Get More OTA TV Channels with a Better Tuner

[@AntennaMan]

Affiliate Link to recommended external tuner 👉 amzn.to/2ELWA2h Affiliate Link to powered splitters: 👉 www.amazon.com/shop/antennaman?listId=22C79VI829HZO 📡 Do you have reception problems? Consider an antenna recommendation from me below: 👉 www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

[@larryfine9685]

Tyler , I seen one for $ 129.00 dollars on the top wen you google i should have copy it but today April -4-30-2022 I didn't see it I will try to google it Again , Thank you Tyler hopefully you can Help me with the information

[@kenroar]

You say in the video you recommend the Emantic converter box but your link goes to Mediasonic. Which is better?

[@AntennaMan]

@@kenroar The Mediasonic is better. The link in the description is most updated as this video is over four years old

[@pcno2832]

The "older TV set" in my bedroom was made in 1988. But, the Zenith converter box does a good enough job for my limited expectations in an area of fairly strong signals. It's good to know that they still make converter boxes with state-of-the-art tuners, so those of use who like really old TVs can keep the going.

[@danielc3453]

One of the best KZbin channels for Antennas.

[@jrs9264]

I picked up a Hisense tv on closeout at Wal-Mart. Despite cost under $200, it has best ota pickup tuner of all my tvs, including sansui, vizio, tcl. Too bad consumer reports doesn't test new tv for ota tuner quality.

[@jesusavalentin5439]

Problem is that tv will die in a year. Best tuner is found on the Sony TVs hands down. Also my RCA DVD Tuner recorder is just as good as the Sony. I own all the mayor brands of TVs you mention, and the Ematic box. Sorry to say but my personal experience Sony #1,, RCA #2, LG#3, Hisense #4, Samsung #5. My Sony model is from 4 years back. 50" xbr 85. The Ematic box dead last. I've owned 3 of them and gave them away.

[@marks1994]

TV's are a crapshoot. My Hisense just started year 6 and the OTA tuner is great. My friend's two Samsung LED backlights both went out between 4-5 years of similar usage. Ya just never know.

[@jwalach1650]

Remember this concept from the old VCR days. VCR allowed me to fine tune the channel with little turn knobs. This is a good point on tv channels and how easily one I overlook. You have great testing methods and trouble shooting. Thanks again for another great post, Da Bear

[@ajshell2]

I can confirm that tuner quality ABSOLUTELY makes a difference. A Slyvania 720p cheapo TV I got at a yard sale got noticeably worse picture quality than with a Hauppauge TV tuner, even with the same antenna.

[@ThreePhaseHigh]

This guy really knows his stuff and I like the way he presents it nicely done

[@AntennaMan]

I'm no Lester Holt but I try my best to present things

[@ThreePhaseHigh]

@@AntennaMan If you were Lester Holt I would never turn your channel on again

[@DanielMelton-t7u]

When will he give an updated version of the tv tuner list for 2024

[@toddstewart9070]

The sensitivity of the tuners make a HUGE difference. Always have

[@dougmorris9317]

This cleared up a 2-month mystery for me. I live about 10 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh in a tall apt building, but couldn't pick up any channels on my 2011 Panasonic viera TV with an indoor antenna. A couple of months ago, I bought a bigger TV, a 2021 LG. I went from zero channels to 44 channels with a little bookshelf antenna. It's unreal. 🙂

[@tbkulavik]

I got the GPX converter box from Menards. It gets all the same channels but the picture is much more sharp with the HDMI connection than the RF connection on the built in TV tuner. The USB drive recording feature is nice too.

[@phiksit]

A friend of mine got one of those and it crapped out after 2 weeks.

[@njcranes]

Do you have or can you provide a video describing a setup for "cutting the cord"? Or a satellite/cable TV replacement guide?

[@bude8234]

I've noticed this too. I have an older TV, and I recently bought a converter box for it, more just to play around. I noticed this dedicate tuner was FAR superior to the built-in antenna on my other TVs, as determined by the signal strength I would get on the channels given the same location in the house. Seems the tuner they put in TVs varies greatly. The Sony TVs seem to be pretty good, and others not-so-great. Anyone else have direct side-by-side comparisons of different TV manufacturers?

[@totallyfrozen]

Bud E Can you link to which tuner you bought?

[@fantom5894]

You're right about Samsung. I live in a rural area, use a Winegard Flatamp 5500 (or whatever its called) and get all the channels and subchannels the webites (antennaweb etc.) say I should get with an outdoor antenna. Good tuners. Ordered a set with ATSC 3.0, so we'll see how that goes.

[@PEGuyMadison]

I route all tv's from a single point using good quality coax cable and a 4 port junction, splitting and splitting more just degrades the signal. So there is only one splitter between my tv's and the antenna.... works great.. more wires so I had to buy 300 feet of coax but it's worth it.

[@Pageonevideopros]

Great video, I have a older Panasonic Plasma that I love but the tuner is terrible. I tried all different type of antennas and still had drop outs. I recently got the Tablo dual lite and it works flawlessly.

