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Over the air Channels

deplanche

I currently have Verizon Fios Internet and Phone. I do not have any of the Fios TV.

I also use "rabbit ears" on my TV to get over the air programming, which is all I really have he desire or time to watch. In reading some posts, it would appear that if my TV has a QAM tuner I should be able to get the over the air channels on the TV without any additional equipment. I tried that and it did not work. What I am wondering is if I need to be paying the $12.99 a month to get the Local channels (the lowest costing package I could find), but then not have to rent one of the set box boxes.

All I am really trying to go is not have to move the "rabbit ears" around to get better reception. I was hoping that I could just plug into the Fios box and run the cable to the TV. Would be a no cost option for better reception.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jon

Comments

KenAF

@deplanche wrote:
In reading some posts, it would appear that if my TV has a QAM tuner I should be able to get the over the air channels on the TV without any additional equipment. I tried that and it did not work. What I am wondering is if I need to be paying the $12.99 a month to get the Local channels (the lowest costing package I could find), but then not have to rent one of the set box boxes.

Yes, you can do that. In fact, I'm not sure Verizon will even rent you a STB/DVR with the $12.99/mo plan.

As an alternative, you might consider a better indoor antenna and the DTVPal DVR.

spacedebris

One of the problems that you may be having. Some of the old "rabbit ears" only can see the old analog frequancies. So even if your tv has a digital tuner, the antenna cannot bring in the signal. You may want to try some of the cheap "digital rabbit ears" and then your TV should be able to pull in the signal and decode it.

deplanche

I should clarify. I am trying not to have to pay the $12.99/month for local channels. That seems very expensive for something I get for free with an antenna. Renting a STB for $3-$5/month wouldn't be too bad, if it would get the over the air channels.

Thanks for the info on the antenna. I've had problems with mine ever since the digital transition deadline. Was fine back in march, but after june has been lots of antenna moving.

KenAF

@deplanche wrote:
I should clarify. I am trying not to have to pay the $12.99/month for local channels. That seems very expensive for something I get for free with an antenna. Renting a STB for $3-$5/month wouldn't be too bad, if it would get the over the air channels.

I don't think you can do that. I don't think Verizon FiOS is like a typical cable company where the locals are always available on the coax with any level of service. I think you've got to pay $12.99 to "turn them on."

Keep in mind that many cable companies pay for the HD locals. They are free over-the-airwaves, but local broadcasters are allowed to charge cable companies (and FiOS) for carriage.

jmcohen231

your only other option would be to mount an antenna on your roof. you should be able to buy a decent one for $30, and if you can mount it yourself, with drilling the wires, etc, then go for it. otherwise, paying someone to install it could cost at least $150.

thus, you are paying $180 to save $13/month. your total recovery time will be 14 months.

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