Go Back   Winnipesaukee Forum > Winnipesaukee Forums > General Discussion
Home Forums Gallery Webcams Blogs YouTube Channel Classifieds Calendar Register FAQDonate Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-31-2018, 08:11 AM   #1
Tackleman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 69
Thanks: 20
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default Over the air antenna

So we finally cut the cord and got rid of cable and went to sling tv. The picture quality is fantastic but I miss the local channels. Does anyone use an over the air antenna now and how does it work? What brand do you have? I also have an aluminum roof and heard that that could effect signal quality. Thanks in advance for the replies.
Tackleman is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Tackleman For This Useful Post:
Top-Water (12-31-2018)
Old 12-31-2018, 09:00 AM   #2
swnoel
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 527
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
Default

My guess is that you'll get channel 9 in Manchester, 8 & 13 from Portland Maine. They're pretty cheap to buy.

http://www.antennasdirect.com/blog/antenna-work-live/
swnoel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 09:10 AM   #3
swnoel
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 527
Thanks: 83
Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts
Default

https://www.antennasdirect.com/transmitter-locator.html
swnoel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 09:29 AM   #4
Wiezy
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Salem MA, Rattlesnake
Posts: 19
Thanks: 27
Thanked 8 Times in 3 Posts
Default Over the Air DVR Option

Just to throw this out there, for those who want a DVR for local channels and that is holding them back from cutting the cord, ChannelMaster makes a good one that has no ongoing fee:

www.channelmaster.com

Product Specific:
https://www.channelmaster.com/Stream...7600bdl1tb.htm

For $178 with a 1TB drive, it's a great way to keep DVR functionality while not paying cable rates!
Wiezy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 10:41 AM   #5
TCC
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 147
Thanks: 231
Thanked 71 Times in 29 Posts
Default

We cut the cable a couple months back and now use a little Roku unit to get Sling, Netflix, and other things, as well as NewsOn (free) for Maine and Boston news. For some reason, WMUR doesn't play nicely with NewsOn, but for what it's worth (very little, IMO) we can stream WMUR news from the web on our computers.
TCC is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Old 12-31-2018, 11:39 AM   #6
8gv
Senior Member
 
8gv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,002
Thanks: 61
Thanked 700 Times in 455 Posts
Default

To verify my understanding...

The cord being cut is cable TV with cable (or other) internet being retained for Sling, Hulu etc., yes?
8gv is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 11:56 AM   #7
MAXUM
Senior Member
 
MAXUM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Kuna ID
Posts: 2,755
Thanks: 246
Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts
Default

Did the same in the spring, streaming Directv Now via Roku - which includes local ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliates out of Boston +WMUR all in HD plus get free DVR - although it is limited to 20 hours.

They DO NOT include the independent channels or PBS. No loss to me I don't care about either.


You may want to compare Sling vs Directv Now. Sling is cheaper up front but lacks quite a bit too.

Last edited by MAXUM; 12-31-2018 at 01:59 PM.
MAXUM is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to MAXUM For This Useful Post:
Tackleman (12-31-2018)
Old 12-31-2018, 12:04 PM   #8
MAXUM
Senior Member
 
MAXUM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Kuna ID
Posts: 2,755
Thanks: 246
Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 8gv View Post
To verify my understanding...

The cord being cut is cable TV with cable (or other) internet being retained for Sling, Hulu etc., yes?
Correct.

Can even be done over 4G LTE wireless although it does chew data pretty quickly.
MAXUM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 12:48 PM   #9
Tackleman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 69
Thanks: 20
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Eyes we still have Internet and have Ruku and sling tv but I can't seem to get local channels or Fox News. Was wondering if anyone on the lake was using an over the air antenna and to what success
Tackleman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 01:58 PM   #10
WinnisquamZ
Senior Member
 
WinnisquamZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,865
Thanks: 192
Thanked 589 Times in 394 Posts
Default

Mountains block any signals for local channels. Basic dishtv plus metrocast grandfathered price works. Unsure what will be next when contracts run out


