Ten Ways to Improve OTA TV Reception from an Installer

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 2. 06. 2024
  • This video explains ten REAL ways to improve your TV reception when using an antenna. The most important tip I'd say is to have the right VHF/UHF antenna. HD antennas do not exist. Please share this video as I am sure it will be helpful to many to others. Subscribe to my channel for more antenna related videos.
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  • Věda a technologie

Komentáƙe • 1,1K

  • @AntennaMan
    @AntennaMan  Pƙed 3 lety +26

    👇 Click below for a list of recommended antennas and accessories 📡
    www.amazon.com/shop/antennaman
    📡Consider an antenna recommendation from me below:
    👉www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

    • @truthbespoken7750
      @truthbespoken7750 Pƙed 3 lety

      #AntennaMan I came across this i jave a Clearstream V2 and a basic $15 Rabbit ear antenna with some 6" x6" square box connected to the ears. If i use a basic Verizon 1 in 2 out splitter I simply reversed it. Now 2 in and 1 out to tv, is this fine or a no no also nothing is powered. Below is what i came across what do you this ? RG6 everything..... Below is what i just read, what do you think?
      **Can a 2 way splitter be used in reverse? Splitter Construction. Reverse a splitter to combine signals from different 2 antennas. Splitters contain no electronic devices and don't require any power, making them "passive" instead of "active." Because of this, they can be connected in reverse without any damage.

    • @kc2972
      @kc2972 Pƙed 3 lety

      Z

    • @jameswarren436
      @jameswarren436 Pƙed 2 lety

      TELL US ABOUT NOVAWAVE ANTENNA IS IT ANY GOOD?

    • @glennschlorf1285
      @glennschlorf1285 Pƙed 2 lety

      Question.... I have 5 different locations for transmitter sites for my local channels... what if I were to add multiple outdoor annteneas in different directions and combine the signals into a combiner before the preamp before I interjected the signal to my tvs

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 2 lety +1

      @@glennschlorf1285 No, you cannot do this. It will mess up your reception. Depending on your reception situation you may only need one or two antennas. For more information sign up for an antenna recommendation from me below. www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

  • @ZSEJD
    @ZSEJD Pƙed 4 lety +334

    Antenna Man - I have been a Broadcast Engineer for over 30 years and Amateur Radio Operator for over 40 years and I must say that your videos are spot on. Congrats and Nice job.

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen Pƙed 4 lety +31

      Thelma Peckerwood
      Why would you even bother to post that? You went out of your way to take the time to be rude and disrespectful to a total stranger. I’ll bet that if someone asked you to your face, you’d say that you think you’re a good person. Well, you’re not.

    • @jnagarya519
      @jnagarya519 Pƙed 4 lety +6

      I grew up over-the-air, and had to repair the TVs (most often the TV-tuner tube; a little less often the vertical) because we couldn't afford repair. Learned much about antenna issues as well.
      Never fell for the hype of cable. But -- never learn -- many are "cutting the cable" and going to streaming where the quality is less and the coast is probably more than for cable.
      Us old geeks tend to know stuff that young'uns ain't learned yet, and the better-heeled are above learning.

    • @robertgilmore6394
      @robertgilmore6394 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      I guess thats what i need to do have to stop passwords

    • @joeandjanice
      @joeandjanice Pƙed 3 lety +4

      Well said. I am also a Ham and i learned a hell of a lot with this one video. I am going to check out his other videos.

    • @gameyord7182
      @gameyord7182 Pƙed 2 lety

      @@totallyfrozen wat? You mother,just in case

  • @a.j.martin7059
    @a.j.martin7059 Pƙed 4 lety +90

    I've worked with TV both transmitting and receiving for many years. This fellow knows what he's talking about. You can trust him.

  • @ML-qf1nd
    @ML-qf1nd Pƙed 2 lety +26

    This guy is great! I had a setup that was working about 80% for me. Paid for his recommendation service and now I am getting every station in my area at full strength in all weather conditions. I would not have thought this possible, was all ready to live with 80%.

  • @rachelhicks3189
    @rachelhicks3189 Pƙed 2 lety +2

    OMG...while watching your video, I took notes. I found an RG6 coax in my basement and I made sure my connection was NOT crossing any other electrical wire. I scanned my channels BEFORE moving my indoor antenna around. SURPRISE!!! Your tips improved my reception immediately!!!! I wasn't concerned with the quantity of channels but the quality of what I was seeing. Thanks!

  • @markbitting5302
    @markbitting5302 Pƙed 5 lety +45

    Tyler is great. Does a excellent job. Mark

  • @tonytroyer9729
    @tonytroyer9729 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Awesome Channel! We live in Northern IL where it is over 70/90 miles in any direction to receive good programing. Thank you for all your tips!

  • @gigglehertz
    @gigglehertz Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci

    I love watching someone who knows what they are talking about and explains it without b.s.

  • @jayjay6605
    @jayjay6605 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Thank you for sharing all this information and taking the time to post your video. It made a huge difference on my TV settings.

