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crimpshrine

Last reply Jul 23, 2008 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Is this HDTV OTA antenna good?

I know this should proably go in the OTA forum, but I would be using this with my 722. I'm wondering if anybody has tried this out and if it really does what it's suppose to do? (a signal from 50 miles away) Thanks for the help guys...

Amazon.com: Toptronics DA-001 HDTV ATSC Indoor Digital TV Antenna: Electronics

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wassupTC

Jul 21, 2008

I live in Lincoln, NE and have the free antenna that you can make at home attached to my Dish receivers for OTA coverage, and it picks up all of the locals in Omaha at 80 or better signal strength. Antennas with multiple elements will ALWAYS give you a cleaner signal than some amplified electrical gadgetry. I'd say try building this 'free' antenna and if it doesn't work then try a cheap beam antenna from Radio Shack for $20-30. If that doesn't work then maybe you'll need to explore more options.

You could always attempt to setup an array of wires taped to the back of your entertainment system that you tie together with two separate wires and hooked up using a $1.50 twin lead to coax connector.

Just some ideas.

Here's a link to that 'free' antenna:

YouTube - Coat Hanger HDTV Antenna!

David D.

Jul 21, 2008

crimpshrine said:
I know this should proably go in the OTA forum, but I would be using this with my 722. I'm wondering if anybody has tried this out and if it really does what it's suppose to do? (a signal from 50 miles away) Thanks for the help guys...

Amazon.com: Toptronics DA-001 HDTV ATSC Indoor Digital TV Antenna: Electronics

All you need is here; Erecting an Antenna,

IMO : stay away from Radio Shack, Winegard and Channel Master are much better. Go to the manufacturer's web sites and follow the DB gain ratings "AFTER" reading the HDTV primer link above.

Dr. Cool

Jul 22, 2008

The Channel Master 4228 is the one that did the trick in my attic. Perfect reception since I got its orientation right. Reception before was messy due to hills, wind and woods with tall trees. Tried with two other antennas before, and they did not perform better than my old rabbit ears. Notice however that it's highly directional, it worked in my case because all towers are at the top of the same hill.

allargon

Jul 23, 2008

David D. said:
All you need is here; Erecting an Antenna,

IMO : stay away from Radio Shack, Winegard and Channel Master are much better. Go to the manufacturer's web sites and follow the DB gain ratings "AFTER" reading the HDTV primer link above.

~

Your opinion doesn't correlate to the testings done by many in the AVS indoor antenna ratings thread. Channel Master, TERK and Winegard may make the best outdoor antennas, but certain Radio Shack indoor antennas rock.

EV's Best Top Rated HDTV Indoor Antenna Review Test Round-Up Guide - AVS Forum

FTR, I tried the vaunted TERK Silver Sensor rip-off. I wasn't impressed. That Radio Shack UFO is solid! I'm going to buy a second one!

The top 3 indoor antennas in the list below are all from Radio Shack!

THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS and is changed and updated regularly as new and better testing data becomes available

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with CM 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RS 1892 UFO
RS DA-5200
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
RS Double Bow Tie
Winegard SS-3000
RS 1634
RCA ANT1500
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
Philips MANT510
Philips MANT940
GE Futura Outdoor
Channel Master 4030
Samsung Axession TV DA1000/GE Contempo
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and others)
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
Terk TV-5
RS 1870
Jensen TV 931
Terk TV-1 without Loop
RS FM Dipole

jrp

Jul 23, 2008

wassupTC said:
I live in Lincoln, NE and have the free antenna that you can make at home attached to my Dish receivers for OTA coverage, and it picks up all of the locals in Omaha at 80 or better signal strength. Antennas with multiple elements will ALWAYS give you a cleaner signal than some amplified electrical gadgetry. I'd say try building this 'free' antenna and if it doesn't work then try a cheap beam antenna from Radio Shack for $20-30. If that doesn't work then maybe you'll need to explore more options.

You could always attempt to setup an array of wires taped to the back of your entertainment system that you tie together with two separate wires and hooked up using a $1.50 twin lead to coax connector.

Just some ideas.

Here's a link to that 'free' antenna:

YouTube - Coat Hanger HDTV Antenna!

That antenna is also discussed in this thread:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/hd-over-air-ota/119733-very-good-2-00-homemade-antenna-hdtv.html
I built one and it works very well.

gqmagic

Jul 23, 2008

Your reception is dependent on your location. I get good reception with Radio Shack, terk and an old Mr. Antenna

cparker

Jul 23, 2008

There are SOOoooo many variables in getting the right OTA antenna. I'm using one of these on my upstairs bedroom TV:
Amazon.com: Philips PHDTV1 Silver Sensor UHF/HDTV Digital Indoor TV Antenna: Electronics
...and it's pulling in the local OTA from 42 miles... reliably and rock solid.

