Best products from r/ota
We found 158 comments on r/ota discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 105 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. 4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier Internet Modem Signal Booster Internet AMP
- 4 ports with an increase of +7 db per port. Passive Return. New model replacement for PCT-MA1015-4PN.
- Improves cable modem performance in many cases.Compatible with all cable TV systems.
- Will reduce cable pixelation and graininess due to low signal levels. Coaxial cables not included.
- 6 kV surge protection for lightning strikes. Gold-plated, berylluim copper construction, and powder coated housing deters corrosion.
- 5-year warranty when purchased from an Authorized PCT Distributor/Dealer. Warranty not valid when purchased through other outlets.
Features:
2. RCA ANT3036WZ Outdoor 30 Element 113 1/4 - Inch Boom Antenna
Antenna is designed for challenging reception conditions with tough materials and superior constructionReceives local HD and DTV or analog broadcasts and supports 1080 resolutionEffective up to 35 mile radius of broadcast signalEasily installs outdoors or in attic with snap lock elements and fold ou...
3. TV Antenna - RCA Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna with Over 70 Mile Range - Attic or Roof Mount TV Antenna, Long Range Digital OTA Antenna for Clear Reception, 4K 1080P
- Enjoy top-rated HDTV network programming on channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC and more; Your favorite shows for free (no more cable bills) with no monthly fee or subscription; Great complement to streaming players and dependable backup source when storms knock out cable or satellite
- Receives TV broadcasts including 4K, 8K and 1080 HDTV for highest-quality picture and sound - both UHF and VHF stations – with up to 70+ mile range from the broadcast towers
- Withstands tough outdoor conditions with durable construction and materials; Superior reception outdoors or even when mounted in the attic
- Easy installation with pre-assembled design, easy-lock fold-out UHF reflector and snap-lock elements; Includes mast, locking mast clamp, mounting hardware and 75-ohm matching transformer (coax cable sold separately)
- The free RCA Signal Finder app is your digital compass that guides you to the most high definition channels and aligns your antenna perfectly
Features:
4. RCA ANT111E Indoor Digital TV Antenna, Non-Amplified, 40-Mile Range
- High Quality, New, Very Durable Hdtv; Energy Star Certified; Sleek Design
- Results may vary depending upon location, distance from towers, terrain, broadcast power, etc
- Enjoy top-rated HDTV network programming and your favorite shows for Free with no monthly fee or subscription
- Supports up to 1080i HDTV broadcasts for high-quality picture and sound and FM radio broadcasts
- Integrated loop for digital and analog channels 14-69
- Dipoles extend and adjust for digital and analog channels 2-13
- No-scuff pads protect your furniture’s surface
- Designed and engineered in the USA and meets or exceeds CEA performance specifications for indoor antennas
- Note: Kindly refer manual provided for troubleshooting tips
Features:
5. Channel Master Ultra Mini 8 TV Antenna Amplifier, TV Antenna Signal Booster with 8 Outputs for Connecting Antenna or Cable TV to Multiple Televisions (CM-3418),White
- Eight Amplified Output Ports (4 dB)
- Works with all TV Antennas & CATV Installations (Not Compatible with Satellite)
- Improves Signal Strength, Decreases Pixelation and May Increase Number of Channels
- Miniature Size for Space-Saving Installations
- Powder Coated and Weather-Sealed Housing Allows for Indoor or Outdoor Installation in any Climate
Features:
6. Channel Master CM-7777V3 Titan 2 High Gain TV Antenna Preamplifier [Version 3]
- Improves Signal Quality, Decreases Pixilation and May Increase Number of Channels
- High Gain Amplification (26 dB) with Ultra Low Noise
- Selectable FM Signal Pass-Through, Heavy-Duty Housing with Rubber Weather Seal to Protect Against Moisture
- RF Shielding to Protect Against Interference
- IMPORTANT: Because of the High Gain Output, the CM-7777V3 is Recommended for Applications Where ALL Broadcast Towers are 80+ Miles Away. Just One High Power Signal or Broadcaster in Close Proximity Can Cause Over-Amplification, Which Can Result in the Loss of Reception. For 98% of (Short Range) Consumer Applications, the CM-7778V3 Medium Gain Preamplifier is Recommended. Please Note: Kindly refer the Instructional Video and User Manual Before Use Which is Highly Essential
Features:
7. Xtreme Signal HDB8X-NI 8-Bay VHF/UHF HDTV Bowtie Antenna
Each side can be independently aimed to pull-in broadcasts from two cities at once to maximize the number of HD channels received.Receives UHF digital broadcasts at 60+ miles and 25 Miles High Band VHFBuilt-in 75 ohm transformer for direct coax connection features a weather-proof enclosure for long ...
