cutting the cord, need help!

[dplav]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d1dda9ad4dbc72b

I have 3 Panasonic HD tv's. Master Bedroom 1, bedroom 2, basement rec room for entertaining 3. Do I need a converter? I was thinking of going with 2-3 Roku's. Master bedroom, we watch most of the tv shows here. Bedroom 2,-my son's bedroom, he loves watching cartoons and nba games. Basement rec room-entertaining area for guests.

I tried using an antenna like this in the past, but the reception was very spotty on a cloudy day.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/RCA+-+Amplified+Indoor+Off-Air+HDTV+Antenna/8280843.p?id=1171058630563&skuId=8280843

I was thinking of going with this antenna.
http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

or this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Thin-Leaf-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B004QK7HI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358608361&sr=8-1&keywords=hdtv+antenna

Anything else I need to know that would help us out?

[GroundUrMast]

One antenna would be enough to serve all the TVs. Connected to a splitter, the antenna's signal can be distributed using existing coax if it has been disconnected from cable or satellite service.

I would avoid an amplified antenna. The signal strength available to you may be enough to overload an amplifier.

Any small to mid-size 'All-Channel' antenna will serve well;

Antennacraft C290
Channel Master CM-3016
Winegard HD7010

Mounted outdoors, pointed due east you'll have plenty of signal. You may be able to get good reception in an attic, but outdoor mounting ensurers success.

TVs built and sold since mid-2007 should be equipped with over-the-air tuners. That would make a convertor unnecessary. Simply change the tuner from cable mode to 'air' or 'antenna'. Then scan for channels... check your manual for the exact instructions for your TV.

[dplav]

One antenna would be enough to serve all the TVs. Connected to a splitter, the antenna's signal can be distributed using existing coax if it has been disconnected from cable or satellite service.

I would avoid an amplified antenna. The signal strength available to you may be enough to overload an amplifier.

Any small to mid-size 'All-Channel' antenna will serve well;

Antennacraft C290
Channel Master CM-3016
Winegard HD7010

Mounted outdoors, pointed due east you'll have plenty of signal. You may be able to get good reception in an attic, but outdoor mounting ensurers success.

TVs built and sold since mid-2007 should be equipped with over-the-air tuners. That would make a convertor unnecessary. Simply change the tuner from cable mode to 'air' or 'antenna'. Then scan for channels... check your manual for the exact instructions for your TV.

Thanks. The problem is that I'm not to much of a handyman to know how to hook it all up that way.

[dplav]

One antenna would be enough to serve all the TVs. Connected to a splitter, the antenna's signal can be distributed using existing coax if it has been disconnected from cable or satellite service.

I would avoid an amplified antenna. The signal strength available to you may be enough to overload an amplifier.

Any small to mid-size 'All-Channel' antenna will serve well;

Antennacraft C290
Channel Master CM-3016
Winegard HD7010

Mounted outdoors, pointed due east you'll have plenty of signal. You may be able to get good reception in an attic, but outdoor mounting ensurers success.

TVs built and sold since mid-2007 should be equipped with over-the-air tuners. That would make a convertor unnecessary. Simply change the tuner from cable mode to 'air' or 'antenna'. Then scan for channels... check your manual for the exact instructions for your TV.

Could you give me an idea of what work without me having to mount anything outside?

[teleview]

Indoor Tv reception is Not a reception friendly environment and Never Will Be a reception friendly environment.

Signal attenuation and (multipath) reflected signals bouncing all around is not reception friendly.

For a indoor type antenna use Terk HDTVi (not the HDTVa) , aim the HDTVi antenna at about 90 degree magnetic compass direction. East.

Here is how to aim indoor antennas and outdoor antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

To improve the reception put the HDTVi antenna in/at a window or patio/balcony window that is to the east.

If the Tv is not close to the HDTVi that in/at the window then run a loooong coax from the HDTVi to the tv.

The Tv Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , often named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Go into the Tv setup menu and select , 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels'.

Some Digital Tv's will automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Tv setup menu and select , 'Air Channels' / 'Antenna Channels'.

________________________________________________________________

Attics Are Not a reception friendly environment and Never Will Be a reception friendly environment. Signal attenuation and (multipath) reflected signals bouncing all around is not reception friendly.

For a antenna installed in the attic , install a Winegard HD7000R antenna aimed at about 90 degree magnetic compass direction. East.

No preamplifier is required.

For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a simple common 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a simple common 3 way splitter.

__________________________________________________

As always , trees and tree leaves do a good job of , reflecting , reducing , blocking Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own roof and house.

It is best install the HD7000R antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including your own roof and house.

__________________________________

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com.

http://www.amazon.com.

