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Cut the cable

Discussion in 'Computers & Technology Forum' started by Deacon, Sep 12, 2013.

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  1. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    We've been thinking about doing it for a year,

    This week we finally did it.

    We cut the cable ... and we're no longer paying for a thousand lousy television channels.

    We did it cold turkey - I've got no idea how to hook up anything.

    It's eerily quiet in the house - I'm getting a bit jittery.

    We've got a Wii and an old DVD player.
    But oh boy - they seem to have given up the ghost.

    How do I get the ole TV running cheaply without the cable?

    Rob
     
    #1 Deacon, Sep 12, 2013
  2. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    LOL.....Rob, how far are you from Philadelphia & what are you using to run your internet?

    Type up External TV Antenna in Goggle / Maybe an HD Indoor / Outdoor Model

    http://www.walmart.com/cp/TV-Antennas/4536

    Radio Shack....cost more but they will at least be able to walk you through it.
     
    #2 Earth Wind and Fire, Sep 12, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 12, 2013
  3. Gib

    Gib Active Member

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    Netflix is pretty cheap
     
    #3 Gib, Sep 12, 2013
  4. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    We almost did that (went down to local channels for about $15/month) – just haven’t had time to check out an antenna. I like roku – mostly watch Netflix when I watch anything.

    This may help if you are checking out an antenna.

    http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/dtvmaps/
     
    #4 JonC, Sep 12, 2013
  5. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Actually it's quite nice not having to watch "Dancing with the Idols" at night when I study.
    My wife had a tendency to flick a show on and then leave the room - I knew more about who got kicked off the island than she did!

    The "Local channel only" options still requires a box rental charge.

    We have FIOS internet.

    I'll probably settle down and check out how to get the DVD and Wii running this weekend - Radio Shack here I come.

    Rob
     
    #5 Deacon, Sep 12, 2013
  6. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    So you can live with watching The Bachelorette???!!! :smilewinkgrin:
     
    #6 JonC, Sep 12, 2013
  7. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    snoop around: http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/dtvmaps/

    This will give you an idea of how good the antenna needs to be. If you are close to the towers you probably can do with an indoor antenna, if further away then an exterior.

    I stuck one on the side of our house with half inch pipe. It works fairly well, we are 50 miles from most of the towers but all are in the same general direction.

    The website will give you an idea of where things are related to you.

    The round coax cable lasts longer but is slightly more money. If you want to use more than one tv you will need a splitter. They come in 2-4-6- etc. splits. If you have a strong signal a four can work but above that you would want an amplified splitter.

    Amazon has quite a variety of antennas and equipment, Home Depot has some as well as Lowes but limited choices. Radio Shack might also carry some of the stuff.
     
    #7 exscentric, Sep 13, 2013
  8. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    Are they fairly easy to install? I'm thinking about trying one in the attic (the ones in the home didn't work well).
     
    #8 JonC, Sep 13, 2013
  9. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    In attic ones work a bit better if you are close to the towers. The problem is getting the wire to the set. If you can locate the top plate of the wall in the attic you can drill a hole and drop the wire down and cut a hole in the wall and put a plastic plate on, IF some idiot during construction didn't put a 2x4 between the studs for some reason. Normally it is wide open but have run into blocks now and then. Outside walls have insulation in newer homes which makes it a bit more difficult - using a snake would be helpful in that case.

    You should be able to drop down the same hole as electrical outlets but shut the power off first :)

    You could also just drop it out your eave, run down the outside wall and drill a hole in the wall near the set but be sure there are no electrical or plumbing.

    If you try an antenna, have someone watching the set and turn your antenna slowly for best reception as buildings/trees will bounce signals in at odd angles at times.
     
    #9 exscentric, Sep 13, 2013
  10. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    Thank you.
     
    #10 JonC, Sep 13, 2013
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