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HDTV Antenae as an alternative

Discussion in 'Southern Walk Announcements' started by JJB, Jun 1, 2019.

  1. JJB

    JJB Active Member

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    I hooked up a small table top HDTV antennae to the Family room TV and am able to pick up 63 channels. Many of the channels are junk running reruns, but most of the major networks are clear. WUSA (channel 9) is not. Because of the direction my house faces, I had to string a piece of COAX from the family room into the dining room for better reception. Leaving the antennae next to the TV only game me 27 channels. This plus streaming will do until Verizon services are available. Best Buy has these antennae’s starting around $25.00
     
    krmckee likes this.
  2. L0stS0ul

    L0stS0ul hmmmm

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  3. btsnod

    btsnod New Member

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    Over the air antenna + Netflix or Hulu or Amazon streaming services over Internet = very significant savings over Openband cable TV with DVR. Not planning to order FIOS TV when it comes available - agree with L0stS0ul.
     
  4. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    3 years ago I installed an OTA in our attic, very simple Yagi pointed at 110 degrees due East. I tied it into the current cabling in my home (which took a little investigation and figuring out) and I have OTA feed throughout the house. I also installed a distribution amplifier I purchased from Channel master. I get about 45 solid channels and about 30 that come and go with the weather. Overall I'm happy with the results. Along with Netflix and Amazon Prime we've been pretty happy with our choices. I would say we probably watch too much TV as it stands so cutting that cord was a good choice for our family, to each their own. With the antena purchase and DA I think I'm out about $75 and 4 or 5 hours of time. About 2 years ago I added a DVR from Channel Master, that has been a pretty good investment, about $200 but I can now record 2 channels from the OTA and watch a 3rd show if desired. The interface is not the best but overall I'm pleased with it. Just on TV alone I have probably saved enough to call it a wash for the TV portion of our monthly billing.

    Some resources I used:

    http://otadtv.com/tvtower/index.html

    https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

    https://www.channelmaster.com/Antenna-Selection-a/134.htm

    https://www.groundedreason.com/watch-tv-free-antenna-guide/
     

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