[@Fender178]

Another good thing about Newer Samsung TVs such as the Smart TVs they have a builtin guide if you don't have a OTA DVR/DTV tuner box and it is really nice looking.

[@af1023]

Excellent information, thank you. I wish more people had your passion for their craft.

[@scottstormcarter9603]

I have used Channel Master DVR, 2 Digital Stream ATSC tuners and Hauppauge WinTv 7. Hands down the channel Master DVR is far better than the rest. Both Digital Stream do quite well. Hauppauge WinTv 7 works but clearly of lower quality. All use the same type yet separate PCT brand amplifiers near each antenna.

[@johnbartholomew8399]

I looked into boxes and they all seem to be the same circuit board in a different box.Tried Ematic on single set and the Tv's tuner was better,which seems to be true for all sets.Except Dynex.Took twenty minutes to scan and missed channels like crazy.

[@chodkowski01]

In Florida my Samsung gives me 88 channels on the end of the run of cable while my LG is first on the cable and gives me 83 channels. Both tv’s are new 4K 50”.

[@marzsit9833]

not all of the tuners built before 2015 have poor sensitivity, i'm still using a zenith dtt901 converter box made in 2007/08 that picks up fringe reception better than anything else i've tried.

[@AntennaMan]

Yes some old tuners are OK but many aren't.

[@robertcromwell9736]

ON the ematic tuner, Display only shows a number of the channel in the order of scanned. For instance it displays 09 for channel and neither is the RF channel. Also I have to rescan every week or so as it just magically deletes a block of channels from those scanned. Also for recording it does not seem to have the correct date or time. And I have found no way to set them. However it does pick up weak signals well. My old Dynex 48 inch is still going very well after 10? years. Got a great deal on it at the time $500 if that tells ya how old it is :) I suspect tht different models of the same brand have different tuners in them so may respond differently. My uncle also has the same model of Dynex TV and it is still going great too. Keep up the Good work Tyler love your vids. You are doing a great service for us.

[@MrsMac3099]

Thank you for the info , at the end of this video I saw amplifiers and I checked your amazon store and ordered the channel master distribution amplifier. What a huge difference !! We went from 5/7 channels to 25. That is the most we could get !! So far they are coming in great ! We might get the converter recorder box one day . But we have a Mi Box and Fire tv , so we are good lol. Thank you again for your info !!! You rock !!

[@AntennaMan]

No problem thanks for trusting my recommendation and following my channel.

[@stan5949]

hello antenna man i just put up my antenna with RG 6coxial but my tv does not hace a coxial hook up only HDMI , what do i do to convert it ??

[@AntennaMan]

Yes, use this external tuner below and connect it to the TV via HDMI! amzn.to/2ELWA2h

[@j2simpso]

My parents had a similar issue at their house (upstairs TV set getting fewer channels than downstairs TV set). After doing some troubleshooting, I realized that there was a 4-way splitter connected just after the pre-amp to distribute the signal throughout the house thereby weakening the signal. I ended up swapping it down to a 2-way splitter (as there are only 2 coax outlets being used) and that made a huge difference. I suppose going out and getting an n-way pre-amp would've been better but this was a cheap solution that made a big difference!

[@Nuerth]

The greatest challenge I have is with some of the new subchannels~ some of them I get but a few of the one's my brother gets I can't & we live in houses on the same property

[@rchandos]

Thank you, Tyler. You mentioned your tuner located at the antenna. Could you please send me more info on this.

[@allanpatterson7653]

The "Noise" figure. The RF that comes in must be a higher level than the noise that the Mixer stage generates on the input side. Could also be a Squelch circuit that displays a blank screen when the RF signal falls below a certain level. I do not see any AGC delay controls unless they are in the service program.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I've been using an old Samsung Digital HDTV Receiver DTF H60F on my "HD-Ready" TV, since it does not have a built-in tuner. Works pretty good and has a nice on screen guide. I did have to replace a capacitor in at at local shop, when it stopped working. Repair was less than $100 dollars and worth the cost of repair. :)

[@kapllanvlora6123]

100$ for a capacitor!!!! WTF, I throw capacitor at the garbage cause i don't use em! 😂😂😂

[@Pallidus_Rider]

@@kapllanvlora6123 Not just for the capacitor. Includes labor and is also supporting a small business owner. Additionally, anything you can keep out of the landfill is good for the environment. I don't expect someone like you to understand these things ... 😲😂😲😂

[@ThatEEguy2818]

If you're not too close to the stations, consider a low noise preamplifier. The first amplifier sets the noise figure for the system, so if you get a good preamp, it won't really matter which tuner you're using. The key is, get a GOOD preamp. Good, as if quality build, low noise, and the right gain for your location.

[@AntennaMan]

It's very hard to research a good preamp online based on reviews because a lot of people will hook up a preamp when they're signal is strong. As a result they lose some channels and leave a bad review but it is not the amplifier itself as much as it is a strong signal. What preamp do you prefer?

