(Part 3) Top products from r/cordcutters

Hey man, hopefully we can help you out. I don't know everything when it comes to cordcutting, but I'm pretty tech savy and have been without cable now for about 7-8 years. I'm hoping some others chime in here too, as I'm not a huge sports fan, so I can't cover everything there. But catch every Packer game free in uncompressed HD with a ~$150 antenna. $150 may strike you as expensive, and it is, but think about what you pay for all the channels you don't watch via cable. It will pay for itself in a month once you completely cut the cord.
For General TV:
The first thing I would encourage you to do, is buy a decent antenna. Don't cancel you cable yet. Everyone's home/surroundings are different and antennas are effected by all kinds of materials in a house/apt. This way as your learning what works and what doesn't, you won't get frustrated and give up completely on cutting the cord if you hit a roadblock. Bascially start small and work your way up would be my general recomendation. This worked for me at least. Now I pay for internet service, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, and couldn't be happier.

Antenna Placement: Generally the higher the better, the bigger the antenna the better, and the clearer the line of sight to the TV Towers the better. ex: Mine is in my attic so the signals travel through my roof, thru some tress across the street..etc.
Here is a good site to start: http://antennaweb.org/default.aspx
Here is the antenna I have: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PBTPOI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

I'm not familar with the homerunhd, but just checked it out. Looks like you can stream to different devices from this. If your roomates have a smart tv, you may be able to stream directly to them. At the very least I see Android on there, get a $30 Chromecast, plug it into the roomates TV, and with their tablet or phone you should be able to cast it on the TV.

If you havent bought the homerunhd yet you could check out Plex. Run the Plex server sw on your computer, and the plex clients on virtually any device. Stream right thru your network. The homerun may work similar, if so it should work just as well.

Another Option:
If you have an Xbox one, you can get the OTA adapter for it, and play TV right thru it. And Microsoft will be adding DVR support to it at some point.

For the Major Sports fan:
For soccer, you don't need cable. I watch mostly soccer as I'm a pretty big fan, so I can help here a little. A great sub reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/footballdownload/
Its not live, but I actually prefer watching something after it's aired as I LOATHE commercials.

For NFL, MLB, NBA..etc... I would start by looking what streaming services are out there and compare what devices they are compatible with. This may be your determining factor for the roommates in room devices.

Hopefully someone else can chime in here for ya, as just don't have the experience with the other sports. What NFL, NHL MLB and such I watch, I get my fill via my antenna as I'm not a die hard sports guy....except soccer.

Sorry if I rambled and if you have questions just ask.

An outdoor installation will almost always be better but those stations should not be hard to get. The first two on the TV Fool list are VHF stations as is KUTF but everything else appears to be UHF which is good.

I've had good luck with bowtie style of antenna for UHF:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FVTPX2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX6QBIO

You've got an interesting situation where your channels are split and are about 180 degrees apart. Which direction are you pointing your antenna? You might be able to use both of those antennas that you mentioned and point them opposite directions and combine with a splitter. You could try something similar with the antenna types that I suggested or maybe using one of the above and taking the back screen off it. Removing the reflector would reduce gain but allow pickup from both directions.

Your antennas appear to be Log yagi's. This looks more like a traditional UHF Yagi antenna and would have more gain.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BP4OMF8

You're lucky in that it appears that none of those channels appear to be hard to get but unlucky in that you got TV stations in 3 different directions (11,195, 288-319). What stations are you trying to get? IF you wanted to try for everything that was available, 3 separate antennas and tuners (like the hdhomerun connect) would be the way to do this. Combining antennas to a single tuner usually doesn't work because of the interference created but it could well be possible with stations on 11 and 195 since they're in opposite directions.

its going to be pretty difficult to get signal where you are. Maybe you can get that one spanish channel but thats probably about it.

On the other hand I have an 8bay antenna that gets me stations as weak as some of the ones you want and i use a channel master 7777 amp with it ...

But you are at 40 feet .. what is that calculation anticipating? A pole on top of a 2 story home?

i would save a little money off that db8e which is a great antenna but you can do as well with one third its price

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00CXQO00K/ref=sr_1_2_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1482771311&sr=8-2&keywords=xtreme+signal+8+bay&condition=used

and get a channel master 7777

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000GGKOG8/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1482771386&sr=8-1&keywords=channel+master+7777&condition=used

but honestly .. you are probably better off getting the Direct Now $35 a month streaming package with 100 channels.. it kinda sucks a bit right now but if you get the free apple tv or firestick it will work well enough until they work out support for more devices.

The DB2e may be a good choice for you. It is small enough to put in a window. Check around on eBay, Amazon and Walmart for the best price.

I would also recommend the Winegard LNA-200 amplifier. You could go with an amp with more gain, but if you have too much gain you won't get a good signal. It is also available at the stores I mentioned. Go with the store that has the best return policy, as you may either not need it at all (I doubt it) or want one with more gain, like the Channel Master CM-7777 Titan 2. Just remember, more (gain) is not always better.

