Doing a search of the forum didn't help much. Does anyone have any practical experience with SD STB's in this regard?

Practical experience - yup!

There are no magic boxes out there that fix crappy reception. I've tried Strong, Nextwave, Thomson, Teac and Homecast. The Teac D500 is the best as it doesn't squeel. The Homecast was the worst - virtually unwatchable.

pietro,
Have you tried the translators on Arthurs Seat

Safety Beach ABV SBS ATV GTV HSV Not Assigned
Analog 61 58 55 52 49
Digital (2)60 (3)57 (1)54 (9)51 (7)63 66,67
You need a Band 5 antenna mounted horizontally.
Suggestions
Fracarro 20RD5 11-14 dB
Hills TMX18 B5 11-16.5 dB
Wisi EB66 Ch 38-69 ≤16.5 dB (29º acceptance)
See the antenna strand and the Melbourne strand for further details.

AlanH

Thanks AlanH but I'm in NE Vic.

Delbz, as you see I have the Teac D500. My antenna man is coming this week with an Ikusi STB...he reckons it's the best fror weak areas. I'll post the results.

pietro,
You should post in the geographic area, because the antenna system will have much more effect that a few extra dB of receiver gain. Since you have not said where you are antenna recommendations etc cannot be made.

AlanH

I'm in Beechworth NE Vic picking up signals from Shepparton/Mt Major

pietro,
Go to Regional Victoria geographic strand for this reply.

AlanH