Digital TV antenna
- Thread starter isuhunter
- Start date
You can run the whole house off one TV antenna using coax and splitters (you may need an amplifier depending how many splits and coax length). I'll be curious to see what people recommend for antennas because I need to update ours. Right now I have to choose between NBC and PBS - can't seem to find an orientation that works for both.
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Old Man Roger
Well-known member
The antennas will often say they're good for multiple tv's, but depending on your equipment, like DVR's, some have multiple tuners. Some brands DVR's even recommend you use 1 antenna, exclusively for the DVR
If you have a DVR and a couple tv's, you might want to consider more than one antenna.
I use the Clearstream 2Max HDTV Antenna, and I get over 60 channels for my dvr. It was like 79 bucks at lowes.
In a way, I use the antenna for all my tv's, because I stream live tv through my DVR using firestick and Firetvrecast.
I do have a tv that isn't linked to the dvr, it gets most of the local channels with just an old school set of rabbit ears.
If you have a DVR and a couple tv's, you might want to consider more than one antenna.
I use the Clearstream 2Max HDTV Antenna, and I get over 60 channels for my dvr. It was like 79 bucks at lowes.
In a way, I use the antenna for all my tv's, because I stream live tv through my DVR using firestick and Firetvrecast.
I do have a tv that isn't linked to the dvr, it gets most of the local channels with just an old school set of rabbit ears.
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tdkkart
Well-known member
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075KZLTZ9/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Along with an inline signal amplifier we have this one wired as a whole house antenna to 3 TVs. Seems to work decent, pulls in something like 40 channels here in eastern Iowa.
Along with an inline signal amplifier we have this one wired as a whole house antenna to 3 TVs. Seems to work decent, pulls in something like 40 channels here in eastern Iowa.
Philpug
Well-known member
We ran a Mohu leaf for years...actually 3 of them in the house. We got tired of the constant moving around to lose then gain channels. We also had Hulu and since Hulu Live, we switched over to that. Much cheaper than cable but obviously more than just the antennas but IMHO, worth the $$ in that we are not limited to jsut the TV;s but we can watch on our computers and gain so may more channels too.
SGKent
Banned
Simplified answer: an antenna picks up electrical signals coming from a radio tower. That is all it does. That electrical signal has a frequency to it, and like a guitar note it will resonate at a specific wave length. If you were for example listening only to one TV signal then you could just use a piece of conductive metal that was the length of that wave. But because we watch many different TV stations we collect signals of different frequencies - meaning the signals are different lengths. That is why when you look at a TV antenna it has different length elements on it. Then if we are at a long distance where the signal is weak the antenna has multiple elements one length to pick up weaker signals. It may have elements that reflect a weak signal to give the main element a second chance at picking it up. In the end there is really NO difference in a digital antenna vs a regular antenna. What does change now is it seems every few years the US Government takes back certain frequencies and reassigns others. What this means is that an antenna tuned to stations that were around in 1980 doesn't work as well as one sold today OR it may have lots of wasted elements that aren't used anymore for TV. Even an antenna from 2010 may be tuned for different frequencies. Different parts of the country may use different frequency combinations.
The best thing to do is start here to see what stations are available, and what frequencies you need. It will also show how far away the stations are, and how strong a signal. https://www.antennaweb.org
The best thing to do is start here to see what stations are available, and what frequencies you need. It will also show how far away the stations are, and how strong a signal. https://www.antennaweb.org
Innovate1
Well-known member
There really is no such thing as a "digital TV antenna". When the switch came about the antenna makers used it as a marketing ploy. The old antennas received radio signals the same as the new ones. And the idea of 1 antenna per TV limit is dumb. You can do it either way. It is really just limited by signal strength. If you split the signal the signal at each outlet is decreased so if it is weak to begin with you may need an amplifier. If you are far from the station you may have issues or need an amplifier. I have an old yagi antenna in the attic with an amplifier that was used when I got it around 1995. Works great and feeds 2 TVs and 2 digital tuners for the DVR.
