In my opinion no and yes.
: Let me explain...
If you're using a top of the line antenna and preamp, then I will assume you are a fair distance from your local broadcast towers and do not suffer from multipath. All my locals are deep-fringe (weak signal) and I have clear line of sight to all tower locations. I have two "highly tuned" CM-4228s w/matching CM-7775 preamps, and both antenna systems are properly grounded: mast, RG-6, and surge surpressed twice indoors. The antennas work almost perfectly at receiving locals from: DC (55+ miles), Richmond VA (51+ miles), Charlottesville VA (53+ miles) and even Baltimore MD (90+ miles) during the evening hours.
Although the signal levels may vary by device, all my receivers work equally well: Dish 811, Dish 942, VOOM, Mits w/integrated 8-VSB/QAM, Samsung w/integrated 8-VSB/QAM, Sony w/integrated 8-VSB/QAM. The only distinction I am willing to make is that the Sony appears to be a little more sensitive in dealing with borderline signals being send from a couple of the local broadcasters not operating at full-power and/or who are operating with a temporary antenna (low antenna height).
Given my location and clear line of sight, it's a properly tuned antenna in addition to the high-gain low-noise preamp that is responsible for my excellent OTA reception. In my case, 8-VSB works as advertised in just about any 3rd of 4th generation receiver. Multipath is clearly another issue. Although I not have intimate experience dealing with multipath issues, it has been clearly documented that the LG 5th generation 8-VSB chips are exceptional at dealing with these issues. As far as know, the 5th generation chip is only available in certain LG HDTVs, but are rumored to be coming out in the new DirecTV HD DVR. I don't know if they will be available in soon to be released 411 and 962...but I doubt it.
Is there anything you can do to increase your reception? Yes, you can always create vertical and horizontal antenna stacks! I tried verically stacking two CM-4228s a couple years ago. Did it work any better...marginally, but it was a huge, ugly pain in the arse experience. Again, if your problem is weak signals and not multipath your best course of action (besides a well tuned antenna) would be to add an ultra low-noise preamp. Currently, I am using the CM-7775 UHF preamp that has +26db gain and +2db noise.
However, there is company in the UK that makes an ultra low-noise preamp that has +20db gain and only +0.4db of noise. In theory, this ultra low-noise preamp will give the same results as my CM-4228 dipoles being 50% larger. Sounds great, huh! I was going to try one, but they are very expensive...and you get further hosed by the current exchange rates (weak dollar). Basically, the preamp, power supply and weather protector are around $350 USD. I would have purchase one if it weren't for:
1. My current antennas are working well. Those broadcaster currently operating at less than full power will be required to be at full power by July 2006. Plus, I hardly watch those channels.
2. A CM-7775 is only around $65 w/shipping. While I can afford an ultra low-noise preamp, I would rather use my money for something else.
3. I would hate to spend $$$ to discover it didn't significantly improve my reception...especially when I don't have any real issues.
4. If the wife finds out I spent more money on OTA antennas, it lights out for watachi.
Anyway, I have attached a price quotation, with a link to the company website, if you're interested in this product.
