May I suggest that you focus your attention on testing reception at the antennas first... we may be spending too much time on the "what ifs" at this point.
Once you have proven the antennas are producing usable signals, then it makes sense to move on the next phase... Until then, chatting back and forth about it is only an academic exercise that is consuming your time that could be spent solving the problem. (I'm happy to give my time.)
Not trying to 'bust your chops', just trying to help you make progress toward the solution and some relaxed TV viewing.
