How to use vhf antenna to watch HDTV

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Kaushik

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#207800 14-Jan-2017 12:25

Hi everyone,

Recently I moved to new house where I have a older style antenna on my roof. At the moment I am only getting 4-5 channels.

Any one have a solution to watch all uhf channels with my old vhf antenna.

Thanks in advance.

Kaushik

SATTV

1648 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1703136 14-Jan-2017 12:40

Unfortunately you need to change to a UHF antenna, using the right tool for the job gets the best results.

It sounds like your in a good signal area so a DIY job should yield good results.

I always recommend an aerial installer who has the correct tools I.E. a decent field strength meter to get you the best possible signal.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

Kaushik

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1703180 14-Jan-2017 13:52

Thanks John

Rikkitic

Awrrr
18662 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1703239 14-Jan-2017 16:40

If you are already getting some channels on the VHF antenna, you might have sufficient signal to get away with a cheap indoor antenna. It could be worth giving a try before going to the trouble and expense of putting up a proper outdoor antenna.

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Goosey

2832 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1703260 14-Jan-2017 18:42

hang on a sec, I thought freeview was only via UHF yet the OP says he can get a few channels on what he claims is a VHF aerial?? Doesnt make sense...I thought the old network was shutdown.

Maybey it is an old UHF/VHF combo and just barely picking up the UHF ?

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#1703262 14-Jan-2017 18:49

You'll get reception of sorts on a VHF antenna - just because it's out of band doesn't mean some signal doesn't get through - even a coathanger will provide some signal.

tangerz

625 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1703394 15-Jan-2017 09:48

Kaushik: Hi everyone,

Recently I moved to new house where I have a older style antenna on my roof. At the moment I am only getting 4-5 channels.

Any one have a solution to watch all uhf channels with my old vhf antenna.

Thanks in advance.

Kaushik

Where are you located? There might be a friendly Geekzoner nearby who could lend a hand/tools if you want to DIY install a proper outdoor UHF antenna.

richms

28187 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1703442 15-Jan-2017 11:18

You could try breaking and bending bits off the vhf antenna to detune it even more to get more off band and off axis reception, which might help a little, but really just get a cheap UHF antenna and swap it.

Richard rich.ms

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SATTV

1648 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1703451 15-Jan-2017 11:53

richms:

You could try breaking and bending bits off the vhf antenna to detune it even more to get more off band and off axis reception, which might help a little, but really just get a cheap UHF antenna and swap it.

Without seeing the aerial we don't know if it is a folded dipole, Yagi, Uda Yagi or log periodic which are all common types of VHF TV aerial.

Have a look at the freeview site and see what they say your reception will be like, if it is in a good signal area try one of these, cheap and they work/.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/tvs/cables-aerials/auction-1238335623.htm

Have a look at next door and see what they have, if it is like a hedge trimmer you might need a higher gain aerial.

Again, I recommend an aerial installer with the right tools who knows what they are doing.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#1703482 15-Jan-2017 12:38

Goosey:

hang on a sec, I thought freeview was only via UHF yet the OP says he can get a few channels on what he claims is a VHF aerial?? Doesnt make sense...I thought the old network was shutdown.

Maybey it is an old UHF/VHF combo and just barely picking up the UHF ?

Any old antenna will pick up Freeview UHF if the signal is strong enough. Just because it's a VHF antenna doesn't mean it can't receive UHF or FM or whatever.

My K1 Plus Android TV Box picks up all the UHF channels off Waiatarua with just 12 inches of Auto Wire stuck in the antenna socket. Tx is about 17km LOS and I can see it from my Lounge Windows.