(Part 2) Best tv antennas according to redditors
We found 2,492 Reddit comments discussing the best tv antennas. We ranked the 352 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
![[2020 Version] GE Attic Mount TV Antenna, Long Range Indoor Directional Antenna, Supports 4K 1080P Digital HDTV VHF UHF, Mounting Pole Included, Out of Sight Compact Design, 33692](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tS5pXlubL.jpg)
Affiliate link from someone without a history of posts in /r/cordcutters.
Here's a clean link.
pretty much any old set of rabbit ears from the local junk shop will get you most of the channels you're looking for. You're really close to a lot of channels, so they will come in with a paper clip stuck in the back of the TV.
For NBC however, you're 70 miles away and listed as wht they call "2edge" which means get the best antenna you can and put it on the longest stick you can.
Consider something like this
HDTV Antenna.
https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110599/dp/B00HSMK59E
I don't see the exact one I have buy it's very similar to this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017JEF126/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479055052&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=hd+antenna+outdoor&dpPl=1&dpID=41y3jkt85zL&ref=plSrch
It's a TV antenna.
Appears that it is a Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Bowtie Antenna
Check TV Fool to see where you should point your antenna. An antenna booster (for indoor or outdoor) might also help.
I would not get a contractor for this, as you don't need to put it in your roof. I put one in my attic and I love it. Here's what I got:
The signal booster needs to be as close to the antenna as possible, so it is boosting the strongest signal. It took me an afternoon to install it all and run a cable down from my attic to basement. I already had the amp/splitter in basement, so that's why I ran everything there.
My wife didn't want to get rid of cable, but she hasn't talked about getting it back and it's been almost a year. PM me if you have any questions.
Here is the antenna that I use over in vancouver: http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00DIFIM36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393812578&sr=8-1&keywords=amazon+basic+tv+antenna
To determan what one you want look at : https://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29 and enter your address, also come over to: http://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters for more information
Here is the desktop version of your link
It's a long-range HDTV antenna like this one
use an indoor antenna.....
https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110599/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1504287820&sr=1-3&keywords=mohu+leaf+50+amplified+indoor+hdtv+antenna
Something like this would work fine.
I've been thinking about setting up an antenna for a backup or emergency, or possibly to eventually cut the cord with cable. My concerns are regarding how serious of an antenna I might need. While I am only about 17-21 miles from the stations (all UHF signals) and they are all about in the same direction, my house is in a valley with a thickly forested steep 130ft hill in the direction of the stations.
I remember back in the 90's before we had cable we had a $100 omnidirectional analog antenna that pulled in a couple of the strongest stations with some static and a couple others that were too poor to watch with the rest being almost all static. I'm thinking with a more directional quality antenna pointed well, we might be able to pick up all of the stations now.
The question is can I pull in all of the stations with an antenna like this? Is there one better that I could buy for my situation? Is there DIY design that would be better than this one? If anyone has any input I'd be grateful.
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-ClearStream4-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B001BRXW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334436790&sr=8-1
This is the Antenna I use and get over 60 channles.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BRXW74/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Attics are good ;-) I put one of these in my attic and I'm getting great reception:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EHWCDW/ref=oh_details_o08_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My attic doesn't have a floor and it's knee deep in insulation. What I did was screw together two pieces of 3/4 plywood and then lag bolted them to a couple of rafters. I bolted on a J-mount for the antenna and that was all it took. I haven't needed to go back up there at all.
If you have 4 feet of head room, you have enough room to do the install. Honest. The antenna went together with a screwdriver and a crescent wrench. You could probably assemble it in the attic, but you'd definitely want to get real familiar with all the pieces and the instructions before carting it up there.
There are chimney mounts, too, so you wouldn't need to put holes in your roof. I know plenty of people have roof antennas, but I'd be worried about winds.
Most of my stations are not as distant as yours. However, after I assembled the antenna in the living room, I connected it to the TV and was able to pick up most of the stations that TV Fool said I could receive, and that was with the antenna propped up against a chair and through the aluminum siding on my house! When I mounted it in the attic, I was able to pick up channels way the hell and gone from me.
If you have a good antenna pointing due south, you should get everything to the east and probably some of the ones on the west, too.
If you have an Android cellphone, look for compass and clinometer applications to get the antenna aligned and at the right angle.
Do you have the ability to put up an antenna? I have this one hooked up in my back yard on the pole where my old directv dish was. I reused the same coax since it was going directly to my living room and now I have 26 glorious and free HDTV channels. I supplement this with streaming netflix & Amazon Instant to my PS3 via there respective apps. Anything else that I want to see comes via bittorrent then wirelessly to my TV (DNLA compatable) from my laptop via PS3Mediaserver. I know you have xbox & not PS3 but I'm sure there are some similar solutions for your console.
TV antenna
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650F-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K
these work fantastic
OTA antenna? If you don't have one, get a decent one on amazon for like $30 (there are cheaper options too). I know it won't help you today, but it comes in handy when dtv goes out due to rain/snow or when there are contract disputes.
I just bought this antenna from Amazon. Pretty cheap, but it works really well. We live about 75 miles west of charlotte and are able to pick up the NBC and CBS broadcasts from charlotte. Don't forget to get the suggested mount for it also.
ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna - 150 Miles Range - 360° Rotation - Wireless Remote https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JEF126/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_kwe7yRfnc3UAo
Yeah. Like the old rabbit ears but for digital TVs. They pick up the digital channels that everyone switched to 5-8 years ago.
You can buy them at any store that sells electronics or online. $30 maybe?
I don't know what the range is, but it should be at least 50 miles or so.
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650F-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K
This antenna is great for the cost, with a built in amplifier. My last roommate had one for his tv and it worked extremely well indoors, through a pretty thick brick walled room. You'll probably want this one due to the amp alone, gives a much stronger signal than typical antennas.
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K/ref=lh_ni_t_
An alt to that one is the non amp version for a bit less, probably not the best for your situation though.
http://www.amazon.com/ANT1500-Superior-Flat-Antenna-White/dp/B00196757K/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1298963812&sr=1-1
I live in North Buffalo and get 39 channels with my antenna. That said, I don't have one of those little things that are the size of a sheet of paper, that you prop up next to your TV. I had one of those and it kinda sucked. I didn't get a ton of channels, and the signal was spotty. So, I ordered a big antenna, installed it in the attic, and ran cable behind the walls to the TVs. This isn't the exact one I have, but it's very similar:
http://www.amazon.com/Element-Bowtie-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B0074H3IU6/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1464744285&sr=8-37&keywords=tv+antenna+outdoor
It's great! The picture quality is outstanding on the major networks (MUCH better than Cable ever was). And I'm not a big TV watcher. So the antenna and a Netflix subscription is plenty for me. Saving $120/month or more doesn't hurt either!
Free channels in America are only what you can get over the air through an antenna. If you don't live in or near a major city, you're lucky to get only a couple of channels, and likely at least half of them will be crazy religious programming or in Spanish. I live about 57 km from a major city (400,000 people), I get ABC, NBC, PBS, the CW. I'm missing FOX and CBS. That's with an amplified antenna and on the topmost floor of my apartment building.
Also, before the digital switch, I could get weak signals of FOX and CBS, but since digital signals are an all or nothing deal, a weak digital signal means that my television won't show it at all.
Hey, I'm just here from /r/random but I do want to say that "HDTV antenna" is just a silly marketing term. All antennas are HD. A paper clip sticking out of the back of your TV will pickup HDTV. That being said, try a $5 antenna first before spending a lot on something more expensive. TVFool is also a great resource -- just plug in your address and you can see how strong the OTA signals are.
I bought Amazon's generic version of the Mohu Leaf and it is perfect. I had perfectly fine reception with a rabbit-ear style antenna but I needed to adjust it for each channel. These new flat antenna have the same reception regardless of orientation; no per-channel adjustments neccesary!
Good thing is that My65 can be pulled in with a $19 basic antenna; hell, bring one with you to the bar!
I have this one from Amazon.
If you want something that just works, try this. Costs only a little bit more than a DIY.
Windows 7 Media Center works great. With the right upgrades, it'll act as a free DVR for OTA HD channels (I can vouch for this antenna) or cable (I recommend Silicon Dust HDHomeRun tuners. Ceton's premium cable tuners are a DRM nightmare), a Blu-ray player (with the right drive), Airplay Mirroring receiver for your MacBook or an iDevice (download AirServer), a streaming device (just visit any website that streams), a torrent downloader, a DLNA receiver (your Droid will see the PC as a DLNA device while Windows Media Player is open), and you can game on your TV. You could use your Nexus 7 as a remote, or download an app called Remote Media Center to your Droid or Nexus, along with the Remote Potato server app on the PC. This will let you program your DVR from anywhere on your phone, tablet, or any PC with a web browser. You'll also be able to stream any recorded TV you have at home to any device.
If you decide on a Silicon Dust tuner, you'll also be able to stream OTA HD channels or premium cable to any device while you're at home, so your Nexus, Droid, or any Mac or PC will act as a TV.
The one issue I would look out for is the Xbox. Although it'll act as a WMC extender and allow you to stream most things fine, it seems to have trouble with live TV (mostly in HD) with WiFi, so I'd suggest running an Ethernet cable if your devices will be far from the router or your signal is poor.
Couple of things I might might suggest - First, I am not sure where you live; however, you should look into buying an antenna for OTA channels. With any luck you'll get fox, cbs, NBC and quite possibly ABC; an added benefit is that you should get your in market football games during the season on Fox. I own this antenna, and found my available channels by checking out TV Fool; just put in your address and it'll do the rest. I pick up about 35 channels over the air, some are just plain awful but there are some good ones in the batch too; for the most part the quality exceeds that of my prior DirecTV picture. NOTE: I live about 30 miles from Center City Philadelphia so that helps with the number of available channels. Also, similar to conturax I reused the existing cable in my house to get OTA to all rooms. Rather than just a single coax DTV hooked up a 6 way splitter outside; I just removed the line from their dish and ran from my own antenna, instantly all rooms in the house received the OTA channels.
For sports I have an mlb.tv subscription since Comcast has a stranglehold on Phillies broadcasts (I get about every 10th game OTA; but generally they are on the Comcast sports Network (obviously only available if you pay for their cable service)). I don't really care about basketball or Hockey (sorry Canada :) )
Another item you mention not getting ESPN on the 360; w/o a cable subscription. I don't have cable but I do have access to ESPN on the 360 -- turns out they also have deals with several internet providers. My provider (windstream) has a deal which allows me to access this service. It would be worth looking into at the very least.
For movies/tv shows we have Hulu+ and Netflix Streaming (which we access through 360/PS3). Once every couple of months I'll activate dvd's by mail from netflix rip them the day they arrive and send back the next day. Over the course of a month I can usually get 6-8 movies which is more than enough to keep us occupied for a few more months. You could also opt to use redbox if you aren't renting enough to justify the $8/mo charge.
EDIT: I just realized conturax already listed the same antenna I mentioned. For the price it cannot be beat.
EDIT 2: I also forgot to mention that even w/ an MLB.tv subscription you are still subject to blackout restrictions if you are looking at watching your in market team. For me this was a deal breaker; however, using Amazon web servers I was able to setup a squid proxy and route all my traffic through them to avoid the restriction (not for the faint of heart).
The DB4e. You don't have any Low-VHF channels so the ClearStream antenna wouldn't provide any additional benefits over a UHF antenna like the DB4e, which has a fairly wide beam.
I'm on mobile so hopefully this will be formatted correctly. Since Thanksgiving is coming up this week, you'll probably need to go to Walmart or if you have Amazon Prime, you'll need to order it today. But what you need is an antenna that gets "over-the-air" stations. CBS is one of these stations. Here's a link to a good one on Amazon. Just do a bit of research to see if CBS is an over-the-air station in your area as well as your preference for an antenna! They're awesome, though! In addition, I would recommend PlayStation Vue rather than Sling. Sling was always super slow in my experience and with Vue, you're able to record shows! Anyway, good luck! Again, what you'll need is an HDTV antenna.
https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Signal-HDB8X-NI-Bowtie-Antenna/dp/B00CXQO00K/
point it west and open it up a little so you can get a wider area of reception
you might also need a preamplifier but it would have to be a weaker one because NBC is already at almost 60 and you can't go above 85 ... and that antenna will add about 14db
​
so I would point your antenna west / northwest and not south west because that station is pretty strong
I would recommend a leaf antenna. They take up barely any space at all.
I spent a few dollars and got a mohu leaf with amp. Lived both in the second floor and top floor of a building in Woodhaven and with some placement work I'm able to get everything. Do have some choppiness here and there depending on time, season, and weather but they all come in
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_uevMDbQWYKAW2
I am in NW Lincoln and I have this one in my attic:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUXVKK0/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_xsezDbW16K8DF
Right now at this very moment, I am getting:
I can sometimes also get:
Ha, that's just my favorite Ola Belle Reed song. I'm actually in a bit of a cove, and have lots of trees and a ridge obstructing the southern view to the TV towers.
