Boxee Live TV

luvhd · 26-Mar-2012, 3:22 AM

I am new to TV Fool and hope someone here is able to help me. I am a happy Boxee Box user and a number of weeks ago I installed their new Live TV tuner with a very small antenna that came with it.
I live in Surrey, BC, Canada and immediately received 7 Digital TV channels perfectly. About 2 weeks later when I turned on my Boxee Box, it made an automatic update and I lost reception to all my Live TV channels. After numerous reboots and re-scans I still had no reception.
I contacted the Boxee tech staff and was told that perhaps the tuner is no longer functioning as it should and may need replacing.
Rather than replacing the tuner I am wondering if it would make more sense for me to use the ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner that is built into my Panasonic TCP-54G20 plasma TV and attach a much higher quality OTA antenna (preferably indoor) to my Boxee Box. Not really sure if this idea would work or is even possible. In order to receive the Boxee Live TV digital channels I would have to connect the antenna to the Boxee Box's USB port.

Electron · 26-Mar-2012, 4:57 AM

Do as the other question askers do and , Do This-> http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4. I think it is best use the USB tuner that is made for use with the Boxee. You can also contact these business and see if adapter is available. http://www.ramelectronics.net , http://www.hdtvsupply.com , you can also go to Boxee forum.

Electron · 26-Mar-2012, 7:09 AM

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=7248

luvhd · 26-Mar-2012, 7:55 AM

Thanks Electron,

I will try the 2 links you sent me. Just really wondering if I can get better and more reception with a better antenna.

luvhd · 26-Mar-2012, 7:29 PM

I am in a house. Here is the TV Fool radar report for my location:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90

Perhaps there is a better OTA antenna system I can use instead of using my Boxee Live TV system which was only able to give me 7 digital channels.

GroundUrMast · 26-Mar-2012, 7:39 PM

@luvhd, your link is 'pointing' at the data input page rather than the actual link to your TV Fool Report. Can you generate a new TVFR and then cut & paste the link from your browser address bar?

Thanks.

I would expect that we will be able to help you find an antenna that can feed directly into your TV tuner. A TV equipped with an ATSC tuner should not need an external tuner/converter. Most TVs need to be setup to use the ATSC tuner. The setup menu system typically provides an antenna or air option versus cable mode. If the TV is in cable mode, it will not decode over the air digital signals.

luvhd · 26-Mar-2012, 8:35 PM

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b86ade2db1f41

Hope it works this time.

GroundUrMast · 26-Mar-2012, 8:52 PM

Thanks, that TVFR link works.

Depending on the construction materials used in your home, a simple non-amplified indoor antenna should provide very good reception. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2828

Better yet, an outdoor mounted Channel Master CM-4221 facing Mt. Seymour would provide reliable reception of both the local Vancouver stations and the US signals from Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island in the US San Juan Islands.

luvhd · 26-Mar-2012, 9:18 PM

Thank you GroundUrMast,

Your advice is very helpfull. I will check into both the indoor antenna and outdoor antenna options that you have suggested.
Thanks again for all your help. I am so glad I found this site.

Electron · 27-Mar-2012, 1:26 AM

If the house is wood frame with wood or vinyl sidings and composition shingle roof. A Terk HDTVi Non amplified indoor antenna aimed at about 135 degree magnetic compass will receive ALL the digital Canada stations/channels and three USA digital stations/channels. A Antennas Direct ClearStream 4 , CS4 antenna with the reflector screens removed and the CS4 aimed at about 135 degree magnetic compass will receive all the Canada stations and three USA stations and supply signal to , 1 , 2 , 3 , or 4 tv's with no antenna amplifier. Just a simple , 2 , 3 , or 4 way splitter. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html Here are places to buy antennas in Canada , http://www.saveandreplay.com , http://www.trentondistributors.com , http://www.amazon.ca www.canadapost.ca/shopping , http://www.antennasdirect.com

Electron · 27-Mar-2012, 1:37 AM

Make sure it is the Non amplified Terk HDTV -> i <-. And Not the Terk HDTV -> a <- amplified antenna. A antenna amplifier is NOT Required at your location , the Tv transmissions are Very Strong.

Electron · 27-Mar-2012, 1:44 AM

I recommend the CS4 mounted above the roof.

luvhd · 27-Mar-2012, 9:14 AM

Wow- thanks Electron for the information. You guys here are amazing.
You described my type of house perfectly. I think I will go with the Terk HDTVi indoor antenna just because I have only one TV and it's a cheaper way to go than the outdoor.
Because the transmission in my area is strong, having all the Canadian and 3 US channels is much more than I was getting with my Boxee Live TV.
Thanks to you I have made my decision. When I get my new antenna I will post and let you know how well it works.