One other note-I had good luck using the Winegard amp on a Antennas Direct, inc CSM1 indoor antenna, but it didn't consistently bring in the channels like the DB2e. I wouldn't recommend that setup. BUT, you Could try just putting the amplifier on your Leaf to see what happens before purchasing a larger antenna.

I can only speak to what I did, and am very happy with. I bought the netgear r7000, flashed dd-wrt onto it, and then setup PIA on it.

Here is the router: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00F0DD0I6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425526696&sr=8-1&keywords=r7000&dpPl=1&dpID=41651m2TjVL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Here is a guide for flashing to ddwrt (I think it's the one I used about 6 months ago). http://www.tweaking4all.com/hardware/netgear-r7000-dd-wrt/

Here is the PIA guide for setting up openvpn on a ddwrt router with PIA. https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/client-support/#ddwrt_openvpn

This is the beginning of what I setup. I've since done more, like only having my HTPC go through the VPN using routes on the router, and certain services bypass the VPN (plex for one). I also can throw other devices onto the VPN as needed like Roku, Xbox one, iPad, etc. But that starts getting a little deep. I love this router, and it is also recommended by wirecutter.com, which usually provides pretty good reviews on products (headed up by a former gizmodo editor).

Good luck, and feel free to ask questions anytime.

Edit: this might be more than you want to spend, and it can be done cheaper I'm sure. The router runs about $200 usually.

I see that motivational speaker career is paying off!....

You have "line of sight" to the KHOU transmitters (which is good), but you're about 30 miles away. That's probably too far for a consistent signal with a window or attic antenna, especially on a VHF signal.

But a rooftop antenna should easily be able to pull in such a strong signal (and all your other stations). How about a Clearstream 2V or Winegard 7694p or 7698p strapped to your chimney or on a roof mount, with a RCA Preamp 1. A preamp locks in the signal you receive at the antenna so you don't bleed signal on the coaxial run to your television or at the splitters.

Point the antenna at 178 degrees using your iPhone compass app or install an Android compass app. On the roof, it'll pull in all your signals nicely because they all come from the same location.

FYI - the Clearstream is the nicest looking, but remember that federal law protects your right to put up pretty much any OTA antenna you want on your roof -- no matter what your HOA, city, or landlord prefer. FCC link 1 FCC link 2

FYI 2 -- if you previously had DirecTV or Dish Network, you might be able to re-use their rooftop mount and coaxial cable runs, assuming that their pole/mount gives you a clear, unobstructed view toward 178 degrees. You'll just need to swap out any Direct/Dish splitters/amplifiers for your own splitter or connector.

>I couldn't pick up KTBC (FOX) even upstairs

Fox is a VHF station, and mohu leaf will struggle with that since it is mainly UHF.

to pick up VHF you need either:

1. cheap rabbit ears. This website will show how to get the most out of it.
   
   
2. DIY loop antenna which is what the clearstream5 is.
   
   
3. outdoor LPDA antenna which are big.
   
   >There's an unused satellite dish on the roof
   
   could always use its "mast" for an outdoor antenna
   
   >but the coax run from it was cut at the roof line
   
   if you do an outdoor, than you'll probably want a new coax. It is better to have 1 long uninterrupted/broken cable with an amplified signal than have the signal go through split wire.
   
   >(cement fiberboard) siding on all 4 sides upstairs - could that negatively affect reception in the attic?
   
   sure. outside signal strength will always be better than indoors. That being said you have very, very strong signals coming from 217degrees which is less than 10 miles away. Thus you should still be able to pick up a strong signal in the attic. Cement fiberboard isnt as big an obstruction as metal.
   
   >There's no power in our attic either
   
   wont need it if you use a preamplifier. This image shows how one works.
   
   >I've also never dropped coax down inside walls
   
   where is your house "cable box" located?
   
   >Ideally, instead of spending an entire weekend or two fumbling around at it myself, I'd rather pay someone to do everything right the first time in half a day and be done with it.
   
   understood. Based on your tvfool, an installer should be able to fix everything up for you relatively easily. I wouldnt recommend getting a rotor since almost all of the channels you would be interested in getting is in the ~216degree direction. Make sure that an outdoor antenna is properly grounded.
   
   >How did you find them, how did it go, how much did you pay, etc.?
   
   get a list of installers from your local lowes/home depot/sears/hardware store. check online 1, 2.
   call them and price shop. Obviously the cost will depend on what equipment you buy and installation fees (hourly vs total). They should be able to ballpark it for you or give a free estimate.
   
   good luck!

(... Started typing this report yesterday & never posted it!)
I'm in a similar layout as you as far as distance etc.

I ordered this antenna a few weeks ago and am absolutely thrilled with it! I need to make a separate post & mini review I love it that much. Initially had it mounted on a mast on my stack on the roof. Stack isn't sturdy (another project...) so I moved it to the chimney, gained another 15-20' of height and pulled in another 5 channels or so! I get basically every channel (UHF & VHF) on my fool report.
Also a side note: PBS in my immediate area vs PBS in the next closest area are NOT identical! In my case the programming is very different, and remember there are lije 5-6 sub channels. I initially didn't care about getting the other PBS group but glad I do. The programming is great on both, dont sell yourself short on trying to get as many channels as you can. Fool doesn't show exactly what a lot of the sub channels are and in my case there are a LOT of awesome ones!