This is the antenna I bought. I pick up channels 7,13,21,33 & 50 just fine and a few other random ones sometimes.
If you can't get ABC, you probably live in the mountains, not on or near but literally inside the mountain. You may need an Antenna but they are cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/2018-Upgraded-HDTV-Antenna-Television/dp/B01FUB4ZG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536151111&sr=8-1&keywords=hd+receiver+for+tv
I had direct TV and cut the cable about a year ago. I bought this off of Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Z1KlzbZQ4TS7D it was easy to install. Put it on the poll my satellite was. Unplugged the coax to the dish and plugged it into the antenna and every room that had a DirecTV box now has OTA. I sometimes have issues with cbs but I'm told that's common.
let me help you there: https://www.amazon.com/Vansky-Amplified-Detachable-PowerSupply-Performance/dp/B01FUB4ZG8/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506718470&sr=1-3&keywords=tv+antenna
I have this one and am in Alpharetta. I get 80+ channels including all the major networks and PBS. It is mounted in the attic and then fed to all my TV's through the existing coax that was here from cable in the 80's. Works great.
You can also watch the WGN and ABC games on your TV (if you have a TV) with an antenna. I got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JC9J2NQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
It gets a bit jittery when the train goes by but the picture quality is really good.
Near portage and hayes road. Using HD antenna. Had a leaf on it and now tried an eclipse (bought for another TV in the house).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JC9J2NQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_G-pUDbCXFVNGZ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQGVCHJ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_u.pUDb17Q0V45
Edit: never had a problem before the rescan. Also the eclipse was rated top by wirecutter.
Yeah, OP should get a Mohu Leaf Antenna.
If you have a television, get an antenna! That way you can watch NBC for free! I have this one and it works great (FYI I’m in a smallish apartment with a south window that faces the tv broadcast towers a few miles away, but I think it’s supposed to have like a 30 mile range or something) https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110543/dp/B00JC9J2NQ/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=oh_aui_i_sh_in_o0_img
You’d be surprised. Lots of people who use streaming services (DirecTV Now, YouTube TV, etc.) like myself use antennas. It’s how I’m able to watch NFL games despite not paying for cable.
They look more like this than rabbit ears though: https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110543/dp/B00JC9J2NQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=BAHCY1XSV40M&keywords=antenna+tv+digital+hd&qid=1550584968&s=gateway&sprefix=ante&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
$420 - 1 year 30/5 cable Internet
$80 - Cable modem
$90 - 1 year Netflix gift certificate to myself
$100 - 1 year Hulu gift certificate to myself
$70 - Over the air antenna
$180 - Prepaid CallCentric
$46 - Cisco ATA for CallCentric
$986 for one year of high speed Internet, 1 year of Netflix, 1 year of Hulu, all the over the air HD broadcast stations, near unlimited telephone calls, and all the equipment needed to make it run. No monthly payments or bills for one year. Accessible from my smart phone, smart TV, and computer.
You could try an antenna like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-DB8-Extreme-Multi-Directional-Antenna/dp/B000EHWCDW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1376568410&sr=8-5&keywords=antenna+direct
Should be able to handle stations at 70 miles or more if you mount on your roof. Also I don't see if CBS and ABC are UHF. This antenna only works with UHF channels so anything VHF is a no-go.
EDIT: Looks like you can get get WBNS-TV and WSYX out of Columbus using that antenna if you point at 311 degrees true north according to antennapoint.com. Both are UHF so should work fine with this antenna.
http://www.antennapoint.com/antennas/show?id=45701&commit=Advanced+Search&search%5Buhf_ant%5D=1&search%5Bvhf_ant%5D=1&search%5Bmin_erp%5D=0&search%5Bmax_erp%5D=9000&search%5Bmax_distance%5D=70
nice post.
His stations are coming from all different directions and are splits between VHF and UHF. He will need multiple antennas and splitter/combiner.
the DIY Db4 antenna is a UHF antenna, and will likely struggle to consistently pull in channels from the 256-290 degree range. For that, I would reccommend a db8. Since this is a practice, and buisness expense (which is tax deductible), I wouldnt recommend building his own.
My recommendations:
0r [91xG (http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/91XG_HDTV_Antenna.html)
>It doesn't seem necessary to get some big honking antenna on my roof.
If you can't do anything else, you might consider a really small antenna on your roof with an attenuator. Your root problem is that you have signals coming in at right angles to one another. For a single antenna you might consider a 2 bay UHF type pointed southwest. Example:
If that doesn't work you might consider two, perhaps more directional, antennas pointed at each cluster of transmitters and then combined.
You need an UHF TV antenna. Don't worry about finding an "HD" antenna, as long as it is for the UHF bandwidth, it'll work fine.
Mine like this works well.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GIT002/
I'm guessing everyone owns a TV. I know I do but like most of you I don't have any tv subscription. But what I do have is this:
An antenna for my TV!
Pretty much everyone is going to pick up PBS, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox with an antenna. Depending on where you live you might get other stations.
Advantage of the antenna is most major sporting events are on a major network and you will be able to watch it live in full 1080p HDTV with your antenna. Not all cable services are actually 1080p.
Right, but antennas are tuned to specific frequencies, an antenna meant to pick up FM radio is going to be piss poor at picking up VHF and UHF frequencies that HDTV broadcasts in. Hence, an HDTV Antenna" is one that has been tuned to pick up HDTV frequencies.
I'm not defending Mohu's antenna's, the only antenna brand I know is Wineguard
RCA TVPRAMP1R
Excellent choice for the price. If you don't trust RCA then get a ChannelMaster for $50 more.
Since your patio probably faces north/west and you're 30 miles away from the transmitters, how about another solution -- hire a company that usually does DirecTV or Dish Network installs to install a ClearStream 2V on your roof for about $100-$150.
You can easily find one by googling (direcTV installer, Dallas TX) or (dish network installer, Dallas TX).
It looks like a satellite dish, and because you have a satellite installer doing it, your management company/landlord/super should give them roof access just like another other resident installing DirecTV/Dish.
Roof will give you a great reception of everything to the south. Just have them use their iPhone compass app or install an Android compass app and point the antenna to 193 degrees.
Also, buy them an RCA Preamp to install, to lock in a signal before that long run of coaxial down to your apartment.
If you're getting a usable signal at the antenna itself (with a short cable to a TV), but you lose the signal after a splitter or long cable run, you should purchase a preamplifier. This gets mounted ON the antenna, and is powered over the TV cable itself, and amplifies the signal where it is usable, to account for the long cable run and splitters.
Every time you split the signal, the signal strength plummets. A simple two-way splitter gives each output a little less than half of the incoming signal. This is OK if you've got sufficient signal strength, but it's important to do this properly.
Amplifiers are not magic. They can't take an unusable signal and make it usable. In other words, if you put an amplifier at the end of the 150 ft of cable, where the signal isn't usable, it's not going to help. The signal is already degraded. You need to amplify before this, where the signal is good.
And YES, you can have too strong of a signal, and the effects are as bad as too weak of a signal.
Start with that. If you live in Menards territory, you can find the RCA preamplifier there for around $20.
I live 11 miles outside of Nashville, and had problems picking up anything besides NBC and PBS with a set-top antenna. Upgraded to a setup like you are looking at; outdoor antenna that fit in my attic ( http://amzn.com/B0024R4B5C ) and added a preamp ( http://amzn.com/B003P92D9Y )
I pointed it towards the ABC/CBS/FOX towers and crossed my fingers. Fortunately, I was picking up all the major networks, PBS, and a bunch of independent stations. somewhere around 45 stations/substations total. Works great, couldn't be happier.
The problem you may is that the broadcast towers are on the far side of Nashville from you. You may have to go with a large outdoor pole-mounted antenna to pick up anything.
Not sure if my setup is good enough to work in Murfreesboro. You could order it from amazon, hook it up without mounting anything to test it, and if it doesn't work, return to amazon.
I use this guy and both my TVs have a ATSC tuner built in so I don't need anything to convert to digital. I get 22 or so channels and I'm fine with that but if you get 60 mind sending me your tvfool report?
Go for The Leaf.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00APPDX86/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1456988592&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=leaf+antenna&dpPl=1&dpID=311vlJK6soL&ref=plSrch
I have a Mohu Leaf indoor antenna, and I can pick up all the local channels (live in South Durham). Mohu (the company) is based in Raleigh
I'd go for the DB8e. I use it, and it's decent for casting a wider range of reception, which it looks like you might need.
I'm in Commerce, and using this antenna (not kidding) mounted in the attic to pick up ABC and GPB:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NQMCDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SMT7yb954CYNT
It's a cheap plastic piece of junk thing but it works. I primarily have it pointed toward ABC tho. The other Atlanta channels are about 5 degrees of from ABC I think, so this antenna can't get them, and I haven't gotten around to messing with it more.
I'd like to get this one or one like it to pull in from two different directions and get everything, but I haven't gotten around to testing the current setup to see if it'd be worth it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C4XVOOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8TT7yb7NXWQA2
Anyway, there's various sites where you can check to see what your chances are to pull in some channels. On mobile and can't remember if the top of my head.
ABC is the only local broadcast channel that uses VHF instead of UHF (source):
> Must be designed for VHF plus UHF (Note: ABC11 is the only VHF channel in the area)
Practically all of the OTA antennas you're going to find are going to be UHF antennas.
When I bought one of these antennas to put in my attic I also bought this VHF retrofit kit specifically for ABC11.
I actually have great advice on this! I live in Willowick, which is east of Cleveland. My fiance and I are cable cutters as well, and we have put up an antenna on top of our house. We had a very difficult time getting 19 and 8. After some analysis, we found out that 19 and 8 are pointing different ways, and are different signals (one is VHF the other UHF). Using TV Fool's TV signal locator is a good first start to determine exact pointing locations. Here is the link for that:
https://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29
We also decided to use a preamplifier to boost signal. I do not know if this will help, but I will list all components I used to to my setup. I know it might seem overkill, but I probably have around 40-50 channels, so it works.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4XVOOC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013CGNGY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
I know what I wrote was overkill, but the main takeaway is that you need to determine where 8 and 19 are located. Also, I would strongly recommend that your antenna be outside. The higher up and the clearer the pathway, the better the antenna will work.
Well, I bought one of these, put it atop a 12' mast, and it seems to be working out.
If you have a TV, but don't want to spring for cable (and, frankly, i can't say that i blame ya'.), you might consider a simple indoor antenna. Just as an example: http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B00DIFIM36
This is the one I have. Less then $20 and works like-a-boss. Picks up the local broadcast games perfectly.
Yes torrents are illegal unfortunately.
We are closer to NYC (3 miles) and we have the most basic amazon HDTV antenna: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DIFIM36/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1409327665&sr=8-3&pi=SL75
It's not really setup, it hangs upside down on the side of the TV but it is good enough to get the channels in good quality.
This is the one I use:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-33692-Attic-Mount-Antenna/dp/B00DNJZ58M
I also have it run on a 50' coax line with no problems.
One more thing the article didn't touch on. If you live close to a city you can most likely get an antenna for one month's worth of cable. That will give you access to the national channels / local programming. It's not much, but it's entirely free after you pay for the antenna.
Two very popular antennas are the MOHU Leaf and the Terk Indoor antenna
To see where the towers are in your area - you can look at antenna web - I am sure there are other sites, even better ones.
EDIT: If you don't want to spend the money on the antenna and want a little weekend project; you can make your own antenna. Google coat hanger antenna or something or try something like this
I have two of the Mohu Leaf antennas which are well reviewed. (http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Paper-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00HSMK580)
They work great except in the heavier rains. i have no problem with all the major stations except 12.1 seems to be a little tricky.
Over here we have Netflix, Amazon (used Prime for shipping long before Video was added to it,) and a $40 indoors OTA antenna with a $180 box. It already paid for itself in savings over the cable subscription.
Plex has a DVR solution for OTA in beta right now which works great, and doesn't have fees for program guides. The only missing piece is post-processing to cut out commercials.
I use this antenna and I get channels just fine.
I have the older version of this one. It works pretty good, but it has to have that amplifier to pick up anything. I get CBS and Fox easily. NBC was tricky to find the right since their broadcast tower is in Stokes County. I have it set up now where I can get all 3 of those without having to move it and rescan. I get other channels too but I only care about those 3 to watch football. I'm pretty sure I get ABC too.
I own this..
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=twister_B00H70SNGE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It works pretty well but a friend of mine has the basic Amazon one and he said it also works pretty good....
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Indoor-Antenna-Latest-Version/dp/B00X4RAEZC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1451503149&sr=8-8&keywords=hdtv+antenna
Picked up everything listed on www.antennaweb.org for my address using this antenna for $68 back in 2012.
Since I apparently need an omni-directional outdoor antenna, do you think something like this would meet my needs?
> North facing wall (TV is on this one ) has the other two apartments.
So as you are facing the TV you are looking North?