[@ThatEEguy2818]

I'm not just talking about reviews, I'm also talking about noise specs. I live in a moderate signal strength area and use separate vhf hi and uhf antenna. I use a CM 7777, the older version that has separate uhf/vhf inputs. I've been very happy with it... but that's my installation. As you say, strong stations will screw up an amplifier so the 7777 isn't right for everyone.

[@stevejohnson1321]

This brand is still in the marketplace, but Tyler has a newer review of HW-150PVR-Y22 model, which claims some improvements. Most are under $40 US, which is a lot better than year 2009 prices.

[@shabmaster7128]

My go to portable RCA 7" has the best tuner of all my TV's, and that thing is like 10 years old. I think they purposefully put a fantastic tuner into this model specifically because it's portable and you will likely not have a good antenna setup attached to it

[@AntennaMan]

It's made in the USA so that's probably why.

[@ebinrock]

In my experience, I find that even if you receive 30-40 channels in your area, it's generally just more copies of MeTV, Ion, Grit, etc.

[@60174120]

Would a tuner help my reception with my existing flat screen tv? It's an LG and only about 2 years old.

[@AntennaMan]

If you have a new TV the issue is likely your antenna. Sounds like you need a better antenna setup. Consider an antenna recommendation from me at the link below. This can prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars and time wasted on setting up the wrong antenna for your area. antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

[@jamesianv]

My Vizio has the NXP18275a tuner (find it in the system info) and it's useless without the signal first going through my old RCA analog converter (even when it's turned off, I know strange). The concerter gets twice as many stations as the vizio but converts to low res. I'm going to try your suggestion..

[@fortwoods]

I can confirm that older Dynex tv(bought in 2013) tuners suck. But my question: I have a couple of cheap Walmart TV with Roku bought in the last year. It seems like OTA is an an afterthought for them so I can't imagine they spent any effort on putting in a decent tuner. With nothing to compare to, I don't know if I am getting all the channels or not. I think I might pick up a Digital Converter Box just to see if it improves things. I have a few fringe channels.

[@BenEverett1]

You mentioned the Ematic converter box, but your Amazon link points to a different model called Mediasonic with the word "HOMEWORK" printed on the unit. Which one do you actually recommend? Thanks.

[@randallhenry188]

Thanks for explaining this! I have a Emerson TV in the house that gets 11 channels and a Sony in the garage that gets 20! I've been going nuts trying find the sweet spot for the Antenna. ( antenna is one of those that looks like something you would win at a Carnival )

[@AntennaMan]

It likely is a tuner issue but it could also be signal loss if you are using an unpowered splitter. Make sure you are using a powered one like the model below: amzn.to/2JUCbXm

[@brady_w904]

well in my experience i have 2 emerson’s. 1 has a very good tuner, the other one has a excellent tuner. suprised what you think

[@randallhenry188]

@@brady_w904 I just bought a new Samsung, big difference from my old one

[@markS5780]

Can you place the tuner before the distribution amp with a possible benefit to all TVs?

[@AntennaMan]

Not really. If you did - you'd only be able to watch the one channel that's on the DTV box on all TVs. It's better to have this set up on each TV set.

[@rgruenhaus]

Strength of signal and amount of data in the signal makes or breaks whether you get a channel with a great image

[@flywelder]

Your videos are great, and very informative! thank you for posting them! I'm in NC. I have a question about OTA signals and HDMI. My understanding was that the TV stations in my area, are broadcasting in HDMI and so the signal received from them and going to my TVs, via TV cable RG-6, is HDMI. And thus, I don't have to use a HDMI cable connected to the HDMI port on my TVs, I can use the normal cable connection. Am I correct or not? Second question. My antenna is a Channel master advantage 100. It is mounted on the roof. There are no electrical outlets up there. My coax run is 40 feet from antenna to the point the coax enters the house. Is it okay for me to have the pre-amp, in the line, but only 3 to 5 feet from the powered signal distributor?

[@AntennaMan]

TV stations don't broadcast on HDMI. HDMI is a cable used for set top boxes. As far as your preamp question you want the preamp portion up at the antenna or there will be signal loss that can't be recovered. It's okay to have the paper inserter near a splitter but the preamp portion should be up at the antenna.

[@flywelder]

@@AntennaMan Thank you from NC. So from watching your latest videos, the power to the pre-amp travels through a coax up to the pre amp,. Is this how it is on ALL pre-amps? or just the higher end models? Thanks

[@flywelder]

What pre-amp do you recommend I get for my location. I use a Channel master advantage 100, and am in zip code: 28677. Thank you.

[@rpsmith]

The best way to watch OTA TV is with a Tablo TV DVR! I've had mine (4 tuner version) for several years now and would never go back to watching with the standard TV tuner.

[@canadianpsycho1867]

I get a clear stable signal with only %40 of a signal on my digital converter box but got some pixels with even a %75 signal on my tv that was manufactured in April 2011. So digital converter boxes are absolutely worth it. And also digital converter boxes come with so many other great features.