  • @markspencer9242
    @markspencer9242 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    Thank you for mentioning Locast it’s a life saver for us!! I did purchase the tv tuner and hard drive you recommend and it works extremely well! Thank you for opening up our world a bit bigger..! Ohh btw I moved from Pennsylvania to California back in 2013 and it’s goofier here but the weather and girls are nicer ha ha

  • @troypierce9517
    @troypierce9517 Pƙed 4 lety +9

    Mr. Antenna Man great job with the video. Super helpful stuff, thanks.

  • @greglarsen3248
    @greglarsen3248 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Thanks Tyler. Got rid of the splitter and shortened the cable and bought new cable connector. Much better reception now.

  • @jew10400
    @jew10400 Pƙed 2 lety +17

    Dude, I love your videos because I am a nerd like that. I remember when I was about 8 or 9 years old I was just fascinated by antennas and signals. I remember saving up my allowances to purchase an RF frequency chart that gave a breakdown of RF signals running from ELF (subs operate in this range) to (EHF Miltary Satellites, hitting up around the Gamma Band) had me a shortwave radio and a modified scanner radio that picked up all frequencies between 30khz to 2.4GHZ. And even went through the days of listening to TDMA cell signals before they started encryption and moving them to GSM. Moved on to satellites C\ku\ka band before digital came out. keep up the good work. By the way any new news on the ATSC 3.0

  • @johnecker4217
    @johnecker4217 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Just wanted to let you know I'm a new subscriber to you channel because of this video 😊👍. I cut the cable here in S. Jersey about 3 years ago and have been having a hell of a time trying to pick up as many channels from Philly (40 miles away) as I can. And just watching this video I now know 4 more things that I didn't know that can screw up my reception or weaken my signal that I am going to address today. Thank you for the info 👍

    • @crazydonutface
      @crazydonutface Pƙed 4 lety +1

      are you using 150 mile antenna? (i have mine in attic and im 30 miles away) also pointing in direction...i recieve 53 channels, got my antenna on ebay $15 bucks, had to build it, cheap metal so i hot glued and ziptied every inch....
      told Verizon to suck it...

  • @BK-dy8jk
    @BK-dy8jk Pƙed 2 lety +4

    I just love this guy. He has helped so much with equipment options and best things to buy. Just saying

  • @dorald1
    @dorald1 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Hi Tyler, How's things? Really like this video. I like them all but this one especially. Very informative BUT now I have to add a few filters. No problem though thanks to you helping me improve my reception. Now, since watching this one, I need to fine tune the reception. Enjoyed working with you on my OTA project Tyler. Many thanks.

  • @johnnyplunkett8532
    @johnnyplunkett8532 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Found the little baby antenna they advertise on tv all the time , the guy on the boat one, marked down in the seen on tv section at either Walmart or target. Shocked me how good it worked, I only bought it as a quickie fix but it is great, you can move it around so easy.

  • @braulioperez181
    @braulioperez181 Pƙed 5 lety +6

    Great video Tyler. I wish you were offering your professional services in my area. I do have reception problems in my area. No problem with cable tv but air antenna really sucks. I will follow your advice and follow your videos. Thanks much!

  • @charlessmith1890
    @charlessmith1890 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    Just wanted to let you know I don't use it anymore but from 1972 to today on CB radio I am the antenna man. I have been an engineer since 1970 in broadcast electronics and I design and build antennas. It is good to meet you.

  • @CrackHoe32
    @CrackHoe32 Pƙed 3 lety

    Thank you. Really appreciate all of your suggestions & advice.

  • @midaham7031
    @midaham7031 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Thanks for the info. I was over amplifying and needed to put my 4g filter before my preamp. Fixed those things and my signal is stable now! Thanks for your videos.

  • @ambroseabellair5306
    @ambroseabellair5306 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Ya, your a pretty smart guy their fella, I really liked your presentation and delivery. I'll be back.

  • @georgebeebe2385
    @georgebeebe2385 Pƙed 4 lety +10

    Thanks for the preamp suggestion. I installed the ChannelMaster at the outside antenna and the result was fantastic. After initially checking the signal strengths in my area through the website you suggested, (all were at the lower end of strength), the preamp added 25% to each and I was able to bring in the ABC stations that didn’t come through before the preamp. Thanks again for your great expertise.

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 4 lety +3

      Thanks for checking in. I'm glad my videos helped you get better reception. Feel free to give a contribution at one of the links below as I spend a lot of time making the videos and responding to these comments:
      paypal.me/pools/c/8cwRt7M0g4
      www.patreon.com/AntennaMan

    • @rackaddict8227
      @rackaddict8227 Pƙed rokem

      @@AntennaMan does the preamp have to be mounted AT the antenna? My antenna is on a 20 foot mast and that mast is approximately 55 feet from my home. Can the amplifier be mounted inside the home?

  • @tshafa9468
    @tshafa9468 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Thank you, my pre amp arrived, hope to get it installed today

  • @MrDavidelliottjr
    @MrDavidelliottjr Pƙed 3 lety +1

    I have the first one you showed. Its been on a pole ontop my house for 6 years. Still works

  • @jacklabloom635
    @jacklabloom635 Pƙed 5 lety +3

    Thank you. Good information.

