amp, unless we were out in the sticks.

If you call Winegard CS and give them your distances, they can answer all the questions you posed here.