Dropping DTV want to go Antenna. Help plz

jamesf · 3-Dec-2010, 3:23 AM

Im gonna talk my wife into making the move. Antenna and some kind of Roku streaming type of setup.

We started to use our daughters Wii to watch Netflix streaming movies and shows and it works fine with our 1.5 DSL. We have started watching Hulu too on our laptop..
So I think we are ready to drop our DTV and DTIVO... (I might miss the TIVO..)
but at 75 a month.. I'll try it..
Here is my map:
All of the local channels we would want are in the 6th - 16th channel range .. The Yellow colors.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...81a31de3a3f402

We have 3 TV's in 3 rooms. All served with DTV. All have rg6 cable to them.
I have a multi splitter now that Dtv installed 6 years ago.

Thank you very much for any help choosing an antenna and other items such as splitters and such.

John Candle · 3-Dec-2010, 6:36 AM

The English language stations are to the west at about 264 magnetic compass and most of the Spanish language stations are to the south at 181 magnetic compass. The easy way to do it is choose one or the other to point one antenna at. If you choose both then that means 2 antennas with double the coax wiring and remote control A/B antenna switches at each of the Tv's. Or a antenna and rotor at each Tv. These last 2 set ups are so every one can watch what they want when they want english or spanish. . The first one means that every one will be watching english or spanish wish ever way the antenna is pointing. . If it's english only then I recommend The Winegard HD7697P antenna. . Is the multi splitter a plain 3 way splitter or a amplified splitter ?

Tower Guy · 3-Dec-2010, 2:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesf

(I might miss the TIVO..)
but at 75 a month.. I'll try it..

DTVPAL off air DVR: $330.

http://www.summitsource.com/product_...ducts_id=10381

Antenna: HD7696P Aim it at 278° true.
Preamp: AP 8700 with passive 3 way splitter or a Channel Master 3414 distribution amp would also work.

John Candle · 3-Dec-2010, 3:51 PM

http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Se...Boxes_s/27.htm . http://www.titantv.com , Titan tv has broadcast television listings. At the upper center where it says Channel Lineup -- select Broadcast Stations. And here is an other receiver recorder , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=240

jamesf · 4-Dec-2010, 4:19 PM

Thanks. We don't need Spanish language stations so I can point in the single direction it sounds like..
Thanks for the tips on the recorders. I had no idea that they had that kind of thing outside of using a Media PC which I don't want to get into any longer..
Ill post back on what we decide or if I have questions.
Again, Thanks

jamesf · 4-Dec-2010, 8:02 PM

Oh,, The splitter is powered.

jamesf · 4-Dec-2010, 9:10 PM

Just realized I can likely use my owned Dtivos as manual PVR's? I am guessing I wouldnt get the guide? But can I still program by Channel, date and time?
I have 2 Series 2 Samsung SD units and 1 r15 Dtivo all activated as owned.

Just thinking this through.

jamesf · 17-Dec-2010, 2:52 PM

Found a Local fella selling a Winegard HD8200U in the box but opened. I checked it out and it looks new.
He is asking $80.00 firm. About $30-40 off retail. I checked specs on it and did some reading here on that antenna when it was recommended by you folks. Any reason not to go with this one instead of the 769* series?
Thanks!

John Candle · 17-Dec-2010, 3:11 PM

It's a big antenna and will work fine.

jamesf · 17-Dec-2010, 3:18 PM

Thanks John-
So my Plan is:
Run RG6 from the antenna mounted on my eave/Roof or chimney to the Powered Splitter that is under my eave which currently distributes my DTV signals to the various TV's/Tivos. Then see if I need a preamp after that.
Sound like a plan?

Thanks again,

James

ADTech · 17-Dec-2010, 3:58 PM

The 8200 will work fine. However, it is unnecessarily large due to the low-VHF elements which will serve no useful purpose in your stated application. You'll have to ask yourself if the extra elements aren't a problem, especially since you're getting the 8200 for a decent price.

FYI, the 7698 would be the equivalent 7-69 antenna (without low-VHF) and would also be overkill.

jamesf · 17-Dec-2010, 4:54 PM

Thanks.. It is pretty large. I have not seen the other recommendations in person to compare the sizes. I should have room for it...I'll either be puttin on my Chimney or on my Side Fascia / Eave.

Are the extra elements only a handling / physical issue? Or are there signal issues they can cause in my application?

ADTech · 17-Dec-2010, 5:49 PM

The low-VHF elements won't negatively affect reception, but they may be a annoying factor in handling, wind-loading, and bird-roosting.

John Candle · 17-Dec-2010, 10:05 PM

If you have a powered splitter/distribution amp. , You will not need a preamp. As a interesting experiment , put plain passive splitter in place of the powered splitter and see how the reception is on the tv's. . It's a big antenna and needs a strong stable mounting. I know the strong mounting is easy for you to understand and it is interesting to drive around and look at antennas on roofs and see the not so good ways that others have mounted antennas and some of the antennas have fell over. http://www.solidsignal.com , and , http://www.starkelectronic.com , and , http://www.3starinc.com have antenna mounts.