  • @-AnyWho
    @-AnyWho Pƙed 5 lety +12

    i made my own antenna and mounted it in attic. i compared it to hd winegard and the homemade bow tie design was actually a lot better signal in every station ...

  • @user-xd2te4go6j
    @user-xd2te4go6j Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Antenna Man, awsome teaching about antennas , I have learnerd alot, your is the BESTTTTTTTTTTT

  • @tomasbaer9070
    @tomasbaer9070 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Antenna Man, keep up the good work, great informative video. Looking forward you video with different ways of installing a roof or outside antenna !

  • @cryptickcryptick2241
    @cryptickcryptick2241 Pƙed 2 lety +4

    Another tip, can be to try to eliminate electronic interference. Even though most devices are not suppose to cause excessive electronic noise every device creates some. Transformers, dimmer switches, and some light bulbs can be very problematic. There are several simple ways to see if this is the problem.1) Run around the house and unplug everything one at a time. (example, the printer cable power transformer might be the problem). 2) turn off household circuit breakers. This will cut everything on that circuit quickly. 3)take an old AM transistor radio on AM band and hold it up to every switch, outlet, lightbulb, or electronic device listening for excessive static. This can help find the source of the problem. Replacing the individual transformer, light switch or light bulb can then clean up the noise echoing through the houses electric system.

    • @michaellambert5223
      @michaellambert5223 Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci +1

      That’s dang near genius using an am radio to sniff out noise!!👍👍 I have been an antenna freak since I was a kid and this is the first time I ever heard that one. As with audio I always keep signal separate from power in every case. Also simple routing of antenna wire makes all the difference. Thanks!!

  • @diskgrind3410
    @diskgrind3410 Pƙed 5 lety +4

    Lots of information here, dang. Thanks for sharing

    • @pittsburghboyertown3821
      @pittsburghboyertown3821 Pƙed 4 lety

      I've read that an amplifier can cause interference with a signal that's too close. Try unplugging the amplifier and rescanning.

  • @garicrewsen1128
    @garicrewsen1128 Pƙed 4 lety

    You're awesome. TYVM for sharing your valuable experience and knowledge.

  • @robertrlkatz6890
    @robertrlkatz6890 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Antenna Man, You are very good Thank you for your perspective for sure keep up the good work.

  • @socaldawg463
    @socaldawg463 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    Antenna Man, what small compact TV Antenna would you recommend for my RV servicing 4 different TV's?

    • @glenerickson358
      @glenerickson358 Pƙed 3 lety +2

      I use a cheap swivel tv antenna for my rv. Set it on top when watching tv, and run rg6 cable through the electric hookup access door of the rv. Works good at the rv campground.

  • @arlindkrasniqi3315
    @arlindkrasniqi3315 Pƙed 5 lety +5

    keep up the good work bro. you are very thorough and exact with your information. much appreciated.

  • @martingarcia7765
    @martingarcia7765 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Thanks just added amplifier with outdoor antenna got reception for more channels

  • @jkrus10414
    @jkrus10414 Pƙed rokem +1

    Thanks for all of the information on your CZcams channel. Another tip. I have the new T-Mobile Wifi service. This service grabs the internet from the Cell tower instead of the cable line. As a result, it is a very good idea to keep your external TV tuner unit and TV coax away from the Wifi unit. The Wifi unit introduces noise and/or weakens the TV signal if the external TV tuner is near it. I haven't tried an LTE trap, however, keeping a reasonable distance between the two units seems to have solved my issue

  • @trisheich7134
    @trisheich7134 Pƙed 4 lety +5

    🙌 thank you so much ❀ I can watch football now

  • @FERLARA
    @FERLARA Pƙed 5 lety +3

    great video!

  • @MrKerry98
    @MrKerry98 Pƙed 3 lety

    Excellent information. Concise, but interesting. Thanks.

  • @jeffmcdonald918
    @jeffmcdonald918 Pƙed měsĂ­cem

    Thanks for sharing all of your experience and tips!

  • @tomnoyb8301
    @tomnoyb8301 Pƙed rokem +3

    Few more: 11) Place amplifier closer to the antenna end. Once low-signal is lost to cable, it can't be recovered; an amplifier can boost what signal remains, but once the smallest portion of signal is lost, it's lost forever. 12) Several loops anywhere post-amplifier can help prevent lightning-strikes. Lightning takes the shortest (inductance) path and a few loops of coax go a long way to making some other pathway more attractive to lightning. 13) Antenna height is the most beneficial signal booster once an antenna/amp are in-hand. 14) If antenna is outdoor wall-mounted, there is often a sweet-spot wall-distance to bring-in weak channel(s)? 6"-18" normally.

  • @rager1969
    @rager1969 Pƙed 5 lety +24

    Another thing about splitters is the output runs need to be equal for minimal loss. The cables should be of the same length and quality and never leave one or more outputs disconnected. If you don't need to use an output, use a terminating resistor or replace with a splitter with the correct number of outputs.
    You also didn't mention that a lot of issues are due to the connectors. Quick connect (ones that don't screw in) don't usually work as well and poorly installed connects will cause problems, both in db loss and outright loss of signal (i.e., no connection). Cut off bad connectors and crimp new ones.

