Newbie thinking of ditching the dish

[brg88tx]

I am currently with dish network and want to get rid of them. Attached is my tvfool report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d5b94e274e12780

I would like to go to antenna IF I can go with a smaller one like the DB4E that I can attach to the backside (southside) of my chimney. I called one antenna store and they recommended a huge honkin 12 foot long one. I'm confused why the tvfool report shows most of my Houston locals in green (small set top antenna) when I live about 50 miles away? One thing going for me is the terrain drops away from me to the south, but there are some big pine trees there too.

I've done limited research and the biggest problem I'm going to have is some of the Houston locals are on vhf (why can't they all be uhf?). Anyway, all recommendations and tips are welcome. Thanks

[GroundUrMast]

The terrain is very favorable in your part of the country. :)

I'd suggest the Antennas Direct CS2-V. It has both UHF and H-VHF capability and based on the reported signal conditions, it's enough antenna to get the job done.

Don't pay attention to mileage estimates, your TV Fool report is far more accurate and informative about what will really work for your specific application.

[teleview]

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Aim the , C2-V-CJM , antenna , at about 160 degree magnetic compass direction.

Buy at , http://www.amazon.com.

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

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna.

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For reception of the Tv stations in the Green and Yellow reception zones.

A antenna system amplifier is not required.

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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.

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The Tv/s Must Channel Scan for the ATSC-Digital Broadcast Tv Stations/Channels.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Tv Setup Menu and select ~ Antenna Channels ~ ATSC Channels ~ DTV Channels ~ Air Channels ~.

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Some satellite systems will accept and distribute Tv antenna signals and some satellite systems Will Not.

If satellite service is discontinued.

Then to reduce problems with Tv antenna distribution , disconnect and remove all satellite system componets such as and not limited to , multi-swithces , multi-plexers , combiners , splitters , couplers , amplifiers , power inserters , power supplies.

Yes the satellite system coaxes can be used for the antenna system.

[tomfoolery]

I have family in NW Houston, more or less south of you. They use a $9 set top rabbit ears unit with UHF loop, indoors, in a condo, and it's more than enough for them. Their report is more than half green even at 40 miles away. It doesn't seem to take much antenna to get clear reception there.

Just a single data point, of course, but it might make you feel better about the recommendations you get here.

[brg88tx]

awesome, thanks for the replies. I had considered the clearstream2-v but didn't think it would be strong enough. after calling dish and complaining they cut my bill in half, but that's only through September. if they won't leave it that low, I will definitely cancel and give this antenna a try. will post back with results. thanks again.

[teleview]

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If the satellite system hardware will not distribute the Tv antenna signals.

You can still run a separate coax from the CS2V antenna to a Tv and receive ->Many<- channels for free.

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The December 2013 , page 42 , Consumer Reports , has a informative article about internet streaming receivers and services , Netflix , Hulu+ and more and the costs for the streaming services are Low.

[brg88tx]

just for the heck of it, I bought a cheap $10 rabbit ears antenna from walmart. I picked up 20 channels....most are 50 miles away. nbc and fox are coming through in crystal clear hd. the vhf channels pixelate some, but I now have no doubt the clearstream 2-v will be plenty antenna for my area. thanks for the recommendation.

[teleview]

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Yes the Digital Broadcast Tv Stations/Channels are Crystal Clear HD.

Better then Cable and Better Then Direct Tv and Dish Network.

And the Internet Streaming Services are Nice and Clear.

Is interesting that Cable and Direct Tv and Dish Network continue to offer poor quality for higher and higher prices.

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And here are Digital Broadcast Tv Tuner/Recorders.

No monthly fees to rent the equipment , No monthly fees to record programing.

http://www.epvision.com.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com.

And here are some and not all Tv Guides.

http://www.zap2it.com.

http://www.titantv.com.

http://www.msn.com/tv/guide.

http://www.tvlistings.aol.com.

http://www.tv.yahoo.com.

[brg88tx]

thanks for those links teleview. I plan on splitting the signal to our living room and master bedroom. is there any single dvr that has the capability to play back on either tv, or do you have to buy a dvr for each tv?

[brg88tx]

trying to get an idea of how much an attic install affects signal strength......all else equal would I be better off with a winegard hd 7698p in the attic or a clearstream 2-v out on the roof?

I have a huge attic and have the room, but I do have tech shield foil on my roof decking. thanks

[GroundUrMast]

trying to get an idea of how much an attic install affects signal strength......all else equal would I be better off with a winegard hd 7698p in the attic or a clearstream 2-v out on the roof?

I have a huge attic and have the room, but I do have tech shield foil on my roof decking. thanks

Attics are a huge variable... The only way to know what your attic is like, is to put an antenna up there and see what you get. It's entirely possible that you could have the worst attic in the state, and not even the 7698 would work. On the other hand, your attic may be fine and you could use the CS2-V and be delighted with the performance.