Anyways here is the antenna I've been raving about, check it out and give it a try, I would highly recommend it.

https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Signal-HDB4X-Bowtie-Antenna/dp/B00CX6QBIO

Hi and welcome to NC. I'm in Raleigh, just up the road from Fuquay-Varina.

This UHF-VHF antenna works great in my attic, and I highly recommend it for the stations available here. It's quite small and I just have it tied to rafters. From Fuquay-Varina, most of the stations are ENE from you with the towers located between Garner and Clayton. I am about the same distance from the towers as you will be.

For some reason recently TVFool has left out two of our major stations - WRAL-5.1-NBC, and WRAZ-50.1, FOX. These should also be "Green" on the chart with very strong signals, so you should get all the major networks.

For this market, September 6 2019 is "Repacking day" so many of our local stations will be changing channels and in some cases upgrading their transmitter facilities. In one case, WNCN-17.1 is moving from physical channel 17 (UHF) to channel 8 (VHF), so you will definitely need a UHF-VHF antenna for good reception. The "Repacking" is as a result of reallocation of spectrum from TV to mobile phone service, part of the upcoming 5G transition.

Me: former broadcast engineer.

I'm using a T-Mobile Wifi Cellspot router, and it has excellent performance throughout my home (even down in the basement). It's basically an Asus AC1900 router with special firmware that gives QoS priority to VoIP calls from T-Mobile numbers. If you're a T-Mobile customer, you can use one for free as long as you're in good standing with them; just stop in their store and ask for one. If you're not, T-Mo often sells off refurbed units for about $100, and you can find them on ebay for less. One thing to keep in mind is that, if you're going to stay with cable internet, you'll also have to provide your own cable modem to go with it (if you don't already have one). For that, I recommend the Motorola/Arris Surfboard series. Get the cheapest one that supports the speed you get from your provider (but stay away from the 6121 and earlier models, since those are EOL).

As for getting your main TV online (I'm assuming from your question that it doesn't have built in wifi), you have a couple of options. One would be to use a wifi range extender with an Ethernet port, such as this one. Another option would be to use a Powerline network kit to run the connection over your electric cabling.

At 55 miles you need a roof mounted antenna to get your stations as you found out inside antennas most likely won't work well at all. All of your signals are pretty strong and LOS even at 55 miles all but one in the same direction which is good but as others have said you want a combo antenna that does both VHF(lo-hi) and UHF such as the CM-3020 HD8200XL or the ANT3038Z I believe they sell a very large RCA antenna similar at Menards for $94 the last time I looked but unsure of the the model just look for the largest box and similar price. These antennas are all 12ft long and if you need something more compact with similar performance there is the HD Stacker TV Antenna.

For a pre-amp the LNA-200 would probably work just fine and it is cheaper than the Channel Master 7777 preamp but you may not need it depending on how many tvs you have but if you have like 4-5 then a preamp is a good idea. You should also be able to use the existing cabling before used for direct tv and hook it into the antenna.

Antennaweb.org indicates you get poor reception in your zip code at ground level. Are you SURE your antenna is at 30 feet?

The Fire TV Recast has a somewhat finicky tuner. It might allow a shorter cable run from a rooftop antenna - which is good.

Your antenna is a decent one, but not really designed for VHF channels like FOX, PBS, NBC, and CW. (12, 10, 8 and 5).

The Clearstream 5 is one of the few VHF antennas outside of rabbit ears. It's pricey and I can't say whether it's good or bad. You could also more easily and cheaply try the VHF Retrofit Kit. It would allow you to join with your existing antenna. It's basically like fancy rabbit ears about 31.5" across.

I won't help you with illegal options, but if you want a legal way, the best way is a HDHR, or a TiVo. The TiVo Romaio, (not OTA), will allow you to insert a CableCard, (the "brains" of the unit that decodes QAM64 signals so you can watch them), as well as ClearQAM signals). Well, technically, you don't even need a CableCard capable device to descramble them, (it's unencrypted cable). Just any TV other than an Emerson. ClearQAM is the new "analog cable".

If you're looking for a compliant CableCard ready device, I reccomend the Samsung GX-SM530CF. It will get you the full rental cable box experience, (but you own the damned thing), but no PPV. Also, this model does not have DVR capabilities). (if you want that, go with a TiVo Bolt. While not cord cutting related, this is "cord shaving", so I petition the mods to let this post stand.

I've got a TV and office on the 2nd floor and a home theater in the basement. My antenna is on the roof and there's a splitter coming off of it with one cable running down the outside and through the basement window frame. The second cable goes into the 2nd floor from the outside in through the wall.

My wifi signal in the basement is fairly solid even though the router is on the second floor, but my AVR only has Ethernet (no WiFi). I ended up buying Ethernet over power adapters like these (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AWRUICG/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31IYBNuPwFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=1T3VTMEETPM5A73YCT8P) They work great and it saved me from running an Ethernet cable.

