CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

I am thinking about cutting the cable cord and looking into tv antenna's. We have 4 towers within 95 miles but lots and lots of trees so I am thinking I will need an outdoor model.

My question's for everyone are:

1. What model do you have?
2. Does it work like it's supposed to?
3. Would you purchase the same model again?

Thanks
Cindy

alx Loc: NJ

I have an OLD pre-hd tv antenna that I bought when I bought my house in 1997 with an amplifier that still works great. I'm sure there is even better available today.

I highly recommend going to https://www.antennasdirect.com for guidance. You put in your zipcode and follow along.

repleo Loc: Boston

Go to this website and put in your zip code.

https://antennaweb.org

It will give you all the stations you should be able to receive and the particular type of antenna you need to receive each one. Of course your local conditions and the exact positioning are a big factor. If you are out in the sticks, the trees may not be as bad as buildings in town.
I went to BJ's and got a $30 disk that sticks on the window. I am in a major metropolitan area so I can get all of my local network stations plus a bunch more. Those and Amazon Prime are all I need.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks...I will check that site out!

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks...checking that site out now as well!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Unless you have a clear line of site and a tall tower with a high gain antenna (and perhaps a low noise amplifier), 95 miles is going to be very marginal for VHF or UHF digital TV signals. Even FM radio, which has a much lower bandwidth, would be problematical at that distance. If I were in that situation, I would be looking at satellite services.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

95 miles is the furthest of the 4 towers, with the closest at about 35 miles.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Your success will depend on the topography between you and the TV tower, the height of the transmitting tower, and the height of your receiving antenna as well as the antenna and the length of the cable from the antenna to your TV and any amplifier that you use - lots of variables. Of the closest station(s), are they UHF or VHF (considering the new frequency changes that just took place? That will determine the type of antenna you need. You may be able to get some technical assistance and advice from the engineering staff of the various stations as well as feedback from your neighbors that have antennas.

Unless the topography is flat with no obstructions such as ridges or hills between you and the transmitter, you will need an outside roof or tower mounted antenna or mounted in your attic as a minimum. You will need to keep the cable to your TV as short and direct as possible. An amplifier can help with this, but it will need to be near the antenna and you will need to be able to power it, either via the cable or an outlet. Hopefully, the station(s) will all be in the same direction, because you will likely need a high gain directional antenna so you may have to pick the direction of the closest station or employ a rotator to turn the antenna to receive multiple stations. If an attic mounting is feasible and high enough, it will protect the antenna from weather and wind and make powering the antenna/amplifier simpler. Sorry to make this sound complicated, but with the distances involved, it will not be trivial to get decent reception. Unless it is cost prohibitive, a DBS type satellite dish and receiver is the best choice for rural TV reception.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I just have an old (very old), ordinary TV antenna, don't get much (and I did not expect that), but it is enough! Get about 30 channels.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Save your time and money!!!
I haven't seen one work all the time yet in rural areas.
My lady friend lives in a suburb near St.Louis and hers is spotty at best.
I live 70 miles South of St.louis no cable available I use Viasat for internet and Dish for TV. not cheap but it works very well. Now if I could get Good cell service

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Here in the U.K. quite a lot of us still use external roof mounted aerials. I pick my signal up from the Crystal Palace transmitter which is 38 miles as the crow flies. Not many do though, most preferring the Headington transmitter at 20 miles distant. We are on top of a ridge of hills giving us a clear line of site to several others as well.

What is important is to seek the services of a good local antenna man for advice on aerial and erection. A degree or two out can result in a significant loss in quality.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Small correction: the plural of antenna is antennae.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

It is amazing how much we spend to have TV, internet, and a telephone. As I approach retirement I have to consider how to cut back! Cutting the cable will probably be one way!

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I use a db4. But if I was starting over I’d get the db8:

Antennas Direct 8-Element High Gain Bowtie TV Antenna, 60 Mile Range, Multi-directional, Indoor, Attic, Outdoor, All-weather Mounting Hardware, Adjustable Mast Clamp, 4K Ready, Silver - 8DXB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EHWCDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OVDLDbCZXDRA1

Collhar Loc: New York City.

I'm trying to imagine how my husband would respond if I told him we are dropping cable and getting an outdoor antenna. Oh, by the by. You may not get college football or basketball perhaps no Giants or pro football game or pro basketball.