Might want to check the height of your antenna's. I am in Burlington and use a similar set up. I find I get issues with the signal on ch 2 and 29 out of Buffalo, but only for brief periods (of course it is typically right in the middle of what ever show I am watching) Aiming is important too. TV fool is a web site with a ton of good information about how you should be aiming your antenna and at what height(s) you can get good signals, and what stations are located where in relation to your home. I have to get up on the roof one last time before it gets too cold out and make a few more adjustments. As for surround from your TV, does it have a digital output (optical or coaxial) that you can input into your surround receiver? If so, this should give your AV system whatever is being delivered. I have not used them. but there are DVR boxes for Off air systems, and these also typically will have a digital output for surround systems.