SCS Business Recommendations

Have now learned never to say Final! With all the experience of the past five years, I have found better reception equipment capabilities and in the process of obtaining all necessary puzzle pieces to update the current “Final” OTA Antenna. Hopefully the fourth update will be the charm.

The costs detailed below were to have the ability to record four programs at once. It was my choice to have the four tuners instead of two, which reduces your costs and time to achieve your return on the investment (ROI) of cutting the cord.

If you have only one television in your home and want to just have the ability to watch the channels that are listed below, that I receive as they are being broadcast, and not record them, you don’t need an internet connection or the DVR.

The construction of the over-the-air antenna will be all you need and cutting the cord and not paying for cable every month, you’ll get the fastest ROI.

It is all variable on what YOU want, not paying for channels the cable company makes you pay for that you never watch.

The quality of flat panel televisions today are far superior to tube televisions and allow the ability to receive the best signal and bar none, over-the-air signals are the best your television can receive.

Over-the-Air television pictures are better cable, satellite and streaming (Prime, Netflix) and best of all, no monthly bill!

Moving to Spruce Creek South in December of 2018 from, let’s say, a larger city and cut the cord back in 2015. Even in larger cities, the ability to cut the cord and reliably receive Network Broadcast Stations is a challenge. The fact is, if you’re not close to a transmitting tower your ability to receive broadcast network stations decline as the distance from the tower increases.

Contrary to the previous analog transmission of broadcast network stations, digital transmission obstacles include the curvature of the earth, walls, frequency interference from small engines and LED lighting. Even fog will disrupt your ability to reliably receive Network Broadcast Stations.

The higher the antenna, the more broadcast network stations you will receive and better the quality and stability of the signal.

Antenna Locator

All U.S. full-power analog TV broadcasts were required by law to end on June 12, 2009 and switch to digital TV broadcasts.

Why is digital TV better than analog?

Digital TV signals are more efficient technology. A digital transmission requires less bandwidth when compared to a similar Analog signal. This allows a television station to broadcast more channels and more High Definition (HD) channels over the same airwaves, giving you more variety of programming with better quality.

In simplistic terms, each Network Broadcast Channel is assigned a frequency to transmit their programming. Let’s call that frequency a pipe that has a certain diameter. The Digital TV signal is like a dimmer control, the higher the quality of the program, the more room in the pipe is needed to be broadcast, the lower the quality, the more channels the broadcaster can transmit within that pipe. As a result in the Over-the-Air (OTA) broadcast channels now have segmented sub channels.

Example: receiving CBS on channel 6, the digital designation is 6.1 (1080i HD). 6.2 Dabl Television Network (480 Standard Definition [SD] basically the equivalent of traditional television broadcasts) is an American lifestyle-oriented digital multicast television network owned by the CBS Television Distribution subsidiary of ViacomCBS. 6.3 Cozi TV Television Network (480 SD) and so on.

Since moving to Spruce Creek South in December of 2018, I’ve set down this path to educate myself on the way to receive Network Broadcast Channel Over-the Air and have found it’s not as easy in more suburban areas but definitely achievable.

Some technical information:

4K vs. UHD: What’s the Difference?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule  rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming.  The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37″) in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas.  The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitation of less than one meter (39.37″) in diameter on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna.  The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes.

Upon further research, from the CYBER CITIZENS FOR JUSTICE, INC. archives; back in May of 2001 the Spruce Creek Development Company Administration, one of the previous owners, of the now called Spruce Creek South Community, sent a letter to a resident within the community claiming a Dish Antenna was out of compliance with the Deed Restrictions. The accused violating resident contacted the FCC and the violation was pulled.

FCC – SPRUCE CREEK SOUTH DOCUMENTS

The first time I set up my TV I connected an indoor flat DTV antenna and did a scan for channels; 0 Results Found. Then moved the antenna to a north facing window; 0 Results Found. Moved to an east facing window; 1 Results Found. The only channel I could receive was CBS 6.1 and that was it.