[@AntennaMan]

40% is the bare minimum to decode a signal. You'll want at least 60% for a reliable signal.

[@canadianpsycho1867]

Antenna Man there was some pixelation and cut outs at times

[@airlinena]

Just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing quality information! ✌🏻🧔🏻

[@clridesagain7308]

Can anyone help me on this. I have a HUGE tv antenna on my roof. Is it possible to hook it up to my tv and draw in different channels ? How do I do that ??? I can't afford cable or satellite. Thanks

[@oskardeoz6823]

I think you could try it by conecting the coaxial cable to you tv go to rv setting, scan for channels and if you get and you would know if you get channels or not

[@5argetech56]

Sceptre is has a good OTA Tuner. Very sensitive. Another thing about the Converter boxes ( I also use Ematic) they are PVR's and do a good job too. Just format a 32gb thumb drive and you have hours and hours of DVR recordings. That is the best thing about these boxes. Most TV's can not do that!

[@AntennaMan]

I'm not sure why TVs dont have recording capabilities by now. They've had the USB input for nearly a decade. Just make it so it can write the other way. Maybe they're worried about lawsuits from content providers if they put a DVR in every TV set.

[@5argetech56]

@@AntennaMan Most only use the USB for power, say like to a ROKU or Chromecast Device. Some have Photo Media input... I think you have something there.. Reminds me of when VCR's came out.. Yes I am that old :)

[@AntennaMan]

@@5argetech56 most with the USB is for the purpose to play video and pictures on a flash drive. Put one in your TV with media on it and you'll see what I mean.

[@5argetech56]

@@AntennaMan Correctamundo But it does not work with my Sony 32inch from 2010. Only Power, and is labeled (Service Port) Works on my Sceptre and Vizio which came out in 2017 !

[@andywolan]

quick question: why does the Channel Master distribution amps have two inputs? To connect two separate antennas? (And if so, won't that create multi-path interference?)

[@OldSloGuy]

Just a note about spliters: Some splitters mark on the label the signal loss at each port. For ease of manufacturing considerations all splitters are 2 way internally and cascaded if necessary. Thus a 3 way splitter may have one port that loses 3.5 dB while the other two ports lose 6.5 dB each. Putting the longest coax on the strongest port can make a difference. Weak signal reception is a matter of not letting the signal get too weak for the TV in question. Sometimes there are other considerations like putting the best signal on the living room TV and letting the family room TV be a little pixelated on some channels. This is a choice. Feeding a stronger signal to a weaker TV may balance things out. However, that balance may result in everything being a little flaky, or everything working. swapping the cables on a splitter is easy and can be done quickly. However, the splitter may not be accessible and that could be more trouble than it is worth. Not all splitters mark their ports, but lack of information is not proof of equality. Most cheap splitters use ferrite beads from 50 years ago. There is no guarantee that a $10 splitter would work where a $3 splitter doesn't, but it could save you buying a $40 distribution amp and finding an outlet to power it. There is one trick that you can't do with a splitter: use a distribution amp for the kids bedroom TVs, and when curfew time arrives, the timer cuts the power to the distribution amp. No browbeating required. The kids will turn off the TVs because they don't want to see the no signal message.

[@janbill79]

I have noticed using the turner in my VA32OE from july 2009 .Worked better than the tuner in my homework digital to analog box . It's just that converter box gives such good tv show discription about 4 or more hours out like do magnavox converters . but the digital tuner built in the tv works better.

[@pcranger1]

My Tivo OTA's tuner isn't cutting it any more. Switching to Fire. Thanks for info.

[@burgermeister7244]

Tyler, this video is 3 years old. Do you still recommend the Ematic digital converter box? Joe

[@kapllanvlora6123]

My Lg 32" can pick at summer channels 180km away, with a 16db antena, with hills 15km in front.

[@MeowStationOrignal]

My 2015 50” 1080p Toshiba Tv does me pretty well and has a tuner built in my tv.

[@totallyfrozen]

Hip hop Herbytown All TVs made after 2009 have a digital tuner built in. This video is about the QUALITY of the tuner. He’s saying if the quality of the tuner in your TV is poor, you can buy an aftermarket, dedicated tuner.

[@haroldreyes7549]

They ALL do.

[@brianpercival1829]

Found a North American tuner on EBay for $28. Looks about the same and records. Barely use it on a spare bedroom TV. I am thinking about the future and 3.0 tuners and TVs. Samsung Sony and LG offer TVs with 3.0 tuners but HUGE 65 inch sets and above. Too big for my small room. Tuner boxes becoming available soon but at $250 Like Zapperbox and Home Run. I think money spent on a tuner now for 1.0 will only be good for a few years and everyone switches to 3.0.

[@noscrubbubblez6515]

I had a tuner box called KORAMZI and it burned out after a couple months. It had the best picture all other boxes, so i bought another -and it only lasted a couple months. the reason mention is it's remote's almost identical to the Ematic model you mention. i had best performance from VIEW TV-300. I try not to run it over 8 hours straight and I keep an extra if it does burn out.