8. Antennas Direct VHF Kit, Indoor, Attic, Outdoor, Add VHF Capability (Channels 7 - 13) to Your TV Antenna, 3 ft. Coaxial Cable - VHF-1
- Supercharge the VHF performance of Clear Steam 1 Convertible, Clear Stream 2, Clear stream 4, DB2-E, DB4-E, or DB8-E antennas [NOTE: Location, obstructions, and building materials effect reception]
- Use with almost any UHF antenna to enhance VHF TV reception with convenient mounting options and built-in combiner
- Multi-directional element delivers reception in less than ideal locations
- Includes VHF Antenna with built-in UHF / VHF combiner; 2/ea. zip ties, 36in coaxial cable, and instructions
- Lifetime on parts
- Location, elevation, and line-of-site to TV Stations’ broadcasting towers will ultimately determine reception quality and reliability. Obstructions like buildings, trees, etc. will also effect signal availability.
Features:
9. [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
- IDEAL FOR RURAL AND SUBURBAN AREAS – Long range antenna can be installed in your attic to remain out of sight while receiving 1080p and 4K reception up to 60 miles from the broadcast signal
- HDTV WITHOUT A MONTHLY BILL – Receive free local news, severe weather, and sports broadcasts along with HD channels like NBC, ABC, PBS, and Fox while cutting out that expensive cable or satellite bill
- SUPPORTS MULTIPLE TVs IN YOUR HOME – Capable of providing superior VHF, UHF, and HD signal to multiple TVs in your home – requires a splitter and coax cable (not included)
- INCLUDED COMPONENTS – Mounting bracket, mast, VHF dipoles, UHF dipoles, signal enhancing reflector rods and brackets, along with simple to follow instructions on assembly and installation
Features:
10. Channel Master Ultra Mini 4 TV Antenna Amplifier, TV Antenna Signal Booster with 4 Outputs for Connecting Antenna or Cable TV to Multiple Televisions (CM-3414),White
- Four Amplified Output Ports (8 dB)
- Works with all TV Antennas & CATV Installations (Not Compatible with Satellite)
- Improves Signal Strength, Decreases Pixelation and May Increase Number of Channels
- Miniature Size for Space-Saving Installations
- Powder Coated and Weather-Sealed Housing Allows for Indoor or Outdoor Installation in any Climate
Features:
11. Antennas Direct Clearstream 2Max TV Antenna, 60+ Mile Range, UHF/Vhf, Multi-Directional, Indoor/Outdoor, Base Stand, Mast W/Pivoting Base/Hardware/Adjustable Clamp/Sealing Pads, 4K, Black – C2MVJ-5
Best performance among all Antennas rated in the 60 Mile category [note: location, obstructions, and building materials affect reception]Receive free TV from networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW, PBS, Univision, MeTV and more in full HD 1080 where availableDedicated UHF and VHF multi-directional ele...
12. Channel Master STEALTHtenna Digital HDTV Directional Outdoor TV Antenna - VHF, UHF Aerial with Adjustable Angle Bracket for Mast Pole or Vertical Surface Mounting Outside or in Attic - CM-3010HD
- LONG RANGE RECEPTION - Tested in several real-world applications, this outdoor TV antenna provided outstanding reception results when signal was measured in ideal environments up to 50 miles from the broadcast transmission location. With the addition of an amplifier and increased installation height, consistent results were achieved beyond 50 miles. In side by side comparison tests the STEALTHtenna outperformed other outdoor tv antennas claiming to have reception ranges of 70 to 125 miles.
- RECEIVES ALL DIGITAL HDTV BROADCAST SIGNALS - The STEALTHtenna outdoor antenna has been optimized to receive digital HDTV broadcast signals in the highest available picture quality from all of the major broadcasters including CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, PBS, Univision, Telemundo and more. Will also support ATSC 3.0 and 4K broadcast when available.
- TRUSTED QUALITY - Channel Master has been manufacturing antennas since 1949 and offers best of class warranty and support. This outdoor antenna itself is constructed of powder-coated aluminum and high quality plastics designed to withstand even the most extreme outdoor conditions. The antenna is lightweight yet rigid enough to withstand high winds.
