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Resolved Question

Digital Aerial for HDTV

by Jul 29, 2014 3:05AM PDT

Now that Aereo and FilmOn are no longer allowed to capture local broadcasts, I wonder what's available to capture local TV network broadcasts that is small, digital and reliable.
I live in New York City so reception was notoriously poor in the days of "Rabbit Ears".
I have an internet connection and Apple TV which is fine for previously recorded PBS stuff and Netflix Streaming.
But I'd like to be able to receive ABC, NBC, CBS.
I see alternatives available at Best Buy like RCA. TERK, ClearStream Micron XG but I have no idea if they're up to the task.
Any advice would be most welcome.
Thanks
41Algonquin

Discussion is locked

41Algonquin has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
7 Posts
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Best Answer

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I actually like the Amazon basics antenna
by Jul 29, 2014 5:54AM PDT
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Aerial for HDTV OTA Broadcasts
by 41Algonquin Jul 29, 2014 9:36AM PDT

Dear Pepe,

Thanks so much for your quick reply.

I probably will try the Amazon device first.

I looked at the Questions people asked about it. 100's of questions but only a couple of people live in New York city where the big buildings interfere with signals and they're the ones asking the questions about reception. The answers are from folks who live outside their cities.

I guess I'll just have to buy it and try it.

Thanks again.

Raphael Richman (41Algonquin)

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We have big buildings in Chicago too
by Pepe7 Jul 30, 2014 12:32AM PDT

I feel your pain. Tweaked the hell out of my in-laws condo for that reason. Dealing with cellular and OTA television reception can be a huge pain in that regard Sad.

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Aerial for HDTV OTA Broadcasts
by 41Algonquin Jul 30, 2014 12:42PM PDT

Will give Amazon device a try.
Can also see if anyone in my complex of buildings (750 apartments) has solved the problem for their TVs.
Thanks again,
Raph Richman

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Problem is...
by Pepe7 Jul 31, 2014 2:15AM PDT

With a tall, three dimensional building there is not such thing as a single solution. For example, the radio/tv/phone reception in one portion of side of a building may be dramatically different/opposite. My mother in laws building has the (cellular) Verizon users on one side and ATT people on the other Wink. TV reception may be similar, with certain domiciles requiring little or no fancy amplification to receive all the good channels.

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Answer
So far
by Forum moderator Jul 29, 2014 3:14AM PDT
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Antenna question
by 41Algonquin Jul 29, 2014 9:31AM PDT

Dear Bob,
Thanks for the quick reply. Very helpful. I went to the Channel Master site and read enough to know that this seems a good option for me.

One thing I'm not sure about:
A couple of people lived in the New York City area and asked questions but the responders couldn't really tell them about reception -- strong signals from nearby towers but lots of line-of-sight problems with the buildings. Seems like none of the early users live in Manhattan.

I guess I'll just have to buy it and try it.

Thanks again

R. Richman (41Algonquin)

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