[@flyone8350]

My problem is I can't get a single channel. Tries several TVs and antennas. Second floor apartment in Portsmouth, Ohio. I'm literally between Spectrum and Frontier companies (buildings)

[@AntennaMan]

Try this ClearStream antenna. amzn.to/2YcmfGE Make sure it's near a wall or window in the direction of the broadcast towers you can find on antennaweb.org

[@coquipa379]

Thank you, for the info, great work, and thank you for stop at my house in Allentown and work with the antennas

[@AntennaMan]

No problem. Feel free to call me anytime if you have issues or questions.

[@guyboost7311]

@@AntennaMan and is Meridian CT Too Far for you to visit ?

[@AntennaMan]

@@guyboost7311 sadly it is

[@guyboost7311]

@@AntennaMan Then can please tell me what Turner to buy I have bought a Model box from Best Buy 4 years ago Insignia I am looking for one that would Increase The Volume sound To Hi FI Thanks again for your Help and Knowledge !

[@SirRommy]

I just responded a day or so ago to another video of yours talking about preamps and mentioned that my Tivo tuner is weaker than my 7ish year old LG set but have not seen a video talking about that. Just today KZbin suggested this video talking about the same thing: tuner sensitivity. Funny coincidence. By the way I have a preamp by Winegard: LNA200. I can't even get my local PBS station in without it (before last year this was not such an issue). I didn't see any reviews of this manufacturer. Perhaps down the road you could explore that maker as well. Really enjoy this channel as it has a lot of great info.

[@AntennaMan]

I actually have reviews of several Winegard products including the LNA-200. Check out my other videos.

[@ms7165]

Advice please. Just found your KZbin channel and wish I had found before I cur the cord back in March. Started my experience with Hulu and “leaf” antennas either behind the TV or on a window. This only gave me 11 channels, no ABC or PBS forcing me to use Hulu or KZbinTV to get the locals. Decided to take one of the leaf antennas and put it in the attic and like magic, now receiving 55 channels and the picture quality is phenomenal esp. on sports broadcasts (which is the majority of what I watch). Hmm, need to be able to record the locals and don’t want to go to the trouble of running coax to the other 3 TVs; Tablo sounds like the solution. Bought a slightly better MOHU leaf antenna, placed in the attic, connected to the Tablo and bingo, 69 channels. But, when watching via the Tablo app on Roku devices there is pixelation even when setting to the lowest settings....bummer. I have 50Mbps broadband. Issue the antenna or WiFi??? Any help will be much appreciated. As a side note, could really care less about all those sub-channels, just want excellent quality on the majors and my wife’s PBS. Thanks

[@AntennaMan]

The pixelation is caused by a weak signal and the Tablo tuner can't decode it. You try to add a preamp or make sure that the cable does not run by any power cords

[@ms7165]

@@AntennaMan the cable run is maybe 10 feet but is in the same wall channel as a 110 volt power line ( no real option ). The original antenna that is still connected directly to my primary TV also shares a power cable in the same run and no issues whatsoever. I have no issues with upgrading the antenna if that will solve the problem or can you offer a way to "shield" the coax from the power cable? Thanks your your quick reply!

[@AntennaMan]

@@ms7165 You would likely need a larger antenna to solve the problem then.

[@Will_Wel]

Great. Looks like I can use this box and it's HDMI out feature. As I've accidentally broken the coax connector off the back of my TV.

[@sewashburn0529]

Don't feel bad Will. I'm in the same boat.

[@kevinjones3224]

If I hook up a converter box to my new roku tv will I get more channels with my home made indoor antenna made of coat hangers with amplifier

[@AntennaMan]

It's unlikely - the problem is likely the antenna.

[@kevinjones3224]

@@AntennaMan k thanks Tyler my antenna won't pick up any channels without my amplifier

[@billsherman6129]

There is another possible reason why one coax drop would transfer a weaker signal than others. Any splitter with a number of outputs that isn't a power of 2 will have at least one output with a different signal loss than the others.

[@AntennaMan]

I'm referencing two TV sets connected on the same exact cable and one gets more channels. Some TV sets can decode weaker stations better than others.

[@mikedoe6585]

Hello, I enjoy your videos. Please tell me what TV Tuner that you use, when you are up at the antenna ? Thanks

[@tcshy1903]

This is exactly the info I needed! I had a Dynex in my office! It would not get ABC, CBS or local channel 21! My other TVs are getting all those channels! So, I bought a new TV for the office. Vizio. I still can’t get those channels in my office! I am going to try the distribution amplifier!

[@k.darrelbowles2316]

Curious as to why you talk about the E-matic as the one you use but the link to the recommended external tuner is a Mediasonic Homeworx?

[@AntennaMan]

Both are literally the same tuner just marked under different companies

[@k.darrelbowles2316]

@@AntennaMan Thank you!

