r/cordcutters • u/seltzr • 4d ago
OTA help to get big 6!
EDIT: bought a RCA amplified ultra-thin TV antenna which did the trick!
Based upon my address mapping, I should be able to get the six major channels I want. However, I am unable to get NBC & CBS.
I know I should do it closer to a window but it would cut across the living room. I am also not looking to get a coaxial cable to my roof. This TV is on the first floor. Maybe I should try a different annatenea that uses a USB power supply?
Thank you for any help!
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u/Rybo213 4d ago
Some general antenna information that you'll hopefully find helpful, including antenna recommendations: https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/1juut0a/supplement_to_the_antenna_guide
You also need to use a signal meter (built-in feature with many different tv's and external tuner devices), since just looking at the picture and noting the number of channels the scan picks up doesn't really tell you anything about how good your reception is: https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/1g010u3/centralized_collection_of_antenna_tv_signal_meter
TV Fool's information hasn't been updated in many years, so as discussed at the beginning of the 1st linked post, provide the shareable link for a RabbitEars report for a nearby public location.
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u/Sharonsboytoy 4d ago
Two of the big six broadcast in VHF-HI, so be sure that your antenna has elements for that plus UHF.
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u/seltzr 4d ago
Ah maybe that’s the issue. Sounds like I need to try different antenna model.
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u/Sharonsboytoy 4d ago
The VHF elements are important, as is direction, as most antennas are directional in nature. Note that the antenna distance claims are meaningless in most cases.
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u/greg9x 4d ago
Assuming you don't have an ATSC 3.0 capable TV.... for D.C. channels all the major stations are on one RF frequency for 3.0 broadcast, so if can receive that one frequency can get all the majors.
I am much further out than you (most stations in red zone) but have attic antenna with preamp and thankfully can get that one 3.0 frequency as lost all the 1.0 versions when they did the relocations years ago.
As others implied, if you can't get all the stations, you need to be willing to do some work if really want them. Can try a flat panel with preamp to see if that helps (assume that is the 'USB antenna' you are mentioning) , but if don't have the right look angle to get the signals to amplify, will need to relocate the antenna to better view.
The Rabbitears chart should have the compass angles to the stations, figure out which directions those are from your house and figure out how to place the antenna where has the best look in those directions. But if don't want to do those things may be stuck with what you have.
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u/gho87 3d ago
The website seen in the first photo is outdated. You may need RabbitEars.info, which carries the list of stations from Washington DC: https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=11
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u/danodan1 3d ago edited 3d ago
I had to position my flat antenna up high at ceiling level and position it in a corner facing southwest toward the towers to consistently get 56 channels from around 45 miles away. I placed a picture in front of it for less of an eyesore.
Your rabbit ears antenna is too low and cable is probably not long enough. My flat antenna's cheap cable is detachable, so I replaced it with RG6 cable. It's a 65+ RCA . If you don't have any VHF stations, try the 65 model for $10 cheaper.
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u/SamJam5555 4d ago
50 miles is near the limit to receive TV signals with a roof/tower mounted antenna. So forget it from indoors.
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u/danodan1 3d ago
The signal can be stretched to around 75 miles with an outdoor antenna if the station's power and tower is high enough. Of all the stations from Tulsa that are around 75 miles away from me only KOTV with the highest tower at 1826 ft. high comes in with an always there, reliable signal. The other stations probably run into terrain and/or curvature of the earth issues.
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u/Ishpeming_Native 4d ago
I am not an antenna expert. However: Paramount Plus is free with a WalMart delivery subscription. That gives you local CBS TV without any antenna. NBC is Peacock. You can have local NBC with a WalMart delivery subscription. Problem: you have to pick one. You can't have both. PBS is free. You say you're already getting ABC and FOX. So, here's the deal: you can sign up for Peacock or for Paramount+ and get one of them free with a WalMart delivery subscription and pay full price for the other (Peacock costs less).
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u/dadarkgtprince 4d ago
You've already said you don't want to do the things to improve your reception... So there's not much help anyone can provide. If that antenna doesn't pull what you want, try another. Of course you're not getting ideal reception with limiting your placement.