[brg88tx]

in yalls opinion, which antenna is stronger, the CS2-V or CM4228-HD? Thanks

[teleview]

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The CM4228HD is stronger.

www.channelmasterstore.com

www.amazon.com

[brg88tx]

thanks teleview. I'm the type of person that like to research things to death before making a decision. I have found much info regarding the gain of the 4228hd, but none on real world gains of the cs2-v. I did find some blog where a guy strapped it to a lawn chair, but it was lacking detail.

does anyone know of any real data on the gain (vhf and uhf) of the clearstream 2-v? Thanks

[teleview]

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I strongly recommend do not put any Tv antenna in the attic.

Well being that you like to research.

You can put a antenna above the roof so that reception is not obstructed by the roof and building in the directions of South South East and North West.

Then you can place the antenna at various locations above the roof so that the roof and building are obstructing reception in the directions of South South East and North West.

And you can put the antenna in the attic and Test different locations in the attic and antenna aiming in the attic.

[GroundUrMast]

Antennas Direct generally offers more comprehensive data than any other consumer grade antenna manufacturer.

http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/C2-Clearstream-Long-Range-Indoor-Outdoor-HDTV-antenna.html

http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_files/attachmentlibrary/ClearStream2_3D_Patterns.pdf

http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_files/attachmentlibrary/ClearStream2_Gain_VSWR_vs_Frq.jpg

http://www.antennasdirect.com/clearstream2horizontalplane.html

[ADTech]

The tech data sheet for the C2V is on the website. Look under the "Documents" tab on any individual products page. If a TDS is available, that's where you'll find it. Not all products have such a data sheet and the web guy hasn't been consistent on putting a link to the TDS under all potential variations of a model so you may have to look in several spots to find what you're looking for. Tip: DB8 and C4 don't have formal sheets, so don't expend energy looking for those.

http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/ClearStream-2V-UHF-VHF-Long-Range-Indoor-Outdoor-DTV-Antenna.html

[ADTech]

in yalls opinion, which antenna is stronger, the CS2-V or CM4228-HD? Thanks

On VHF, the C2V is probably more consistent across the whole high VHF band. On UHF, the 4228 will be a much narrower beamwidth, higher gain antenna.

[brg88tx]

On VHF, the C2V is probably more consistent across the whole high VHF band. On UHF, the 4228 will be a much narrower beamwidth, higher gain antenna.

thanks, the high vhf is what I'm concerned with most, specifically channels 8, 11, & 13. so the CS2-V will outperform the 4228HD on these 3 channels?

[ADTech]

In the absence of substantive data from that manufacturer, I can only guess.

My guess is that the C2V's VHF dipole will be completely predictable and consistent with it's design while the VHF performance of the CM4228HD might be something other than predictable and consistent.

[teleview]

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Real World information about the CM4229HD antenna is easy to find.

Here is some information.

http://www.antennahacks.com/Comparisons/N-Bay_VHF_Shootout.htm


The Big Broad Flat Vertical Surface receives more signal then smaller vertical surface antennas.

[brg88tx]

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Real World information about the CM4229HD antenna is easy to find.

Here is some information.

http://www.antennahacks.com/Comparisons/N-Bay_VHF_Shootout.htm


The Big Broad Flat Vertical Surface receives more signal then smaller vertical surface antennas.

yes, I did see that test that was very favorable to the 4228hd. it would seem to me the 4228hd is superior to the cs2-v for high vhf, but I cannot find anything directly comparing them. I'm mostly concerned about channels 8, 11, & 13.

[ADTech]

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Real World information about the CM4229HD antenna is easy to find.

Here is some information.

http://www.antennahacks.com/Comparisons/N-Bay_VHF_Shootout.htm


The Big Broad Flat Vertical Surface receives more signal then smaller vertical surface antennas.

Tom's experiment are not a substitute for technical data.

[ADTech]

yes, I did see that test that was very favorable to the 4228hd. it would seem to me the 4228hd is superior to the cs2-v for high vhf, but I cannot find anything directly comparing them. I'm mostly concerned about channels 8, 11, & 13.

I would have no qualms going with the much smaller C2V. I was down in Galveston in a condo near the state park two springs ago and I used a C2V indoors for all the Houston channels. At night, after the sun set, I was even picking up stations from Beaumont and Corpus.

[teleview]

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If all out , go for it reception is the Ticket.

Then install a ,

http://www.antennacraft.net.

HBU55 antenna.

Or

http://www.winegarddirect.com.

HD7698P antenna.

Above the Peak of the Roof.

The receivable Group Tv stations are concentrated in one direction.

And the 1 Tv station to the North West is strong signal strength and will be receive through the back angle to the , HBU55 and HD7698P antennas.

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And you like to do research , so Test the antennas that have been recommended and Test other antennas.

Real World Tests at your location.