[@sethbessinger2025]

I have a Sony T.V from 2011, and it doesn’t tune in nearly as many stations using pretty much as our 2016 T.V with nearly the same antenna, and antenna length.

[@edisonman1]

Whats your thought of the ClearStream TV Wireless TV Tuner Adapter and is this a better way to hook up 3 tvs in my house!!

[@AntennaMan]

I heard it does not work well and you can only stream it to one other set. I'd go for either AirTV or Amazon Fire Recast instead.

[@rgruenhaus]

Who's TV has the option of changing the tuner?

[@eminusipi]

Aren't PCT and Channel Master 4 port amps the same? I don't remember where I bought my PCT amp a few years ago but it was half the price of the Amazon site offering. I appreciate the updates on TV tuners. I have an older Vizio in my living room and it's probably time for a change. What do you think of the Mohu Sky 60 antenna? I have the Amazon clone that is no longer offered mounted outside 25ft and I get the network and local stations pretty well over 2edge terrain about 40mi.

[@AntennaMan]

They are the same. As for the Mohu Sky 60 it does not have any VHF elements so it wont pick up stations on that band well. If you're looking for something sleek but powerful I'd recommend this Clearstream model. amzn.to/2WDQUyx

[@leobrocato3230]

what do you think about Hauppauge tv tuner ?

[@anthonyrospo7219]

what is the make and model of your portable antenna tuner you use when you are installing antennas?

[@AntennaMan]

This is the portable tuner I use at the antenna. If you are installing the antenna outdoors do it at your own risk. I am not liable for any damage or injury. amzn.to/341ZkPI

[@amycarl9165]

Do I need a better tuner? I have a Mohu Leaf in my attic connected to an HDHomerun Connect Quattro. The HDHomerun is connected to a switch which is connected to my router. I used Cat 6e and 7 for my connections. All my TVs are wired. I have an excellent fiber internet connection. Two are smart TVs and the rest have Roku. The problem is that CBS (the worst) and NBC (not so bad but annoying) seem to have a weaker signal than ABC. I watch the news and Good Morning America (ABC) without an issue. If I try to watch anything on CBS it's impossible. The TVs with Roku seem to fare a little better. They buffer a little but the channel doesn't pixelate like it does on my LG (Smart) or doesn't come in at all like the Sony (Smart). Unfortunately I do not live in Pennsylvania. Can you help?

[@kimberlyespinoza280]

Had a insignia tuner bad. Had a Sharp, very good. Lived in Phoenix area got most low power stations except one. Sometimes picked up Tucson in the morning and it's 100 miles away.

[@joshuaguenin9507]

Insignia is the best buy brand

[@ronb6182]

I would stay away from insignia, I had one of their dvd portable players the rubberized on the player is so sticky now it's cheap garbage. My mother-in-law had one of their tvs and the dvd player quit working after a year or so.

[@kimberlyespinoza280]

It was a tube tv.

[@ronb6182]

@@kimberlyespinoza280 I take it was a picture tube tv. I had black and white tvs that had tubes in them besides the picture tube. One was a zienth and it picked up uhf really good.

[@1L6E6VHF]

As Joshua mentioned, Insignia is a brand that Best Buy is a brand they apply to products made by many suppliers. During the time of the DTV Transition (can't believe it's been ten years), the Insignia boxes with the light that was blue when on, and red when off, were far and wide the most appreciated boxes among TV DXers. The same box was sold under the Zenith brand at other retailers (such as the now-defunct Circuit City). Later, Best Buy would begin selling CECBs that were not as good. Zenith was active in digital TV research before it hit hard times. LG bought what was left of it, which probably explains why LG sets are good for over-the-Air.

[@album183]

One can also use the PCT Distribution Amps at a $$$ savings. The the even better news is those Channel Master Distribution Amps are simply PCT ones made by PCT with a Channel Master Sticker stuck on them and priced higher. That CM sticker & higher price is what makes them work better. Lol

[@AntennaMan]

I noticed that. In fact, the links in the description go to the PCT distribution amplifiers.

[@album183]

@@AntennaMan Channel Master purchased a controlling interest in PCT a few years ago... Think how Ford controlled Mazda at one time. As part of the deal PCT manufactures all of CM's distribution amps and a few other components as CM dictates. Currently all CM dist amps are PCT ones and one can save money simply by buying the PCT ones

[@AntennaMan]

@@album183 Now ain't that wild! I appreciate the information. I plan on making a video on just distribution amplifiers in the future and will definitely include this in it.

[@UnitedCorpOfAmerica]

Using a DTV antenna and the ematic box, should the standard antenna amplifier be place before the box or after? My guess is before.