In March of 2019 I purchased Antennas Direct Multi-Directional Clearstream 4 . Claiming a 70+ mile range. Adding a TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster and using four 4.5 foot heavy-duty steel masts and RCA Outdoor Wall Antenna Mounting Hardware Kit to mount the antenna purchased at Lowe’s totaling 18 feet.

First installation of the outdoor antenna was an educational experience. Assembling the four RCA Roof Antenna Mast 4.5 Feet poles to a total height of 18 feet and using the RCA Outdoor Wall Antenna Mounting Hardware Kit attaching the mast to the eve of the house.

Positive was the ability to receive significantly more channels. Although many, such as, NBC reception was unreliable. Sometimes I could receive an excellent picture and others I would not have a signal.

Negative was that only planting the antenna mast without a base, over time the mast was sinking into the ground, leaving the eve mount stopping the mast from sinking deeper straining the eve with the weight of the entire antenna and mast assembly. Also could not receive all the broadcast network stations.

Some of the other issues about OTA Digital TV signals is that they don’t transmit through walls resulting in the inability of indoor antennas to receive channels. Those same signals are also interrupted by LED lighting and landscapers small engines on their mowers.

The only way to overcome these issues is to have the antenna higher.

Antennas Direct Multi-Directional Clearstream 4 – $109.99
TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster – $42.99
4.5 Foot Heavy-Duty Steel Masts x 4 @ $8.76 – $35.04
RCA Outdoor Wall Antenna Mounting Hardware Kit – $5.98
100 Feet RF Coaxial Cable – $18.47

Total for Outdoor Antenna – $212.47 + tax.

Felt I needed to not only raise the antenna but also did not feel comfortable with the RCA Roof Antenna Mast purchased from Lowe’s. Also needed to mount the mast on a foundation.

To reinforce the mast, discarding the RCA Roof Antenna Mast and purchased 4 of the 1-in x 72-in 150-PSI Threaded Galvanized Pipe , 3 1-in Galvanized Coupling Fittings , a 1-in Galvanized Floor Flange Fitting and a 1-in Galvanized Cap Fitting .

Using a decorative edging brick laying around the house for the foundation.

Residing in the Lightning Capitol of the world, lightning is a concern with or without an outdoor over-the-air antenna. Preventative actions to contain and limit exposure is important, again, with or without a outdoor over-the-air antenna.

Insuring your home is properly grounded is the best preventative you can do to protect your home. It will not stop lightning from striking although it will help limit damage to your home. Not only have I checked my home’s ground, I have also installed an additional independent lightning rod directly to the  outdoor over-the-air antenna.

Using a coaxial F-Type Lightning Surge Protector with Grounding Block outside mounted to the antenna mast with the coaxial cable coming from the antenna into it and out to the cable box entering the house. The grounding block is connected directly to the grounding rod.

This is only the first step in protecting yourself from lightning strikes. The second step would be inside the home.

Todays electronics, televisions, cable boxes, digital video recorders are all just another form of computers. All electric companies are subject to slight brown outs, meaning the electric will flash off and on. Any of the components listed would then need to “reboot” themselves. To eliminate the issue of brown outs I highly recommend purchasing a UPS Battery Backup (Uninterruptible Power Supply) with surge protection. Depending on the amount of equipment connected will determine the wattage of the  UPS Battery Backup.

The following links will assist on finding the UPS Battery Backup applicable and price comparison:

Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart

Antennas Direct Multi-Directional Clearstream 4 – $109.99
TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster – $42.99
1-in x 72-in 150-PSI Threaded Galvanized Pipe x 4 @ $25.41 – $101.64
1-in Galvanized Coupling Fittings x 3 @ $3.98 – $11.94
1-in Galvanized Floor Flange Fitting – $12.88
1-in Galvanized Cap Fitting – $3.48
Coax Grounding Block – $7.90
.625-in x 96-in Copper Rod – $12.98
6-Gauge Solid Soft Drawn Copper Bare Grounding Wire – $20.53
RCA Outdoor Wall Antenna Mounting Hardware Kit – $5.98
100 Feet RF Coaxial Cable – $18.47

Total for Reinforced Outdoor Antenna – $348.88 + tax.