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app
WinnisquamZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 02:00 PM   #11
Stilljester
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 60
Thanks: 2
Thanked 17 Times in 15 Posts
Default

We bought this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works great and adjusts easily as well.
Stilljester is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Stilljester For This Useful Post:
LoveLakeLife (01-01-2019)
Old 12-31-2018, 02:11 PM   #12
Bear Islander
Senior Member
 
Bear Islander's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Bear Island
Posts: 1,757
Thanks: 31
Thanked 429 Times in 203 Posts
Default

If you go to this website you can enter your location and get real information about how various antennas will receive
TV stations in your area.

https://nocable.org/

For Winni it is basically

indoor antenna: no reception
indoor amplified antenna: A couple of possible stations
outdoor antenna: fair to poor reception for a few stations
outdoor long range antenna: likely to receive a few

None of the antennas types are rated good reception from Winni.
Bear Islander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 03:03 PM   #13
Slickcraft
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Welch Island and West Alton
Posts: 3,211
Thanks: 1,166
Thanked 1,999 Times in 913 Posts
Default

YouTube TV includes local channels as well as a DVR capability. You can stream from 3 devices at a time.

https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/
Slickcraft is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 03:08 PM   #14
Slickcraft
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Welch Island and West Alton
Posts: 3,211
Thanks: 1,166
Thanked 1,999 Times in 913 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stilljester View Post
We bought this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works great and adjusts easily as well.
I got that 3 months ago. From on the hill in West Alton I get Maine channels 6, 8 and 13 including sub-channels.
Slickcraft is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 04:12 PM   #15
8gv
Senior Member
 
8gv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,002
Thanks: 61
Thanked 700 Times in 455 Posts
Default

At what point do the cable TV companies lose enough revenue that they must raise thier internet rates to make it work?
8gv is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 04:52 PM   #16
nhcatrider
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 167
Thanks: 19
Thanked 29 Times in 27 Posts
Default

Very soon I imagine. I'm locked in for another 18 months with comcast for internet, and it'll probably go way up.
nhcatrider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 07:19 PM   #17
Flyfisha
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Rattlesnake Island
Posts: 139
Thanks: 58
Thanked 45 Times in 23 Posts
Default Channels

I have an old piece of crap antenna on Rattlesnake that I rescued from the dump. Channels 9,11,21,31 and 41 with sub channels. Best of all FREE!
Flyfisha is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2018, 07:52 PM   #18
Top-Water
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 674
Thanks: 1,535
Thanked 714 Times in 431 Posts
Default

A big thanks to everyone who has chimed in with a response / answer / or sensible question. I too would also like to cut the cable tv cord, so this thread is interesting to see what other folks are doing or suggesting.

My son has been gently suggesting to cut the cord, but admittedly I've been to lazy to do the research and a little afraid of making a mistake and getting sucked into something else I will dislike even more and have to crawl back to comcast.
Top-Water is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2019, 12:11 PM   #19
TCC
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wolfeboro
Posts: 147
Thanks: 231
Thanked 71 Times in 29 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tackleman View Post
Eyes we still have Internet and have Ruku and sling tv but I can't seem to get local channels or Fox News.
Tackleman, have you looked at NewsOn? You should find it (for free) on your Roku.
TCC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2019, 06:14 PM   #20
Tackleman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 69
Thanks: 20
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I'll try that the next time I'm up. Thanks for the help everyone.
Tackleman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2019, 03:09 PM   #21
Orion
Senior Member
 
Orion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 914
Thanks: 602
Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts
Default Tablo DVR

If you do manage to get local channels you can use a Tablo DVR to stream those channels to any TV that has a streaming receiver attached or internal. I used to use DirecTV on the island. I now have a Tablo DVR at my central MA winter home where I get over 40 channels via an attic antenna into the Tablo. The Tablo is connected to the internet and I can stream from MA to the island (app installed on island Apple TV or any android device). So on the island, I get all broadcast channels (and DVR recorded shows) via DSL stream from my MA home, free except the cost of internet at both locations (which I would have regardless). Also, the Tablo DVR interface is as good or better than the DirecTV software, which prior I had thought was the best.