[rickcain]

Get the biggest antenna you can fit into your attic. Reception drops considerably when your antenna has to go through the wood and shingles of your roof, plus its lower than if it were on the roof. That also negates the need to have a signal amplifier.

Stay away from anything Terk, they're poorly performing antennas. Also avoid eBay antennas which claim 120 mile range which is impossible. They're junk plastic antennas made in China and are worth about $5 each.

[dplav]

The other concern is the reception in our basement rec room. What would be best downstairs?

[dplav]

I need to find a local installer to install the antenna in the attic. Where should I start looking?

[teleview]

For the best reception install the HD7000R antenna above the roof in such a manner that the roof or house is not blocking reception to the East , at about 90 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html if using a tripod antenna mount use the 5 foot tripod.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html if using the eave antenna mount use the #4560.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.

http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box or buy from ronard.

______________

Can also use a Winegard DS3000 J type antenna mount.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com.

[dplav]

I was quoted $280-$380 to have an antenna installed in my attic which would connect to all three tvs. The installer told me the price variation is for labor, since he doesn't know how much is involved.

[teleview]

~$280.00 to ~$380 to have the HD7000R antenna installed.

Compared to.

The average price of Pay Cable and Pay Satellite is as an Example $100.00 a month.

That is $1,200.00 a year.

That is $2,400.00 for 2 years.

And so forth.

_______________________________

What concerns me is the word -->an.

In the wording , to have - an - antenna installed.

[GroundUrMast]

...
_______________________________

What concerns me is the word -->an.

In the wording , to have - an - antenna installed.

How is that a concern? Should the estimate be for more than one antenna or are you cautioning the OP to specify the exact make and model of the antenna?

[Stereocraig]

I was quoted $280-$380 to have an antenna installed in my attic which would connect to all three tvs. The installer told me the price variation is for labor, since he doesn't know how much is involved.

OT, but you must live by the village park and the lake, cause your TVF looks similar my daughter's.

[teleview]

My concern is that the question asker receives the Tv channels that are available to receive to the Main group of Tv stations/channels to the East direction.

The antenna and antenna system I have recommended will do that , for the Main group of Tv stations/channels to the East direction.
___________________________

Not all antennas and antenna systems are the best for reception every where at all locations.

An , antenna and antenna system that some one else recommends may or may not be the correct antenna and antenna system for reception of the receivable Tv stations/channels to the Main Group of Tv stations/channels to the East direction.

[dplav]

~$280.00 to ~$380 to have the HD7000R antenna installed.

Compared to.

The average price of Pay Cable and Pay Satellite is as an Example $100.00 a month.

That is $1,200.00 a year.

That is $2,400.00 for 2 years.

And so forth.

_______________________________

What concerns me is the word -->an.

In the wording , to have - an - antenna installed.

$100 is what I pay with 12mb internet. If I take TV out the internet cost goes up to $54.

[dplav]

OT, but you must live by the village park and the lake, cause your TVF looks similar my daughter's.

I'm 10 min East of the lake

[dplav]

http://store.gomohu.com/the-leaf-indoor-hdtv-antenna.html
What would be wrong with trying this out?
35 mile range. I am well within that range.

[elmo]

http://store.gomohu.com/the-leaf-indoor-hdtv-antenna.html
What would be wrong with trying this out?
35 mile range. I am well within that range.

It's a UHF design only so it won't pick up your available VHF channels. And it's nothing magical. They call it omni-directional because there's no reflector, but it's reception will vary based on direction it faces. If you have a broadcast tower nearby, it doesn't require much antenna to pick it up well. For 35 miles, it has to be an optimal situation; I doubt they disclose that test scenario. It could work for you, but just be ready to return it. Slick marketing. I like the part about "designed after a military mudflap antenna." I guess the military likes to watch TV while out and about?! Not hardly. It's like saying a Toyota Camry is based on race car design because it has cylinders and gears too. Who knows what a military mud flap design is used for. I could be for near field communications on a specific frequency, which would not be optimal for a TV application. So like I said, if you are inclined to try it, be aware of the return policy. If you're a bit crafty, there's always the "build your own moho" for just a couple of bucks. http://www.instructables.com/id/Yet-another-dtv-antenna/step8/The-original-instructions-from-freehdtvsecretscom/
Yeah - it's virtually the same thing - same design, for sure. I can say I actually did this little project the first time I started looking into antennas. It took little time to assemble and I attached it to the back of the TV. It did ok, but nothing like the outdoor antenna I eventually got. But it was fun to do.

As for the expense of getting an antenna installed, when you cut the cord, you can afford to spend a little as the savings will pile up in the long run.

