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First determine how the current coax cable wiring is configured.
You will likely find a cable box connected to the outside of your home. Inside of this box should be either a ground block or a signal splitter. If you find a ground block you simply unscrew the cable TV feed and replace it with the antenna feed. Next determine if there is a signal splitter down line, maybe located in the basement etc.
If there is a signal splitter in use within the system the antenna signal will likely require signal amplification for best results. The amplifier will counteract the effects of dividing the signal. The amplifier must be located on the antenna side of the signal splitter.
Choosing the best TV antenna for your location.
Choosing the antenna is where it starts. The antenna must receive sufficient signal 24/7. No amount of signal amplification can compensate for an antenna that's not receiving adequate signal. Those who choose the wrong antenna will either buy a second antenna or go back to cable TV. Some people try 3 or 4 antennas before they contact us. If you're new to this and know little about free over the air TV reception be aware of this. There are plenty of Internet antenna dealers waiting to take your money and in return send you junk. We offer a free antenna recomendation service here > .
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Signal amplification
In stronger signal areas a signal amplifier may not be needed. In weaker signal areas or if the antenna will supply multiple TVs a signal amplifier will likely be needed. Proper signal amplification is crucial for flawless 24/7 digital TV service. This is why we won't recommend antennas with built-in signal amplifiers. More times than not the built-in amplifier is the wrong amplifier.
There are two kinds of amplifiers. The preamplifier installs near the antenna, The distribution amplifier installs indoors. Both types of amplifiers amplify the signal the only difference is where the amplifier is located within the antenna system.
The Preamplifier is a two part unit with one part (the amplifier) located near the antenna output. The part near the antenna is the signal amplifier. The second part is located indoors and this part is the power supply/injector. The power supply requires an electrical outlet and utilizes the coax cable down lead to feed low voltage electricity back to the preamplifier located near the antenna. This is how the preamplifier located near the antenna gets operating electricity. The TV antenna signal and the low voltage preamplifier operating power share the same coax cable.
The Distribution amplifier is mounted indoors and requires an electrical outlet. Distribution amplifiers are used when the TV signal will be divided by a signal splitter and sent to multiple TV's. The distribution amplifier is installed on the antenna side of the signal splitter. The antenna down lead cable feeds into the distribution amplifier input connection the signal is amplified and is fed from the amplifier output connection to the signal splitter. The signal splitter divides the signal and the signal is sent via the coax cable to all connected TV locations in your home. Proper signal amplification is more important than most people realize. Choosing the correct signal amplifier can be the difference between high quality 24/7 digital TV reception and failure. A bit of advice, steer clear of amplified signal splitters. For best results, always use a seperate distribution amplifier and signal splitter.
Maintaing Internet Service
Can I use my existing cable to tie in an outdoor antenna while still using the same cable for Internet service ?
No, the two signals do not mix well. You likely have a wireless Internet modem. Determine the cable that leads to the modem and connect it directly to the incoming Internet service feed. The remaining cables can now be used for over the air TV signal.
One last thing.
When you contact us either Denny or Tony will personally work with you. Helping you every step of the way. We take what we do seriously and so should you. You can save thousands of dollars when you successfully cut the cord.
We're here to answer any questions you may have about switching from cable TV to a TV antenna. Fill out the form below and submit it and we'll get right back to you.
Or call us at 989 875 4902.
Your form submission will be answered via the email address submitted with the form. The subject will be, "Cutting the Cable TV Cord".
Denny's TV Antenna Service
"Helping America Watch Free TV Since 1988"