I'd get one of these; DTV2BUHF This antenna will do as well or better than the one you selected and its only $18 -vs- $70
Mount it on the wall behind your TV pointing it South. Drop all the hardware and the reflector, etc. (but keep it in case this doesn't work) and mount only the boom that holds the bow ties ><. Put it high up on the wall but keep it down from the ceiling 6"-8". You should have a long enough coax cable to go directly into the TV. re-zero and rescan your TV. If you have trouble getting channels 7 thru 13 with this antenna there is a simple mod to fix that but see what you get without any mods.
Well I don't think you need a rotor! :)
First I'd try a simple VHF/UHF set-top type antenna like this one. If it doesn't work you're only out five bucks and if it does then you can send the cash difference to me. ;)
This antenna should do about anything you'd need unless you really want to pull in those stations that are > 30 miles away (hint: you probably don't). That type of antenna is known as a "DB2" by the way, no relation. ;) Note: It will likely fail to get channel 8, your closest PBS station. To fix that all you'd need to do is get a "hybrid splitter/combiner" which should be dirt cheap and a rabbit ear antenna, then hook both antennas to one side of the splitter/combiner and the other side to your TV. The $5 antenna might work for that but you might (read: probably will) have to pull off the metal loop so as not to be generating your own UHF "multipath" - that's where the tuner sees the same signal twice but one is out of sync with the other, older tuners choke on that hard.
Judging by your TV Fool results I'd bet you don't need to climb out on your roof for any of this either, even the DB2. Putting it in the attic would be plenty I'd think, and that only if a lower place didn't work well enough. I'm thinking that simple antenna (the first one) is going to work fine for you though.
Eagle Aspen EASDTV2BUHF Directv Approved 2-Bay UHF Outdoor Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GIT002/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LtDTBb4DGMB7Y
So, i do use a tivo which I had prior to cutting cable. It sometimes seems a little silly, since I now only get like a dozen channels and given the availability of online tv. Not sure whether I'm going to keep it, but it does know about the OTA channels.
Re: antenna, here's what I've got:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EHUE7I/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
though it looks like maybe that model has been discontinued. this one looks like it:
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Aspen-Dtv2Buhf-Directv-Antenna/dp/B000GIT002/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1
I also got the stand for it, which is easy to find. I screwed it to an old wood crate just to get it to the same height as the window it looks out of.
The window itself, as I mentioned, faces north, which is where most of the stations are (relative to portland). There's a site that will make a map for your address here:
http://www.antennaweb.org/Address.aspx
I run it through a 75 ft coax into the basement, then up through the floor to the tivo. About 2 hrs worth of work all in.
I'm in Lenexa and use this antenna: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GIT002/ I am able to get every OTA station in KC without any issues. There are ultimately three issues that can cause poor reception. The first is being outside the range of the towers...which we know isn't the issue. The second is line of sight. The best TV antennas are directional, like the one above, so it needs to be pointed in the direction of the tower, with nothing between the antenna and the tower, and as high above the ground as possible. This also helps with issue number three, which is multipathing. This might be unavoidable if you live in a densely populated area, or near high rises. The TV signal from the tower bounces off of objects before getting to your antenna. But, the antenna also receives the original signal. It sends the reflected signals as well as the original signal to the tuner, which goes, "what the fuck?" As ATSC standards have matured, more recent generations of tuners better handle multipathing issues. TLDR: Buy this antenna, put it outside, point it toward the towers, enjoy free TV, and then figure out why and how it works. It's pretty fucking interesting. :)
https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B001BRXW74
I've had that antenna for years and it's been solid. I have it pointed to towers 30+ miles in one direction and it also picks up towers in the opposite direction 35+ miles away. It's mounted atop a 10' pole on top of my ranch home which isn't on a hill or anything.
It can be found for cheaper than on amazon.com too.
We had an antenna at our old house installed in the attic. Worked great. I think it was this one
Get This antenna, paired with This booster. I have never had any issues since. Small roof imprint too which is nice. Obviously higher and outside mounting is the best.
It's omni directional, but it does have a little preference. If you also have an HD Homerun there's an app called "Signal GH" by Generally Helpful Software that will help you point it in the best direction so that both FOX and everything else are best picked up. Otherwise, if I remember correctly it's just like 5 degrees off north to the east is best...
None of those antennas suggested would work in a purely Philly setup due to the presence of WPVI (ABC) and KJWP (MeTV). In this situation, I would recommend a Winegard HD8200U (https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-HD8200U-Platinum-Antenna-High-Def/dp/B001DFS4BI) paired with a Winegard LNA-200 preamp (https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-LNA-200-Boost-Digital-Preamplifier/dp/B00DQN3R9O). Be warned, though, it's quite a large antenna-- but it's a real powerhouse!
I'm not too concerned about any of the UHF channels from Phila. Your weakest target station, WPPX-DT (5.7dB) would come in with a NM of 18.4dB, more than enough for a watchable signal, stronger stations like KYW and WCAU coming in at 30dB or so.
The problem here really lies with WPVI. Low VHF (and high VHF to a lesser extent) deals with the issue of manmade interference. Putting in 15dB of interference loss, and accounting for gains and losses, you're left with 9.3dB noise margin-- which, certainly is viewable but slightly less than the 10dB recommended minimum to account for dropouts.
If you were to get a separate antenna for WABC instead of WPVI, the HD7694P or a 91XG/UHF only antenna with decent gain would definitely be enough for Philadelphia's stations. Then, I would get a VHF high antenna (send link if you have one) and use a diplexer to combine the signals. That way, you're only losing 0.5dB insertion rather than 3.5dB. In the case you go with the HD7694P, you would lose WHYY (PBS) from Philadelphia due to it being on VHF high, but at the same time you would get WNET (PBS) from NYC due to it also being on VHF high. Finally, after the diplexer, I would again put in a LNA-200.
> I was wondering if I could put an antenna in my attic or on the roof and connect it in a way the signal would be going to the three coax ports behind the three Tvs in my house.
Yes, but it depends where the coax outlets are ran from. If they come from the attic, you wouldn't have to do much aside from connect your antenna to them. But if they come from the basement, you would need to re-run the coax cables from your attic. You would also need to use a splitter to convert 1 coax from the antenna into 3+ for your rooms.
> Also what are the pros and cons of attic vs roof mounted antennas.
An antenna on the roof will have better reception, but that may not be necessary depending on how far away you are from the broadcasting stations. You can use TVfool to generate a report and try to figure out what kind of antenna you need based on 1) how far away the stations are, and 2) what kind of signal they use. If you get a large antenna, mounting on the roof may be overkill. But if the signals are weak, you may have to mount on the roof.
I have a 14' Winegard antenna like this one in my attic and I get great reception ~45 miles away from the broadcasting stations. I didn't want to mount it on my roof because it wouldn't have looked great, wasn't necessary, and would have been more work than putting it in my attic.
I live out by sourdough and I've got this [beast] (https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-HD8200U-Platinum-Ultra-HD-High-VHF/dp/B001DFS4BI/ref=sr_1_52?s=audio-video-accessories&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1505691288&amp;sr=1-52). It is probably overkill, but I get NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CW, MeTV, Grit TV, SWX Sports, and 5 different PBS stations. All come in clear on a good day, but bad weather definitely gives some of the channels issues.
I use this antenna and get phenomenal reception. I live south of Gainesville, FL and get Atlanta, GA stations with it. Put a rotor on it if you have a bunch of broadcast towers in different directions.
Mine is about 10' off the ground (I actually have it on an outside wall), and it was just a cheap antenna I found at Best Buy several years ago... looks kind of like this:
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650F-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=HD%20antenna%20RCA&amp;qid=1465277399&amp;ref_=sr_1_1&amp;sr=8-1
I have this RCA flat antenna http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650R-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1311275085&amp;sr=8-1
it works great, and can be hid easily behind my tv console, or on the side of it.. you don't need to worry about weird looking antennas everywhere, or having to adjust the antenna.. once it works, just hide it behind your tv, and you are set.
It's this antenna. I don't have satellite or anything, currently the only way I deliver content to the TV is via an HDMI cable running from my computer or tablet.
I've tried Cable (also finds nothing, but takes about 7 times longer to do it) and Skip (lets me manually enter channels, but they are all blank).
Here's the indoor antenna I use instead of Cable: http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650R-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1347034047&amp;sr=1-7&amp;keywords=tv+antenna
About a dozen channels in downtown Baltimore.
Check out this antenna, it is what I use and can be bought used or refurbished for way cheaper than retail. If it doesn't work return it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027FGW3K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Also useful links:
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/45-local-hdtv-info-reception/815397-chicago-il-ota.html
this
> OTA only breaks up when people fail to invest the minicscule time and effort into obtaining and arranging a proper antenna.
You are lying your ass off. I had a very good antenna and the rca booster everyone recommends.
Sports and prime time were still attrocious. Not one channel really played without breaking up. I aligned the thing with a compass exactly to the degrees antennaweb said.
Fox and cbs transmitters are 2mi, and it still sucked once the quality was turned up for hd broadcasts. NBC is 5 mi and the rest are like 6-8mi.
Antennaweb labels them all yellow for class of antenna.
I am going to say that the city I am in broadcasts with too low of power.
I have an outdoor antenna that I mounted to an old DirecTV dish and I get a lot of channels
highlights: local channels in clear HD, plus stations from Toledo, Jackson, Lansing. 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 are PBS stations. in total I have ~20 stations that are worth watching, with a handful of others that I've removed from the channel list (QVC, Religious channels, etc)
these past couple weeks there have been different NFL games on CBS Toledo and CBS Detroit so it was nice to be able to jump back and forth (11-1 & 62-1)
I use this antenna and this preamp
I'll probably mess with it more come Spring, a better preamp closer to the antenna MIGHT allow me to get CBC which would be awesome
As long as you don't live in an apartment, the antenna thing is super easy- just buy an antenna, preamp, and a long-enough coax cable. Then stick the antenna somewhere in the attic pointing in the direction of the right towers, have your TV automatically search, and it pays itself off with the first month's of savings. It seems like it might be a project, but it really isn't.
An Antennas Direct DB4e pointed at 145 magnetic will work fine, the model you said you're using is a "60 mile" indoor amplified antenna, which is basically a 30 mile range antenna with an amplifier on it. The DB4e, or Clearstream 2v would suit you fine. If possible, get it outside and get it as high as possible. But they do work indoors, (just not as well).
Unless you're blocked by another building or something, you shouldn't need an antenna on a mast for 60 miles. 52 miles out of Chicago (through a tree and not direct LOS regardless) -- something like this attached to the roof should do the trick.
Cord cutter here. I installed this antenna in my attic Took me about 30 minutes and all I needed was a power drill. Picks up about 30 stations with no trouble at all. Put in the attic rather than on the roof as I wanted less holes in my roof, didn't want to look of it and there was no way in hell I was going to climb up there.
You will also need this mount
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0074H3IU6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1381261475&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
I cut my cord a few months ago so this is pretty fresh for me.
I have a home theatre pc connected to the main tv in my house. Only running SSD and a minimal fan in the case so it is nearly silent. On the PC I run Netflix and have Amazon Prime video. I also use bittorrent to get stuff not available on those.
My cell phone plan is with Rogers so for that season it gets me access to NHL GameCenter. I use this along with a proxy to watch Oilers games.
Other sports have been a bit of an issue. I like to watch tennis and have to usually search around for a stream.
I also purchased an antenna. I can pull 5 channels. I should get another but I kind of have the antenna hidden out of site so I think that is messing with my signal. I don't use it often, but during things like the election I like to watch the news. Same with when there are a couple things on Global I want to see, like the Oscars or Grammys. The one I purchased is: https://www.amazon.ca/Mohu-Leaf-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B00APPDX86.
On my secondary TV all I have is netflix through my xbox.
I have not tried out KODI yet but I hear it is pretty awesome
I use the Mohu Leaf 50 Antenna and I get HD-quality KDKA (CBS), WPXI (NBC), and WPGH (FOX), as well as a bunch of PBS channels, the CW, ME.TV, and some other random channels. I can't get WTAE (ABC) to come in, but I've read that other people have the same problem.
You'll get all the Sunday Steelers games because they're always on either CBS or FOX. The only ones you'd miss would be Monday night ones on ESPN. If you know someone with cable, you can use their login to verify your Roku, and use the WatchESPN app for the Monday night games, and all other ESPN programming.
Baseball and hockey are a little more complicated, because the Pirates and Pens are blackedout on the MLB and NHL streaming services. I use Unblock.us with my Apple TV and was able to stream Pirates games perfectly with my MLB.TV subscription (~$130 for the season). Unblock.us is $5 a month. I'm sure this setup would work for the NHL streaming service as well, but I haven't tried it myself.
Alternatively, if you have a jailbroken iOS device or rooted Android device, you can download a location spoofing app, set your location somewhere outside the US and Canada, and watch the games on that device/stream them to a TV via a Chromecast. This is a little more cumbersome, but you'd save $5 a month not needing Unblock.us
I'm out in the boonies and a leaf antenna works perfectly for me. I don't even have the 50 mile range one and it works great. Takes a little patience finding just the right spot to put it on the wall to get all the channels, but well worth it.