Also, I did try the new Channel Master DVR (I had an older one), but was very disappointed in the interface and performance.
Orion is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2019, 06:33 PM   #22
Tackleman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 69
Thanks: 20
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Thanks for the information. I ordered an over the air antenna today.
Tackleman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2019, 06:16 PM   #23
Crusty
Senior Member
 
Crusty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Columbus OH / Smiths Pt
Posts: 128
Thanks: 176
Thanked 158 Times in 57 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Orion View Post
If you do manage to get local channels you can use a Tablo DVR to stream those channels to any TV that has a streaming receiver attached or internal. I used to use DirecTV on the island. I now have a Tablo DVR at my central MA winter home where I get over 40 channels via an attic antenna into the Tablo. The Tablo is connected to the internet and I can stream from MA to the island (app installed on island Apple TV or any android device). So on the island, I get all broadcast channels (and DVR recorded shows) via DSL stream from my MA home, free except the cost of internet at both locations (which I would have regardless). Also, the Tablo DVR interface is as good or better than the DirecTV software, which prior I had thought was the best.

Also, I did try the new Channel Master DVR (I had an older one), but was very disappointed in the interface and performance.
I've had a Tablo for a couple years now and it's great! I can access it from anywhere via a phone app, Roku, or Firestick and watch either recorded shows or live TV. It can record up to 4 simultaneous shows and/or play back up to 6 streams (haven't ever found a need to check this).

I particularly like that I can watch my "home" news and weather programs.
Crusty is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Crusty For This Useful Post:
Tackleman (01-04-2019)
Old 01-04-2019, 06:55 AM   #24
Tackleman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 69
Thanks: 20
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

What type of antenna are you using? How many stations are you receiving?
Tackleman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-04-2019, 02:01 PM   #25
Bizer
Senior Member
 
Bizer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 332
Thanks: 0
Thanked 242 Times in 81 Posts
Default

My recommendation is a 4-bay bowtie antenna like the Channel Master 4221.

From my cottage on Cape Cod, I have no trouble receiving Boston / Providence stations up to 52 miles away. Keep in mind, southern Massachusetts is pretty flat so your mileage will definitely vary.
Bizer is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Bizer For This Useful Post:
Tackleman (01-05-2019)
Old 01-04-2019, 02:32 PM   #26
Bigstan
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gilford NH
Posts: 376
Thanks: 9
Thanked 163 Times in 91 Posts
Default channel list

I tried 3x antennas before I stopped, from $30 to $149, 2x amped indoor and 1x outdoor. Some channels are sporadic but I get the same results from all 4.

These four always :

Call Sign Affiliate Channel

WCSH-HD NBC 06.1
Justice Justice Network 06.2
Antenna Antenna TV 06.3
Quest Quest 06.4

These come in but are flaky :

WGME-HD CBS 13.1 (never clear)
TBD-TV TBD 13.2 (rarely clear)
ASN-TV Stadium 13.3 (early AM or late PM only)

I aim out from Gilford, any direction doesn't matter as either Rattlesnake or mountains are in the way. So whatever antenna doesn't really matter. For a test from outside Boston I get ~ 40 stations on the $30 Walmart special and ~ 45 from the better $99 indoor amped. So I think it's much more where you are vs. which one you buy.
Bigstan is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Bigstan For This Useful Post:
Tackleman (01-05-2019)
Old 01-04-2019, 03:17 PM   #27
thinkxingu
Senior Member
 
thinkxingu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,939
Thanks: 1,152
Thanked 1,959 Times in 1,210 Posts
Default

I tried multiple amplified interior and one non-amplified texterior antennas and none gave me anything worth watching. This is on Moultonborough Neck.

Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk
thinkxingu is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to thinkxingu For This Useful Post:
Tackleman (01-05-2019)
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:10 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

This page was generated in 0.27181 seconds