Running the coaxial cable from the Coax Grounding Block on the antenna mast to the existing cable junction box and tapped into the existing cable ran through the house.

Because of the length of time and previous owners of the house there are a number of coaxial cable connections throughout the house. In some rooms there were up to three coaxial cable connections on one wall. Using a coax tracer isolated the connection from outside to connect to the 110v adapter, power inserter for the signal amplifier.

The HDTV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster requires a AC 110v adapter power inserter to plug the cable from the wall into and, if you have one TV, you can screw the cable from the AC 110v adapter, power inserter outlet directly into your HDTV and select the tuner and scan for channels.

2.1 NBC 1080i
2.2 METVN 480i
6.1 CBS 1080i
6.2 DABL 480i
6.3 COZITV 480i
6.4 STARTTV 480i
6.5 Decades 480i
9.1 ABC 720p
9.2 LAFF 480i
9.3 MYS 480i
15.1 WDSC-HD 1080i
15.2 WDSC-ED 480i
15.3 DEUWELL 480i
18.1 CW 1080i
18.2 CRIME 480i
18.3 ESTRLLA 480i
24.1 PBS 1080i
24.2 CREATE 480i
24.3 HD06 480i
24.4 NHKWRLD 480i
24.5 Educate 480i
26.1 UNIMAS 1080i
26.2 LATV 480i
26.3 COMET 480i
26.4 CHARGE 480i
26.5 COURT 480i
27.1 WRDQ 720p
27.2 COURT 720p
27.4 GRIT 480i
31.2 TELE 480i
35.1 FOX 720p
35.2 LIGHTTV 480i

43.1 UNI 720p
43.2 GETTV 480i
43.3 BOUNCE 480i
43.4 MYS 480i
43.5 QUESTSD 480i
45.1 WTGL-DT 720p
50.1 WFEF-LD 720p
50.2 WFEF-LD 480i
50.3 WFEF-LD 480i
50.4 WFEF-LD 480i
50.5 WFEF-LD 480i
50.6 WFEF-LD 480i
52.1 TBNHD 720p
52.2 HILLSNG 720p
52.3 SMILE 480i
52.4 ENLACE 480i
52.5 POSTV 480i
56.1 ION 720p
56.2 QUBO 480i
56.3 ION Plus 480i
56.4 Shop 480i
56.5 QVC 480i
56.6 HSN 480i
65.1 MNT 720p
65.2 MVIES 480i
65.3 HEROICN 480i
65.4 BUZZR 480i
68.1 WEFS-HD 1080i
68.2 CAS 480i
68.3 WEFS-NS 480i
68.4 WEFS-FL 480i

Due to the geographic location of Spruce Creek South, it’s not necessary, for added channel reception and stability of the over-the-air broadcast stations I added a second antenna pointing in the, almost, opposite direction.

Adding the additional antenna requires adding a dual antenna combiner. The Channel Master JOINtenna combines coaxial inputs from two individual outdoor TV antennas allowing for the distribution of two antennas on a single coaxial cable.

Both antennas coaxial cables route into the Channel Master JOINtenna. Then into the Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier, TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster, HD Digital VHF UHF Amplifier. Then routed into the house through the Cable Junction Box.

Have also added The Ultra Mini 1 distribution amplifier will boost TV signals, increasing the overall signal strength for distribution throughout the home. The Ultra Mini 1 has a single output port and can be used in HDTV, CATV, off-air, analog and digital RF distribution applications where high performance and reliability are required.

Then routed into the Tablo Quad DVR.