However that same antenna on my living room TV (one floor below) is woefully inadequate. So I stuck a CM4228 outside for the main TV and WoW! what a difference.

It's a crapshoot.

Try a few. Also note the cautions about locals returning to VHF. If you have VHF HD locals in your area then an antenna primarily designed for UHF just won't cut it. Although I have to say the CM4228 does great on higher VHF channels... like... 7 and higher.

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MartyDe

Last reply 11 minutes ago · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Interesting article about the work being done to develope an ATSC 3 converter box. Yes it does mention affordable.

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Group has secured lower pricing from key tech players to make less costly boxes available

www.tvtechnology.com

13 Replies · 733 views

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navychop

Oct 20, 2026

DEATH TO NEXGEN!

Reactions: Redbullsnation, primestar31, RaVo68 and 2 others

primestar31

Oct 21, 2026

navychop said:
DEATH TO NEXGEN!

It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

Reactions: RaVo68, Redbullsnation, slow_poke_pete and 2 others

Mister B

Oct 22, 2026

What bothers me is the total waste of broadcasting spectrum in this very crowded market. It has been almost three years now since KFOX converted their broadcast tower to ATSC 3.0 and moved all of their channels to other towers causing noticeable degradation of the picture quality.
I have a Sony TV with 3.0 capabilities but still use the 1.0 version of locals due to the fact that one or all of the 3.0 channels are often missing or unwatchable. In this city of 800K I doubt that more than a few hundred even know about ATSC 3.0.
The only thing that could motivate me to be interested in 3.0 would be if all of the minor networks (diginets) could be in at least 720P rather than blurry ultra-compressed 480i.
Three years is long enough to waste one of the few available RF frequencies in the area for this trial.
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

navychop

Oct 22, 2026

Mister B said:
It is time to either move on with this experiment or call it quits.

QFT. Of course, my preference involves a curb and some kicking.

Reactions: FTA4PA

slow_poke_pete

Tuesday at 5:37 PM

primestar31 said:
It's dead, they just don't know it yet. They killed it by forcing DRM on it, and that TOTALLY botched implementing it.

There is absolutely NO compelling reason for anybody to switch to ATSC3.0. They only want it as a total and complete money grab.

WHAT ABOUT THE INTERNET PART OF IT. NO ONE WANTS A BOX CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET EITHER.

navychop

Tuesday at 9:47 PM

Cough, cough. COVID vaccine implants.

:oldlaugh

Reactions: HIFI

Foxbat

Yesterday at 6:39 PM

navychop said:
Cough, cough. COVID vaccine implants.

That would be handy. Download the latest RNA snippets that can be updated over 5G and no more shots! You're a Genius!

Reactions: navychop

Redbullsnation

11 minutes ago

I want it and I have to have it.

I can neuter the phoning home with adguard home so it won't be doing that in my castle but I prefer without Internet so that my TVs in the house don't turn into e-waste

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mheisen

Last reply 41 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

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Almighty1

41 minutes ago

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

Reactions: charlesrshell

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

48 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

New report states 29% of vehicles being traded in are under water

It states the average amount they are under water is OVER $7,000. :eek

Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.

Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds | ZeroHedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

0 Replies · 11 views

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 49 minutes ago · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

68659 Replies · 2680271 views

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Bobby

Today at 10:51 AM

98.6 - Keith

harshness

Today at 11:25 AM

I'm Easy - Keith Carridine

Reactions: Bobby and RaiderPower

gms49ers

Today at 11:41 AM

It's Easy - Boston

Reactions: long_time_Dish

RaiderPower

Today at 12:33 PM

Take It Easy On Me - Little River Band

Reactions: long_time_Dish and dishstaller

long_time_Dish

49 minutes ago

Take It Easy - The Eagles

Reactions: gms49ers

View all replies (68659)

jamieh1

Last reply 59 minutes ago · posted in DIRECTV Programming Forum

FAST Channels added to DIRECTV Stream/Internet

DIRECTV Stream/Internet added Ch 4105 SportsGrid

268 Replies · 38715 views

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Reactions: c-spand and KyL416

KyL416

Sep 9, 2026

Now live:
4101 Yahoo! Sports Network
4121 DP World Tour
4195 F1 Channel
4196 MotoGP Channel