    • @koditv551
      @koditv551 Pƙed 4 lety +5

      No, output runs do not need to be equal for minimal loss. There are other factors that have a much greater impact on signal level and quality than the difference in the length of cable runs on the split side of the splitter such as the type/quality of the load that is connected to the end of the cable. This is the first time I have ever heard this and I work in the cable TV industry for 19 years designing headend splitting and combining gear. And yes always terminate unused ports on a splitter. If you are going to split the signal, use a powered splitter or an amplifier before the splitter to try and maintain the signal to noise ratio. Using amps after the split and not before reduces the S/N ratio more.
      Do not use cheap coax cable! As mentioned in the video RG6 has less loss per length than RG59 coax. At a minimum use double shielded coax with at least a 60% coverage. Quad shield is even better, but terminating the cable is more difficult and takes some practice to get the technique.

  • @pedrocortez1683
    @pedrocortez1683 Pƙed rokem

    Thank you for the great information you always provide.

  • @arby5780
    @arby5780 Pƙed rokem +1

    Thanks for your great insights and advise.

  • @afnDavid
    @afnDavid Pƙed 5 lety +13

    For external antennas a good lightening and ground system is important! Vital, even. RG-11 coax for runs of more than 30 ft. Bond and ground with arresters before the coax enters the home. The NEC also comes into play with wire sizing, ground-rod sizing rules as well. (5 yrs CATV install and troubleshooter tech from the mid-80's) Coax-Seal to keep moisture out of the connections. And dielectric paste inside the connectors for the same reason.

    • @teekay1785
      @teekay1785 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      with preamp mounted at antenna good quality RG-6 should be fine for at least 100 feet.

    • @al4cats
      @al4cats Pƙed 2 lety

      @@teekay1785 . Good tip. RG6Q Quad even nicer

  • @jimk4vw138
    @jimk4vw138 Pƙed 5 lety +5

    Another great video, thanks Tyler. Jim, k4vw

    • @Zombeegun
      @Zombeegun Pƙed 5 lety

      hey Jim! funny seeing you here. Ke8bhp.

    • @jimk4vw138
      @jimk4vw138 Pƙed 5 lety

      @@Zombeegun Hi Jim, I watch most of Tyler's videos, good accurate info. CU on the Radio 73's

  • @Wardell43
    @Wardell43 Pƙed 3 lety

    One unit that I had back in 1981 was a "Static remover" that mounted to the pole and it locked the cable with a screw and a toothed washer that bite into the cable when you tightened the screw, then it was grounded to your grounding system.
    Back then, I also had 2 long old school antenna and ran them through an amplifier and I could pickup about 20 "Wayne's World" type UHF tv stations.
    Also, my neighbor was a tv repairman and he showed me how to remove the dial and adjust the tuner screw for each 2-13 channels to bring in better pictures.
    Cable didn't reach our area outside Albion in Parma Township.
    I also used a set of vise grips as a rotor and still do today.

  • @allentowngator
    @allentowngator Pƙed 2 lety +1

    ITS FREAKING 2022!!! WHY ARE WE STILL FIGHTING THIS CRAP?? I REMEMBER BEING THE ANTENNA TURNER WHEN I WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND IM NOW 52!!!

  • @FAMUCHOLLY
    @FAMUCHOLLY Pƙed 5 lety +3

    EXCELLENT!! THANKS!

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 5 lety

      Thanks for watching hope these tips helped

  • @genesky61
    @genesky61 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    Quality and Truth.
    I do not recommend a Preamplifier and Powered Amplified Splitters at the same time as the signal can be over amplified and this will produce bad reception.
    One or the other.
    A Preamplifier.
    Or
    Powered Amplified Splitter.

    • @koditv551
      @koditv551 Pƙed 4 lety

      Depends on the incoming signal strength and the number of splits.

  • @darrellminx5459
    @darrellminx5459 Pƙed rokem +1

    Great job Tyler as always.thakyou!

  • @jimschug5528
    @jimschug5528 Pƙed 3 lety

    Tyler, I'm an RF tech for a well known company and I have lots of experience installing commercial two way transmission equipment and antennas. I have no issue putting up an outdoor antenna to increase my OTA channels. My issue is that the two DTV transmission towers are about 90 degrees apart in azimuth. My home is located in Garner, NC at 35deg 37min 29.27secN, 78deg 33min 23secW. One tower (WRAL Auburn, NC) is 3.7mi to my NNE at 35deg 40min 34.98secN, 78deg 32min 7.5secW. The other tower (UNC TV Carrboro, NC) is 38mi to my WNW at 35deg 52min 0.37secN, 79deg 09min 59.22secW. I can access the public safety repeaters on the UNC tower with a 3W VHF portable from my house. I've been to most of the towers (of all types) in eastern NC. Not sure if there's OTA TV on any others. What model antenna(s) would be good for this situation and I assume that I would probably point toward the further antenna. I'm currently receiving OTA TV with those flat indoor panels. The tower at 3.7miles is line of sight and perfectly clear but the tower at 38miles has drop outs when viewing it. Also, I have 4 TVs that I'd like to split the signal to. I assume there's an amplified distribution amp I could use? Thanks for your input.