2.1 NBC 1080i
2.2 METVN 480i
5.1 PBS 1080i
5.2 CREATE 480i
5.3 WUFT-3 480i
6.1 CBS (WKMG-DT) 1080i
6.2 DABL 480i
6.3 COZITV 480i
6.4 STARTTV 480i
6.5 Decades 480i
9.1 ABC 720p
9.2 LAFF 480i
9.3 MYS 480i
15.1 WDSC-HD 1080i
15.2 WDSC-ED 480i
15.3 DEUWELL 480i
18.1 CW 1080i
18.2 CRIME 480i
18.3 ESTRLLA 480i
20.1 ABC 720p
20.2 CWPLUS 720p
20.3 METVN 480i
20.4 CIRCLE 480i

20-5 CRIME 480i
24.1 PBS 1080i
24.2 CREATE 480i
24.3 HD06 480i
24.4 NHKWRLD 480i
24.5 Educate 480i
26.1 UNIMAS 1080i
26.2 LATV 480i
26.3 COMET 480i
26.4 CHARGE 480i
26.5 COURT 480i
27.1 WRDQ 720p
27.2 COURT 720p
27.4 GRIT 480i
31.2 TELE 480i
35.1 FOX 720p
35.2 LIGHTTV 480i
43.1 UNI 720p
43.2 GETTV 480i
43.3 BOUNCE 480i
43.4 MYS 480i
43.5 QUESTSD 480i
45.1 WTGL-DT 720p

51.1 FOX 720p
51.2 MVIES 480i
51.3 ION 480i
51.4 DECADES 480i
52.1 TBNHD 720p
52.2 HILLSNG 720p
52.3 SMILE 480i
52.4 ENLACE 480i
52.5 POSTV 480i
56.1 ION 720p
56.2 QUBO 480i
56.3 ION Plus 480i
56.4 Shop 480i
56.5 QVC 480i
56.6 HSN 480i
65.1 MNT 720p
65.2 MVIES 480i
65.3 HEROICN 480i
65.4 BUZZR 480i
68.1 WEFS-HD 1080i
68.2 CAS 480i
68.3 WEFS-NS 480i
68.4 WEFS-FL 480i

Monoprice Foldable Long Range HD8 Outdoor HDTV Antenna, 80 Mile Range – $16.04
Channel Master JOINtenna – $29.00

Total Dual Antenna and Distribution Amplifier- $45.04.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Digital Video Recorders (DVR) have been around for a while. Back in 2015, I used and purchased two Channel Master Two Tuner DVR’s, (the number of tuners dictates the amount of programs you can record simultaneously), that I brought up here with me planning to use them here. Little problem; they each had to be physically wired to the antenna.

Not having to use a signal booster before, it was simple to use a cable splitter from the antenna to run to both the Channel Master DVR’s.

The long distance here in Spruce Creek South to the Broadcast Network Station transmitter requires the use of the signal booster. The issue is simply that the signal booster requires a power outlet to power the booster.

My home like, in all probability does not have a power outlet near the cable box.

Like many other older homes there are probably many different cables that have been installed throughout the house. For different rooms, different providers, Cable or satellite, have run cable lines all over the attic.

I purchased a Klein Coax Tester Kit giving me the ability to identify each cable from the cable box to each outlet in the house. Identifying the cable that went to the living room, using a Female-To-Female Coax Screw-On Adapter to connect the cable coming from the antenna to the cable that ran to the living room.

Now if I had just that TV in the living room, I could’ve just plugged the cable from the wall into the power adapter for the the signal booster and then to the Channel Master DVR and good to go.

Having TV’s in the living room, master bedroom, guest bedroom (used as an office) and the garage, yea a bunch of them, I would have had to run cable to each TV and was working on doing just that. The realization that I’m no spring chicken anymore and getting up into the attic was not going to happen.

Started calling around to find someone to do just that, I spoke to a company in The Villages, when told that I lived in Spruce Creek South, the response was only work in The Villages but…

He asked me if I had Internet access and if I had Smart TVs, which I have and told me about a OTA DVR called Tablo.

What Tablo does is offer the ability to take the incoming Network Broadcast Station Signals from the antenna and turn them into a wireless app. You then download their app on each TV solving the need to use cable.

Tablo has improved on their products since my purchase for the better. No longer needing to run an ethernet cable to the Tablo, they now have wireless built-in. Also offer many different options for storage, from built-in, to portable hard drives.

I purchased a four tuner DVR and a 1.5TB portable hard drive. With that much storage, I have not only recorded movies but also multiple seasons of  shows. How about every season and episode of Big Bang Theory as an example.

Tablo costs are dependent on your choices.