I like the 35 mile amazon basics antenna better as you can use a superior cable instead of the thin built in cable on the other brand. Rg6 cables work great, and they don't cost much
AmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor TV Antenna - 35 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X4RA74A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tDCoyb6BM2W24

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s03?ie=UTF8&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

Just an update. This antenna is hanging in the attic pulling in 21 stations (previous best scan was 13) and the top 7 are all 70's on the TiVo signal strength meter.

Now as long as none of the stations switch back to VHF in the future, I'm set. Thanks for the suggestions.

Thank you. I may have to move one of my Roku's or buy another one for the living room. I did grab the CBS All Access app and I believe my Roku has the NewsON (I will have to check to make sure). But the Oklahoma weather tracker tv looks interesting. I will test it out tonight.

Also, here is my tvfool: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3de6a496c8a30a4e

I did a little investigating and purchased this antenna a few months ago: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I only did tests by mounting it to a pole I had at about eye level. It will probably work much better once I get it mounted to a pole up above the roof line.

Right now we have no boxes for the TV's. Only the one I am about to return which was the DVR. All the others connect directly to the coax wall plate.

Thank you for the suggestions. They will help.

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

Should I get something like the RCA or something like this: Direct C5 ClearStream 5 High Gain Digital VHF Antenna. Does one get a better reception than another?

I do believe the Winegard HD9095P has been discontinued. But the 91XG does intrigue me. I've heard good things about it, and its overall db. gain.

What about this guy...the the HDB91X. Very similar in all aspects to the 91XG...at half the price!

You don't foresee any conflicts by "stacking" one of under my current antenna?

Thanks for the comeback!

I've run across this Samsung box a few times in my searching. I don't know much about it, but would love to hear if it's worthwhile. It features a cablecard slot, plus the usual streaming apps.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GX-SM530CF-Streaming-Player-Built-In/dp/B00EYO241Q

Typically the easiest thing to do is use a range extender. I use a Netgear EX6200 There are less expensive ones, but you want to extend range and speed, so don't buy a very cheap one.

Another easy option is a powerline adapter and a wireless acess point (AP). Just about any router has an AP mode, it's just a software setting. Even a $35 Netgear router from WalMart will work fine as an AP.

Router->ethernet to adapter->AC wall outlet->2nd adapter, ethernt to AP.

Thanks for the suggestion. Just looked at the antenna's pics, and I don't think it will work in the location where the dish was mounted. The boom looks like it's 13' long, with 4-5' on the back side. the mount is about a foot from the side of the house. I think I need something like this style to physical fit in the area:

Example

> 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.

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

Some possibilities with some examples:

• Many portable DVD players support sd cards. This one hooks up to a tv.
  
  
• Digital Converter boxes like this one play your own files from a hard drive or flash drive. Not sure what type of remote.
  
  
• Possibly an older non smart tv with an USB port like this might work. (This seems to be fairly low energy use.)
  
  
• a mini stick pc or raspberry pi
  
  
  
  
  
  

I've ordered this one and I'm also going to go pick up that GE one you mentioned. I'll try them both and let the best one win.

I'm really hoping I just got a defective antenna and one of these two will do the trick.

Awesome thanks. I know little about this realm of tech... I assume I need a pre-amp? Something like this: Channel Master CM-7777?

How difficult is it to mount to the roof? Any advice?

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

I feel like you're not getting a lot of direct answers here. I know there are plenty of variables, but there are few antennas that can achieve the 50+ mile range. That said, I live some 55 miles north of San Francisco, and use the Winegard HD7698P HDTV Antenna and receive crystal clear signal. However, if your run from the antenna to the TV or receiver is greater than 100 feet or so, I'd recommend getting the Winegard LNA-200 amplifier. It made a huge difference for me - my run is probably 200-250ft.

Edit: at 50 miles you'll HAVE TO use an outdoor antenna. There are no "leaf" style antennas that will work at this range. My antenna is mounted on a 10ft pole, to my chimney, some 40'+ off the ground.

All,

I'm currently working on getting an antenna system to work in an area that was easily served during the analog era. As it stands right now, there is no antenna outside or attic mounted.

I normally work inside city limits and metro locations where transmitters are full power. (i work in tv fyi) - this rural location is oddly stubborn. I've got a couple different antennas ive used for years that quote being good to the 50 mile range. and I've got an amplifier for them. Normally, this would be all i need to pull a station only 30 miles away... but nothing. not once ounce of signal.

I'm looking for hive mind reccomendations on what route to go here.

I'm currently looking at something along the lines of the Xtreme Signal HDB8X Would I need to add a VHF High yagi on top of this to pull in either of the vhfs below?

I'm looking to pick up 8-25-31-34-43-45-47-49 - these will provide all the oklahoma city stations via translator.

however - I'm also hoping to pick up 11 - which is in the opposite direction. Since the beginning of time, KSWO has been available here. But the cable has dropped it cable comes from where the above translators are... its stupid.

Cable was fine until very recently - theyve switched to all digital - requiring a minibox AND smartcard on all tvs. And that means lots of cash down the drain just to make a tv work.

