Digital TV DIY antenna preamp.

[dennisyuki]

I live in the country.   I built an antenna to pick up Digital OTA TV signals.   I can pick up 2 stations.  I know there are about 8 other channels in the UHF range that I could pick up but they are weak signals.   

I found a preamp project and did not know if this was the way to go.  If not is there a better one?
http://electronics-diy.com/wideband-dtv-uhf-antenna-tv-amplifier.php

As I searched octopart for the 2sc3358 transistor.  It does not look like a common part. 
So if the design is good, what would be a good subsitute tansitstor that I can get from digikey. 
I found the data sheet for the 2sc3358 but I do not know which are the important values to match to the new part and which values can I fudge on.
data sheet..http://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/pdf/5863/NEC/2SC3355.html

[NiHaoMike]

Look at single chip RF LNAs. In particular, look for low noise figure. Also get a RTLSDR so you can plot the spectrum and figure out what you really need first.

[continuo]

What you really want to do is to improve on your signal to noise ratio. adding an a rf amp will add additional noise, that will take you nowhere (unless you have to use really long antenna cables, in which case you have to mount the amp right at the antenna, not in your living room). If you have to deal with weak signals, build or buy a better antenna with higher gain and use high quality, low-loss coax... 

[dennisyuki]

Look at single chip RF LNAs. In particular, look for low noise figure. Also get a RTLSDR so you can plot the spectrum and figure out what you really need first.

Thanks,   I will check into the LNA.   Also the RTLSDR looks interesting.  Got to make time for another project.

[dennisyuki]

What you really want to do is to improve on your signal to noise ratio. adding an a rf amp will add additional noise, that will take you nowhere (unless you have to use really long antenna cables, in which case you have to mount the amp right at the antenna, not in your living room). If you have to deal with weak signals, build or buy a better antenna with higher gain and use high quality, low-loss coax... 

I relooked into antenna designs and I might try a bi loop antenna.  (called a radial antenna?)   thanks for the advise.