Reactions: Mr Tony, RaiderPower, mario315 and 1 other person

KyL416

Sep 22, 2026

Now live:
4275 Law & Crime
4364 Military Makeover Channel

Reactions: Mr Tony, mario315 and RaiderPower

KyL416

Oct 6, 2026

Game Show Central is now live on channel 4342

Reactions: Mr Tony, mario315 and RaiderPower

KyL416

Oct 20, 2026

KyL416 said:
Now live:
4101 Yahoo! Sports Network
4121 DP World Tour
4195 F1 Channel
4196 MotoGP Channel

It only took them 41 days to announce it

Reactions: Mr Tony

KyL416

59 minutes ago

Now testing:
AyM Sports 3 USA
Best Bets TV powered by VSiN
CBS Sports Golazo Network
CBS Sports HQ
Judge Judy

View all replies (268)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 2:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Tech News Weekly 461

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E4fkSffYKA

Direct YouTube Link - Tech News Weekly 461
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 5 views

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Today at 1:50 PM · posted in What's Cooking?

What's For Lunch?

We have a Breakfast and Dinner thread so...

Continuing from the Breakfast thread, found Cornbread mix so ...
Yellow Cornbread Mix
2 Hatch Green Chiles -diced
1 Egg
2/3 cup of milk
add to greased pan
Bake for 400f 20-25 minutes(From instructions)
now to put together and try... this to go with pinto beans...

5449 Replies · 336094 views

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TRG

Oct 19, 2026

Club sandwich and corn chowder. Iced tea.

Reactions: Bobby, Mr Tony and dfergie

dfergie

Oct 19, 2026

Chili dog bowl, water… (homemade chili)

Reactions: TRG, Bobby and Mr Tony

TRG

Monday at 2:53 PM

Leftover wanton soup and pork fried rice. Water.

dfergie

Today at 1:26 PM

Sweet tea…

Reactions: Bobby and TRG

TRG

Today at 1:50 PM

Tuna salad sandwich on toasted honey whole wheat bread with a handful of kettle chips. Water.

Reactions: Bobby

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iJustine

Today at 1:22 PM · posted in iJustine

iPhone Duo's First Concert! Revis!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yj3f7ab5pBI

Direct YouTube Link - iPhone Duo's First Concert! Revis!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 6 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 1:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

New iPad mini Announced... at $699?

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7NJXMnbT1Mk

Direct YouTube Link - New iPad mini Announced... at $699?
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 7 views

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reubenray

Last reply Today at 10:36 AM · posted in Computers and Gadgets

Laptop Shutting Off When On Battery?

Lately my eight year old Dell laptop has been shutting off even when I have a full battery. I have had to keep it plugged up all the time to keep this from happening. Any idea what is causing this? I replaced the battery about three years ago.

2 Replies · 52 views

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arlo

Today at 10:09 AM

A recalibration might be needed. Even if it shows full, the individual cells may have become unbalaced. And the BMS chip in the battery reports false information to the pc.
Try this. Start it up in the bios/uefi and leave it there until the battery dies and it shuts off.
It might just keep running longer than in Windows. Or run for a short while and shut off.
If it's the first case. Probably just needs a balancing. If the latter, the pack might just be dead.
Not throwing stones but perhaps just a cheaply constructed battery with substandard cells. Could be.

Patience. Keep restarting it in bios/uefi until it won't fire up anymore.
Then plug the charger in and let it complete a full charge. And see what happens. If it's better.
Do the same thing one more time. Run it until it dies dead-dead. Then just let it charge, pc shut off.
When charged, it might be better. It might not be.

There are bench jigs that read the actual BMS and override it to let a tech manually monitor and charge the separate packs. They can also reset any "time bombs" in it that cause an otherwise good pack to show bad.
Maybe Santa will be good to me some year.

You might just need a new battery. Maybe the PC power management chip is going. A Dell common thing.
Leaving a laptop plugged in with a full battery is known to reduce the life. Asus for one recommends that you don't leave the charger plugged in all of the time even when shut down. And setting Windows to charge the battery to 85% instead of 100% increases life.
That's all I got.

dishstaller

Today at 10:36 AM

arlo said:
That's all I got.

That was quite enough....I definitely learned something from your post. Thanks

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Is this HDTV OTA antenna good?

ATSC 3 converter boxes

Pearl TV Issues Progress Report on Low-Cost 3.0 Converters in Advance of NAB Show New York

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

New report states 29% of vehicles being traded in are under water

Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds | ZeroHedge

Song Name Game Part 3!

FAST Channels added to DIRECTV Stream/Internet

Tech News Weekly 461

What's For Lunch?

iPhone Duo's First Concert! Revis!

New iPad mini Announced... at $699?

Laptop Shutting Off When On Battery?