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
My situation is anecdotal I know, but I was having issues with my DVR, the tech guy had me run the antenna exclusively to my dvr. It solved the problems
larry4406
Well-known member
As SGkent indicates - it depends.
Use one of the various antenna search sites using your zip code. Determine your distance to tower as well as the REAL frequency vs virtual of the channels. Most channels today are in the UHF band but some are still VHF; the bands require different and/or more complex antennas to cover them. The search will tell you how to aim your antenna. They also dumb it down via color codes to better help you target the type of antenna you may need.
My "local" channels are 45+ miles from me. One is VHF while others are UHF. The towers are clustered in about a 30 degree pie shape relative to my house. I installed an outdoor Antennas Direct DB8e and its add-on dipole for VHF on a mast off my chimney. I also have an older model Channel Master Spartan 2(?) pre-amp on the mast, upgraded all the coax to RG6 Quad shield.
I have since installed a Channel Master 4-port distribution amplifier in the attic to split the signal to 3 TV's and capped the unused port.
We get 60-70 some odd channels.
This summer I will rotate one of the bays towards Richmond to try and pick those up in addition to my current Washington DC/Baltimore.
Use one of the various antenna search sites using your zip code. Determine your distance to tower as well as the REAL frequency vs virtual of the channels. Most channels today are in the UHF band but some are still VHF; the bands require different and/or more complex antennas to cover them. The search will tell you how to aim your antenna. They also dumb it down via color codes to better help you target the type of antenna you may need.
My "local" channels are 45+ miles from me. One is VHF while others are UHF. The towers are clustered in about a 30 degree pie shape relative to my house. I installed an outdoor Antennas Direct DB8e and its add-on dipole for VHF on a mast off my chimney. I also have an older model Channel Master Spartan 2(?) pre-amp on the mast, upgraded all the coax to RG6 Quad shield.
I have since installed a Channel Master 4-port distribution amplifier in the attic to split the signal to 3 TV's and capped the unused port.
We get 60-70 some odd channels.
This summer I will rotate one of the bays towards Richmond to try and pick those up in addition to my current Washington DC/Baltimore.
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Kensico
Active member
I got this one, it works great https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=HDB91X, I also have a RCA yagi antenna on the same pole going to antenna combiner https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=2532 , to an amplifier inside the house. The RCA works great for VHF channels and the Solid Signal works good for UHF channels
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ddawg16
Well-known member
As Innovate1 noted above, there is no such thing as a 'digital' antenna.
Any good UHF/VHF antenna will work.
Very important....coax and connectors. Use RG6 and I'd suggest crimp connectors over the twist on coax connectors.
A 2-way splitter will reduce the output of each output 3db (half power)
A 4-way splitter will reduce each output to 1/4 of the input.
Hence, if you are going to connect more than 2 TV's, use an amp....unless you're really close to the transmitting tower.
Any good UHF/VHF antenna will work.
Very important....coax and connectors. Use RG6 and I'd suggest crimp connectors over the twist on coax connectors.
A 2-way splitter will reduce the output of each output 3db (half power)
A 4-way splitter will reduce each output to 1/4 of the input.
Hence, if you are going to connect more than 2 TV's, use an amp....unless you're really close to the transmitting tower.
A preamp or amplifier splitter?
ddawg16
Well-known member
spliter/amp
Innovate1
Well-known member
Either one. The amplifier splitter is just an amplifier and splitter combined although maybe better gain/noise figure than separate parts. And it makes the wiring neater. I have an amp followed by some splitters. But I am fairly close to the sources so probably a fairly easy case.
larry4406
Well-known member
On my setup I have a pre-amp on the mast at the antenna (old Channel Master Spartan 2 I found in the attic from the prior owner). Then as soon as the drop enters the attic, I have distribution amplifier (Channel Master CM-3414) pushing the signal to the 3 TV's due long runs
Distribution Amp I have (Channel Master CM-3414)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PI09SE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I installed this after I recently connected 2 additional TV's. Originally I had the single TV connected to the output of the pre-amp and it did very well. I did have some issues with some channels. After installing the distribution amp, these issues have gone away and the other 2 TV's receive equally well.
