Henry Raymond

Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: wwiihistory on August 04, 2013, 08:25:06 PM

Title: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: wwiihistory on August 04, 2013, 08:25:06 PM

Looking to pull the plug on comcast tv but keep the internet to start using either an Apple TV or Roku box.  I want to have local channels including PBS for the kids. I purchased a TERK omnidirectional indoor antenna and placed upstairs but receive absolutely nothing (country pantry area).

Not wanting satellite.

Any suggestions?

Title: Re: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: Barbara on August 05, 2013, 05:03:19 AM

I have a Radio Shack antenna on the roof of my garage and with it receive all the channels I need. 
The inside antenna I tried did not capture any channels for me either. 

Title: Re: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: Henry on August 05, 2013, 05:47:48 AM

If you have an older TV that only receives analog signals you will need to get a digital converter for over the air reception.  I haven't heard of anyone having much luck with indoor antennas.

Title: Re: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: fletchtb on August 05, 2013, 05:50:15 AM

How old is your tv? Does it have a built in digital tuner? If not, you won't receive any over the air programming no matter what kind of antenna you use. You would need a digital converter box in that case.

We use this antenna https://store.gomohu.com/the-leaf-ultimate-hdtv-antenna.html (https://store.gomohu.com/the-leaf-ultimate-hdtv-antenna.html)

Before we got this antenna, I was getting a decent signal from an amplified antenna like the Terk you bought. We get all the networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, and PBS). We live near the church in binghamville. I would be surprised if you couldn't pick up any signal where you live.

Title: Re: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: wwiihistory on August 05, 2013, 08:24:39 AM

I forgot to mention: LCD tvs, 2007 for 2 of them, 2012 on the 3rd.

There is an external antenna on our building (of multiple units) but it is on the opposite end of building & i dont see any wiring to our unit.

Guess comcast has limited basic covering local channels only but they have encrypted the signal so you still need boxes & a monthly charge.

Title: Re: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: Loctavious on August 05, 2013, 08:51:57 AM

i get 12 channels through the digital converter box:
4 PBS ( 2 duplicate, 1 is callec create, and one is PBS.  they're 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, 33.4)
2 Fox ( one's CW)
2 WCAX ( one's a strict loop of weather and short new boradcasts)
2 CBS ( one is actually a movie/ old show kinda channel)
2 NBC ( dups)

they all come in great.  Sometimes i need to move the antenna i have a little.  The antenna is a flat 10" by 10" Radio shack antenna.

Title: Re: Options for local tv channels without Comcast
Post by: JoeT on August 05, 2013, 09:52:00 AM

If I may suggest a web page from VPT regarding over the air reception (full disclosure, VPT is my place of employment).

http://vpt.org/broadcast

You should have a pretty decent signal over in the area of the 'Pantry.
Make sure the UHF part of the antenna is pointed toward Mount Mansfield - that's where all of the Burlington stations come from.

Regards,
Joe Tymecki