[brg88tx]

don't want a big "traditional" looking antenna on my roof. I've decided I need to mount it on my roof, but it has to be a flat type antenna. I have a chimney that I can mount in on. the south side of my chimney faces away from our road so that will be the place. the chimney is 38" wide. if I decide to go with the 4228hd (41" wide) it will just stick out 1.5" on each side. I'm concerned though because I ran across another forum where a guy from willis,tx (10-15 miles ne of me) and he could not get the high vhf channels (8,11,13) very well. he had the 4228hd mounted on his roof.

[GroundUrMast]

It sounds like you've made up your mind. Hopefully your self imposed limitation won't leave you dissatisfied with the end result.

Hoping for success...

[brg88tx]

when the 4228hd first came out around 5 years ago some reported it had some sort of design flaw....does anyone know if it's been corrected? still planning my setup in my mind.

[StephanieS]

I'm with GUM on this one.

The CM4228HD is the wrong antenna for this situation and I hope for the best.

A very likely reason for the gentleman in Willis having reception issues was due to the CM4228 not being an ideal high-VHF antenna. His results spoke what we are telling you here.

If you are dissatisfied with your final results, please don't attack the antenna. This is a case of you are trying to put your right shoe on your left foot. Good antenna system building includes a survey of the TV broadcast bands in you reception area and buying an antenna that supports the bands you'll need (low-vhf, high-vhf, uhf). Going with a single band antenna (UHF) for example is only advised in UHF only markets, which you aren't in.

Chances of unreliable reception are higher than of reliable reception in regards to these signals simply due to you are choosing asthetics over proper antenna system selection.

A roof mounted C2V orientated to magnetic 169 ought to rock and roll.

Best of luck to you.

[brg88tx]

..........

[brg88tx]

still researching. leaning towards ant751r now, but have a question about my setup and how it might affect signal strength. thinking of using a homeworx hw-150pvr to use as a dvr. one of the features it has is a "loop through" where the coax will go into the unit then back out to my tv and will use my TV's tuner so I can watch tv and record something at the same time. my question is will this loop through degrade my signal about 3.5db like a 2 way splitter would?

[GroundUrMast]

The ANT-751R would do well... Your reception conditions are excellent. If your conditions were challenging in some way I could understand the hesitation, but you've got it so easy... I think it's time to hang some metal in the air.

I've got an HW-150PVR here... I'll have to set it up with a SiliconDust HDHR on the output to see if there's some loop through loss. I suspect that's going to be the case, but even so, your situation does not look like 3 or 4 dB of insertion loss will be worth worrying about. I'll let you know what my test shows...

[teleview]

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If a Small antenna like , "The ANT-751R antenna would do well... and etc."


The CM4228HD will work even better.

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Here are some more Tuner /Recorders.

www.epvision.com

[brg88tx]

I recently bought a rca ant751r. I first tried it in my tech shield roof deck enclosed attic, and it only picked up 10 channels. was sort of disappointed. still wanting to see exactly how much difference the foil roof decking made I tried it outside. I just placed it on a cardboard box 1 foot off the ground. it was ained in the direction of the towers but pointed directly into some bushes then thick woods to my south. to my surprise it picked up 42 channels. in my case, the foil roof decking made a HUGE difference.

[teleview]

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No surprise.

Metal Foil Covered Insulation does a Real Good Job of Disrupting Tv Reception.

Texas is a 'Hot Bed' for Metal Foil Covered Insulation In the Attic.

Is why I Strongly Recommended install a CM4228HD antenna Above the Peak of the Roof so that Reception is Not , Obstructed , Impeded , Blocked , by the Roof and Building.

Yes please do more Testing of reception.

[brg88tx]

question.....in my setup I'm going to have to put the power supply for the preamp (rca tvpramp1r) in my hot texas attic. is this going to be ok, or do I need to figure a way to place it indoors? thanks

[tomfoolery]

question.....in my setup I'm going to have to put the power supply for the preamp (rca tvpramp1r) in my hot texas attic. is this going to be ok, or do I need to figure a way to place it indoors? thanks

I thought the power inserter for that unit was intended to be used indoors, and comes with a short coax pigtail to connect to your tv or other tuner. As long as the splitter(s) will pass DC, it should be fine when used as designed.

Just checked the online manual, and that is what it says, if I'm reading it right.

RCA TVPRAMP1R_OM manual link (click Support/Manuals tab) (http://www.rcaaudiovideo.com/antennas/?sku=TVPRAMP1R)

[brg88tx]

I finally set up my ant751r and rca preamp (tvpramp1r) this weekend. The antenna was mounted high up (25 ft) on my hardi plank chimney aimed at 169 degrees magnetic. I made a spreadsheet showing the reception percentages. Hopefully this data will help others in similar reception areas. I was picking up channel 3.1 and 3.2 from bryan/college station even though the antenna was facing nearly the opposite direction, towards sw Houston. Note the tv in my bedroom only displays in 25% increments. I am happy with the results and plan to cancel dishnetwork in about a month. I plan on buying another roku 3 and networking them both to a tablo dvr. Anyway, here are my results:

edit: virtual channel 2.1 is real channel 35, and 3.1 is real channel 50.