[dplav]

It's a UHF design only so it won't pick up your available VHF channels. And it's nothing magical. They call it omni-directional because there's no reflector, but it's reception will vary based on direction it faces. If you have a broadcast tower nearby, it doesn't require much antenna to pick it up well. For 35 miles, it has to be an optimal situation; I doubt they disclose that test scenario. It could work for you, but just be ready to return it. Slick marketing. I like the part about "designed after a military mudflap antenna." I guess the military likes to watch TV while out and about?! Not hardly. It's like saying a Toyota Camry is based on race car design because it has cylinders and gears too. Who knows what a military mud flap design is used for. I could be for near field communications on a specific frequency, which would not be optimal for a TV application. So like I said, if you are inclined to try it, be aware of the return policy. If you're a bit crafty, there's always the "build your own moho" for just a couple of bucks. http://www.instructables.com/id/Yet-another-dtv-antenna/step8/The-original-instructions-from-freehdtvsecretscom/
Yeah - it's virtually the same thing - same design, for sure. I can say I actually did this little project the first time I started looking into antennas. It took little time to assemble and I attached it to the back of the TV. It did ok, but nothing like the outdoor antenna I eventually got. But it was fun to do.

As for the expense of getting an antenna installed, when you cut the cord, you can afford to spend a little as the savings will pile up in the long run.

Here's what I tried without having much luck watching locals on a cloudy day. It was choppy.
http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=8280843&pid=1171058630563

If I didn't have luck with this should I even try the Leaf?

[dplav]

I just read that Roku partnered up with TimeWarner to provide even more programming on the Roku. Interesting.

[dplav]

The other issue is when I cancel the TV service that I have the cost of the internet goes way up.

[teleview]

The Pay cable companies and Pay satellite companies are looking for ways to keep on sucking money out of your wallet.

With the Pay cable companies and Pay satellite companies on board , look for the prices to go , up , up and up.

I recommend complain to Roku , tell them not to do it.

[GroundUrMast]

The previous suggestions for a modest sized all channel antenna, mounted outside are still valid.
http://forum.tvfool.com/showpost.php?p=34437&postcount=2
http://forum.tvfool.com/showpost.php?p=34437&postcount=5

I think you'll be wasting money on a small UHF only antenna such as the Leaf. There is no technical reason to expect it to do better with UHF signals than your existing RCA antenna... And the Leaf lacks the VHF capability of the RCA.

If you want something to work inside, you've shown that a small indoor antenna is inadequate. So, you'll need to consider using a mid-size all channel antenna (an outdoor design). In the attic, the Antennacraft C490 would be an example.

[teleview]

You can call the cable company and tell them to lower the price or you will go to the Phone company or Wireless providers for internet service.

Many places around the USA have Internet wireless service that is received and transmitted with a small antenna mounted above the roof of the house that is aimed at a tower.

And you can tell the Phone company and Wireless internet providers the same , Lower the price or I will go to other providers.

Remember , Do Not Combine Any Type or Kind of Cable delivered service and the antenna reception on to a same coax.

Cable delivered services.

And

Antenna Tv reception must be on different coaxes.

[dplav]

The Pay cable companies and Pay satellite companies are looking for ways to keep on sucking money out of your wallet.

With the Pay cable companies and Pay satellite companies on board , look for the prices to go , up , up and up.

I recommend complain to Roku , tell them not to do it.

How does someone escape from the higher internet costs when the tv services are cancelled in a bundle?

[dplav]

The previous suggestions for a modest sized all channel antenna, mounted outside are still valid.
http://forum.tvfool.com/showpost.php?p=34437&postcount=2
http://forum.tvfool.com/showpost.php?p=34437&postcount=5

I think you'll be wasting money on a small UHF only antenna such as the Leaf. There is no technical reason to expect it to do better with UHF signals than your existing RCA antenna... And the Leaf lacks the VHF capability of the RCA.

If you want something to work inside, you've shown that a small indoor antenna is inadequate. So, you'll need to consider using a mid-size all channel antenna (an outdoor design). In the attic, the Antennacraft C490 would be an example.

I checked and our homeowners association restricts outdoor antenna's. Also, how would my son watch his nba games?

[GroundUrMast]

Shop around. I've been able to find 15/5 Mb/s internet for $39.99/month, no bundling. Land line phone service can be had for less than $10/month. For example. CallCentric service can be as low as $0/month & 2 cents/minute.

The FCC protects your right to receive over-the-air television. http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule The FCC rules supersede the HOA and local zoning rules.

[dplav]

Shop around. I've been able to find 15/5 Mb/s internet for $39.99/month, no bundling. Land line phone service can be had for less than $10/month. For example. CallCentric service can be as low as $0/month & 2 cents/minute.

The FCC protects your right to receive over-the-air television. http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule The FCC rules supersede the HOA and local zoning rules.

I did. $45 for 6mb at TW and $55 for 12mb at at&t.