Thinking of Dumping Cable

[Truckman]

Hi everyone. As the title says, I'm thinking (hard) about dumping cable TV. I'd like to learn as much as I can about OTA DTV before I make the decision, so I can make an informed decision. I have several questions, but first I'll post the link to my TV Signal Analysis and some pertinent info.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d8d178dfc53e9c3

I'm most interested in the channels in red, possibly the channels in yellow, but they're not necessary (the only one in yellow I'm really interested in would be WMPB-DT). I'm open to mounting an antenna in the attic, but not on the roof. We have 3 TV's upstairs (2nd floor), one TV on the first floor, and one in the basement. The only HDTV is on the first floor.

A few questions:

1. I assume for the non-HDTV's I would need some sort of converter?
2. Are set-top boxes/antennas an option?
3. Can I mount one antenna in the attic and run it to all the TV's?
4. What type of cable/connections are used?

I've already read John Candle's thread on OTA D-TV. I've looked through the site some, but with this OTA stuff, I'm totally lost - I've lived off of cable pretty much my entire life so that's all I know....LOL.

[No static at all]

Unfortunately, the Baltimore stations will require an outdoor antenna for reliable reception from your location. The York/Harrisburg stations are likely doable with an attic antenna, but not sure if those stations will meet your needs?

I'm assuming not getting Maryland Public Television might be a deal breaker?

[John Candle]

I suggest a Winegard HD7698P antenna with a AP8275 preamp pointed at about 200 degrees magnetic compass. If you think the antenna will fit in the attic you can try it in the attic , however the best place is on the roof. Here are Strong and Sturdy roof mounts , tripod roof mount , chinmey mount , peak of the roof eave mount. Here is how point Tv antennas http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . The cable Tv wiring can be used with the antenna , DO NOT have the Tv antenna and 'active cable Tv' on the same coax at the same time. If the cable company has a line amplifier/distribution amplifier connected , it must be removed. Do Not have a amplifier and the AP8275 connected at the same time. Use a 4 way splitter with the antenna hookup. Here are places to buy Tv antennas and etc., http://www.3starinc.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.amazon.com.

[John Candle]

Here are converter boxes to use , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380 . Read and understand this about , Real digital Tv Channels , Virtual Digital Tv Channels , Analog Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695

[John Candle]

If you will like to receive the 2 groups of stations to the north , they can be received with a simple NON Amplified indoor Tv antenna connected to the digital Tv or converter box. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233

[John Candle]

For 10 dollars a month you can have Roku/Netflix , http://www.roku.com , http://www.netflix.com , 1,000's of movies and tv shows for 10 dollars a month -via- the internet. The Roku box connects direct to your tv , and if the Tv is high definition the Roku box streams high definition programing right to the Tv. Drop cable tv and go with Roku/Netflix and OTA Over The Air Antenna Tv.