- EASY TO INSTALL - The antenna includes an integrated mounting bracket which can be used to mount the antenna to a flat wall, an eave or fascia board without the need of an additional mount, pole or mast. The antenna also includes two optional U-bolts which will allow for clamping the antenna to a mast or pole. This antenna is also ideal for those looking to replace a satellite dish with free over-the-air TV as the U-bolts can be used to attach the antenna to the existing satellite mount.
- GREAT FOR CORD CUTTING - Pair this outdoor antenna with your favorite streaming service for access to up to 100 free local HDTV channels.
Features:
13. RCA Universal Outdoor 30 Element 113 1/4-Inch Boom Antenna (ANT3036Z)
Antenna is designed for challenging reception conditions with tough materials and superior constructionReceives local HD and DTV or analog broadcasts and supports 1080 resolutionEffective up to 65 mile radius of broadcast signalEasily installs outdoors or in attic with snap lock elements and fold ou...
14. Mediasonic HD TV Outdoor Antenna Support 1080P 4K - 80 Miles Range Support UHF / VHF (HW-27UV)
Support All UHF / VHF FrequencySupport 1080P HDTV BroadcastReception range up to 80 MilesUltra-Compact design and easy installationAntenna Length: 31.9 Inches Antenna Pole is NOT included
15. RCA TVPRAMP12E Digital Signal Preamplifier for Outdoor Antennas
- Designed specifically to improve the performance of outdoor antennas in low signal strength areas
- Switchable FM trap reduces interference from FM frequencies
- REFER TO ALL THE RELEVANT DOCUMENTS BELOW BEFORE USE.
- Preamplifier for outdoor antennas extends range in low signal strength areas
- RCA's advanced SmartBoost technology amplifies weak signals to deliver the most channels possible
- Optimizes performance with separate UHF/VHF amplification
- Switchable FM trap to prevent interference from FM signals
- Use in all difficult reception areas. VHF gain: 16dB, UHF gain: 22dB, Intermodulation: Avg>60dB
- Designed and engineered in the USA
- ** VERY IMPORTANT**DISCLAIMER: Reception quality and channels received will depend on distance from towers, broadcast power, terrain and other factors. Hence kindly refer the User Manual before use.
Features:
16. Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier, TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster, HD Digital VHF UHF Amplifier
- The Winegard Boost XT TV signal booster enhances any non-amplified antenna, delivering a clearer signal, more range, and more available channels; works with any NON-AMPLIFIED antenna; antenna required for use with preamplifier. ONLY WORKS WITH NON-AMPLIFIED ANTENNAS.
- 20dB TwinAmp Technology separately amplifies VHF and UHF signals for maximum performance and lowest noise and interference levels on any non-amplified outdoor antenna.
- Boost Clear Circuit Technology features the lowest noise figure (1db typical) to deliver more range and reduce signal dropout and pixelation
- Includes Winegard Boost LNA-200 digital TV antenna amplifier, 110v adapter, power inserter, hose clamps and printed documentation. Designed and built in the U.S.A.
- Note: Using an amplifier does not guarantee you will pick up more TV channels even though your signal is amplified; dependencies include location of TV towers, building materials, and the actual antenna being used.
Features:
17. ANTOP Smart Boost Amplifier with Dual Outputs for TV and Second Device- FM Stereo, a Second TV, Any OTA-Ready Streaming Device or Projector, Compatible with All Antenna,Enhances VHF/UHF/FM Reception
📶 Dual outputs - allows to connect a primary TV and second device - a second TV, FM stereo or any ota-ready streaming device or Projector simultaneously. Makes a great complement to a media streamer.📶 smart boost system with built- in adjustment dial - adjustable amplifier strength and antenna...
18. Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna, 70 Miles Range, Multi-directional, Indoor, Attic, Outdoor Applications, Special Bracket to Turn Both Panels, All-Weather Mounting Hardware, Adjustable Mast Clamp, 4K Ready, Silver - DB8e - DB8-E
The Most Powerful 8-Element Bowtie Antenna Available - 70 Mile Range [NOTE location obstructions and building materials affect reception] UHF 470 MHz to 698 MHz US Channels 14 - 69Receive free TV from networks like ABC CBS NBC Fox CW PBS Univision MeTV and more in FullHD 1080 where availableMulti-pu...
19. RG11 Coaxial Cable roll of Tri-Shield Underground Drop Direct Burial Flooded Coax Digital Cabling with Gel (Indoor/Outdoor) 500' or 1000' Bulk Wire/by CableProof (1000 FT, Orange)
- Replace RG6 or RG59 or RG7 you now have, which looses a lot of signal over distance, with new Top Quality Rg11 HD HIGH DEF Triple Shielded Broadcast Coaxial Cable, more Bandwidth .