Outdoor is your best bet, but after trying several indoor antennas, the one that finally worked for me was this one: https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110584/dp/B00APPDX86/ref=sr_1_2?
A few notes:
Other indoor antennas usually gave me a couple of channels, but never ABC. This one gets me everything.
We bought the amplified version of that antenna when we cut the cable. I don't really miss Cox cable at all.
I think that would work. I'm not familiar with that brand but it has good reviews. Mohu also makes good antennas but it's a bit more expensive. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00APPDX86/
I got something like this but that's because I live in the woods and all the TV towers were generally in the same direction. The type of antenna you get depends on where you live in relation to the source towers. If you're really close to the towers, you could probably get by with a really cheap antenna. Here's a site that will map out where the towers are and their strength to your location. If the towers are all over the place, you'll want an omni-directional antenna. If they're all generally in the same direction, you can get a directional antenna.
Not all antennas are created equally. If you're really serious about getting the most out of over the air TV, they also make large higher range outdoor bi-directional antennas like this that you mount on your roof where you can point one set of large antennas at one place and the other set at another. It's perfect for Maryland depending on where you live: You can point one or the other at whichever two big cities are closest to you whether that's Baltimore, DC, Philly or wherever else
You got a bit of a tricky situation since you got one UHF major coming from a fairly different direction than three other majors (2 of which are VHF). The above ClearStream would work, however on an outside install you will not be able to as easily detach the VHF dipole for fine tune tweaking (since your depolyment will need all elements to be firmed attached to mast to withstand weather). That said, outside (plus more height) may more than make up for that. And Signal GH can be used to find optimal trade-off (of strong stations vs weak).
Also, if you find you are having to target different directions, this option includes that ability as core feature:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4XVOOC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Note that this is largely UHF with some VHF coverage. However, this gives you the ability to point half of your antenna directly at the VHF stations.
Also, both AntennasDirect and ChannelMaster have helpful staff, whose brain you can pick for free for your situation (recognizing of course that they will recommend their products).
On your run, try un-amped first. If you are running strength and quality consistently 80%-ish or above on your target stations, you should be good to go. (Pre-amp mainly for strength, but fickle tuners may show better quality on amplified borderline signal.) If below 70%, get pre-amp because at some point (e.g., weather) you will drop below 60% and have signal problems.
I recently made this post and went with this antenna based on the recommendation in the comments.
I just installed it this last weekend and I'm happy to say that I got almost all of my desired channels. There are a couple that I lost when I made the run to my house distribution box instead of directly to the TV, but all-in-all, I'm happy (no amplifier was necessary).
It's not under $100, but all I can say is that it worked for me. Seeing as you have 2x groups of stations, using the bowtie would work out well for you.
I'd look something like (top down):
--o--/
I am in a similar issue. Stations are in two opposite directions and both are behind a hill. I used a bow-tie style antenna and an amplifier. This went from unwatchable to perfect reception. It could be mounted in an attic or mounted outside if the reception is spotty.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4XVOOC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WDR94U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
http://www.amazon.com//dp/B00CXQO00K
What do you think about this one that could be aimed in two different directions?
http://amazon.com/Xtreme-Signal-HDB8X-NI-Bowtie-Antenna/dp/B00CXQO00K/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1
Thanks for your help guys I'm thinking I need a roof mounted antenna and need to get the DC channels. I see that these are recommended with in the antenna guide Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Channel Master CM-4228HD High VHF, UHF and HDTV Antenna will one of these work?
Here's the antenna I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXQO00K
Can be directed at two different areas. Where I live I have most stations south west of me but I have a few north east so this is what I needed.
I was having issues with multiple microSD cards unmounting themselves. Annoying. I went with Samsung 250GB SSD and this $10 adapter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B011M8YACM/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
It's more storage than I need but oh well but it just works.
I put a $70 antenna:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CXQO00K/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
in my attic and bought an HDHomerun Connect. I get free OTA HD with DVR. I just used an old 1.5TB USB2.0 drive for the recordings. So far so good!
This is what I was referring to. Picks up digital broadcast, works great, and is very affordable.
I purchased this antenna and this amplifier a few months ago. They work great, but when I was in my 4th floor apartment, there wasn't anything I could really do. My father's $3 goodwill digital antenna from 2004 is a works just as well, but he has better access to the towers.
Wow, such innovation
Mohu Leaf knockoff they make them in various ranges starting at $18. http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B00DIFIM36
I had one of those types of antennas it was garbage IMHO. I've had much better results with this kind. Get channels from Detroit too.
Almost any outdoor antenna should pull in all the major stations since you're fairly close. Some Baltimore stations shouldn't be too bad either but they're 30 miles away. Looks like the DC NBC station is missing from the report for some reason.
Attic antenna might work equally as well.
Some options:
https://www.channelmaster.com/Digital_HDTV_Outdoor_TV_Antenna_p/cm-4221hd.htm
https://www.amazon.com/GE-33692-Attic-Mount-Antenna/dp/B00DNJZ58M
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-Compact-Outdoor-Antenna-Range/dp/B0024R4B5C
https://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-ClearStream-Multi-Directional-Included/dp/B01LXGC87U
I cut the cord and switched to OTA TV a few years ago, YouTube TV an the other online streaming services are a great idea but a bit late to the party for me.
I get around 60 channels with 4 tuners, 4TB of DVR storage, and can playback recorded or live TV to every device in my house. The initial investment was only a few hundred, most of that going to the PC.
Of course YMMV, but here's my setup:
Hardware
Software
TV "Server"
Receivers
I have the Z1 connected to my TV that runs Kodi, and all of the other devices have Kodi installed from Kodi.tv or an app store.
Basic setup
One day old guide screenshots
Channels 2-9: http://i.imgur.com/qBhGVt8.jpg
Channels 15-24: http://i.imgur.com/rywn87O.jpg
Channels 24-29: http://i.imgur.com/wGK6t62.jpg
Channels 29-45: http://i.imgur.com/XCqGXdL.jpg
Channels 45-52: http://i.imgur.com/zInsWoG.jpg
Channels 55-56: http://i.imgur.com/QmYLnQh.jpg
Channels 56-65: http://i.imgur.com/UenOhUl.jpg
Channels 65-68: http://i.imgur.com/RRwLFrF.jpg
Get an antenna like this one I bought. Then you'll get all the local affiliates for free for rest of your life in full HD and with less of a video delay than cable/satellite/or any streaming service.
All the streaming services have problems with local affiliates in some way or another. It's hard to get the rights for the thousands of different stations across the country.
I use a Leaf and get decent reception in Bridgeville. (about 10 miles from downtown, as the crow flies)
Mohu Leaf.
http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Paper-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00HSMK580
www.gomohu.com
It's got great reviews.
PSA: for my fellow poors without cable who want to watch NBC, ABC, FOX, and some other local channels, buy an antenna. Stick it in your window, works great. TMFMS
https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Television-Paper-thin-Performance-MH-110598/dp/B00HSMK580
I'm coming back here to recommend something. Based on other replies here, I went out and bought the Mohu Leaf tv antenna, and I am now getting basic "cable" for free. PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, a few local channels, a few spanish channels, and a couple more that I'll probably never watch. As long as the sports you want to watch are on network tv, you'll be fine. If it's on ESPN you may have to go to a bar. I live on the second floor of a 3 family house in Somerville and am getting all those channels in HD - I honestly can't tell the difference between the satellite and cable quality. I've got it pinned up to the wall behind my tv, so it's even "out of sight, out of mind".
Highly recommended if you don't need expanded cable.
They make HD antennas, you can probably pick one up at Best Buy. I'd recommend the Mohu Leaf if they have it - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HSMK580/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479939588&amp;sr=8-2&amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;keywords=mohu+leaf&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=21YBKew-5-L&amp;ref=plSrch
I'll second pretty much everyone that has mentioned using one of the flat antennas. I have the amplified Mohu Leaf. I'm able to attach it to a window that is essentially on the second floor of the house facing KC. I get pretty much everything without issues, unless the weather is somewhat severe. If that is the case, a couple of the stations come and go a bit, but generally speaking i have no problems.
For the price, I'd be very tempted to try the Monoprice antenna that was mentioned. I'm a huge fan of their cables, so if their other products are of similar quality, it is likely money well spent.
Here's a link to the Mohu that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110599/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1484344199&amp;sr=1-9&amp;keywords=mohu+leaf
If you don't want to mount anything, I use the Mohu Leaf with 50 mile range, works fantastic in South East, PA.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IwIdzbW89S89X
I live downtown and was able to pick up KTUU, Fox, PBS, ABC, plus a smattering of other digital channels using a Mohu Leaf 50
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Wdn8wb0S1RWQ5
An amplified antenna worked great for me and I live in Centennial. This one in particular http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Paper-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00HSMK59E?th=1&amp;psc=1
I have Shaw for internet only, paying $85 per month. I put up this TV antenna and it pulls in an amazing amount of stations for free. Everything from Vancouver, KOMO Seattle, KIRO Seattle, PBS Bellingham, ME Tv Bellingham and the Victoria stations as well. Around 25 channels in all. From a $50 antenna.
If you buy a powered antenna like this one you’ll have much better luck.
Phillips amplified antenna
That’s what I use on my two TVs for locals. I’ve used them in Leo, by foster park, and currently I live in New Haven without issues.
Before that I had a classic yagi mounted in my attic. I put it there to avoid the lightening strike problem. Similar to this:
example yagi
I’ve helped several friends install powered flat ones in their houses. Even put one in an attic. NOT IMPRESSED. I used to work on radios years and antenna design is crucial. Imho flat antennas are all the rage probably because they’re easy to mount and hide. Not because of performance. Buy a traditional receiver antenna and you will be better off.
Well there's a lot of things to consider. Are you geographically located to have all the networks close by. This one:
ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna - 150 Miles Range - 360° Rotation - Wireless Remote https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JEF126?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Should be just fine for you.
That said do you just want to watch or do you want to record as well? An over the air DVR would be needed. Also, your TV, is it fairly new? If it's HD, then it will accept over the air signals just fine. If it is old school then you'll need some type of signal interpretation.
It's iffy. I rather just not watch tv then get an Antennae. But If you do, you'd get much better results using an powered and amplifed signal!
Check out Antennae like this!
For sure. If you have a relatively clear view of NNW, you can probably get by with a [cheap indoor antenna stuck to a north/west window] (https://www.amazon.com/Antenna-Amplified-Broadcast-Television-Detachable/dp/B01FUB4ZG8/) (on sale for $17 when I'm posting).
If you're in a valley (like me), you'll probably need a more serious setup (I have this one mounted in my attic with an amplifier and it works great, even though the signal is coming to me through the side of a hill to my NNW).
Who needs cable with the internet and OTA TV?
quick amazon search says this is one of the best outdoor HDTV antenna's for the money
HDTV outdoor antenna - 80 mile range - $30 w/ amazon prime
This is the antenna I purchased from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I like it. I only have it mounted inside my computer room right now and it picks up quite a few channels and I am about 50+ miles from the broadcast city. I use it mainly for DVR for TV shows and some movies, but once I mount it on top of the house I will probably use it more when watching Live TV OTA.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s03?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 I use this one it works great I have it on a 10 foot pole in my yard and it picks up 29 channels great my favorite is comet tv I live in rural alabama and have it pointed to Birmingham our most populous city hats aout 50 miles away
I got this guy here and I'm pulling stations from Baltimore, which I live about 80 miles away from. But as others suggest, definitely use TV fool, because there are a lot of variables involved in maximizing the channels you get.
> RG6 coax
Well, I used to have lots of fun with this before everything became digital and wrecked everything. But it's just a hobby, so I got nothing to loose (except money lol). If I cant get WPIX I was also hoping to get WPVI out of Philly.
I will put RG6 cable down on the list of things to get.
I am still looking at a few amps (by the way, would multiple amps make any difference versus just one amp?)
Would you say these would be good antennas? https://www.amazon.com/ViewTV-Outdoor-Amplified-Antenna-Rotation/dp/B017JEF126/ref=pd_lpo_23_bs_t_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=94Q9RFAN3RMTNY2M345P
http://www.channelmaster.com/Digital_HDTV_Outdoor_TV_Antenna_p/cm-3020.htm
If I do get the 100ft tower, it would put me above some mountains and over any interference
The link isn't working, but I'm in Broadmoor and have one of these and it picks up WYES.
How are you positioning yours? Any obvious obstructions immediately in your vicinity between you and due east-southeast?
Would this antenna work well for my situation, given the tvfool report?
ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna - 150 Miles Range - 360° Rotation - Wireless Remote
Lightning deal is 25 bucks plus looks like an additional 5 dollars off at checkout. Hard to resist. This would be an attic antenna for me.