  • @MowerMan
    @MowerMan Pƙed 5 lety +15

    2 aerials decide to get married. Wedding was terrible but the reception was really good... Where I grew up we didn't have electricity so we had to watch TV by candlelight..

    • @BillyRoberts
      @BillyRoberts Pƙed 5 lety

      We were so poor we had to watch tv by coal oil.

  • @billsomrak
    @billsomrak Pƙed 5 lety +8

    I've already done almost all of what you mentioned. (I'm an Extra class Amateur Radio Op, so I know antennas). I have a huge Winegard VHF/UHF antenna with pre-amp mounted above my ham radio yagi antenna, about 50 ft. above ground. Problem is my home is located next to lake Erie, so everything is UP from my location. I also have used RG-6U coax from the pre-amp to its power injector, to an amplifier. I do have 1 unpowered 2 way splitter, which I should replace. Usually, my reception is pretty good, but all the "Greater Cleveland" TV channels (which are about 60 miles away from me in Madison, OH), are not exactly in the same compass direction. I'm luck to have a rotor on my tower so that I can adjust the antenna direction while looking at the "Local TV setup" monitor on my Dish Network receiver, which has an OTA input. With both pre-amp and amp, I'm sure I occasionally get multi-path which causes signal break up or signal loss for some period. Also, the reception values vary at different times of the day. A lot of TV station cut back power in evening hours. Even during the daytime, if there is a lot of precipitation in the air, that can attenuate signals. By having the OTA system, I was able to save $10 on my DishNetwork bill, not paying for "locals". That's $120 a year in savings over many years, and that should tell you that it is worth while investing in a GOOD outdoor OTA TV antenna system. One thing you didn't mention is antenna height. HIGHER is BETTER. The Higher you can get your antenna, the better your reception will be. Nice video with good points which I can validate as correct. I will have to look at a distribution amp to eliminate that one 2 way splitter.

    • @DCJNewsMedia
      @DCJNewsMedia Pƙed 5 lety +1

      Thanks for sharing

    • @billsomrak
      @billsomrak Pƙed 5 lety +1

      @UCyTgHAXuyRJrS5y7fK4Pi-A Yeah, I can get Erie, Pa channels no problem. I occasionally can get Warren, OH & Detroit and Buffalo. Back in the days of analog, which used the full 6mhz bandwidth per channel, I used to "TV DX" .. trying to get reception from far away stations. I do have a Winegard 8200, a Winegard pre-amp, and a Channel Master (back of the set) amp. My best DX TV was about 9am on a Summer morning, and I had a perfectly clear reception of a channel 2 out of Texas. I took pictures when the station put up a station ID and sent it to them, and they sent me back a nice letter congratulating me on the reception of their channel up here in NE Ohio (probably got reception via 'VHF Ducting'). Now, with digital TV, DXing is a thing of the past, as multi-path usually kills off that idea. Even with my setup, my signal strength can vary 20 points depending on conditions (my antenna is located above my ham radio antenna, and has a powerful rotor to be able to turn it 360 deg). Cheers.

    • @billsomrak
      @billsomrak Pƙed 5 lety +2

      @Google User I also can point North and get Canadian channels .. occasionally I can point South and get Canton/Columbus channels. Its more difficult now with digital and multi-path interference.

    • @1L6E6VHF
      @1L6E6VHF Pƙed 5 lety

      @@billsomrak
      Your reception of a Texas station was not by ducting, rather by an unrelated phenomenon known as Sporadic-E skip, which happens on occasion usually in May, June and July and sometimes in January.
      The E- Layer is about 100km high, so it causes reception at distances around 1600km (rarely less than 1200 nor greater than 2200).
      When 6m is hot, try RF Channel 2 (6 metres' neighbor on the RF spectrum) for stations like KNOP in North Platte NE).
      Your reception of stations across Lake Erie IS ducting, and Lake Erie has excellent ducting opportunities when warm, steady air cools over the cold lake.
      You can DX Digital TV, but you should have a TV or converter box that allows you to change the actual RF channel at will.

  • @choochooleo
    @choochooleo Pƙed 5 lety +1

    Thanks so much for the info.

  • @richardgarland8759
    @richardgarland8759 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Tyler (Antenna Man) wish you serviced my area of the NE, great videos and thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge. I've been researching antenna options for a week now as I move to cut the cord and am torn between the Channel Master SMARTENNA and an externally mounted antenna life the one's you suggest, the RCA Yagi directional ANT751R, or the channel Master Ultratenna CM-4221. My zip is 02871 (Rhode Island) and I'm near the water where it gets quite windy at times (enough where we avoided getting an awning on the back deck). I currently have COX cable and internet with three TV's on a splitter that COX installed. I'd like to get your opinion on the following:
    1) What's your thoughts on the Channel Master SMARTENNA as I couldn't find a video you might have on this indoor option. It would free up my having to install an outdoor antenna and I only have one wall that is near a window and faces the northeast where I think the channels are sourced (NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, METV). I have no problem purchasing one SMARTENNA and connecting the other two TV's to an external antenna.
    2) If an external antenna is the best option...which if the models do you suggest based on my location? I do have tall trees NW of my house and again...it can get windy.
    Thanks in advance!