- Easy to use wooden spool with length markings on the cable every 2 ft. 14 AWG Copper Clad Steel Center Conductor Core / 75 Ohm / 3Ghz Swept Tested / 77% Aluminum Braid .
- Gel Coated Direct Burial Floodant Type of RG-11 Cord, which provides great Moisture and Soil Acidity protection, so you can use it inside or outside or even bury it, and still have same steady great signal for many many years.
- Tri Shield low loss RG 11 Coax Wire is ideal for Satellite / High Definition Cable TV / CATV Installs / Cable Internet Modem / Off-Air Antenna Cabling / Short Wave Radio / Ham Radio / Electrical Sensor Devices / Long Range WIFI Antennas / Security Camera Installation / Cellular Signal Booster and all other Analog or High Frequency Digital Audio / Video Signal Transmission .
- Same day shipping if purchased from SaleDepot before 2pm ET / 11am PT, otherwise next business day.
Features:
20. ANTOP Smart Boost Amplifier for Any Non-Amplified HDTV Antenna, with Dual Outputs for TV and Second Device- FM Stereo, a Second TV, or Any OTA-Ready Streaming Device or Projector, Support FM/VHF/UHF
Amplifies FM, VHF and UHF signals with a simple turn of a dial. Dials-in the correct balance between short-range and long-range reception.Dual outputs, enable you to simultaneously connect an antenna to a primary TV and second device: FM stereo, a second TV, or any ota-ready streaming device or Proj...
> 3, 10, and 17
they are super easy to get
so you had dish and then you got cable tv?
as long as your cable tv / internet is not on the same coax you should be good... I considered a roof antenna but we get crazy winds here because we have no hills like you do.. 50+miles of wind building up as it moves from maryland to delaware means all winter we get these crazy gusts all the time.
Honestly heh i wonder how much grounding really matters but if I had a roof antenna they make surge protectors with coax connections.. I would use one of them if i had an outside antenna...
If you use the attic then you don't have to ground it but you could ground it if you want.
there are two reasons you need to ground your outside antenna... first is lightning strikes .. direct and anything within like 100 feet can send a charge right into your tv and burn it out.... the second reason which I did not understand at first is that wind across an antenna can build up a ton of static and that can burn out your tv tuner.
If you are in the attic you don't have to deal with either of those problems.. however you might get as much as 50% better reception on the roof than in an attic.
We have a steep roof but we have trusses in the attic.. its a crisscross of triangular supports every like 2 feet wide for the rafters but the rafters do have some large openings.. so i have to fish the antennas through them and assemble them in the attic piece by piece and then slightly bend some of the longest dipoles which is not good but i have no choice.. the are wedged in there real tight heh
you know you can hook your tv antenna to a radio .. we use to have a stereo tuner that had a connection for that and it worked well
it kinda sucks that philly and allentown are on the same path because if they weren't you could amp the philly antenna and keep the allentown one without an amp and get them all pretty strong.. if you are on the same path then if you amp for philly you might overload the allentown stations..
did you run your www.tvfool.com report using your coordinates? you can find your coordianates by finding your home on Google Maps and then click your home and it will display your coordinates like 35.0003, -71.2535 or something and you put that in the tvfool and it will show you your nmDB signal strengths .. now I will tell you tvfool is not the most accurate now but that nmDB rating .. if your signals from Allentown are over 60nmdb then you probably shouldn't amp because you have a limit of about 90db on your tv tuner for maximum... and then you have to add a buffer because signals change.. so figure 80db very maximum or 75 safe... ok so you say 75maximum ... your antenna adds maybe 7db so you subtract that from 75dbmax and you end up with 68db .... so what you have to do is make sure none of your stations are coming in stronger than 68db maximum... ok so you look at your TVFool report and you see WFMZ channel 9 is coming in at 45nmdb and that is your strongest station.. so you subtract 45nmdb from your 68db max and you end up with 23db that you have to play with... ok so 23db
you could get a piece of crap like this heheheh
25db amplifier ... BUT it has a little dial on it that lets you adjust the gain so you crank it back to 50% and you end up with 12-15 db boost.
https://www.amazon.com/Skywalker-Signature-SKY38323-Amplifier-variable/dp/B008UDF55E
that small amount of boost might be enough to get you some philly stations and not overload your allentown stations.... maybe... heh
or you can get an amp like this
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-TVPRAMP1Z-Preamplifier-Outdoor-Antenna/dp/B003P92D9Y
and as you can see it has two separate inputs.. one is for two antennas where you have a VHF and a UHF antenna... and the other is for an antenna that does both UHF and VHF...