Edit: the reason I ask is I already have a Mohu leaf 50 and I don't get some channels because it isn't good at getting all kinds of signals. Like uhf vs whatever else. That part is over my head.
And what I do get is usually pixelated. I get 3.3 (which I don't even see here but I think is cbs) 30.1 (nbc) and a few fox channels.
The most important network to me is nbc, for the Thanksgiving day parade and football after. It's the only live TV we really want, most everything else can be streamed.
Ok, I'm back. As for your first question: yes, exactly.
As for grounding: you drive the ground rod and connect it to the antenna mast with solid copper wire and a grounding clamp. You'd bond the wire to the ground rod with this. End result will look like this. I poured concrete around mine just to make it conspicuous - that's not necessary. I have copper wire run from the rod up to the attic to ground my mast, and another run through into the basement to bond it to my home's ground in the breaker box. This is what you would use to ground the coax itself. You can also get these at Lowe's or Home Depot. Don't mind my lack of a demarcation box for the coax in my picture - that's my internet line and it was Spectrum's doing. I'll be correcting it when the weather warms up.
Moving on to the antenna. I say the one you bought is junk because it is. I've run the gamut of crap antennas, and those ones are sold under 100 different names and all the Amazon reviews that say it's great are paid lies. The rotator box breaks, you can't use a splitter with them, they can't survive even the slightest wind, and they're not weather resistant in the least. Absolute crap. On any antenna, those "miles of reception" ratings are 100% completely meaningless. Your local topography, relative location to broadcast towers, accuracy of aiming, and quality and length of coax are what determine your reception.
You need quality RG6 coax (NOT RG59 - it's not suitable for digital signals) and quality ends. It's critical that your ends be terminated correctly: not peeling back the wire braid or leaving the copper conductor too short will result in problems.
If you have broadcast towers in opposite directions, use two antennas and a signal splitter/combiner (if you use this technique, your feed lines to the combiner have to be EXACTLY the same length to avoid signal attenuation). This FCC website will tell you the locations of broadcast towers relative to your location. USE A COMPASS TO AIM YOUR ANTENNA.
This is a decent, basic antenna and it comes with a great amplifier. It can be mounted outdoors or in your attic. I used this one at my parents' house and hung it right from a roof truss using an old piece of pipe as a mast. They pick up every channel available on the reception map for my area, (I'm in Akron, OH and it's aimed NNW), and even some Columbus channels - despite those towers being located in the opposite direction I have it aimed. Contrast that to my house only a quarter mile away where one of those antennas that you purchased only got me ten channels, despite optimal aiming AND being mounted outside.
Sorry for the essay. I've done this many times before and I'm still doing it as more and more people are cord cutting and asking me to get them set up haha. I also have my amateur radio operator's license, and learned a lot about proper antenna setup and signal propagation and attenuation through that particular hobby.
The antenna: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017JEF126/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I live at about 300 feet elevation in a flat area directly south of the transmitters. I have tried pointing it straight at them and i get all the other stations (abc, fox, the cw, etc.) But no nbc or cbs.
ViewTV 2018 Version Outdoor Amplified Digital HDTV Antenna - 150 Mile Range - Motorized 360° Rotation - 40FT Coax Cable - Wireless Remote Control - UHF/VHF 4K 1080P Channels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JEF126/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_egYyDb6QDH7VN
Looks like they’ve marked it down. I swear I think it was closer to $60 when I got it early last year. Definitely recommend it!
I get great results with this. I have the antenna in a closet upstairs on a long run of coax. I walked around the house testing different areas while my wife called out the signal strength, I put a lot more effort in this than is probably normal.
https://www.amazon.com/Vansky-Amplified-Detachable-PowerSupply-Performance/dp/B01FUB4ZG8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_23_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=2MMY8TYW464BQ9F2PRR7
I got this antenna and got VHF channels up to 60 miles away. What is your leaf rated mile wise?
I live near the med center in an apartment building, surrounded by neighbors and I can get all the local well-known channels plus a few dozen smaller channels. I use this antenna: https://smile.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110543/dp/B00JC9J2NQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1520354933&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=mohu+leaf+metro+antenna
Edit: Yes, I get NBC.
Also, check to see how far away you are from the transmitters. Most are near Missouri City (https://www.antennasdirect.com/transmitter-locator.html). Mohu makes a 50 mile version of this antenna as well.
Buy an HD antenna.
The Mohu Metro should be enough. It's a 25-mile radius leaf indoor antenna. It's It's what I have and I get FOX in crystal clear HD. I also haven't paid for cable in about a year.
Since you live in New Orleans, I'm sure you won't have any problem getting FOX at all.
http://amzn.com/B00JC9J2NQ
I've had really really good success with this antenna, in both apartments and houses.
I have this one in SE GR and I get probably 15-20 channels. All major networks, PBS and some weird local Christian BS.
I did read the sidebar and it seems like there are a lot of variables, which is why I thought it was better to ask since I was left still pretty confused. I'm far away and the channels are roughly the same direction. Would a yagi style be better? Do I need an amplifier?
I was looking at this one, that supposedly has good ratings on Amazon (for what that's worth)
1byone 85 Miles Digital Amplified Outdoor / Attic / Roof HDTV Antenna with VHF and UHF Band and Mounting Pole, Extremely High Performance
This okay?
https://www.amazon.com/1byone-Amplified-Mounting-Extremely-Performance/dp/B01KUXVKK0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1502241867&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=attic+antenna
I just got a 1byOne 85 mile radius that does both UHF and VHF. It works great. I had a grounding issue at my house (my grounding block is on one side of the house and the cable input to the house is on the other) so I moved it to the attic and it works just as well. I got like 95 channels... Of course 60% of them are Spanish/Shopping/Religious but I got the important ones too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUXVKK0/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apap_slRxJd5LuzQ7g
Would you mind giving me some advice on antenna? [tvfool] (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&amp;Itemid=29&amp;q=id%3de6a43e118bd5e0)
I was looking into [This] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUXVKK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sHzczb0ZVB3GJ) antenna but it seems by the signal analysis, might only need an indoor one.
I recently cut the cord and had trouble with 3 antennas until I tried this one: 1byone 85 Miles Digital Amplified Outdoor / Attic / Roof HDTV Antenna with VHF and UHF Band and Mounting Pole, Extremely High Performance https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUXVKK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_JKV6Ry57xSR6W
I live in Evans near Belair and Columbia Rd.
Thank you all for the help. TVfool doesn't recognize my address, but I used the coordinates. Updated report is here: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&amp;Itemid=29&amp;q=id%3de6a4573dbc94bd
Honestly, the only VHF channel I want to receive is ABC (WPVI-TV channel 6). Is there any way to receive this without a HUGE antenna? I'm not sure I can fit it in my attic, and my wife won't let me put it outside. Is there any chance something like one of these two antennas would work, or are they garbage?
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Antenna-Compact-Enhanced-33692/dp/B00DNJZ58M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1487039749&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=attic%2Bantenna&amp;th=1
https://www.amazon.com/1byone-Amplified-Mounting-Extremely-Performance/dp/B01KUXVKK0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1487039749&amp;sr=8-5&amp;keywords=attic+antenna
I’ve got this one. In Murfreesboro I get all local channels. Some days I can pick some up out of Alabama.
My tvfool:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&amp;Itemid=29&amp;q=id%3de6a40a687f1581
I'm really only interested in the big guns: fox, abc, cbs, nbc, cw. Don't care about the foreign language/home shopping/bible channels.
The first antenna I got is a small 1byone:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IF70QCW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
It's about 90% reliable, which is almost worse than totally non functional because you never know when it's going to fail. eg: Thursday's Late Show With Colbert is fine, Friday's is unwatchable. The Tivo's signal strength page shows most things coming between 60-70, occasionally dropping down to 40-50, which is when things get dicey.
The amplified one is Vansky:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FUB4ZG8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Signal strength with this is unusable. 30-40. I tried with and without the amp, doesn't make any difference.
Wow, great write up and I'm glad to hear you guys are no worse for wear.
One thing we added is an indoor TV antenna. It's a Leaf, great investment.
If you're looking for a game on Fox/NBC/CBS, just get an antenna (and a tv tuner if you're not using a tv) and enjoy the free no-lag HD picture.
[2018 Upgraded] HDTV Antenna - Digital Amplified HD TV Antenna 50-80 Mile Range 4K HD VHF UHF Freeview Television Local Channels w/Detachable Signal Amplifier and 16.5ft Longer Coax Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FUB4ZG8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oj5RBbQQRSYJ5
I have one of these, we get everything we could get.
Reading the replies to this comment makes me want to tell people that digital antennas are not expensive, just buy one:
https://www.amazon.com/Vansky-Amplified-Detachable-PowerSupply-Performance/dp/B01FUB4ZG8/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501707689&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=digital+antenna
Thanks for the input. I figured it would be a tall order to get a quality picture or a picture period at this range. Just found out they would get CBS and Fox through Vue in their market. I know Winegard is highly recommended in this sub. Any reason why this model? I noticed the range is 60-70 miles based on band for that antenna. How can some antennas be cheaper and say "120 mile range" such as this one?
Just one of those powered antennas thats a flat box you hang near a window. Always worked great before hand. Not sure if it has an extender. Apparently they say we can get 11 OTA channels and this antenna is the one they recommend. CBS isn't on the list though and that is where a lot of the games I'd like to watch in HD would be (at least for college football).
I get NBC clear hear in Church Hill using one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSMK59E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I live in an apartment complex and I use these to get over the air channels. https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110543/dp/B00JC9J2NQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1472969862&amp;sr=8-5&amp;keywords=leaf+antenna
I have one in the front room and bedroom. They work great. I tried one of the amplified ones and it was horrible.
I use the leaf: https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110543/dp/B00JC9J2NQ
No problem getting any local station but I'm sure it depends on where exactly you are.
It's indispensable for live sports in my house. College football, playoffs, etc. But that's about all I use it for.
Depending on how far you are from your local broadcast towers and what the terrain is like, you could potentially get by with a little cheapie like this or even this.
I have a Mohu and an Amazon brand that looks identical to it. Both work alright, but our property is very wooded, so I upgraded to a big 15 foot antenna in the attic to make sure I get uninterrupted signal.
Just one note, if you have direct line of sight, you can get by with a little antenna. If you don't have direct LOS, no amount of amplification will help you, so don't waste your money. Only spend money on an amplified antenna if you have near direct LOS, but are a good distance away from the tower.
This clearstream 4, comes with a VHF antannea on it, anyone know how good that would be? or should I just get the separate one?
https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B00SVNKT86/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1473349598&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=antenna+direct+clearstream
ZippyTheChicken, thanks to you pointing out that it would be a VHF problem I did some digging and the Clearstrem 4 does not have that good VHF reception but the Clearstream 4V does. After a little bit more digging I found that there is a retrofit kit that will turn my 4 into a 4V for less then $30 and not take up any extra space as it attaches to the reflector.
Clearstream 4V:
https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B00SVNKT86/ref=sr_1_9?s=audio-video-accessories&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1474565280&amp;sr=1-9&amp;refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_three_browse-bin%3A6025776011%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A6025771011
VHF Retrofit:
https://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-VHF-1-VHF-Retrofit/dp/B00LHFRCMG/ref=pd_rhf_eetyp_p_img_3?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=VTZC39PHC0GTKBWXA4N9
One of these, the "70 mile" version...
https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B00SVNKT86/ref=sr_1_5?crid=ONRL2O8KSSGC&amp;keywords=clearstream+4max&amp;qid=1568645063&amp;s=gateway&amp;sprefix=clearstr%2Caps%2C195&amp;sr=8-5
Thanks for the reply! I think I can get by with mounting something to the eave and it would be great if I could get both bands in one *modest* antenna. Do you think something like either of the following would yield decent results?
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Bowtie-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B00C4XVOOC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1550821519&sr=1-3&keywords=bowtie+antenna+hdtv
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SVNKT86/ref=emc_b_5_i
https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B002E1UNWS
I put a ClearStream 4V in my attic and I've been pretty happy with it. I use a pre-amp with it since I'm running the cable through my basement, along the side of the house, then into the attic (rather than fishing wires through the attic). If your dish's coax runs through the attic/roof then it'd be even easier to tap into that line.
Obviously it would be ideal to have the least amount of obstructions as possible, so if roof-mounting is an option, you should go for it. Get a bigger oldschool antenna (like one of these) and you can probably mount it to the same pole or receiver as your dish.
I've never heard of "ahere" as a manufacturer, so I suspect it's a marketing company rather than a company that actually makes and tests the antennas. You have gotten some nice suggestions for antennas people know to be good.
I had good luck with both my ChannelMaster CM4228, but it's large; probably too large for your attic. This ClearStream 4V didn't work as well for me for a very weak VHF station, but my brother in law is using it and likes it. They make a 60 mile version that is smaller and can probably fit in your attic space.
I think upofadown's suggestion for either a Winegard HD7694 or ChannelMaster CM-2018 are good choices. But they are 78" long, and they can be hard to fit into small spaces.
