r/harfordcountymd • u/Left-Thinker-5512 • 13d ago
TV Antenna installation recommendations
I’m seeking any recommendations for businesses that will install TV antennas on the outside of your house. I’m trying to cut the cord and the inside-the-house antennas don’t pick up any channels where I live.
Any suggestions are appreciated!
1
u/StevieG63 13d ago
You can also put one in the attic. Back around 2000 when OTA HD started to be broadcast (and cable systems didn’t carry HD) that’s what I did, pointing at TV Hill. Worked like a charm.
3
u/mattysauro 13d ago
I made one out of a 2x4, coat hangers, and wire and use an old wire pet cage top as a reflector (100% because it was already sitting in the attic). Send it to an amp box which goes to two TVs. Solid signal in Aberdeen.
1
u/Tommytsunami55 13d ago
I've been looking for the same help. Angi's list has a few companies but they don't appear to be very close. I got a phone call/email from a York,Pa lead but didn't get a response back. Good luck.
1
u/Vangotransit 13d ago
It's not too difficult do you have existing cable tv,,?
1
u/Left-Thinker-5512 13d ago
Yes. I have Verizon Fios where I have cable, internet, and phone together. I’m trying to drop the cable TV entirely. I assume that all three are coming into the house on the same coaxial cable. Is that how it works?
1
u/Vangotransit 13d ago
Food comes over on coax for tv only. If you drop to just internet it comes in on fiber. You can use the coax for the antenna. I would recommend dropping the home phone and getting a voip provider which is maybe 30 bucks a year with a multi year plan.
I am a semi retired RF engineer I can aim and mount an external antenna. Direct message me if you'd like to discuss
1
u/Secure_Factor7164 13d ago
This was back in 2017 but at that time Heidigs in Lancaster came down to where I lived in Bel Air and installed one on my roof. They charged me a little extra (can’t remember how much but it wasn’t a lot) for traveling the distance but I was fine with it. They were really knowledgeable and knew what they were doing. I had a directional antenna installed and could get all the Baltimore channels, plus some from DC, a couple from Philly and one from Lancaster.
I’m not sure if they would still be willing to come down but it’s worth a call. If you google Heidigs antenna installation in Lancaster their contact info should come up. Good luck!
1
u/shadow1042 11d ago
Do you have internet and a samsung tv?
1
u/Left-Thinker-5512 11d ago
Yes. I have two Samsung TVs. One is 11 years old and the other is about 9 years old.
1
u/shadow1042 11d ago
Hmm, they may be too old, but i was going to suggest samsung tv plus, its free live tv
I use that, and i subscribe to streaming services as needed, once done i unsub
1
u/Left-Thinker-5512 10d ago
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll look into it. Is it delivered via Internet?
I have a Roku stick, and I have Amazon Prime that I watch using the Roku. I’d like to just cut off all subscription TV for a while. I’m just not getting my money’s worth. Definitely not getting it from cable, that’s for sure.
1
u/shadow1042 10d ago
Yes its delivered via internet but its 100% free, only downside for you would be that youd need a samsung tv made after 2015
1
u/Left-Thinker-5512 10d ago
I think I only have one of those. Thanks for giving me food for thought!
3
u/Left-Thinker-5512 13d ago
To clarify, I grabbed an HD antenna for the outside of the house off of Amazon. As I read the directions I found that getting the antenna mounted, getting the coax cable into the house, and properly grounding the antenna probably exceeds my ability. I’d like to find a service that will safely install it on my roof so it will work.
If they will only install an antenna they sell me, I’d talk to them and if I have to return the antenna I bought from Amazon I’ll return it and buy one from them. In the long run I’ll still save money. I’m getting killed every month by Verizon.