Ok so channel 6 WPVI is actually on VHF but so is 9 WFMZ so hmmm rethinking this as i write it.. not sure seperating the antennas and this amp would filter out UHF signals BUT
hmm LVT is on 39 hmm no it is actually on 9 with WFMZ ...
you might have a possibility if you used that RCA one and switched it so it was separate VHF UHF .. and then hooked an Antenna to the UHF Side you might not amp Channel 9 which is pretty much every station out of Allentown
VHF 9 broadcasts these virtual channels
35-1 MHZ MHz Worldview
35-2 WORLD World Channel
39-1 WLVT-DT PBS "PBS 39"
39-2 Create Create
39-3 FRAN24 France24
60-1 WBPH-D1 Religious "WBPH"
60-2 WPBH-D2 Religious "Radiant TV"
69-1 WFMZ-HD Independent "WFMZ 69"
69-2 WFMZ-AW Weather "69News Weather Channel"
69-3 WFMZ-HI Heroes & Icons
so all those channels above are actually being broadcast over Channel 9
and then your tv converts it to whatever station on your tv because there is a code inside the signal that tells it put this WLVT on 39 but its really coming in on 9 VHF
ok that might work
filter out VHF on one of your antennas... and then don't amp an antenna
you are using 2 right?
and then amp the one that you want to be UHF put it through that amp on the UHF connection.. idk might work might not .. might amp everything... but you can always return it to amazon easy...
then you could amp all the stations on UHF from Philly .. check again
7 WNEP is on VHF Allentown
Only problem you might run into is in Reading.. Channel 24 rebroadcasts all those Channel 9 WFMZ stations but maybe you don't get hit by that idk its only a 5kilowatt antenna probably to help reception in the hills around reading but I can't say for sure...
SO.................................. HA!
im i making your decisions even harder than you thought they were? HAHAHAHAHA
ok so the page I am reading is www.rabbitears.info and the philly market
https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=4
it gives general info
The Physical channel column is the one you are concerned with
you will see a lot of the stations near you are reporting 9 (G) as their physical channel
WPVI is on VHF 6 if you can grab that with your vhf antenna and get 1-2 bars out of 5 on your tv it should lock pretty well under most circumstances you have another ABC you might get too
and then you can run a antenna which you amp on UHF and that should improve a lot of stations out of philly for you ....
IF that RCA Amp works like that .. I truly forget but I have owned one .. I am pretty sure it will amp VHF and UHF on separate antennas or amp everything / both VHF UHF on a single antenna
But Amping UHF and keeping VHF unamped seems to be your solution to better reception from Philly and maybe you can't get ABC 6 WPVI .. but maybe you can.
if you tried that RCA Amp you have to open it to switch it from 1 antenna to separate antennas .. they ship it as an amp for a single antenna amping both VHF and UHF ..
anyway you can see i like antennas heh ... see what your tvfool says for signal strength .. mount your antennas and use a combiner to combine them both into a single coax out ... has to say in and out on each port.
https://www.amazon.com/CHANNEL-2532-2-Way-Splitter-Combiner/dp/B00006JPE1
then run that to whatever... see what you get
if its not great then maybe you try that amp to boost your UHF stations from Philly
idk heh
Wish you good luck ... screw paying for tv :o)
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!
Make sure the antenna is pointing North toward WGGB/ABC (your weakest station). Ideally you would have an attic window or vent facing Northerly and could position it near this location.
If you're using a passive splitter then consider replacing it with a distribution amplifier. Ideally there should be only one splitter in use. You really can't go with a preamp or you'll risk over boosting your stronger stations potentially resulting in reception issues.
If you want to try another antenna in the attic then consider a Winegard HD7694P or HD7698P (best) pointing North. This would also gain you an additional NBC station and CW on VHF-Hi from WWLP. Your stronger stations will be picked up from the side of the antenna. Check the antenna specs and measure the boom length and element widths in your attic to be sure it will fit when pointing in your optimal direction. If your attic entrance is small then you may need to assemble the antenna in the attic.
If you have an existing satellite dish that would allow your ClearStream2 to point North then that would be the optimal location. Remove the dish hardware leaving the J-mount. You can't reuse a satellite dish switch/"splitter". I'm doubtful that adding the VHF Kit to your antenna would gain you the extra NBC/CW stations (not enough gain).