Was thinking of buying this Pre-Amp (Channel Master CM-7778HD) which has slightly better gain than the unit I currently have. This unit seems to have problems staying in stock so hoping that is a good thing. Have not pulled the trigger on this.
https://www.channelmaster.com/Amplify_Plus_TV_Antenna_Preamplifier_p/cm-7778hd.htm
I read info here on how to configure my setup. At bottom of link there is a link to a PDF showing wiring/configuration methods.
https://support.channelmaster.com/h...fier-and-a-Preamplifier-in-my-Antenna-System-
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ddawg16
Well-known member
I should point out my amp is bi-directional and good to 1G.
Back when we 'used' to have cable TV, I had the TV/Internet cable going to it. Without it, trying to feed TV's and the cable modem caused the cable modem to have too small of a signal.
Because it's bi-directional, it will also amplify the Internet signal
Back when we 'used' to have cable TV, I had the TV/Internet cable going to it. Without it, trying to feed TV's and the cable modem caused the cable modem to have too small of a signal.
Because it's bi-directional, it will also amplify the Internet signal
In general
Preamp if you are in a fringe area that you are far away from a TV tower that you wanted to view... usually preamp are installed at the antenna and you'll power it with a power injector into the coax.. so in other word pre-amp amplify reception signals along with what ever noise it picks up or frequency it is design for.
a distribution amp/splitter amp is really not needed unless you have very long runs... as the name state.. it is amplify the signals it receives after the antenna for long runs and splitters. Sort of saying "boost" the signal. Most of the times a regular good quality splitter is all you needed.. Stick with a good known brand, don't buy cheap ones from 99cent stores and really those fancy advertising wordings might get confusing and their product don't last long.
A regular splitter can be use as a combiner as well to combine two antenna signals if you have two different towers you wanted to receive broadcasting from. It's straight forward if you don't have preamp. If you use pre-amp then combine it after the power injector.
I have two TVs and about 150' of cable run from antenna, the splitter is installed in midway of about 75' from the antenna. then another about 100' to the TV.. The signals are fine on regular splitter.
Uncle_Sticky
Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2015
- Messages
- 9
Like Old Man Roger, I also use the clearstream Max. Have had it about 4-5 years ish. Works fine.
As far as distribution to TV's, rather than running more cable you might want to check out the tablo tv product. https://www.tablotv.com/
It connects to your antenna and then streams the signal to an app. there are apps for most the streaming boxes like the roku or firestick. I like it. Also had it about 4-5 years. There may be similar devices from other companies now.
As far as distribution to TV's, rather than running more cable you might want to check out the tablo tv product. https://www.tablotv.com/
It connects to your antenna and then streams the signal to an app. there are apps for most the streaming boxes like the roku or firestick. I like it. Also had it about 4-5 years. There may be similar devices from other companies now.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
100% correct !
These statements are also correct, but the rest of that discussion needs to be taken with a "grain of salt".
The "old" TV stations (NTSB) had "channels" space over a very WIDE range of frequencies that spanned parts of 2 "bands", VHF and UHF. The lower part of the VHF band was taken back by the government (FCC) and has (will be) resold. Same is true with the upper part of the UHF band.
This is good news for consumers because it means that a more compact antenna will work well ! Most are small enough, you can fit them inside of an attic and they still work well.
Like old antennas, higher is better, pointed toward where the signal is coming from is better (see below). Rotor may help, but not a "must have".
Good place to start ! No reason to spend money on an antenna if the tower broadcasting is close by.
No it does not, but it might be simpler ! My in-laws have 3 TV and we bought 3 "window mount" antennas. Fairly cheap, easy and quick to install.
If you have good quality coax (preferably RG6) all ready run, and the come back to one point, I recommend this 4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier (also available in 8 port).
I like ChannelMaster. They have been in the business for a long, LONG time. No gimmicks. Shop Amazon.
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
In most metro area, all of the major network affiliates have gone to UHF.
Rumors keep flying that the FCC is going to take back the part of the VHF spectrum that they had left.