What are your opinions on antenna setup to get these channels? It should be doable right? even the lowest signal is 11db and with a good 15db antenna - it should come in clear enough at 26db right? with amp? maybe into the 30s?

This is what you want:

https://smile.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B008PBTPOI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474644605&sr=8-2&keywords=clearstream+4v

You will probably want a preamplifier, too:

https://smile.amazon.com/RCA-TVPRAMP1Z-Preamplifier-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B003P92D9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474644665&sr=8-1&keywords=rca+preamplifier+for+outdoor+antenna

Just mount the antenna in your attic, aim it at San Jose/SanFrancisco (west-southwest of you), and jack it into your existing cable wiring. It's a lot easier than you think. With this antenna, you'll get EVERYTHING. I have this setup, and it's 100% worth the extra cost. The picture is crystal clear, and you'll get dozens of channels.

Because when you use a CableCARD you have to give your MSO (i.e. cable company - Charter, Cox, etc.) three pieces of information in order to activate/authorize the device/CC to receive & decrypt signals:

• CableCARD ID
  
• Host ID
  
• Data ID
  
  More often than not any Scientific Atlanta, Motorola, Pace, etc. set top box that you see for sale online is stolen/non-returned equipment. Generally MSOs will only allow STBs they own on their network. IIRC they keep a database of stolen/non-returned equipment and those devices will be blacklisted from receiving service (I also think the various MSOs share lists of these devices so that if you try to take a box from Cox and try to activate it on Comcast it will also be blacklisted). These STBs remain the property of the MSO, so even if someone paid the non-returned equipment fee the STB would still have to be returned once discovered.
  
  In order to guarantee that you're being 100% legal you would need to use a TiVo, Samsung GX-SM530CF (mentioned by u/MeowMixSong), or a HDHomeRun Prime (you'll also need a device to display content on a TV. Check out the section for HDHomeRun App requirements for Live TV at the bottom of the link).
  
  Just curious, but does Optimum not offer a TV app for devices like a Roku like the other MSOs do?
  
  Edit: Accidentally a word.

OK, I'm going to try this, I just ordered a power line adapter and will see if that helps. There's definitely a slower connection from the linked Airport Express, as speed path shows 1/3 the speed in the basement as compared to my office where the Extreme sits.

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&qid=1484934916&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=directional+antenna&dpPl=1&dpID=41MZAbmpb3L&ref=plSrch)

Yes. Roku has less power, less cache on the device and costs almost double, well 2/3rds more. This page shows a good comparison for the Roku, Chromecast, and the new Amazon TV Firestick.

That antenna was huge because it was designed for channels 2-7. Most HDTV is now on UHF frequencies(smaller antenna). Try a UHF YAGI and you will be better off. I’m using this one for channels I was told I would never receive by the station Engineer.

Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna (HDB91X) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CX700EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4.oXCbEC5YSVT

Or another good option

STELLAR LABS 30-2431 HDTV 80 Mile Deep Fringe Bowtie Television Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079B4ZWJ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VcpXCbX2MTQ9V

That DRV+ is expensive, but there are others for $30 like the Viewtv 163 https://www.amazon.com/Viewtv-Converter-Recording-Function-Composite/dp/B00GGVPKKC
None of them seem to say what the quality of the recording is. If you get a good HD signal, it can be higher bitrate than cable.

1byone HDTV Antenna - 25 Miles Range with 10ft High Performance Coax Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IF70QCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_A2VkzbGB811D0

I have this antenna but no matter how I position it I cannot get the basic channels (cbs, NBC, fox) to come through clearly without interruption. Would the rabbit ear type antenna you linked be better?

this one is probably one of the best consumer models. you will need a rotator for it as well.


https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-HD8200U-Platinum-Ultra-HD-High-VHF/dp/B001DFS4BI/

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&psc=1


Then for UHF maybe this
https://www.amazon.com/1byone-Digital-Amplified-Extremely-Performance/dp/B00ZI9LWS2/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1536099068&sr=1-3&keywords=uhf+antenna

This is the antenna I have.

Winegard HD7698P HDTV High Band VHF Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DFTGRY?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I’d like to get nbc, cbs, Fox, ABC

I don’t think my report is working. I hope this one works.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9038bb04801342

The amplified rabbit ears might just work for ya. Take your time getting them setup just right : )

I have an attic-mounted multi-directional Xtreme Signal HDB8X . The two panels are currently both facing the same direction as I no longer need to catch two cities' worth of signals, so yeah overkill for sure. I've also got an amplified 4way ChannelMaster splitter that works nicely.

Here it is installed (literally using rope) in my attic:
https://i.imgur.com/rc44giC.jpg

It's amazing for UHF (I'm getting solid NJ signals in addition to the Philly Fox/CBS/NBC/etc stuff), but struggles with VHF, especially 6ABC here. I just bought a VHF-UHF combiner and have a half-wave dipole antenna I made to connect to the VHF side (cut to length for the exact 6ABC wavelength). Once it cools off in the attic I'll install and see if it improves 6ABC...

I have the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 and a Motorola Arris SB6141. They are rock solid and now pretty affordable:

SB6141

R7000

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.