See this post for more information on connecting an antenna using existing unused coax cables and sharing a single indoor/outdoor/attic antenna between multiple TVs/DVRs.
Compared to me, you have a lot of stations with a pretty strong signal. It might be worth trying out a simple flat indoor antenna that is easy to put up discreetly indoors. Channel 2 WESH is a VHF high station so you may have trouble getting that without a VHF antenna.
If that does not pull in enough stations, You could try what I use on one of my TVs that I have had great luck with. I use a DB2e with a VHF retrofit kit Mounted on a Paper towel holder that is placed on a shelf above my TV. Those antenna's would also work as outdoor antennas someday if you ever move somewhere else. Also, I know the paper towel holder thing sounds crazy, but it looks pretty good and has worked great for me for years.
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.
​
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.
​
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
If by RCA Yagi you mean this antenna (http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Compact-Outdoor-Yagi-Antenna/dp/B0024R4B5C) it is most definitely NOT crap. In fact, I just used one to replace an Antennas Direct DB4e. It's got decent VHF-Hi gain, which the DB4e did not, and for my purposes the UHF gain is acceptable.
BTW, it's a log-periodic antenna, not a Yagi, so it has better performance than you'd think based on its size.
Thank you everyone for your insight.
I will be ordering the DB8e- I like the lifetime warranty. We get pretty strong winds and a lot of of snow where I live so I could see the warranty eventually being needed.
For VHF I am thinking about added the VHF retrofit kit. It seems to have great reviews despite it being so small.
https://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-VHF-1-VHF-Retrofit/dp/B00LHFRCMG
Lastly should I add a LTE filter? I realize after the spectrum transition a lower frequency LTE filter will be needed
Thanks for the ideas, everyone.
I've since procured one of these (an Onn ONA16AV004 Digital Signal Amplifier):https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DL27Y9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And one of these (a Channel Master CM3414 4-Port Distribution Amplifier) to replace my existing passive splitter:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PI09SE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So, I learned there's a difference in VHF and UHF channels and the antennas one should get, and what used to be VHF around here, no longer is. Most of all my channels (in the 76102 area code) are in the UHF range, with just about 2 that remain VHF...and both of those are shown to be difficult to receive in my area.
I also ensured my antenna is facing the best direction, using my iPhone's compass to more accurately match what degrees the various websites say it should be facing.
And with the Signal Amplifier, I now get all the channels when I'm in the attic, with the VHF channels having about a 30% signal strength. The rest are about 50% - 75%.
However, when I test it out at the end of the line-drop before the splitter (which is in the basement, about 20-25 feet below), I lose all the VHF channels. The rest of the channel strength remain more-or-less the same (if they're degraded much, my TV isn't really showing me exactly how much. It pretty much just reads "bad/normal/good").
Now, with the Distribution Amplifier, I test at the end of those lines (basically, the living room and bedrooms) and signal loss is more substantial, and I lose more channels that were originally in that 50% range when in the attic. But at least I get a lot more channels than I did before...
Any suggestions of what else I could try (short of going up to the roof)?
​
To answer questions:I live in an ~100 year old house, so the walls are thick, but the gable where I placed the antenna in the attic is relatively thin (compared to the rest of the house). It just has to receive signal through douglas fur wood and asbestos tiles. The antenna is probably about 30' off the ground.
Most of coax is ran near to other power lines, and I'm considering adjusting those to ensure they aren't overlapping or touching. One of them is ran over fluorescent lights.
Here are the rabbit ear results:https://www.rabbitears.info/searchmap.php?request=result&study_id=22534
​
Thanks so much!
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.
that's kind of what I thought but I even moved it over next to the window today just to see if that fixed it and it was the same thing. the window faces the hill where the towers are located - my town is in valley so all of the broadcast towers are on one hill and way above me.
I am going to play around with it a little more but what do you think about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-STEALTHtenna-CM3010HD-Antenna/dp/B00PKLOA7I
This way I could mount it out where the directv satellite is and it's out of sight out of mind. The wife would not be too happy if I had a cord running across the living room to get the perfect spot with the indoor antenna.
Assuming you can roof mount, I would recommend an antenna like the DB8e.
It has great range, and your signals are all green/yellow. This antenna also allows you to point at two different directions at the same time. Start off with it pointed directly Northwest, then angle one side toward the ~290 degree stations, and the other side toward the ~357 degree channels. You should pick up everything.
Thanks. How can you tell if an antenna is good or vhf? I assume the thin paper antennas are no good for vhf.