I chose to purchase the Tablo QUAD Over-The-Air DVR with the Lifetime Tablo TV Guide Data Subscription and the Tablo Premium Service Subscription. All Tablo OTA DVRs come with a free 30-Day trial of both the TV Guide Data and Premium Service subscriptions.

So what does that all mean:

• QUAD Over-The-Air DVR – gives the ability to record four programs at one time.
  • When I purchased my Tablo, purchased an older refurbished QUAD Over-The-Air DVR that didn’t have wireless built-in and purchased during their “Black Friday” sale at $99.00. They are not offering any refurbs at this writing but they do offer them a discounted prices, even the newer wireless models.
• Lifetime Tablo TV Guide Data Subscription – provides the beautiful cover art, episode and series synopses, and metadata that make it easy for cord cutters to discover new shows, revisit old favorites, and set recordings on their Tablo OTA DVR.
• Tablo Premium Service Subscription – Once enabled in a supported Tablo app’s settings screen, Tablo Premium Service makes it possible for your Tablo OTA DVR to play the majority of completed recordings without ads on our most popular apps.

You can try the services fr the first thirty days and decide if you want to make the additional expenditures.

Tablo Over-The-Air DVR – Products

Tablo TV Guide Data Subscriptions – $179.99 (Lifetime TV Guide subscriptions are NOT available for Tablo DUAL HDMI or Tablo QUAD HDMI.)

Tablo Premium Service Subscription – $20.00 Annually

1.5 TB Toshiba Canvio 3.0 Plus Portable Hard Drive – $49.99

My Tablo cost $99.99, TV Guide Lifetime Subscription $149.99 with DVR costs and storage cost totaling: $319.97 including the optional annual Premium Service and if I choose to continue the Tablo Premium Service Subscription my only annual cost is $20.00!  (Prices of Tablo’s and Subscription, like everything else have increased.)

• Total Antenna Cost: $398.92
• Total DVR Cost: $319.97
• Total Cost for all equipment: $718.89

That is hardware costs and does not include installation costs.

If you are paying $100.00 a month for cable and say with installation it costs $1,000.00, it would take ten months to pay for the OTA DVR! But I do know some people are paying a lot more for cable.

Using CenturyLink 25MB Internet that costs $45.00 a month (Cost of Service has increased). And have Amazon’s Prime that costs $119.00 a year but for as much as I order from Amazon, that $119.00 covers the shipping costs and Prime is just a perk!

My annual costs with Amazon and the Tablo Premium Service is $139.00 and a monthly internet access cost of $45.00.

Advanced Satellite & Antenna Service is a family owned business located in Ocala who install over-the-air antennas here in Spruce Creek South.

From their website:

Established in 1996 we are family owned and operated and specialize in Dish Network and DirecTV satellite systems for your home or small business. We also provide HDTV off air antenna systems using high quality equipment such as Channel Master and Winegard. We also carry a full line of SONY,LG and Samsung televisions and products. We believe in customer satisfaction and have experts standing by 7 days a week from 8am-8pm to help you with your television questions and solutions.

(352) 694-7977

http://advancedsatellites.com/

*** My recommendation is that you insure to have Advanced Satellite & Antenna Service install a lightning rod to the antenna mast and/or properly ground the mast to the house electrical ground. ***

August 11, 2021

Posting Advanced Satellite & Antenna Service to install a over-the-air antenna, I felt some responsibility, although I take no responsibility, when a resident of Spruce Creek South committed to have them install the antenna. Contacted Advanced Satellite & Antenna Service before their appointment to insure the installer would have the correct equipment to insure it was done up to, from my experience and research, my expectations, not the paying customer whom had never had an antenna installed. When speaking to Mike and Shelley, the owners of the company, a year ago and again speaking to Shelley and the installer, Jimbo, at no time was it conveyed that the price quoted did not include taxes or that the quoted price was “plus taxes.” We’ll get back to that.

Committed to the installer Jimbo and the resident that I would be there for the installation to observe.

Advanced Satellite & Antenna Service provided the antenna, antenna mast, signal booster, coaxial lightning suppressor, coaxial, grounding block and wire, hooking up to a single TV.