  • @mikedoe6585
    @mikedoe6585 Pƙed 4 lety +13

    The best Quote that I have read is -
    TV signal capture is more of a Art, and less of a science !

  • @jimwilson7403
    @jimwilson7403 Pƙed 4 lety +5

    Its funny that my antennas sweetspot is the opposite direction of where the broadcast towers are located. Works like a charm.

    • @jimmycrackcorn4902
      @jimmycrackcorn4902 Pƙed 4 lety

      Same here.

    • @davecc0000
      @davecc0000 Pƙed 3 lety

      Are you sure you aren’t pointing the wrong end?
      czcams.com/video/AD59zfAtm6o/video.html

  • @wbwills2
    @wbwills2 Pƙed 4 lety

    Another good one. Thx. Channel seems to be doing good.keep on keeping on.take care

  • @bricknboxer
    @bricknboxer Pƙed 4 lety +1

    We've been OTA only for eight years. I'm a retired telco tech and find OTA TV to be a great hobby. I want to mention a feature on TVfool that I found to be very helpful for antenna placement and siting. On the right hand side of the TVfool main page click on "start maps". Enter your address info and click "map this". You'll see map of the address you entered. On the map select satellite view and zoom in with the + /- until you see your house clearly. Below the map select antenna height. Now click on "Show lines pointing to each transmitter". Now you'll see the signal path from all available broadcast towers. Click and hold the red pointer to move your antenna position around various points on your house or property. See how the signal path changes. Look for obstructions like trees and buildings. Where is the sweet spot for all your stations?
    Unfortunately, TVfool isn't being updated with FCC repack info so the real channel info isn't accurate all the time. Rabbitears.info is updated and will have accurate info for that.
    I enjoy your videos Tyler. Thank you

  • @sptrader6316
    @sptrader6316 Pƙed 5 lety +8

    I always use RG6Q coax cable - the "Q" stands for quad shielded, to reduce any chance of electrical interference.

    • @koditv551
      @koditv551 Pƙed 4 lety

      You also want to get a higher coverage of the shield given as a %. This refers to how much the braid covers the coax. Use at least 60%. Shielding helps to maintain the S/N ratio.

    • @1L6E6VHF
      @1L6E6VHF Pƙed 4 lety +1

      If your neighbor has something causing interference, his/her interference will travel down your shielded cable as effectively as the desired signal will.

  • @kristicrocetti
    @kristicrocetti Pƙed 4 lety +3

    What parts of PA do you service?

  • @ralphfinklea7855
    @ralphfinklea7855 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Distribution amplifiers can cause "noise". I have an attic antenna and I use one splitter with 2 outputs for 2 TVs, cable run is about 30-40 ft. Replaced an old 4 port splitter with -7db loss per output with the 2 port -3.5db per output. It works very well.

  • @larzywanderlust1904
    @larzywanderlust1904 Pƙed 5 lety +1

    Great tips thank you. After trying several new improved HD indoor antennas I went back to an old set of rabbit ears that came off an old tv. I had to drill a hole in a chuck of wood to make a stand for it. Works better then the new stuff. :-)

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 5 lety +1

      That's because there is no such thing as an HD antenna. It's just a marketing term that antenna manufacturers use to get their results to go first.

    • @rosebencivenga9601
      @rosebencivenga9601 Pƙed 5 lety

      DO THEY COME WITH REMOTES AND WHAT WERE THE NAMES OF THE BEST ONE TO GET AND WHERE PLUS THE HOUSE IS IN CAPE CORAL FLORIDA 33993
      CURIOUS

  • @ritchienavarro2920
    @ritchienavarro2920 Pƙed 5 lety +133

    Broadcast television is 100% better than paying for cable and satelite television.

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 5 lety +19

      Damn right it is. I'm glad America is FINALLY waking up. We've been paying for free TV for nearly 60 years

    • @DMS-pq8
      @DMS-pq8 Pƙed 5 lety +18

      Depends on where you live. If you live in a big market you will have dozens on channels available OTA but if you live in a small market or rural area you may only be able to get 1 or 2 channels

    • @CS-rc7qh
      @CS-rc7qh Pƙed 5 lety +5

      Depends. If you just want to watch the local and national news broadcasts, it’s great. It can also be good for certain sports such as the NFL which broadcasts most games on the big networks. Otherwise, cable/satellite and streaming are still the way to go.

    • @MarjaMariachi
      @MarjaMariachi Pƙed 5 lety +10

      A lot of the basic cable stations can be found now on broadcast TV. CourtTV just went broadcast; shopping channels as well. Many that haven't there's a similar broadcast version. Laff, AntennaTV and MeTV show old sitcoms. Buzzr airs old game shows, Ion and Start air newer cop dramas. And others specialize in true-crime, movies, Westerns, "reality" (barf), family, etc.

    • @jamesianv
      @jamesianv Pƙed 4 lety +2

      @@AntennaMan that's true but the analog was worse than cable now foa digital is better that cable.

  • @ReverendHellbilly
    @ReverendHellbilly Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Judge judy.lol thanks. Cheers

  • @handyman8494
    @handyman8494 Pƙed 5 lety

    very good, every son should be like you...