Also my Walmart doesn't have any rabbit ear antennna in stock so will have to order online. Do you think the rabbit ear aantennna will be able to pick up the non vhf channels I currently get?
Also what do you think about this one?
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT111Z-Durable-Antenna-Rabbit/dp/B000HKGK8Y
Or should.i just get this big dog https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0024R4B5C/ref=cm_cr_srp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
Or this guy. https://www.walmart.com/ip/2018-Newest-Amplified-HD-Digital-TV-Antenna-Long-80-Miles-Range-Support-4K-1080p-Older-TV-s-Indoor-Powerful-HDTV-Amplifier-Signal-Booster-18ft-Coax-C/791697500
Thanks so much! You think these from amazon are good enough? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HKGK8Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523019374&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rabbit+ears&psc=1
Spend $10 more and get this: http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-Distribution-Amplifier-Antenna/dp/B002M1EPL0
I have it, it works great. Easy as pie.
My guess is you could get by with an indoor antenna, but if you really want one for the attic, I'd recommend the RCA ANT751. It worked well for me to pick up signals 50 miles away when installed in an attic. It's also a bit less expensive than the others mentioned.
https://www.amazon.com/Antenna-Satellite-Broadcast-Epicenter-Reception/dp/B0024R4B5C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=rca+751e+antenna&qid=1564618820&s=gateway&sprefix=rca+751&sr=8-3
I'm 30 miles from the towers, with my antenna in the attic, and I get everything fine.
Its an RCA off Amazon...tons of great reviews.
RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024R4B5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Wr3AxbF9H1KNX
There was someone on /r/cordcutters that did what you want using a bunch of amplified splitters. Example:
So you would feed your antenna into one of the amplified splitters and then feed the outputs into as many of the amplified splitters as required, for up to 64 outputs.
Having all those separate amplifiers isn't very reliable and would be hard to troubleshoot if one of the amplifiers failed. You would also have to find up to 9 power plugs. I would suggest you do it a bit more like the professionals do it...
The idea is that you have a single more powerful amplifier attached to the antenna. Then you follow it with passive (unamplified) 8 way or even 16 way splitters. Two levels of 8 way splitters would be a loss of 11 dB + 11 dB = 22 dB so you would need at least that much gain to overcome the splitter loss. If the signals are not really strong in your area you could just get a 30 dB amp and not worry further. Here is an example of a name brand adjustable gain 35 dB amp:
... and the section I found it in:
What I described is a "star" topology where you need to run a separate cable to each location. There is a kind of "bus" topology available where each splitter only takes a small amount of signal off the cable. That takes more design and I have no experience with such systems.
Edit: Minor clarification.
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?
I picked up this Antenna and put it in my attic and it works really well. I'm also fairly close to the broadcast towers in my area. I'm about 15 miles away so I have pretty good signal regardless.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024R4B5C
So the satellite dish is on the side of the house then? If the coax cable is coming out of the attic vent near the roof peak you might be able to mount the antenna at the roof peak. This is the antenna I got (they have it at Walmart): https://www.amazon.com/RCA-Compact-Outdoor-Antenna-Range/dp/B0024R4B5C. It works great, for me at least.
I tested the SMARTenna+. It did poorly on VHF channels. Antenna shootout.
I also seem to recall WUSA and WJZ in your area have some sort of quirk in their signals that has been causing problems from some newer DVRs like the latest HDHomerun and Recast. Probably not the problem in this case.
STEALTHtenna is cheap and works pretty well. STEALTHtenna at Amazon (join two of these for almost the perfect solution?)
Clearstream 2V might be a bit less directional, but pricier. Clearstream 2V at Amazon
Circling back around to this. Work work work.... Anyway. I'm looking at the following:
Channel Master CM-3020 Long Range VHF, UHF, FM and HDTV Antenna
CMSTCM7777 - CHANNEL MASTER CM-7777 Titan 2 Preamp (High Gain)
Channel Master CM3414 4-Port Distribution Amplifier for Cable and Antenna Signal
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Should i get the below LTE Filter? Any other thoughts or suggestions?
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Channel Master LTE Filter Improves TV Antenna Signals
I used an antenna mounted Amplifier. I see many indoor amps but if you live in a weak(er) signal area, you should amplify the signal as soon as it leaves the antenna. I installed this one several years ago and its been working really well.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQN3R9O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It looks like those two channels are in the VHF range which that antenna you linked to is not optimal for.