You just need a stronger antenna, like this one

https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Signal-Range-Antenna-HDB91X/dp/B00CX700EY

This. I used to have a cheaper antenna like a Leaf (not the exact same brand, but close) and after getting a ClearStream 4 I've never looked back. Put that sucker up in my attic, dialed it in and get GREAT reception.

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.

My tvfool:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&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&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&psc=1

Signal strength with this is unusable. 30-40. I tried with and without the amp, doesn't make any difference.

But then again this is a sexy beast of an antenna. Probably needs more mast than I currently have though.

I never thought an indoor flat antenna would work for me. Stucco house, foil faced plywood/tile roof, big hill and power lines towards the towers. I'm getting 21 channels clear as Dish provider. Just face it at 209 degrees on wall or cabinet and should work fine. Cheap way to test it. ($25 at Amazon).
I bought this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IF70QCW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_u2rDDbBD483K9

Gigabit!!! Lucky. Yeah I have a rack full of equipment. the modem is from Comcast, but my router is a NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router

The Mediasonic HW-150PVR HomeWorx box supposedly has a firmware update available (upon request?) that enables it to record unencrypted cable TV.

The Viewtv At-163 box has this note: "While this device DOES have full QAM/Cable capability, it is NOT currently officially supported due to incompatibility issues with some cable providers."

Either one is cheap enough that it might be pretty low-risk for you to just try it out, even if your signal becomes encrypted in the not-too-distant future.

Well. Let’s see here. I first purchased this antenna and this mast holder once I made the decision this year to cut the cord. Reading this sub, I quickly realized that I could use this mast amplifier to obtain about 10 more channels and this distribution amplifier to run the signals into 7 rooms of my house.

I configured and tested my setup in the middle of the summer thunderstorm season so I installed this UPS to prevent the brownouts that were occurring all too often during this time. I still had two television sets that were analog/CRT, so I purchased this set top converter which gave me the added bonus of Broadcast DVR when I purchased this flash drive to plug into them.
I then purchased two Roku3 units to supplement my broadcast programming. I also discovered that even when using a dual band router , I was only able to obtain a reliable 18 Mbit wireless stream in my far bedrooms from my Laundry Room equipment location. While this was sufficient for managing two simultaneous streams of HD for now, I was concerned that we would need to have 3 or 4 simultaneous streams or need to upgrade for UltraHD in the next year or so. I then purchased some Cat5e cable and ran 3 separate cables to each of 7 rooms and centralized all the lines into this switch which acted as my Ethernet distribution network.

I had an idle desktop PC with an AMD FX-8350 processor which I upgraded with gigabit LAN, 8GB DDR3 RAM, and five 3TB Disk Drives. I installed Plex Media Server based on recommendations from this sub and I have been torrenting like a madman to fill a little more than half this disk space in the past 4 months. I connected the media server to my Ethernet switch via a Gigabit link and have had no issues with lag even while transcoding on the fly. I plan to purchase some more streaming devices which will probably be Roku3 or Chromecast units depending upon the price and suitability.

My next step is to look at high quality music streaming and how I might integrate some vintage (1980s) audio equipment into this setup.

Consumers do have options. They're all just kind of expensive.

The cheapest solution is to buy a TV or a set-top box with a CableCard slot: When you use a CableCard, you get almost all of the channels in your package plus the HD variants without having to pay the HD tech fee. Comcast usually gives you the first two CableCards for free, and then each additional CableCard for around $2 a month. Also, Comcast will credit your account around $3 a month for using your own equipment (sometimes you have to ask for them to do it, but they will do it).

Some newer HDTVs have CableCard slots built in. Most don't, though. If yours doesn't, you have three options:

• [Buy a TiVo.] (http://amzn.to/1VpiHsm) This is what most people do when they want a HD DVR without paying $20 to Comcast. The upside: You get almost everything with a TiVo that you'd get with a Comcast box, including XFinity On Demand in most areas, and almost all TiVo boxes can stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and YouTube. Most newer TiVo boxes also work with [the TiVo Mini] (http://amzn.to/1PwsCvE), a $150 device you hook into every other TV set in the house that eliminates the need for additional boxes. The downside: You have to pay $15 to TiVo every month (really $12 when you consider Comcast credits your account $3 for using your own equipment), or spring for a lifetime subscription, which can run upwards of $600 these days.
  
  
• Buy a used TiVo with lifetime subscription. This is what frugal people do when they don't need the latest features, but still want to stick it to Comcast. eBay and Craigslist are littered with older-model TiVos that don't require a monthly fee because the previous owner paid for a lifetime subscription. Most people who are selling these TiVos will post an image of their device's menu showing the lifetime subscription listed in the account screen — if they don't, either ask for it or don't buy it. For HD service, look for either the TiVo Series 3, the TiVo HD (or HD XL), the TiVo Premiere (or Premiere XL) or the TiVo Series 4 (or Series 4 XL). You may also find a used Roamio or Bolt on eBay, but they'll be considerably more expensive than the older models. Don't get anything that's Series 2 or older — they won't work.
  