Have to say that when Jimbo arrived, he was very professional, had the equipment and tools needed to install the antenna quickly and efficiently as possible. As noted above of the porous nature of the land here in Spruce Creek South, I do not feel that sticking the mast in the ground, mounting to the eve of the house was a long-term good way to install the mast. (When erecting my first outdoor antenna here in Spruce Creek South, I did just that and when replacing mast with the final one used today, I found that the mast had sunk in the ground, resulting in the eve mount supporting the mast bending down as the mast sunk into the ground and the reason for me to put the concrete block under my mast, as pictured above.) Although Jimbo, after speaking with him the previous day wanted to do just that, I insisted that he mount it on a 12″x12″x2″ concrete pad. He did not want to do that but did agree to dig a hole for the mast and pour concrete around the mast. Just like a fence post, which we agreed to use that avenue.

Instead of mounting the coaxial lightning suppressor on the mast, Jimbo chose to install it inside the cable box. Inquiring that the cable would be grounded but not the that mast, he would need to ground the mast, at which he replied that would be an additional charge. ?Really? He was told that ground the mast and coaxial cable was included in the installation price, he took a self tapping screw into the mast and wrapped the ground wire around it. (Additional charge?)

After the mast was installed and properly grounded I observed that there was no cap on the hollow mast. Concerned of water accumulating inside the mast asked if there was a cap for the mast. Nope. Asked to have a hole drilled into the mast to drain at least some of the water.

For the most part it was a great experience until paying the bill and, surprise,  “plus taxes.” Hey, I understand that taxes have to be paid. It just seems up here in Central Florida you have to be aware of these cavorts. Most seniors are on fixed incomes and to have an antenna installed is not a inexpensive project. Every dollar is budgeted. Although this particular installation was relatively easy. No running coaxial cable throughout the house, climbing in the attic or determining where to place the antenna. Placement was predetermined specifically in mind of ease of access to both the cable box and the grounding rod of the house. Between the “additional charge” and then when contacting Mike the owner conveying the issue that “plus taxes” was NEVER mentioned and him complaining about his problems of being audited, it is obvious of the short game.

Instead of accepting the fact of taxes never being disclosed, Mike made an exceptional experience a bad one.

After the experience with Advanced Satellite & Antenna Service, I have found a second company you may want to get an estimate from:

International Satellite & Antenna Service

From their website:

International Satellite & Antenna Service is one of Florida’s oldest and largest Satellite TV, Satellite Internet and HDTV Antenna dealers. With their main offices and showroom located in Ocala, Florida, International provides installation and repair service in 17 central Florida counties.

Showroom and Headquarters:
6160 S.W. Hwy 200 Suite 112
Ocala, Florida 34476
eMail: [email protected]
Phone: (352) 237-3811
Nationwide Toll Free: (800) 331-8295

Antennas Direct
Antennas Direct Blog

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A TV Antenna

11 Tips For Improving A Weak TV Signal

How to Ground a TV Antenna

Antenna Man

NextGen TV, formerly known as ATSC 3.0

ATSC 3.0: Everything You’ll Need to Receive Free TV

Free antenna TV is getting an upgrade and it might be in your town already

ATSC 3.0: Everything you need to know about broadcast TV’s next big thing

RabbitEars is a website dedicated to providing information on over-the-air digital television in the United States, its territories and protectorates, and border areas of Canada and Mexico. Wikipedia

RabbitEars

Once, if a business, business owner did something an employee or member of the public didn’t like or disagreed with, they had little recourse besides protesting in person or to their local Better Business Bureau. Now, with the avenue of the Internet, the average person can easily voice their concerns and open a dialog to come to a compromise and/or lead to a resolution. If that opportunity by the business or business owner neglects to respond, it is up to any of those individuals to voice their response.

The most basic component of freedom of expression is the right of freedom of speech. The Supreme Court requires substantial justification for the interference with the right of free speech where it attempts to regulate the content of the speech. Generally, a person cannot be held liable, either criminally or civilly for anything written or spoken about a person or topic, so long as it is truthful or based on an honest opinion, and such statements.