[@AntennaMan]

Before the box

[@shannonlittle7156]

Yes what is the best in-line amplifier for over the aero TV antenna channels I pick up 13 channels without an amplifier the antenna is not very big it’s part of RV TV that I receive regular cable channels from but I also get free over the year TV channels I get 13 channels I would like to extend that but I don’t know what in line amplifier would be good or what satellite amplifier would be good to bring more channels if you could let me know I would deeply appreciate it antenna man thank you so very much for your time and consideration and videos on this subject and other subjects as well in reference to over the RTV thank you sir God bless

[@hhhh5678]

How are the tuners in the HDHomerun compared to Tablo? I have an old HDHomerun and thinking about replacing it with a tuner that will pick up ATSC 3.0. Should I switch to Tablo or get another HD ?

[@brockreynolds870]

I have a Channel Master CM-7000 , at the time I bought it, it was considered the best for bringing in fringe stations... does that still hold true, when it comes to converter boxes?

[@brady_w904]

I have a 120 mile range indoor antenna pointing north towards the stations. It has an amplifier that came with it. I have it connected. Will that help with signal and decoding weak signals. I’m using a 2010 Emerson tv

[@brady_w904]

looked at more of you vids now i know it’s junk now have clearstream 2v

[@Jay_Ruck]

What part of Pennsylvania I'm in Altoona, Pennsylvania and could use some advice

[@matthewwilloughby2594]

LG TVs have very good Tv tuners in them as well

[@kapllanvlora6123]

To my opinion, LG now is the best brand on the market, and not only tv

[@Szari124]

@@kapllanvlora6123 All of my Lg TVs have failed for me with in 3 years so I refuse to buy them and buy Samsung TVs now

[@kapllanvlora6123]

@@Szari124 I think you are dumb

[@swerboski]

LG is the only TV brand in our house. We've only had one fail in the last 13 years and that's because it was struck by lightning without being grounded to a good surge protector.

[@thebear6751]

Are newer TVs better for tuning

[@AntennaMan]

Yes

[@littlegreek9294]

out of all the roof antennas which is the best that you would recommend

[@AntennaMan]

There is no one that's the best. It varies depending on the specific frequencies and signal strength in your area. I now offer antenna recommendations for a small fee at the link below. One from me can prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars and time wasted on setting up the wrong antenna for your area. antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

[@wolfdog3158]

i have an outdoor antenna with the coax coming off my antenna into the house and hooked into my tv. i get 12 channels. will one of these help me get more channels ? i'm about 50 miles from the broadcast towers

[@AntennaMan]

Rewatch the video for instructions on how to determine if you have a bad tuner. If multiple TVs get the same 12 channels you may need a better antenna. Consider an antenna recommendation from me at the link below. antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html

[@wolfdog3158]

@@AntennaMan thanks only have one tv

[@bigkahuna2084]

Your Amazon LINKS to the Channel Master Distribution Amps, no longer bring up those products! Can you update those links so we're not getting pointed to an unintentional product?

[@AntennaMan]

Yes, I will update them. You can find a list of recommended powered splitters at the link below: www.amazon.com/shop/antennaman

[@bobbyg1917]

Love all of your videos very straight forward and honest. My question is my zip is 44312 what are my options ? What would you suggest for an antenna?? Not a posed to a outdoor antenna if it’s my best option.Thx Bobby G

[@shellyblanchard5788]

I didn't think about my tv having a weak tuner, but I guess it does. I bought a digital box it does better. Problem though ,it deletes some channels at times and I have research them. It is not as stable as it should be. 😒

[@jasenalexmiller2149]

Since you only service the eastern Pennsylvania area, who would you recommend for east central Indiana? I’m from Knightstown and I live in a second story apartment. Love HD OTA Channels! Also, has there been any talk of new networks in development to add to the ones we know, like abc, cbs, nbc, pbs, etc. I know we get some substations like charge, grit, bounce, etc. Thank you for your time and awesome job on the content I always enjoy!

[@howardday5449]

Is there a"smart TV" that has an update scan function instead of just a rescan? I live on the coast and when atmospheric conditions are right I get a bounce from down the coast, but I don't want to loose my reg channels in a rescan

[@AntennaMan]

You usually can add channels manually. Refer to this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpisop5uhd5mfMU

[@ardithconley2628]

I have that problem but I do not think it is the signal. Due to I used to get the 44.1-5 signals. In this day the other channels are upgrading and I have seen then over power my 44-1-5 channels. Lots of times I think the signals are there so you have to ask what is blocking them. Nobody talks about this but it is other channel signals overpowering one another too. I have one old Visio TV in my front room hooked to an old RCA HD antenna I split into 3 outs. 1 going to the TV 1 going to a Tablo Tuner and 1 to a HD Silicon Dust Tuner. The TV gets the 44.1-5 fine. The Silicon Dust gets the 44.1-5 just fine to which I can broadcast to all my Amazon Fire boxes. But I had to rescan the Tablo box and it does not pick up the 44 range any more. I watched this happen when 39.1 upgraded and expanded their range to from 39.1 to 39.1-8 and the same with 50.1.That antenna is out side on my porch about 6 feet up on a mail box. Bed room TV no matter what I do will not let me get that 44 range any more except through SDust box. How do you fix this? I think this will change after the July deadline. But the problem will only get worse.