  
• Last, if you don't care about DVR functions or On-Demand and you only want live TV and maybe care about HD, get your own cable box. Samsung [makes a streaming device that doubles as a cable box] (http://amzn.to/1ZB17nx) — it costs $129 retail and again you'll need a CableCard. There's no monthly fee with this box — you pay for it once and you're done. You get a TV guide, HD channels without the HD fee and a couple of streaming TV services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. It's not a DVR, though, and you won't have access to XFinity on Demand, but if you don't use either of these — or you feel you can live without them — this is absolutely the cheapest route to go. Sometimes you can find these boxes on eBay or refurbished units on Amazon or at Walmart for a cheaper price.
  
  There are other cable boxes you can buy — eBay is littered with used Motorola and Arris boxes — but be careful which ones you buy. Some of them are stolen, and if Comcast thinks you're trying to activate a box that has been stolen or was "lost" by a customer, they won't activate it.

I'm in the same area/town as you and have had success with the AmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna (35 Mile version). I get all the local 3 letter stations, and about 8-10 more. One thing that does not come in clear, all the time, is the PBS stations.

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!

This is maybe a overkill:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DFTGRY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

But it is a good deal for Hi-VHF & UHF all depending what the TVfool report says.

I did go from 0/10 signal to 9/10 on a RF 7 channel 103miles away.
The old antenna was a Lo-VHF, HI-VHF, UHF 10" shorter.

Here is my tvfool.com report:
http://imgur.com/B4Nd7xH

And I am using the ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Mount - 70 Mile Range (https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B008PBTPOI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467308345&sr=8-2&keywords=70+mile+tv+antenna).

And thanks for the information about r/OTA. I will check them out.

EDIT: I think it is closer to 20- 25 ft above the ground.

I searched for "cable card tuner" on Amazon and this was the second result:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6jt3Ab0JX8628

I'm sure many of the search results would do the trick.

That's great video, thank you. It seems to boil down to:

• use a combiner (is this the same as a splitter? Some splitters I've seen say -4dB or something similar on the "outputs" which would be the inputs in this case)
  
• use the same length cable between the two antennas because of velocity factor.
  
  One of the antennas I'm considering is this which looks like it already has a combiner for two halves. Would treating that as one antenna, and running a length of coaxial cable between the output of it's combiner and a second combiner - and then running that same length from another traditional antenna to the second combiner, be a mistake? Because of the extra two feet of cable used with the first antenna, I feel like it may violate velocity factor, but I'm not sure.

6141 is old, but is generally rock solid. If the issue recurs with a brand new modem, it's likely still in the line. Did you return the other 6141?

The 6183 absolutely supports IPv6, but even if it didn't, that's not a deal breaker anyway. Several folks I know have 6183s and have no issues with them.

Get a Nighthawk. https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Gigabit-Support-Compatible/dp/B00F0DD0I6

6ABC Philly is super hard to pick up as it is VHF-Low. My 1ByOne antenna most of the time is able to pick it up (I am in South Jersey about 15 miles directly south from the tower). 1byOne antenna here.

I added Locast to my Roku which doesn't have Philadelphia yet (coming soon), but it lets me watch New York's ABC so if there are national abc shows or college football you want to watch you can try to watch them on there. If it's local news and stuff you are looking for on ABC then you'd have to go the Vue/Yttv/DTVNOW route if you can't get it through antenna.

Since I apparently need an omni-directional outdoor antenna, do you think something like this would meet my needs?

This bad boy? Did you purchase your own modem too?

Thanks for the help, by the way.

So I went along and put the Amazon basic upstairs in the southeast end of the house. Things are working better with the Tablo. I'm not sure if it's the lack of ethernet connection, but streaming through the chromecast on a few of the channels tend to lag a bit with the buffering. I'm probably going to invest in a powerline. Maybe [this] (http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PA4010KIT-Powerline-Adapter-Starter/dp/B00AWRUICG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426472382&sr=8-1&keywords=powerline+adapter) one. I'm hoping this will improve things all around the house. What do you guys think?

I have this in my attic, and it works quite well for me.

Make sure it covers VHF and UHF frequencies. If you're doing eight or fewer apartments, consider this one from Amazon.

Also, get an antenna that does both VHF High and UHF as some of yours are on VHF High...

You have a great looking tv fool report. With that reading, start small. Try a cheap pair of rabbit ears. If that doesn't work, invest a little more in a leaf antenna.

Whichever one you try, keep it in line of sight of a window facing the Southeast, if possible.

No, no amp. I'm pretty sure this is the antenna we've got; it only plugs into the TV, and I see that the amplified models of this particular antenna have a separate component we don't have.

thanks i have this one https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B008PBTPOI/ref=sr_1_74?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1538678223&sr=1-74&keywords=tv+antenna
in attic but don't get channel five

You could buy something like this but you would still have to rent a cable card (usually $2-3/month)


I would second the antenna suggestion

It is my understanding that the upcoming Amazon FireTV and the Chromecast can do that via Wifi

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDQ0RMG/ref=fs_ftvs#mirror

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.