That's great. Thank you! Instead of buying the antenna and VHF retrofit kit, would this work:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SVNKT86/ref=psdcmw_172665_t3_B00LHFRCMG
It appears to already have the VHF built in.
I'm a bit further east than you, but you're in my area. Thanks for the great information. I was planning to get something like this and just installing it where my dish was before. That way I could just use the same coax and it would give signal to the entire house. The part that always trips me up is the amplifier as I don't have a power source outside near where the antenna would be installed, and if I used it inside, it would only be on one TV after the original line has already been split.
So getting separate UHF and VHF is out of the question?
I was thinking of mounting on our metal pole barn out front but it is 90 feet from the crawlspace and then another 12-20 feet to fun cable to the 3 TV's
here is what I was thinking of for VHF/UHF and add a pre amp and combiner along with splitter in crawlspace
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BP4KV9Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2XU70B31JRNMP&amp;psc=1
Then for UHF maybe this
https://www.amazon.com/1byone-Digital-Amplified-Extremely-Performance/dp/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1536099068&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=uhf+antenna
i picked up this one from amazon for 30 bucks, i live about 25 miles NNE of Seattle. i get about 15 channels pointing SW. no ABC though, but nbc, cbs, fox, etc.
not in attic yet, just in the closet right now.
I did this combo:
1byone 80 Miles Digital Amplified Outdoor / Roof HDTV Antenna with Power Supply Box, Extremely High Performance for UHF Band https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tFzuzbEG7D2GQ
Previously I had the typical Wingard flat design model inside. Also went from 19 channels to 53 with the new setup.
Thank you for your reply, I used a compass to point the antenna at 168 degrees to try and pick up Fox, but that did not seem to do the trick.
Question: I have a long coaxial cable running from the antenna right now that I could trim as I don't need the full length (I wasn't sure how much I would need to run through the house so I bought a 100 ft cable). Would cutting the cable increase the signal enough to allow me to pick up Fox?
Second question, would there be a big difference if I got a directional antenna? (Something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1484934916&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&amp;keywords=directional+antenna&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41MZAbmpb3L&amp;ref=plSrch)
I don't think so? The pre-amp is self powered up in the attic, it's the one that came with this antenna.
I currently have a 1byOne Digital Amplified Outdoor/Attic HDTV
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I tried a few "flat" rabbit-ear type antennas before buying this one last year and couldn't be happier with it. I mounted it in the attic, so wind and rain doesn't effect it, and I now get what scientists call a "metric shitload" of channels here in central NC.
so for ota tv should i get a crazy long yagi http://www.amazon.com/Solid-Signal-Definition-Antenna-HDB91X/dp/B00CX700EY/ref=pd_sim_e_31?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1G51JHS2CRZR6BVAMD40 or a extreme range bowtie like this http://www.amazon.com/Terrestrial-Digital-DB8-Multi-Directional-Antenna/dp/B000EHWCDW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1393828354&amp;sr=8-9&amp;keywords=long+range+tv+antenna. can you recommend me a hf antenna or maybe an article about various types? and for a satellite antenna it looked like the turnstile was very basic, which would be better the qfh or dca?
How about a DB8?
I installed a DB2 in the attic because all the stations I want are within 25 miles and it does indeed pull them all in.
HDTV Omni directional Antennae
We use an Antenna out in Brunswick and get a ton of channels. The issue we have is that we need two antennas to pull baltimore and dc at the same time and then a joiner to join them together. Don't get one of those indoor set top antennas because that shit just won't work for how far out we are.
Here is what we got:
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-C2-ClearStream-Television-Antenna/dp/B0017O3UHI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1369798861&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=clearstream+antenna
We got ours from Best Buy open box for like $30, but Amazon's price is good. I would recommend something more like this if you are serious about getting OTA TV:
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-DB8-Extreme-Multi-Directional-Antenna/dp/B000EHWCDW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1369799102&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=antennas+direct+db8
The shorter the cable run from the Antenna, the better as well. We have a lot of channels accessible in Frederick, it's just taking a bit of time to do some research and setup the equipment.
I will say that my friends and people who I have talked to that say they have "tried it" in our area, usually have tried it with a shitty tv top antenna or just plain had no idea what they were doing. I can tune at least 15 channels each from DC and Baltimore with the first antenna I listed (though I have to readjust it).
When I owned my house in North Texas, we had a radiant barrier because of all the heat during the summer. We had the spray on kind in the attic.
Here is our tvfool to give you a comparison.
We used this antenna installed in the attack.
It worked amazingly. There was an amplifier which I put between the antenna and the splitter which split the signal to all the coax outlets in our house. I believe we had it set up with a 4 way splitter.
Hope this helps!
Good news is you have solid "green" local channels that really any outdoor antenna would get. However, although the big 4 news networks are there, there isn't much more at that 60 degree heading.
This is only my suggestion, but it might not be best. I would consider two antennas. You could put one at the 60 degree heading in the attic, but the other one outside pointed to what specific other channels you are looking for.
You can buy a combiner on Amazon for like $14 so you can still have the signals going to the same tv.
This is my only suggestion, as far as a specific antenna, I haven't used it but the Eagle Aspen is inexpensive and gets great reviews
As /u/upofadown said, if you are already getting the VHF low channels, you want to make sure you get that still.
Do you already get all those "green" channels with the rabbit ears?
Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:
Amazon Smile Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000GIT002/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_Pqxstb1B32WQX
|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|Spain|www.amazon.es||
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||
|Italy|www.amazon.it||
To help donate money to charity, please have a look at this thread.
This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.
Nice work, you will most def get more channels if you mount it up in the attic, depending of course on where you live. I was going to build my own antenna but bailed and decided to buy one after some research.
I just mounted this antenna up in my attic. I bought it on Amazon for around$20 at the time and I must say 40+ OTA HD channels later, $$$ well spent. Expensive does not always mean better. I had a Terk and while it did an adequate job this antenna blew it away and was half the price! OH, and I recommend getting an amplifier too, I bought an RCA 10B+ for $10, and thats all i need. (I did get channels without but picked up a few more with it)
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Aspen-Dtv2Buhf-Directv-Antenna/dp/B000GIT002/ref=sr_1_49?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1312512578&amp;sr=8-49
GL HF! F dem cable companies!
I would like install an attic antenna that would capture as many of my available channels as possible.
I have this antenna outside, but the reception is really poor overall.
Suggestions are appreciated!
Here is a $20 clone of the Wineguard DB2.
not recommended for lower floor nyc apartment dwellers.
only higher altitude and fewer obstructions will help you,
not this over hyped flat which works just like any other
$20 single bay bow tie antenna. http://www.amazon.com//dp/B000GIT002/
I went with the EASDTV2BUHF and RCA TVPRAMP1R Preamplifier. Stuck the antenna in the attic (insulation is below the antenna, only wood and shingles between it and towers) and the preamp downstairs at the end of the line connected directly to the antenna and it works great for me! Only downside is it's UHF only, but that's the majority of the channels anyways. Dual band antennas typically do two frequency ranges not as well as a single band antenna.
I got this one passive from Amazon and it works way better than this amped one I got from Monoprice. It looks like they raised the price of that Eagle Aspen since I bought it. It was below $20 back then.
I am a fan of This Antenna.
It would work great for this by removing the reflector as suggested by Zippy. Aim it at channel 49 or 19 and you should get just about everything.
At $12.99, you could also buy two of them and use a splitter and aim them 180 degrees apart. You don't need much gain, so the loss from the splitter shouldn't be a big deal.
I bought this and stuck it on my back porch: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GIT002
At the time it was $12.99 with free shipping, took about 10 minutes to point it the right direction with this: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&amp;Itemid=29
There's a great guide to what antenna type to get and how to figure out which way to point it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/17ir41/sylver_dragons_quick_newbie_guide_to_a_tv_fool/
Then I just re-used the existing cable line that already ran to my TV and hooked it to the antenna instead. I did have to do some splicing and stick a new connector on it, but that was also cheap and didn't take long. I have less than $20 and less than 30 minutes of time invested in the whole thing and get everything except MNF and the Thursday games.
Height is your friend, how high can you get your antenna? I'm running this antenna in my attic, and I added a vhf antenna to it. I am in vanderveen and get cbs most of the time, some days it doesn't come in as good as others
Any recommendations on the attic antenna? Pricing is all over the board (anywhere from $40 - $140). Any main features I need to look for?
Here are a couple of the best reviewed ones on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-ClearStream4-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B001BRXW74/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1371643822&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=attic+antenna
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT751R-Outdoor-Optimized-Reception/dp/B0024R4B5C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1371643822&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=attic+antenna
Can confirm that the ClearStream 4 is as good as it gets for an indoor antenna. But, you might want a pre-amp also. Here's what you need:
https://smile.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B001BRXW74?sa-no-redirect=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P92D9Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
The amp helps you pick up a few extra channels, as it does for me in a rural area. You can get some coax and jack into your existing cable system if you want to, or re-wire as you see fit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BRXW74?psc=1
Keeping in mind of course that you need to have a PC or tablet attached to your TV if you intend to watch those online sources....
Also, I found TV Fool to be really helpful in determining the availability tv stations that can be captured using an antenna in a specific location. If you live in or extremely close to a major city, basic rabbit ears might do the trick. In my situation, even a decent attic antenna isn't truly cutting it.
You just described exactly my setup.
I have a Roku 2XS with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Plex, etc.
I have a Clearstream4 in my attic that is plugged into the coax cable that comes out behind my TV. I get all of the network channels in HD and they look great (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, etc).
My TV package was $70/month. Now I spend about $14/month on Netflix and Amazon Prime. That leaves me $55 to spend on content before I break even. I rarely exceed $35/month total.
Go on over to /r/cordcutters for more information.
I can pick up all the US networks (ABC,CBS,NBC,FOX,PBS) - but have trouble picking up local stations, with the exception of CTV & TVA. Thinking of purchasing a rotor.
this is the antenna I have
I live in a valley and there are a lot of hill/mountains between me and the towers I would receive OTA signals from. I can pick up most channels with a cheap indoor UHF/VHF antenna.
This antenna http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-ClearStream4-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B001BRXW74/ref=pd_cp_e_2 appears to only be a a UHF antenna. Would I need a UHF/VHF antenna or will UHF be fine?
This antenna kicks ass and is not too ugly. Unfortunately it was $60 when i bought it in 2013 and our Canadian currency was at par hehe. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001BRXW74/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_3?colid=2MAWUZZ3BIXN8&amp;coliid=IMCUBZZI6X40P&amp;vs=1
Why not just buy am HDTV antenna instead???
Throw up one of these mofos, point it east-northeast and don't look back.
http://www.amazon.com/Winegard-HD8200U-Platinum-VHF-Antenna/dp/B001DFS4BI
a tv antenna like
https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-HD8200U-Platinum-Ultra-HD-High-VHF/dp/B001DFS4BI/
These are the channels I get (all HD where available). (South Fargo, antenna similar to this but smaller and 30% of that price from Menard's, mounted on garage roof).
That hooks into a 4-way splitter/amplifier connected to HD Homerun duals.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DFS4BI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001DFTGR4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=antennas04-20&amp;linkId=TVHIM4ZXNPGSIAFD&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1 grab this from Amazon. Free two day delivery.
You can use the cable for the sat dish and possibly mount it to the j-pole the sat dish is currently on.
I'll answer your question with a bit more information.
RCA & Leaf indoor antennas are not expensive. I would suggest spending a little more and getting the better quality unit.
Check this website to see what is broadcast in your area. http://antennaweb.org/
$20 RCA ANT1450BF
$35 RCA ANT1650F
I live in New Albany and I have this one :
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1650R-Digital-Amplified-Antenna/dp/B0027FGW3K
Works great. I get a couple WOSU channels, The Cool TV (Music channel), NBC/CBS/ABC/CW and some others, I think 14 in all.
I have this one on my upstairs TV and it works perfectly. I was considering using this model on my downstairs TV if it might get me a few extra channels.
We have it plugged in. It works really good so far. A few channels will get a little pixilation every once and awhile. But we get all the channels in our area and I am amazed at how many there are with the digital thing because now every channel has a .1 .2 or .3. The nice thing about this antenna is there are no rabbit ears sticking out of it and it can be mounted to a wall and even painted the same color as your wall so it blends in. It is also amplified so I think that helps with the signal strength and the picture quality is just a good as with our HDMI cable box. With summer being here we won't miss cable and it helps that we quit TV cold turkey for a couple of weeks with the exception of online streaming. I say cut the cord you can always add it back if you really miss it and summer is the best time to try. :)
Here is a link to the antenna
The cruddier reception comes from this one. The better reception comes from this one.
Having looked at that reception map, both antennas are in the southwest part of the house, so an exterior cable run may be in order.
I had one of those. I upgraded to one of these and found it substantially better:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027FGW3K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
the amp on there helped too.
It's hard without trial/error to find the antenna that works best for your use case.
