Posted: 7/8/2026 4:47:14 PM EDT
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My wife asked about getting an over the air antenna because we're considering dropping YouTubeTV. Most of what we watch is on other streaming services. Just need access to local stations. Also gives an alternative for when internet goes out. Problem...we live in an HOA neighborhood. While legally they can't stop us from mounting the antenna where it gets a good signal, I just don't want to deal with them if I can avoid it. Indoor antennas are limited at best and somewhat erratic. Some days I get a couple of dozen channels. Other days....I'm lucky if I can kind of get a handful. Attic has radiant barrier so hiding the antenna in there is a no go. Towers are about 30 miles away so needs to be an exterior antenna that can pick up a weak signal. If I could put it on the back of the house it wouldn't be a problem. But, towers are to the SE and my house faces south. Can't aim the antenna SE without a roof in the way unless I put near the front of the house. Also, want to connect the antenna to the existing cable system in the house so all TVs can access the signal. The cable comes into the house on the westside. (Yeah, nothing is set up to make this easy.) We're talking 3 TVs so would probably need some type of powered signal amplifier. Ideas? |
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You can still buy discreet VHF-UHF TV antennae, amplifiers, and boosters from Lowe's and others: Attached File Attached File 
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Originally Posted By ScubaDachshund: ..... Also, want to connect the antenna to the existing cable system in the house so all TVs can access the signal. The cable comes into the house on the westside. (Yeah, nothing is set up to make this easy.) We're talking 3 TVs so would probably need some type of powered signal amplifier. Ideas? |
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Originally Posted By DoctorCAD: Run the report. Nobody can help without knowing your signal strengths and directions. Here's a link to the RabbitEars report.. To me it looks like I should be able to get 16 channels with little to no issues, and maybe an additional 10 if the conditions are just right. I'd appreciate it if someone who knows more than I do about it could give me their opinion. As to the recommendation to put it in the attic. The attic still has the same amount of radiant barrier as when I posted the initial message. So...  Robert_J the antenna would be supplying 3 TVs so given the length of coax that would need to be run, I'd guess it would need a powered signal amplifier. Not sure. I only have a very basic understanding of the matter. R2point0. You need to go re-read that law. While they can't keep someone from mounting a OTA outright , they can restrict where it can be mounted so visibility from the street is reduced. But there's also a caveat that the restriction cannot impede the function of the antenna. So we could spend a couple of months going back and forth about the issue. (Already did that song and dance with them over pavers alongside my driveway. They were there when I bought the house from the previous owners so had been in place for several years. ) So I'm willing to make it as unobtrusive as possible as long as it doesn't materially affect the antennas function. If/when I move, I will definitely be looking for a non HOA neighborhood. I grew up in a non HOA neighborhood. Had a machine shop at the end of the block. Putting up with their delivery trucks and noise was less of a pain in the ass than this HOA. Previous neighborhood had a voluntary HOA. Join it or don't. Up to you. All they did was keep the medians in acceptable shape and spray for mosquitoes in the summer. Thanks for the suggestions so far. |
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Install one of these: Attached File Just a pine tree. Nothing to see here. Move along. |
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
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Originally Posted By R2point0: Install one of these: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/173228/1000018361_jpg-3792144.JPG Just a pine tree. Nothing to see here. Move along. Don't tempt me!
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Originally Posted By ScubaDachshund: Here's a link to the RabbitEars report.. To me it looks like I should be able to get 16 channels with little to no issues, and maybe an additional 10 if the conditions are just right. I'd appreciate it if someone who knows more than I do about it could give me their opinion. As to the recommendation to put it in the attic. The attic still has the same amount of radiant barrier as when I posted the initial message. So... Robert_J the antenna would be supplying 3 TVs so given the length of coax that would need to be run, I'd guess it would need a powered signal amplifier. Not sure. I only have a very basic understanding of the matter. I find it easier to use my HD tuner and have it feed all of the TVs over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Homerun HD and Tablo TV |
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Originally Posted By Robert_J: Everything is basically in the same direction and the same distance. While I wouldn't use it, I can see why you want a stealth antenna. What about a model like this? https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Stealth-Attic-Outdoor-Mount-Amplified-TV-Antenna-Bar-Directional-Outdoor-HD-UHF-VHF-TV-Antenna/1001306040 I find it easier to use my HD tuner and have it feed all of the TVs over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Homerun HD and Tablo TV Thank you! I think that will work. Now what is this about connecting the TVs to the internet via Ethernet/Wifi? I haven’t seen that before. If I’m reading the websites correctly I just run coax from the antenna to the Tablo or Homerun unit. Then connect that unit into my network. That would make this project a lot easier. |
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Originally Posted By ScubaDachshund: Thank you! I think that will work. Now what is this about connecting the TVs to the internet via Ethernet/Wifi? I haven’t seen that before. If I’m reading the websites correctly I just run coax from the antenna to the Tablo or Homerun unit. Then connect that unit into my network. That would make this project a lot easier. Homerun requires an app for viewing https://www.silicondust.com/support/downloads/ |
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Originally Posted By Moondog: Homerun requires an app for viewing https://www.silicondust.com/support/downloads/ Yes. Saw that. That’s even better. I already have AppleTVs hooked up to 2 of the TVs and the third is a Roku TV. |