Try a set of rabbit ears. The dipole setup is better for VHF. Even something cheap/silly like this:
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT111Z-Durable-Antenna-Rabbit/dp/B000HKGK8Y
It doesn't look as fancy, but that's what picks up VHF.
If the room has a east facing window, try placing the antenna closer to that window and as high up in the room as possible.
Thank you! I figured the 150 mile mark was garbage.
On Denny's website, do you know anything about the EZ-HD antenna? Also, how does it compare to this... https://www.amazon.com/RCA-Compact-Outdoor-Antenna-Range/dp/B0024R4B5C/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1497977638&sr=1-1&keywords=ez-hd+antenna
Well depending on the signal from the antenna, maybe a coax/OTA amplifier is what you need.
- https://smile.amazon.com/ANTOP-Smartpass-Amplifier-Non-Amplified-Included/dp/B07GRT8DW7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=EWYG6Z8PSQPG&keywords=ota+amplifier+signal+booster&qid=1569186191&sprefix=OTA+amp%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-5
or
https://smile.amazon.com/ANTOP-Amplifier-OTA-Ready-Compatible-Antenna/dp/B07SHFX8XX/ref=sr_1_4?crid=EWYG6Z8PSQPG&keywords=ota+amplifier+signal+booster&qid=1569186191&sprefix=OTA+amp%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-4
you are under 20 miles from all major stations being in the same direction and all are UHF. any $40 dual bay bowtie or 3' long VHF yagi would be suitable as long as they have line of sight to the ENE horizon. https://www.amazon.com//dp/B00DNJZ58M - then use any RG6U Quad Shielded cable. if you want an installer to strap it to a chimney for an additional 5th story height, then the Winegard HD7694P or any 4 bay UHF others recommend is fine. you do NOT need an amplifier for such a short ~50' cable run - most don't work correctly anyway, and are not worth the db loss they can inflict.
this
First things first:
Beyond that, and beyond the tough reception situation you have -- how long is the coaxial run from your rooftop antennas to the 8-port amplifier/splitter?
You could be bleeding a lot of signal before it hits the amp and gets locked in.
Also, you have a religious broadcaster with a tower just 6 miles away that might overload a regular line amplifier.
I would suggest a pre-amplifier that locks in the signal at the antenna itself before the long coaxial runs and splits. But it needs to be a preamp that doesn't overload because of the "3 Angels Network" on channel 25.
Consider the RCA Preamp 1.
If you go with a preamp, then replace your amp/splitter with a regular splitter with no amplification.
So I live 30 miles away from the tv stations. I have a 70 mile antenna which is mounted prob 25ft up. I am having problems with cbs and NBC but not any of the other 61 channels I am receiving. Cbs and NBC will be at full strength and then drop to zero and lose signal for a few seconds. I can go hours with no problems but then will go hours with it going in and out. It's not getting pixilated, it completely drops and the tv says no signal.
I just installed this today hoping it would help
2-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV HDTV Amplifier Splitter Signal Booster with Passive Return Path https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BMKNZI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_AHUkVve74rlae
I also have this antenna
RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna with 70 Mile Range https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024R4B5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wrZWzbMDS6KAP
I'm on the opposite side of St. Louis. I'm probably a little closer at around 70 miles away, maybe. Anyway, I'm basically doing what you want to do in reverse. I pick up the St. Louis stations and pick up a couple Cape locals on the backside of my antenna.
As far as gear, I'm using an Channelmaster 4228HD https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-CM-4228HD-High-Antenna/dp/B000FVVKQM and a Channel Master 7777 High Gain preamp https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-CM-7777-Antenna-Preamplifier/dp/B000GGKOG8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1537450060&sr=1-1&keywords=channel+7777. I have no affiliation or preference for Channel Master, it just happened. Anyway, with this setup, I can get all the St. Louis full power stations (2,4,5,9,11,24,30) and two from Cape on the backside (12,23). I receive 46 about half the time. I will occasionally receive a few of the southern Illinois stations but I've not optimized (aimed) my setup for those.
Actually with this setup, I once received all your locals via ducting for a few hours.
As they say, buy once, cry once. Don't chase around with those garbage Amazon antennas. Get a big antenna from a reputable company i.e. Channel Master, Winegard, Antennas Direct etc. Then get a decent preamp also from a reputable company. Redo your wiring with new RG6 with NO splices or splitters. Finally point your antenna toward the St. Louis cluster of stations (you have enough dbs to receive you locals without pointing. I think you'll be able to get those St. Louis stations especially since you received them on a garbage antenna.