  • @ericheise4051
    @ericheise4051 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Added FM trap and fixed NBC and FOX reception problem in low vhf ,large FM tower 3 miles away .thanks to you Tyler great advise for the radio shack fm filter.

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 4 lety

      I'm glad my videos helped you get better reception. Feel free to give a contribution at one of the links below as I spend a lot of time making the videos and responding to these comments:
      paypal.me/pools/c/8cwRt7M0g4
      www.patreon.com/AntennaMan

  • @billman6364
    @billman6364 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Home depot sells rg-11 now.

  • @trinifirst6702
    @trinifirst6702 Pƙed 4 lety +31

    DUMP CABLE!
    It's a rip-off!

    • @JoeKaye-hn5dt
      @JoeKaye-hn5dt Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Half of the stations these days are infomercials. Why pay for that?

    • @guyboost7311
      @guyboost7311 Pƙed 3 lety

      When The WWE took out
      Classic on Demand in
      January 31 2014
      I said Rest In Peace
      To Old School Wrestling
      And To
      Mene Gene Okerlund.

    • @Juniper122
      @Juniper122 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      Exactly you’re basically paying to watch commercials

  • @dxp99z
    @dxp99z Pƙed 3 lety

    thank you antenna man! your tips helped me diagnose my issue with my antenna signal! i installed a manual transfer switch, surge protector and ev circuit while moving coax and ethernet wires and immediately i ended losing my antenna signal entirely... problem was i moved my hdtv amplifier/splitter only a few inches away from my hepd80 surge protector... it had been working "ok" prior to then but after watching your video i realized i was getting interference from wires everywhere so i moved the amplifier/splitter to a better location and voila! much better signal!! thanks again antenna man!!

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 3 lety

      I'm glad my videos helped you get better reception. Feel free to give a contribution at the link below as I spend A LOT of time making the videos and responding to these comments:
      antennamanpa.com/support.html

  • @markblanchard7861
    @markblanchard7861 Pƙed 2 lety

    Thanks for the great info. Its been real helpful !!!!!

  • @fringelife2613
    @fringelife2613 Pƙed 5 lety +3

    Steaming service is the option when I am not on youtube.

    • @jnagarya519
      @jnagarya519 Pƙed 4 lety

      Lower quality than cable and over-the-air TV, and replaces the cost of cable with the cost of streaming.

  • @johnbarton1339
    @johnbarton1339 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    Isn't it nice that cable is so goddamn expensive now that we are actually going back in time!

    • @brokendownoldman9547
      @brokendownoldman9547 Pƙed 4 lety

      We not going back in time to analog, digital replaced analog.

    • @jnagarya519
      @jnagarya519 Pƙed 4 lety

      @@brokendownoldman9547 Use a splitter: cable replaced over-the-air for the privileged. We are going half-back in time.

  • @gunsfree
    @gunsfree Pƙed 3 lety

    That info was really helpful!!

  • @GrantsPassTVRepair
    @GrantsPassTVRepair Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Nice video. The D to A converter you mentioned uses a watch battery in its remote control which never seem to last, so I modified mine to operate on Two AA batteries which has bee far more reliable.. What I like about this converter is that it displays the frequency your picking up along with the older RF number. The down side is that it doesn't seem to accept double or triples into its memory when your picking up the same virtual channel being Re-broadcast from three different transmitters. Since this area is surrounded by transmitters that rebroadcast the same virtual channel numbers on up to Three different frequencies, it's not uncommon for TVs to store the same virtual channels in their memory on from three different transmitters, The D to A converter you showed only seems to accept one virtual channel number at a time, meaning I need to re-scan every time I move my antenna. Even when doing a channel add on scan.

  • @davecc0000
    @davecc0000 Pƙed 3 lety +5

    Regarding the marketing of “HD”, “digital”, “4K” antennas. I tell friends that it’s like tires for cars: if someone told you that you need to buy their “circular” or “circumferential”, if you just buy *round* tires, that’s all you need. As with antennas, tires have two types: road tires and off-road tires (VHF and UHF antennas). Everything else is marketing hype.

  • @risingboo2912
    @risingboo2912 Pƙed 4 lety +4

    I was wrapping aluminum foil on my antenna

    • @altha2008
      @altha2008 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      For some reason that did work for a long time

    • @traekas7228
      @traekas7228 Pƙed 4 lety

      Rising Boo, That works?? Back in the day, as a kid, everyone had a rooftop antenna, AND a much smaller TV top antenna. Some homes had to take it a step farther. They’d do just what you said,...wrap aluminum foil on the long “arms” of the antenna. It worked better in some cases.

  • @Marie-pb2zy
    @Marie-pb2zy Pƙed 4 lety

    great video. learned a lot. thanks

  • @bucky2292
    @bucky2292 Pƙed 4 lety

    good presentation mister some good tips i'll check out thanks !!

  • @jeffdwyer6105
    @jeffdwyer6105 Pƙed 4 lety +30

    I get it , its like Transgenderism , Im really on channel 61 but I identify as channel 33

    • @tullyman82
      @tullyman82 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      I knew that someone was going to go there.... LOL today I identify as a can of tuna......