I have not installed an outdoor antenna yet but plan to in the near future. The two amps I’m looking at are the RCA and Windguard. They seem to get great review. I plan to go with one of the two.
Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier, TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster, HD Digital VHF UHF Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQN3R9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uifrDbZRKT87J
RCA TVPRAMP1Z Preamplifier for Outdoor Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003P92D9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CkfrDbTS5QNPV
Feed the two coax lengths from the UHF combiner and the VHF retrofit kit into a preamp base like the RCA Preamp (it has separate coaxial inputs for VHF and UHF).
The preamp locks in the signal at the antenna so that far less is lost in the coaxial runs to your televisions and other tuners.
Change the splitter (which can go bad over time). You can try something basic at first from Home Depot or Lowe's or Target or somewhere similar.
The preamp system has a power injector that feeds electricity up the line to the preamp base. You can place that behind your HDHomeRun or behind your entertainment center, just before your TV or tuner box.
This is the preamp, RCA TVPRAMP1R
You need a better antenna! Or maybe a preamp.
Two mast-mounted pre-amps come to mind for me:
Here's another wild thought--Is there anything that might be running at those times that could be causing the interference? Like perhaps a yard or porch light that comes on at dusk? Especially if it's near the coax.
Good luck! Cheers, Statmanmi
Yes, you will get more channels outside. I bought this one with the preamp. The mast looks like a dish mast. I mounted my on the side of my garage. With my old setup inside I got two channels. I now get six channels. With a bit more height I could most likely get the other channel that I am missing.
I used one of the coax cables from my sat dish that is near my new antenna to get the signal to my TV.
Yeah, I think you're over-complicating things. Just get a decent outdoor antenna. Unhook the cable from the dish. Take the dish off the mast. Mount the antenna to the mast. Hook cable up to the antenna. Enjoy your OTA tv.
If you need to amplify it like you said in your title, get one of these
I live in Simpsonville, and have used a Clearstream C5 (Walmart Link) for the past couple years . Previous house, installed in attic, ABC was hit or miss (mostly 'miss) but everything else came in great.
We recently moved 1/2 mile away, but in the general direction of Asheville, and ABC...56.8 miles away, according to tvfool.com, and ABC comes in pretty damn well. Still installed in the attic, about the same overall height above grade (~25') - at the front anyway. Our new yard slopes towards the rear, and we have a walk-out bsmt...so it's an additional 12' or so above grade at the rear - not sure if that's also helping
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edit: Using an RCA pre-amp which makes a HELLUVA difference, too. ABC, and some others, don't work at all without it. link
That's my situation exactly. I have an Antennas Direct DB4e and I had to remove the reflectors to get a decent signal from the backside.
If you can, pop for an outdoor antenna. My house had a DirectTV dish, so I pulled it out and reused the stand and coax for a multidirectional antenna like this: http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-DB4E-Antenna/dp/B0074H3IU6/
My reception is perfect except when it's storming, which messes with the UHF stations a bit.
As others have said, the transmitter is in Gaston county and isn't really that strong. Even living off Tyvola Road West of 77 I would always have trouble with it.
However since moving out to Union County I purchased an antenna and mounted on the roof. I get all the Charlotte channels crystal clear with around 90% signal strength most of the time, including Fox 46. If I pointed it to the north-northeast I can actually pick up the Greensboro stations on a good day and some SC channels if I turn it the other way.
Here's an Amazon link for mine: Antennas Direct 4 Element Bowtie HDTV Antenna - 60 mile range
I most definitely believe they got my money and ran with the Jeje model. It was simply too good to be true to have both a "high gain" antenna PLUS be able to be remotely controlled .. ALL for just $28 bucks. I figured I was willing to try all types so why not try that one and see. I've actually had it installed at my house for 18 months now.. More because I got a little down with failure there for awhile and stopped throwing away money into the hobby but I feel rejuvenated again to try.
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I have used an Antenna's Direct before but it was when I was just trying to pick up the locals from Quincy. It was this model.. 4 Element Bowtie Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna - 60 Mile Range. There was honestly nothing wrong with it other than the fact that I was starting to get interested in attempting to gain the Tropo channels and I started buying other antennas. This antenna is actually still installed and working fine at my fathers house now 6 years later.
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By ganging them in parallel, do you mean having 4 or more of these on the same mounting structure and pointing them in different directions? Or if its something else, do you care to explain and describe the benefits?
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I appreciate your comments. I really do not mind throwing a little cash at something IF it would actually work. Of course, my fear is not wasting 25-30 bucks.. But wasting 70-100 bucks on something and it not working. Surprisingly I have never seen this particular antenna.. But it intrigues me. Definitely looks like a monster.
Sure thing!
Link to the report here. I have it aimed at around 315 degrees, to allow me to pick up #27, the local Fox affiliate. ABC (9) and CBS (29) are all along that main line of towers. #7 is my NBC affiliate.
Antenna is a 4 element bowtie. It's over my garage, 12-15 feet off the ground, aimed at around 315 degrees. 50 feet of RG6, quad shielded cable runs into my basement, which then sends the signal to the in-wall coax inside the house, and eventually to the TV itself.
You are going to need a beast to pull in Portland. Maybe something like this?
http://amzn.com/B0074H3IU6
You could try that in your attic, and if that doesn't work put it on a pole on the roof.
No problems for me. I use this antenna: http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B00APPDX86/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1410891390&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=leaf+antenna
How far is yours? I have this one from amazon rated for 50 miles...
I have one of these and it works pretty well. The local TV stations are about 35-40 miles from me. The downside is that I get stations that are useless to me like religious stations and Spanish stations which there are a lot of. I can get two major networks though and the only reason I bought it was so I can watch the news. I also have Hulu Plus.
I'm about the same distance from you from my local stations' broadcast towers and I can pick up everything just fine with a Mohu Leaf 50 stuck in a window with some 3M command strips.
Of course, the topography can have a hand in things too. If you've got a mountain or something breaking up line of sight that can't really be overcome by a terrestrial antenna.
I have the Winegard FlatWave, also purchased from Amazon, and I'm happy with it. Depending on where you're located, don't expect even the most basic of channels to come through all the time; depending on the weather (and it doesn't always make sense), something may come in one day and may not another. I also spent an entire afternoon finding out the best places to put the antenna depending on which channel I want to receive, since the antenna must point different directions for different channels.
I've also heard great things about the Mohu Leaf from people who own it.
https://www.amazon.ca/Mohu-Leaf-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B00APPDX86/
Mohu Leaf’s amplified flat antenna.
https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Antenna-Amplified-Range-MH-110584/dp/B00APPDX86?th=1&amp;psc=1
Certified refurbs go for $30
It is absolutely hideous. I wouldn't be using it if it wasn't out of site. For a very long time, I simply had an antenna sitting in my front window and it worked very well. I had a Radio Shack version of this one, and my closest towers were 25mi+ away from me and I picked up about 30+ channels. http://www.amazon.com/GE-24769-Outdoor-Electric-Antenna/dp/B0026SSAOM/ref=pd_sim_23_4?ie=UTF8&amp;dpID=31zRDYvxOYL&amp;dpSrc=sims&amp;preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&amp;refRID=1NQ7FCVY3GJNYNS65TF6
For the antenna, since you are in an apartment, start small and upgrade if you need/want to. going bigger gets you a stronger signal, and can potentially pick up more stations, but you may not need to. My brother has the Phillips version of this antenna and he is very happy with it.
I haven't used a Mohu, but they are really low profile, and may work great for you. http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00APPDX86/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1453298303&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=mohu
The Mohu Leaf 50. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00APPDX86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I picked up a used one, figuring most people probably did what I did with the first antenna I got: "Well it works but doesn't get this one channel right, so lemme return this and upgrade."
Show them this:
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Bowtie-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B00C4XVOOC
http://www.dennysantennaservice.com/1475651.html
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-power-hog-20140617-story.html
Also, add up the cost savings over two years. That should be an eye opener.
As for the the PlayStation Vue, that seems awfully expensive. What channels do they really use? Maybe SlingTV with an AppleTV would work out better. Power wise, the 4th generation AppleTV will only use ~2.4W. It should use less than any other option, except the third generation AppleTV, which unfortunately does not support SlingTV at this time.
I actually live in Norwalk as well, by Brian McMahon high school. [I have an older single version of this antenna.](ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Mount - 70 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PBTPOI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IpAOybQVG0ANY) it works ok but because it's a single I can only get either New York or Ct news and because NY has it's a much stronger channel.
[I am about to purchase this antenna] (8 Element Bowtie Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna - 70 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C4XVOOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_InAOyb9KCNGKX), my father in law has it and it's fantastic but you have to put it outside. The first one does work inside in most locations.
I like in Berkley, and have no problems with a $15 cheap HD antenna. However, if you watch local sports a lot my family members have bought this
Thank you for the detailed reply. I think you might be correct with the placing the DVR is the attic. While the house is a cape style so more a crawlspace then attic it is still pretty hot in the summer. The recast is expensive but it seems to be a pretty good solution as I hate station guide charges and already have firetv's on my tv sets and Echo's throughout the house. Going with a HDhomerun and Plex or Tablo might save some money but an integrated solution might save a few headaches.
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There are no close neighbors with antenna's but the ones in nearby neighborhoods are aiming them at Canada or south. I will say though that the antenna's I usually see are the old style and large. I wonder how many are just up there for historical reasons.
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What do you think of the option of DB8e with retro kit for VHF pointed south and other side directed toward Canada? I would rather go a little overkill and install once, maybe get away without an amplifier.
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Bowtie-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B00C4XVOOC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1537636619&sr=8-7&keywords=Clearstream+4
https://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-VHF-1-VHF-Retrofit/dp/B00LHFRCMG/ref=pd_sim_23_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LHFRCMG&pd_rd_r=6905f674-be8b-11e8-8775-61087e003d3c&pd_rd_w=aQg5l&pd_rd_wg=XMnOL&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=7TKQZWJ7M6FH8BVARK7G&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=7TKQZWJ7M6FH8BVARK7G
I would have to do a scan, but I have this antenna and love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Element-Bowtie-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B00C4XVOOC/
Its about as powerful of an antenna as you can get and the real nice thing is that the 2 elements can be rotated at different towers. For example I am up near springfield so basically without going to an omnidirectional antenna I needed something that could pick up almost 180* and was finding that especially in the rain this was not working with the other antennas that I tried.
With this one however I have had great luck picking up over 60 channels. I havent bothered mapping them all as many of them are duplicates, but I am quiet impressed with the signal strength and quality.
Its not specifically tuned for VHF, but it will typically pick them up.
http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/4336-Hands-on-with-the-Antennas-Direct-DB8e-part-2-Testing
If need be, they sell a $15 VFH upgrade kit for it as well.
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/VHF-Antenna-Kit.html
Will this antenna make a difference?
8 Element Bowtie Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna - 70 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C4XVOOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3AnbBbBE5ZY2S
Am able to get all low channels in the universal area with this antenna: Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Bowtie Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXQO00K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hxj2xbJNE44V2 and an amplifier
I've tried the Clearstream 4, Clearstream 2v, and the Extreme signal HDB8x Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Bowtie Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXQO00K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PzcPzbCWFH3SG
I do not have radiant barrier, but I do have a bunch of large red cedar trees around my house. Yesterday the little leaf type antenna was pulling in NBC perfect. The ones that give me the most trouble are Fox and CBS.
This is the antenna I use for UHF. It’s one of the best I could find and it might be what’s necessary for your situation.
Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna (HDB91X) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX700EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OctWCbY9WWTPE
Another great option is the DB-8 design.
Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Bowtie Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXQO00K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C.tWCbKD1XGDH
My personal favorite is the Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Bowtie Antenna
I tried several indoor antennas and a couple of outdoor antenna's. I found the most success and channels with this one. For me I needed a bi-directional antenna.
> as for the stations over 100 miles away......forget them
Thanks for the insight. I actually ended up getting an 8-bay multidirectional and even just it laying down in my living room, I'm picking up stations from 100+ miles away. So that's pretty cool.
Would you suggest something like this one?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CXQO00K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453900165&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=SX200_QL40&amp;keywords=hdb8x-ni&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=51QyT-kcfKL&amp;ref=plSrch
That way each panel can be pointed in a different direction.
So I had some issue with signal - I had to place my antennas (yes plural) pretty precisely in my attic. As fshagan mentioned Fox is VHF-HI - so different and/or multiple antennas might help.
My setup was... pretty intensive to setup. Probably took me ~40hrs+ over multiple weekends to get just right. But now its rock-solid and I have a lot of capability (e.g. DVR), and I'm not paying for cable. So the cost was high in terms of time commitment (and dollars) but I'm very, very pleased with the value I got. So you need to assess for yourself what you are willing to commit in terms of upfront time and dollar cost for what value you want.
SO back to your situation, if you wanted to somewhat copy what I have...