I use this antenna, when using an antenna in the Attic always get the biggest one that will fit

I use this in my garage Attic and still suffer some stuttering on windy or rainy days

Winegard HD7698P Platinum Series Long Range Outdoor TV Antenna (Digital, 4K Ultra-HD Ready, ATSC 3.0 Ready, High-VHF, UHF) - 65+ Mile Long Range HD Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DFTGRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_j8NPBbGHW6XWD

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.

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

You need a DA

Channel Master CM3418 8-Port Distribution Amplifier for Cable and Antenna Signals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M1EPL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SpTXzb68SA15G

Channel Master CM3418 8-Port Distribution Amplifier for Cable and Antenna Signals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M1EPL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_tYNtpDLRWC5yC

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.

You have signals from multiple directions - This one can be aimed in two directions at once and is fairly broad in aiming. https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Signal-HDB8X-Bowtie-Antenna/dp/B00CX6UJ5K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1523715450&sr=8-2&keywords=8+bay+antenna

As others say. That one is likely for radio. I get about 20 channels, many from 70-80 miles away, with this antenna, but I am halfway up a mountain, and facing the right direction for those channels.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CX6UJ5K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Or this one? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CX700EY#Ask

Samsung makes what you are looking for, full disclosure they is a fairly old box at this point.

Samsung GX-SM530CF Cable Box and Streaming Media Player with Built-In Wi-Fi (2013 Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYO241Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_95t3Ab57QG4J1

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0DD0I6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425526696&sr=8-1&keywords=r7000&dpPl=1&dpID=41651m2TjVL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble.

http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-W87CUN-Fire-TV-Stick/dp/B00GDQ0RMG

Same link to the device without a referral ID for scott mcnulty in it.

802.11a/b/g/n. At least we get 2.4GHz/5GHz.

So close!

http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-W87CUN-Fire-TV-Stick/dp/B00GDQ0RMG#

I mean one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Viewtv-Converter-Recording-Function-Composite/dp/B00GGVPKKC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426128943&sr=8-1&keywords=hd+receiver

I get 46+ channels in my area (Cleveland) with a 2014 version of this.

so you're paying $15 to watch 1 show?

and you Bestbuy had a 30mile antenna for $80???

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00X4RA74A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466170372&sr=8-2&keywords=amazon+hd+antennae

This is what I have:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ultra-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B00X4RA74A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485569818&sr=8-1&keywords=amazon+antenna

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&psc=1

My mother lives in Fairview Park and to pull in CBS we needed to put a small antenna in her attic. The leaf type of antenna would not pull it in. I put this one in and just zip tied it to her rafters. https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-HOMEWORX-HDTV-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B01C1YL16Y/ref=pd_sim_23_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01C1YL16Y&pd_rd_r=YQ9JFA6ZRSBMV86KXRG7&pd_rd_w=HgQO9&pd_rd_wg=JjU80&psc=1&refRID=YQ9JFA6ZRSBMV86KXRG7

Just found these on Amazon, no idea if they would do what you want, just something to look at:

http://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-HW-150PVR-HomeWorx-Converter-Recording/dp/B00I2ZBD1U

http://www.amazon.com/Viewtv-Converter-Recording-Function-Composite/dp/B00GGVPKKC

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.

For those who don't know, this type of antenna is called a DB4, and you can buy one if you don't feel like building your own.

"Aim small, miss small."

Go with this: https://www.amazon.com/ClearStream-Indoor-Outdoor-Antenna-Mount/dp/B008PBTPOI/

Or CM4228 (though it might be overkill): https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-CM-4228HD-High-Antenna/dp/B000FVVKQM/

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.

I'll argue the amp. If you've got more than about 2 outlets, the amp is the way to go - TV distribution systems are built on these. Every time you insert one of those cheap splitters you cut the signal by more than half. Here's what I use for 5 active outlets and one antenna. No splitters - everything gets a solid signal direct from the amp.

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.

Wifi to my second bedroom was just a PITA. It would work, then crap out, disconnect, etc. I gave up and installed these 2 days ago:

TP-LINK TL-PA4010KIT AV500 Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit

So far they work perfectly. I'm getting a consistent 8-9MB per second with no disconnects. I consider it $40 very well spent!

What are you're thoughts on this one? Should I avoid cheaping out?

The ClearStream 5 (Found here) covers the VHF range and is very directional. The part that I just don't understand is that inside the attic, we get a very pixelated channel 8.1, but on the rooftop a few feet lower in elevation, nothing came in at all.

I don't know of any, sorry. I don't remember having any trouble figuring out how to do it based on the router's config pages.

I'm currently using a Netgear Nighthawk AC1900

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

Any textbook will tell you can't amplify yourself out of a signal level problem. You need a raw signal elevated enough from the noise to make things work.

Those same textbooks will list loss factors for common roofing materials, and the calculations will show that you really don't lose that much with attic installs.

We first went by the book, but two channels were unreliable. After throwing the book away and trying that Channel Master 30db amp - all problems went away. Our nest of digital demodulators is showing a zero bit error rate.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GGKOG8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

YOUR mileage may vary.....This IS a science experiment. Many things can go wrong for you.

Attic installs stink. But they can be made to work on occasion.