question about attic antenna

[NuclearNed]

I want to hook up an attic antenna to my Dish Network receiver/tuner so I can pick up local channels in HD.

Many rooms in my house are wired for cable, although the wiring isn't being used. I can't even get cable where I live... the house was wired just in case the cable company ran a line to my neck of the woods some glorious day.

stupid question:
Are there any downsides to connecting an attic antenna to the cabling? Will this even work?

 

[Binky]

It should work fine. Unless I'm mistaken, antennas are commonly wired with RG6 75 ohm coax cable. You might want to find out where the line enters the house and is split to the rooms. Feeding the antenna output to there should be best.

 

[mshan]

http://www.tvfool.com

I remember reading that antenna in attic is attenuated because of roof, but it is probably still better than indoor antenna, especially on first floor.

This may be ok if you can't put large antenna array in attic or on roof: http://www.dennysantennaservice.com/ez_hd_tv_Antenna.html

 

[bobdole369]

attic antennas are cool. Not much in the way of attenuation either. If its all you got, way better than wabbit ears. It'll work right through the existing wiring too. If theres an amplifier, try without using the amp first. You'll be surprised.

 

[videopho]

I recommend using an amplifier to increase gain, especially if you plan to hook up more than one tv.
I've been using a Terk bar in my attic for years for two TVs and one pc tuner that simply works wonder.
Not sure where your geographical location is but where I live (North DFW, TX) is relatively flat so I was able to pick up all major network stations.
In certain situation where storm cloud is low and parks directly over the house my Directv antenna temporarily becomes useless so this is where OTA network becomes helpful. .i.e storm warning.

 

[sivart]

This may be ok if you can't put large antenna array in attic or on roof: http://www.dennysantennaservice.com/ez_hd_tv_Antenna.html

I have an antenna very similar to that in my attic. (actually two of them, one split to two locations) and it picks up all of my locals (about 20 miles from the tower) and all but one of the next nearest town (about 40-50 miles from the tower).

The more distance channels have a tough time in strong winds (I.e. over 30 MPH), but other than that, they are all rock solid.

 

[FoBoT]

i put one in my attic , to supplement directv
similar to this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882790012
i am about 40 miles from transmitters, all one direction, within about 15 degrees, so once i had it positioned, it is good, no worries about wind blowing it out of alignment inside the attic
and mounting it was easy, i just hung it by wire from the rafters, no fancy/secure bolting needed. if i had put it on the roof, it would need all those bolts and worrying about leaks etc