For UHF channels, pointed at your 105 degree sources, try this in your attic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXQO00K
For Fox, pointed 84 degrees, try this in your attic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014M0XXES
For PBS/CBS: use the one you already have
Now you could probably combine the signal via coax somehow and send through your house. I have heard that is possible but I can't speak to it since that's not my setup. What I did was buy multiple older model HDHomeruns for about $50 each (e.g. checkout this link http://www.ebay.com/bhp/hdhomerun-dual - though at the moment there are only newer models which are pricier)
With the HDHomeruns, you can then get the multiple TV signals on your home network. If you don't have Ethernet you can try the new HDHomerun Extend that alleged works over WiFi - though that is pricier and I can't speak to it firsthand since I haven't used it.
Once the HDHomeruns are on your network, you can use a computer to play TV. I use Windows7+Media Center, with old xbox 360s as "Media Center Extenders". I've also heard good things about NextPVR though I didn't have a great experience with it (I think my computer may have been under-powered though possibly)
The great the about going HDHomerun+Computer is that you get DVR and TV guide capability. I even have a remote control that connects to the computer too - so its all a very nice experience. The down side is that it is a good amount of work to set it all up.
Also - there is an HDHomerun "signal app" - I highly recommend it. It was VERY helpful to me to just use the app on my phone in the attic while positioning the antennas. The instant feedback was REALLY helpful.
Anyway sorry for the long post - but if you want to go "all out" on the OTA TV setup, you might give my setup a try. Alternatively you could just take parts of it (e.g. multiple antennas but just combine over coax) and maybe that will work better for your situation.
I have it and works really well.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B00DIFIM36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1407456996&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=amazon+leaf
Do you have a coax cable port? I have something similar to this which connects to my cable port and works great: AmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna
Okay. That's the cable but what does the physical antenna you use.
Antenna example
I bought an antenna from amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIFIM36/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_IDbVtb0E7J99Y381
I am using it on a mitsubishi wd-52631 tv. When I search the channels I only got two crappy analog channels. Attached is my tv fool.
Any advice?
Is the RCA antenna a rabbit ears antenna?
I would try a ultra-thin indoor antenna like the leaf or Amazon's version.
You have some easy signals there. Basically any antenna will work. No VHF signals in range, so that makes it easy.
A flat style antenna would work just fine. Tons of companies make them now. I would recommend an Amazon model. They are cheap, look decent, small, and will work for your situation.
I normally don't recommend flat antennas like this, but there is no need for anything more in your situation.
You'd get NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, maybe ABC but it's in a different direction.
This one I bought from Amazon works great. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DIFIM36/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I got this one from amazon. It's cheap. HD comes in great. I am on queen anne and JoeTv antenna is on cap hill I think. It gets fuzzy when the bus drives by, but I think there is some electronic interference.
LINK
I got the cheapest model, but there are bigger ones.
The GE Attic Mount Antenna. And it's really not that high-powered of an amp in it's lower gain mode. I just knew I needed something decent as the Leaf+Amp I'm using now isn't cutting it, and I liked the idea of the filers to cut out some of the extra noise.
Honestly it depends on where you live (proximity to a city where it is broadcasted, how tall the antenna is mounted, trees/ buildings in the way, etc). I had a cheap flat one that worked OK in my old 3rd floor downtown apartment, but didnt when i moved outside of the city to a 1 story home. Ended up this attic antenna from amazon and it works great.
Maybe buy a cheap one with a good return policy, and upgrade it if you dont get all the local channels.
Its also worth noting that you will only get our sunday games on antenna. MNF is ESPN, and TNF is nfl network and amazon (unless this has changed for this upcoming season).
Sorry, I can't comment on LP Techshield, but I was looking for attic antennas about a week ago. before I ordered anything I decided to do a test in my attic with my older, standard mohu leaf antenna. I'm about 27 miles away from my local transmitter and all the channels came in perfectly clear.
If you currently have an antenna you can test with maybe you can go over to the house and test with your antenna and a small TV to see if you can pick up any channels. It's hard to say though because interference will vary in any indoor placement so you don't know until you try.
I did an amazon search for attic antennas and this one popped up with good reviews so I ordered it. http://www.amazon.com/GE-33692-Antenna-Compact-Enhanced/dp/B00DNJZ58M
I should have it sometime next week so I'll try to remember to report back, but if my leaf can pick up everything, then this antenna should work great.
I would recommend starting with the antenna I linked to and see if it works. You can always return it. Home Depot has the same antenna available for online order and would probably be an easier return process in store if you wanted to go that route.
Also, I've seen people hang larger, exterior antennas in their attic. Doing that might pick up a better signal if you end up having signal issues.
Good luck!
Got this in the attic and it slays. I'm out in west nowhere and get all the mains and a dozen minors (like 14.8).
https://www.amazon.com/GE-33692-Attic-Mount-Antenna/dp/B00DNJZ58M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1498093804&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=attic+antenna
Running it through a signal amplifier that then feeds 6 different TVs.
umm broadcast HD needs a good UHF directional antenna pointed in the direction of the broadcasts (should be SF area, sutro tower for vast majority of stations) Indoor ones are very hit or miss esp this far away from the source. if you have a balcony with a clear view of SF's general direction your best bet is to put one out there aimed appropriately. could also install these in an attic or crawl space if you have one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DNJZ58M/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00DNJZ58M&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMjE3VThISzhLQVBRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDUzNDE2VDdRN0NMS0dQSEdaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4NDAzOTkzOE1FNDZDVVlBT0ZIJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
similar to this
Those are listed as outdoor antennas. However, Amazon pointed me to this as an attic antenna: https://smile.amazon.com/GE-33692-Attic-Mount-Antenna/dp/B00DNJZ58M
It says it is VHF & UHF. You think that would work?
Yes, the main reason for the attic was to feed multiple TVs. Would even something like this work? Or would something with a little more juice be needed to feed probably 4 TVs?
You, Sir/Ma'am, are my hero! I used a GE 33692 Attic Mount and after failing to get ABC pointing at 198° I switched to 23° and get all of the main networks as well as some random others that are just bonus. Thanks!
I just had this delivered. Put together and installed in the attic in about 2 hours, combining with fishing the coax from the old dish up into the attic. Picks up every channel in my area, and I'm on the fringe of metro ATL with a ton of tall trees and hills to block/mangle signal. I was even able to split it and still get everything. Well worth the cost.
That being said, if you're just fueling one TV, start with rabbit ears from walmart for a few bucks. If it works, it works.
I'm out west of town and i get a ridiculous amount of channels OTA with this antenna mounted in my attic:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DNJZ58M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Also, if you haven't lately, I would recommend rescanning your channels due to the FCC repack:
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article228687369.html
I just installed this antenna in the attic last weekend. Right now, I'm watching the Cowboys Giants game and the picture looks great!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DNJZ58M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I've tried the flat panels but had trouble getting it facing the signal. This one comes with mounting hardware that makes it easy to adjust.
Bought this, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DNJZ58M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Get all Baton Rouge, some Lafayette and some New Orleans channels. In my attic, facing the Mississippi River.
Fellow mate...I have this in my attic. Picks up channels from Baltimore as well as DC.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DNJZ58M
This:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DNJZ58M?psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
But mounted outside a window, not in an attic. It says it's not for outdoor use, but it has been fine. I'm within 10 miles of the transmitter but indoor antennas give wildly inconsistent results. It has been fantastic for everything but channel 8, which I need to turn it about 30 degrees for, but then everything else goes out.
Zip code 97232.
This all goes back to a HTPC running PVR software. I have this antenna on a HD Homerun and another wall-mount antenna for channel 8 that goes to its own Hauppauge 950Q USB tuner. The software then seamlessly combines the tuners in its EPG.
I've found this guy works pretty well but it depends on how far away you are from the tower.
The law that required broadcasters move to digital in 2009 also required over-the-air transmissions to include both standard definition and high-definition transmissions. Hence the number of products on the market in recent years billing themselves as "HDTV Antenna". I'm unsure whether a specialized antenna is required to pick-up hd over antenna, or whether you could simply construct your own antenna.
/r/cordcutting is a good stop for more ideas.
This is a great OTA antenna - Mohu - I use it in Southpark and get 20ish channels. All the major networks come in great.
I got the Mohu Leaf indoor HDTV antenna for $40 on Amazon (link). It picks up crisp 1080p digital tv with the basic channels. I use it mainly to watch the main network channels (FOX, ABC, CBS, etc.) so I usually stick to the 1-13 channels. It does have some other ones, but nothing to note. I paid the $40 one time cost so I could cut the cord, but still watch all the football games. Simple, cheap, and hassle free.
Cutting the cable cord, getting this antenna, plus an apple tv was easily one of the best decisions I've made as a consumer.
Again.
$40 amplified antenna
$40 Amazon FireTV Stick
Or
$90 FireTV
+
Kodi
+
Specto
The antenna will give you free local channels
FireTV can give you streaming channels + apps for streaming from channels if you have someone generous enough to provide their cable/satellite login. So we have live streaming of Fox Sports, ESPN, CNN and some more.
and Kodi for every TV Show/Movie. There's add-ons for live tv that's hit or miss but definitely improving
Right on the Vue page it lists what local channels are available. Same with Sling and it's not many
Edit: I don't get your point of trying to cut cords if you're still subscribing to every streaming service available? At that point wouldn't satellite be cheaper?
I enjoy my $20 Nohu Leaf. I live in south Aurora though so depending on how far out you are you may want the $40 model though. Also I've never compared with anyone but I seem to get a fair number of channels (maybe 6 good channels) but the HD is excellent.
http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-MH-110598-Paper-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00HSMK580
We have 2x Mohu Leaf 50 TV Antenna. One of them died after 3 years of use. I emailed the company and they sent me a replacement one for free. Been using them for almost 5-6 years in total.
https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110599/dp/B00HSMK59E
I've tried a bunch of different flat antennas and my best luck has been with the [Mohu Leaf 50] (https://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Paper-thin-Reversible-Performance-MH-110599/dp/B00HSMK59E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1503684207&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;keywords=mohu+leaf&amp;psc=1). I live out in the burbs and can still pick up a good signal from all local networks.
I ended up picking up a Mohu Leaf 50 from Walmart for 50 bucks. Working great! Picks up all the channels I was wanting!
http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Amplified-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00HSMK59E
Hello neighbor, I too live in the shadow of communication hill. I had to put up an external antenna with a preamplifier to get all of the broadcast channels, but it can be done. Fortunately I live in an HOA that all of the CC&R's were invalidated years ago, except the one about paying for our neighborhood pools, so I can have an external antenna. I have seen a lot of people in our neighborhood with the the "ClearStream" type antenna. I haven't taken the opportunity to ask how their reception is. I highly recommend getting a preamp for the antenna you have and trying your luck again. When my preamp was inline, but not powered up, I could only get the channels on the top of your TVFool report, but once I powered up the pre-amp I was able to get KTVU, KRON, KPIX, KGO-TV, KQED. All of which come from Sutro tower in San Francisco. PM me if you want to chat privately about the details.
Watching on tv requires me to deal with an antenna and the quality is poor. 1080i sucks.
You have to deal with the random pixelation from a bad signal, so it is not any better than your average internet stream. This my antenna with this booster pointed in the correct direction for the channel according to antenna web. Still sucks. First floor, so I would have to mount it up on the roof or in the attic to maybe get it working better. Right now it is on this kind of pole and I used it just for football. All that work for nothing really. It definitely has a better signal, but still enough random problems to make it annoying. I live on the outskirts of downtown of a major city, there is no valid reason it should be this hard to get a tv signal.
It also restricts me to games broadcast locally, which aren't usually the games I want to watch and doesn't let me easily switch between games. With streaming, I just have multiple streams open and just switch which one is non-muted and full screen.
I was thinking about getting the nfl sunday ticket, but then found out it only allows a single stream at a time. So I still use free online streams.
This is what you need
I was in the exact same boat as you trying to get VHF signals from a big-box-store antenna. I now use the ClearStream 2V mounted on my roof with an RCA Preamp and I receive all my local channels no matter what the spectrum without any glitches or pixelation.
This was the last one I bought. I'm sure I could eventually find one that works in the $100+ range but it's just simpler to pay the $25 a month to Comcast for the few months of the year I actually need it.
This should work fine for you. 25miles. Super thin. Only $20. They have ones with larger ranges, but it's not necessary. You've got a lot of stations close by.
AmazonBasics Ultra-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna - 25 Mile Range
gotcha. i assume my report shows my signal is good enough that i don't need the amplified versions? i'm really only looking for the major networks any way for nfl playoffs and the super bowl.
this one seems to have got high marks everywhere. think it will do the trick?
thanks again for all the help. i'll toast you as i watch the games this weekend.
I bought the Mohu Leaf 30 and an then the leaf 50. Was disappointed with both. Bought this from Amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KUXVKK0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I have been very happy with it. I planned to mount it outside on the deck but found that it picks up the same amount of channels siting on me dresser pointing out of the window.
If most of the channels you want are in the same direction then you will be good to go. If not, you may need to adjust it from time to time.