Shakespeare TV antennas

[dinocarmine]

Does any one know if the omnidirectional amplified Shakespeare TV antennas kike the 2020 or the 2030 will work with digital broadcast and Hi Def TV? Dino

[GordMay]

As far as I know, all UHF antennas are capable of receiving both Analog (NTSC) and Digital (ATSC) TV signals. HDTV signals are transmitted in the same UHF/VHF frequency range as analog.

Omni-Directional antennas are generally fairly low gain*, but if you are in a city and surrounded by unobstructed stations, they might be adequate.
Omni’ antennas can generally be used at small to medium distances from the broadcaster, provided that there are no big reflective "ghost" producing structures near your location. In more remote areas directional tv antennas should be used.

* Gain is a measure (in dB or dBi) of how much signal the antenna will collect.

You should be able to get specific advice from the manufacturer:
SHAKESPEARE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS GROUP
Telephone: 803-227-1590
Fax: 803-419-3099
Email: Techsupport@shakespeare-ce.com <Techsupport@shakespeare-ce.com>

[scotte]

Originally Posted by GordMay

As far as I know, all UHF antennas are capable of receiving both Analog (NTSC) and Digital (ATSC) TV signals. HDTV signals are transmitted in the same UHF/VHF frequency range as analog.

This is correct, though ATSC isn't quite as forgiving as an analog signal. As long as the signal is strong enough, digital TV is great, but when the signal gets marginal, instead of getting a snowy and noisy picture you just get nothing.

[Ativa]

Been there done that. I installed the high end Shake on my mast below the Radar. The box advertised that it picked up all types of channels. I was not pleased.

I have one of those cards for my computer that picks up signals like crazy. I also installed the Shakespeare TV antennas. My signal is 100% better using the little 3 inch antenna that came with the card. Perhaps it is different if I ran it through a regular TV.
I was able to pick up 20+ channels in Tampa area, however the further south I went the fewer channels until I went to Mexico where I was able to pick up several channels.... Still no weather though

[leehaefele]

The Shakespeare antenna is really all that is available. It works well, sometimes has trouble with very strong stations overloading the amplifier, causing "image" stations. Had another on my last boat for 4 cruising seasons, so it is reliable. Digital antenna is basically the same as an analog antenna. I highly recommend you get a digital TV for improved harbor reception and larger variety of stations. Each PBS station is usually 4 program feeds, other networks are usually 2.

[jdoe71]

Originally Posted by leehaefele

The Shakespeare antenna is really all that is available.

We have a Glomex 9125 10" masthead antenna. Very small and light and works well. Has a 12V adjustable signal booster included that draws about 1/10 of an amp so very economical of battery and you can turn it down for strong signals. Glomex website might tell you more.

[rebel heart]

I've got one of the Shakespeare ones on a radar post on the stern. It works really well here in San Diego. I get all the radio stations I want, a bunch of TV stations, and several of them in digital. That's what I was most suprised about to be honest: the digital stations come in crystal clear.