    • @WISHBONEL7
      @WISHBONEL7 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      sodom and goamoerica

    • @altha2008
      @altha2008 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Sometime 22

    • @altha2008
      @altha2008 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      @G G Thank you least not a Liberal

    • @ibclay1433
      @ibclay1433 Pƙed 4 lety +9

      Typical liberal response...just call people names...

  • @mikeburns2102
    @mikeburns2102 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    I give up! Too much crap to deal with. I would rather watch my old DVDs.

    • @thomashumphrey4953
      @thomashumphrey4953 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Reading is a good idea too.

    • @gsp49
      @gsp49 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      @@thomashumphrey4953 and you will find yourself getting smarter instead of being dumbed down by TV.

  • @madel4902
    @madel4902 Pƙed 2 lety +1

    Thank you for the very informative video.
    I have two (simple?) questions:
    1) I have a Winegard Wingman on my Sensar OTA antenna on my RV. The signal pixelates (and No Signal) on some stations all day but seems to get worse right at sunset. (Stations that I watch during the day are not available after dark.)
    Why is that?
    2) When you say "point the antenna" - where is the 'front' of the antenna?
    (My Antenna looks like an airplane - two long wings and a tail with three cross members.)

  • @SuperPhester
    @SuperPhester Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Thank you! The Antenna Man!

  • @radiorob7543
    @radiorob7543 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    #1 way to Improve OTA TV reception: Raise your antenna (the higher the better)

    • @kalijasin
      @kalijasin Pƙed 4 lety +4

      @Radio Rob, but going up higher means longer cable run and which can result weaker signal.

  • @MrBoo1963
    @MrBoo1963 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    I am NW of Tyler and use the LAVA 2605 long range antenna for reaching Dallas 80 miles away. But I did 2 things that helped a lot. 1. I cut the rotation power so it would not turn. 2. I did an add on to the Gain using 2 tall cans. Got 64 channels. I also pick up SW of my location some 50-60 miles away without turning that direction.

    • @totallyfrozen
      @totallyfrozen Pƙed 4 lety

      Rob T
      If you have time, could you make a video showing your setup?

  • @jameseddy6835
    @jameseddy6835 Pƙed 4 lety

    Very interesting keep up the good work.

  • @matthewwilloughby2594
    @matthewwilloughby2594 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    You had me until you said you watch judge judy. Im stealing my neighbors cable now. Its your fault bills cable is getting molested now

  • @jo77712
    @jo77712 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Hi Tyler, what are your thoughts on Sterling TV? Thank you, for your in-depth knowledge OTA broadcasting!

  • @craigosterberg5045
    @craigosterberg5045 Pƙed 2 lety

    Thanks again for the review.

  • @lulucly
    @lulucly Pƙed 3 lety

    Thanks for the content!

  • @emmadalrymple4102
    @emmadalrymple4102 Pƙed 3 lety

    Some very good pointers here. đŸ‘đŸ»đŸ‘đŸ»đŸ‘đŸ»

  • @dolph7656
    @dolph7656 Pƙed 3 lety +2

    Hi Tyler, enjoy your videos and have learned a lot. I live in the Detroit suburbs and can scan and capture all of the local stations in the area using my antenna except for CBC channel 9 (Canadian). Seems like I used to be able to capture that station in the past. Do you have any advice for capturing Canadian stations? Maybe something has changed in recent years. Thanks.

  • @kermitefrog64
    @kermitefrog64 Pƙed 4 lety

    Excellent information. About 5 years ago I purchase an outdoor antenna from Antennas Direct. Its not perfect but I get about 65 channels in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Depending on the weather some channels will disappear and at other times they come back in. I split the signal between 2 TV's. I am thinking of eventually getting 2 separate antennas. I do have a signal boost also from Antennas Direct which greatly helps. I used to have the Juice signal booster but every time we got a storm it blew out the Juice device so I went to another signal booster. The Juice worked incredibly when functioning but it was to susceptible to electric storms.

    • @AntennaMan
      @AntennaMan  Pƙed 4 lety

      Don't blame the amplifier for your signal issues. Changes in atmospheric conditions during storms will weaken the TV signals to the point some may not come in. If you are having issues with TV stations during storms you may need a larger antenna.

  • @Maverick154
    @Maverick154 Pƙed 3 lety

    Very informative and helpful

  • @fmphotooffice5513
    @fmphotooffice5513 Pƙed 4 lety

    Great info. BTW, if you live in a very old dwelling, you probably have several thick layers of lead paint on your walls. Biggest improvements will be at transmitter-facing windows, attics, etc.

  • @totallyfrozen
    @totallyfrozen Pƙed 4 lety

    Man! I’ve watched 4 of your videos already. You are just a WEALTH of knowledge!! Thanks so much!đŸ‘đŸ»

  • @PM-yn9hh
    @PM-yn9hh Pƙed 5 lety +2

    Great video!

  • @jonrudder6734
    @jonrudder6734 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thank you very much. I have a roof mounted winegard hd8200u. I think finding the 'sweet spot' should come first (?). I will watch more of your useful instructions and look towards the purchase of the Ematic ATI03B, unless for suggest alternatives