[@Billlakeview]

Loved your tuner quality comments. I would like to suggest a comparison of the tuners in OTA DVR’s like tivo or tablo or channel master or amazon firetrap recast or airtime or those from silicon dust (hdhomerun, etc). It seems like my tivo premier struggles with a strong channel around 11 miles away while others further away are just fine. It is a vhf channel and maybe tivo is not set to deal well with vhf.

[@AntennaMan]

The problems typically are with weak VHF stations due to power interference within the tuner itself. I had a few people complain about Tablp and TiVo. So far Amazon Fire Recast is winning.

[@nathanielthomas2502]

I have the Channel Master ultra mini 4 distribution amp & I was wondering if decide to install a pre amp at my antenna if the power distributed through the 4 outputs also sends power back through the input source to the antenna thus eliminating the need to install an additional power supply for the pre amp. I'm in a metro area with my core stations only 10 miles away & another two about 14-24 miles away. My cable run from antenna to distribution amplifier is between 30-50 ft long rough estimate..thank you for any tips

[@jamespiercehd720p8]

can you create a new video about RG59 VS RG6 6 for a TV signal test?

[@AntennaMan]

Oh yes I already recorded it. Just need to edit and post next week.

[@lobo176]

My ChannelMaster DVR+ has 2 very good tuners. Can pick up channels my other TV can’t.

[@AntennaMan]

That's good to know, thanks for sharing

[@joser1219]

I have an outdoor antenna that I want to connect to the existing cable provider box. Since I cut the cable, the cable company left all connections intact and I want to know if this be done. If yes, how?

[@AntennaMan]

Yes but if you have broadband it HAS to be on a separate line. Sometimes they run two inside the house from the outside and you can connect the one that's routed to your TV sets. If you only have one going inside you'll need to drill a small hole and run a separate coax. If you plan on connecting multiple TV sets you'll want a distribution amplifier so you don't lose signal with the unpowered splitters most cable companies use. You can find some below: amzn.to/2K0lrQm amzn.to/2K0lY4O

[@joser1219]

@@AntennaMan Thank you for the quick reply.

[@AntennaMan]

No problem. As I said make sure that the antenna is not connected in any way to a line that goes to the telephone pole. It can interfere with you and your neighbor's internet and if the ISP finds out they can drop you.

[@ImTheDaveman]

I had a box similar to the Enamatic one you're showing. Its not the same design - but the box I had petered out in less than 3 months, and others had about the same experience. You said yours lasted a year so far? I might risk the purchase. I really need a DVR function to catch shows I want to see on antenna broadcast stations, but don't have time to watch in real-time. Thanx for showing this one. ONE QUESTION: Does it use 24 hour or Military Time for the DVR function?

[@AntennaMan]

The ematic tuner lasted about two years for me. I use this similar mediasonic model. It's updated and has the option to set to 12 hour time instead of military time: amzn.to/3aY0wHh

[@ImTheDaveman]

@@AntennaMan thanks

[@davidrobertson671]

Can you recommended tuner that has a bit better build quality and tuning performance that is similarly just a STB Tuner/Remote/DVR/Hdmi that isn't tied to a proprietary system? I saw a pro line called Contemporary Research, but that too much

[@jeffpurdy8239]

The amazon links are for different items then what was shown in the video.

[@AntennaMan]

Correct. They are updated. I recommend a new converter box now.

[@kennethabarnhart]

I am planning to install an antenna in my attic. My zip code is 97103. I live on top of a hill and have direct line of sight, no trees, to distant broadcast repeater towers. There are two broadcast antenna's shown on the web site you gave. To test the availability of over the air statioins, I connected a portable tv set to a set of old rabbit ears in front of a window that faced the broadcast antenna's. I received about 13 stations and most importantly the 4 local Portland, Oregon broadcast stations and PBS were included. Local people had told that I couldn't get over the air stations in Astoria, Oregon so I was pleased that I could. I am now planning to install an antenna in my attic on the side facing the broadcast antenna's. I am planning to buy a Channel Master 4228HD antenna and perhaps a pre-amp CM-7777. I have access to electric power in my attic. I have two possibly three TV's to connect to the antenna. Do I need a powered splitter? What would you recommend? The main TV is about 15-20 feet from the antenna. The second TV is in my basement and 40-50' away from the antenna. The third TV is in a bedroom around 20' away. Astoria, Oregon has no antenna installers as far as I can tell, so I will need to install the antenna and coax cables myself. I will buy the better coax cable that you recommended. I would like your feedback on my plans. I assume that this antenna is best installed vertically. I have a vertical stud wall that ranges from 2-4' from the sloping roof line that I plan to attach the antenna it to. My Imac computer is on the other side of this stud wall about 4' away. Do you think this will interfere with the signals? I can install it in another location if necessary. Thanks.

[@AntennaMan]

Custom antenna recommendations can be ordered at the link below. I go through your very specific reception scenario to make a recommendation. This can save you hundreds of dollars and time wasted on purchasing and setting up the wrong antenna. antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html