Hi,
CBS and ABC change frequencies.  I now get them after MS updated their stuff.
However, ABC is coming is so poor that it gets over digitalized and then comes and goes completely.
After researching, it appears they lowered their broadcasting power on frequency 7, as it's used in Milwaukee too.

Before this, I got all the channels perfectly but CBS, which now I get great (as they increased the broadcast power).

I need advise, I really, I just pointed the antenna and never had a problem.

I am about 25 miles north of downtown with a pretty good size attic antenna, I am in ABC's range (Mapping of USA - Cool Site)

1.  If I just amplify it to the TV, it will just amplify crap - right?
2.  What are my choices?

What exactly is a Pre-amp (yes I looked it up but it's killing me with the choice of words). How can you amp somethign before the antenna gets it, or it is a pre amp to the TV it self?

Any help would be great - as ABC is about 60% of our TV in fall.

1.  If I just amplify it to the TV, it will just amplify crap - right?

You are right. An amp is only helpful to overcome splitter and cable length losses. It cannot compensate for weak signal strength.

2.  What are my choices?

Increase the size of your antenna, reposition it, raise it, change its direction, remove obstacles from its view of the offending station, or a combination of these suggestions.

Have you looked at http://www.antennaweb.org to see what "color" antenna they recommend for your location?

When a station moves to the 7-13 range, they change to VHF, and you may need to add an element to your antenna that will be more compatible with VHF. A UHF antenna will see some VHF, but not as strong as an actual VHF antenna would.

I'm about 45 miles out using a Winegard Sensar rooftop plus pre-amp and get both ABC 7 and WBBM 2.  Like the previous poster, having the antenna higher, outside and bigger is the best option.

You should come over to http://www.avsforum.com/ and check out the Chicago OTA forum.  There are tons of traffic/messages on what antenna people are using, where they are located in Chicagoland, what channels they are now receiving post transition, etc.

I have just bookmarked the Chicago OTA forum.

I just got of the phone with WineGuard, the there is a known issues with ABC and the new Feq. #.  It appears lot of people are having some issues, and many not.

But I think I will still take the advice of the person above, and have a someone come out - and tell me what I need to do. WineGuard recommended a guy in Chicago area (20+ years) and has all the expensive equipment (spectrum analyzer and stuff).  I do not have time to just try different antennas.

However on that, I have the right size now, and CBS (also VHF and from the building) is now perfect.  So I am hoping it's ABC and will be fixed soon.