OTA HD Antenna?

[Tony V.]

So what do you guys think about this antenna for receiving OTA HDTV? is it a good choice or are there better options? I want to mount one in my attic.
https://www.parts-express.com/outdo...na-with-360-degree-rotor-with-remote--210-534

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Depends on where the transmitters are from your location.

I'm not sure if this works for Canada, or if it's a US-only database, but this is how I chose my antenna. https://www.antennaweb.org/Address

That site gave me a type of antenna, and I then chose from that.

I've been using the older version of this for a decade now and it works fantastic. ClearStream 2MAX™ UHF/VHF Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna

It's not in my attic, but I can't imagine it would be much different results. I am able to pick up pretty much everything in my market without a rotor. There are a couple low-power stations that I don't get, but I'm not much for religious programming, so I haven't bothered trying to lock them in.

You could also make one of these for about $.50 and some scrap materials, just to test your reception levels.

 

[leecreek]

Sorry but I don't know. I use the old channel master we have used from 1981. It might work depending on how far it is to the broadcasters as it is showing UHF. Ours is in the attic on a rotor so for the price it might be usable. our old Radio Shack rotor cost more than that whole unit. I would try it if I was looking for a antenna. YMMV. Does it come with a antenna discharge coupling? If not get one It is like a coax barrel connector with a ground attachment.

 

[leecreek]

 

[Tony V.]

So here is what I get locally
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id=90381de62f4bdf
I don't know if this helps with deciding what antenna is best

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

According to that, you should be able to get by with just about any antenna. One thing to keep in mind is you don't want an overpowered antenna, as it can create problems with signals coming from nearby.

All your channels are in the green or grey classifications. Green is pretty easy to pick up, and grey will require extreme measures.

Have you tried anything yet, or are you just doing research? I would seriously try that DIY with a 2x4, some metal clothes hangers, and spare wire.

I'm sure the antenna you originally linked would work, though I fear the amplification might be a little much for such close signals.

 

[Tony V.]

I'm just doing research but plan on cutting the cord within a couple weeks. I just want to figure out how to still be able to PVR shows from OTA so that will be my next search

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I cut the cord about a decade ago. A year or so ago I added DirecTV Now, for the ESPN channels (as an AT&T mobile customer, the price is hard to beat).

Recently I cancelled my long-standing TiVo service, just to save that monthly bill. Come to find out, I can still record things on my TiVo. I can't do the advanced searching, but I can still do basic recording with no charge. I guess I had just never tried it before. It could be worth looking into a cheap used TiVo box. Looks like you can pick up an OTA Bolt for about $50 and use it for recording.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I should add to the DVR conversation that yes, there are plenty of options for recording on your computer. If that's the type of person you are, that's great. I'm more interested in enjoying content than updating drivers and squashing bugs. Every once in awhile, I'll go to a friend's place who has JRiver. I always think "maybe I should go with something like that, there are tons of cool features", but then it never works right, or we're delayed while the computer runs some updates, or something. It's never operated perfectly on the first try, and this is in a SERIOUS room.

I'm probably sacrificing features, but I would rather have something that just works.

 

[Tony V.]

Ya, I want something separate from a computer, simple just like my current PVR

 

[mechman]

I'll echo thrill cat in that you don't want to overdo it. I have one of these in the attic of my garage and it has served me very well over the years.

 

[Tony V.]

Thanks guys, once I get something ordered and in stalled I'm sure I will have more questions.

 

[Andreas Whitmore]

I see this as a cheaper alternative. Claims to catch signals from TV stations from 100 miles around.