Even though the "radio waves" are the same, the electronics are "smart" enough to sort out signals spaced close together. This is why your local station may have "sub-channels" (i.e. 7, 7.1, 7.2, ...)
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Channel Master TV Antenna Multi-Directional 40+ Mile Range - CM-4220HD - Amazon $59
Similar models for 60 miles and 80 miles.
Similar models for 60 miles and 80 miles.
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
I built a set of Gray-Hoverman antennas. One for each major direction. I ran them all to a low loss combiner, then through a amplifier/ power injector. Total cost, about $35.
Innovate1
Well-known member
Almost right. The subchannels aren't close together. They are on the same frequency. The signals are digitally combined and all transmitted together. Then the receiver takes the pieces for whatever subchannel is selected.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_subchannel
Mr onetwo
Well-known member
dcg9381
Well-known member
I'm building a house. Each TV will get a RG6 drop, but the plan is to have a single (external) antenna at the house. We have several of the indoor "leaf" antennas now which are OK, but the shop has a big external antenna and the difference is substantial.
What antenna you need depends on how far your stations are away. Many antennas are still directional.
Others have provided active splitters, which are best if you can centralize.
Another option that I'm "test driving" is Amazon's Fire Re-cast. Basically it's a "whole house" DVR. So I have a single box that is recording from OTA, either 2-channels or 4-channels at once. From that box, any TV that has an Amazon Fire Stick (about $30) can receive recorded AND live programs from the DVR.... Full channel menu/program guide. So with several older TVs, this is a great option and I don't even have to run RG6 or deal with antennas at all..
Only downside? It's 720P.
Some good information, once again. My parents are having issues and are talking about a new antenna. Im not sure if it's not a TV issue as well.
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
That's the way I went. If I understand it correctly, it doesn't limit everything to 720, just the over the air stuff. If you're streaming online content, and have a 4k firestick, I believe you're able to get the best quality available.
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
Unless the station already had an assignment in the VHF-high range. In those cases, they used UHF for digital during the transition period, but when that ended they switched their digital transmission back to the VHF-high channel. The reason being that VHF travels further. The Phoenix market has 4 major network channels broadcasting digital on VHF-high. 5 (CBS), 8 (PBS), 10 (Fox), and 12 (NBC).
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
I pick up channels form 60 miles away, but south Florida is pretty flat.
DRP6833
Well-known member
I had success in a previous house with a fractal antenna I put together. I built it inside a craft box that looked like a book and just set it on the shelf next to the TV. Of course, distance to the transmitters and buildings between you and the transmitters will have an effect. But it was cheap and stealth.
Here's a link to details.
Here's a link to details.
dcg9381
Well-known member
That's right. It's just the OTA stuff. You're streaming direct otherwise.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Digital TV either work well ... or they are dead.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Not in my area !
Only one "network" station (Fox affiliate) still broadcasting VHF. They were low VHF (Channel 2), now they are high(?) VHF (Channel 7).
andyvh1959
Well-known member
So, for my detached garage I plan to wall mount my old 42" Philips LCD TV (no cable service from the house) so I can watch Packer's games and other garage appropriate shows. I do have DISH in the house, with the receiver in the living room and cable from the receiver to two other rooms. I may check with DISH to see if I can get a signal out to the garage. That, or just get an antenna, as the four main channel TV stations are all less than eight miles from my house.
Wow thanks for all the thoughts everyone!
I installed the Lava 8008 Omnipro kit over the weekend. With the amplifier installed 30' from the antenna we got 11 channels. With the amplifier installed 10" from antenna we got 52 BUT - our primary NBC channel is now scrambled.
Thoughts?
I installed the Lava 8008 Omnipro kit over the weekend. With the amplifier installed 30' from the antenna we got 11 channels. With the amplifier installed 10" from antenna we got 52 BUT - our primary NBC channel is now scrambled.
Thoughts?
nadogail
Well-known member
My go to source for antenna design and installation was the ARRL Antenna Book. It has been 50 years since I last built an antenna, so the book may no longer be in print.