Can other OTA tuners with USB output work for DISH Hopper?

[J_Smooth]

I have the proprietary DISH OTA tuner dongle with USB output and it tunes channels from my outside antenna. However, I have two channels that don't put out a strong enough signal to avoid hitting the "weak" signal strength in DISH and thus come in and out every so often. I've seen other dongles online for either ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 that output to USB. Could any of these provide a stronger boost to the signal than the DISH dongle?

I have connected a Zapperbox and it provides a stronger signal strength on those same 1.0 channels. I know the obvious question is why not just use the Zapperbox, but it's two reasons.... for my wife not to have to switch AVR inputs to watch local channels, and more importantly to provide those channels to the other TVs through DISH which the ZB does not do (due to overcomplicated DRM rules apparently).

Appreciate any wisdom if anyone knows that answer. Can always order one and return if it doesn't flow into DISH.

 

[primestar31]

I have the proprietary DISH OTA tuner dongle with USB output and it tunes channels from my outside antenna. However, I have two channels that don't put out a strong enough signal to avoid hitting the "weak" signal strength in DISH and thus come in and out every so often. I've seen other dongles online for either ATSC 1.0 and 3.0 that output to USB. Could any of these provide a stronger boost to the signal than the DISH dongle?

I have connected a Zapperbox and it provides a stronger signal strength on those same 1.0 channels. I know the obvious question is why not just use the Zapperbox, but it's two reasons.... for my wife not to have to switch AVR inputs to watch local channels, and more importantly to provide those channels to the other TVs through DISH which the ZB does not do (due to overcomplicated DRM rules apparently).

Appreciate any wisdom if anyone knows that answer. Can always order one and return if it doesn't flow into DISH.

A better tuner isn't the answer, you need a better antenna system.

 

[J_Smooth]

A better tuner isn't the answer, you need a better antenna system.

You might have missed that the Zapperbox tuner performs better on 1.0 signal strength. I've maxed out my antenna with one of the best out there. I do believe some tuners are better, thus the question.

 

[primestar31]

You might have missed that the Zapperbox tuner performs better on 1.0 signal strength. I've maxed out my antenna with one of the best out there. I do believe some tuners are better, thus the question.

The Zapperbox uses Sony tuners, AND it has a built-in preamp front end to the tuners. That's why it does better. But, that's not usable as a Dish OTA tuner.

Does your antenna system have a preamp on it?

 

[J_Smooth]

The Zapperbox uses Sony tuners, AND it has a built-in preamp front end to the tuners. That's why it does better. But, that's not usable as a Dish OTA tuner.

Does your antenna system have a preamp on it?

Yes, it's a Televes DATBOSS Long Range Antenna with 5G Filter and pre-amp.

 

[primestar31]

Yes, it's a Televes DATBOSS Long Range Antenna with 5G Filter and pre-amp.

Ok then. That's just about the best possible setup you could use. I have 3 of them myself, all combined with a SMARTKOM... I live in a very difficult neighborhood. The top antenna is at 42ft, and points North North-West.

 

[primestar31]

You could try a Hauppauge WinTV 950Q USB TV Tuner. IF you can still get one, as I believe it'll work with the Dish receiver.

 

[J_Smooth]

Ok then. That's just about the best possible setup you could use. I have 3 of them myself, all combined with a SMARTKOM... I live in a very difficult neighborhood. The top antenna is at 42ft, and points North North-West.View attachment 186768

Thanks, that's what I thought, that there was no better way to improve the dongle. I'm on the eave of the roof and could have it installed 15 feet higher or with a tower like yours as the last step. I'm 40 miles out with thick woods and NBC and FOX will only tune on ATSC 3.0 reliably. Probably won't go to this length since the Zapper Box solves it, just won't tie in with DISH. Wish DISH would develop a 3.0 dongle.

 

[J_Smooth]

You could try a Hauppauge WinTV 950Q USB TV Tuner. IF you can still get one, as I believe it'll work with the Dish receiver.

Thanks, they are pretty cheap on Ebay. It's worth a shot. My signal strength needs a very small boost to get those two channels consistently.

 

[pamajestic]

Thanks, they are pretty cheap on Ebay. It's worth a shot. My signal strength needs a very small boost to get those two channels consistently.

Which tuner are you currently using from dish Network? The second generation was manufactured by Hauppauge is about the size of a USB thumb drive. The third generation was manufactured by Lark and is about the size of a 54 remote. I believe the Lark has a higher sensitivity to lock in fringe channels.