'Free to air' TV line socket/ outlet in my place is a bit far from where I need to place my tv so I planned not to use it for free channels. However, I tried indoor antennas but they didn't work unfortunately - I am getting poor signal even with decent quality antennas (e.g. https://www.bunnings.com.au/antsig-digital-indoor-amplified-…). So, I am left with the only option of extending a cable (on wall) from where the default TV cable socket (that units typically have) is to where we've placed the TV - it must be around 10 metres distance. Since there's a door in between, I can't lay the wire along skirting on the floor and I will have to take it through wall (above door height). Since it's not my property I can't put hooks/ nails, nor damage the wall paint. Are there any removable hooks available which can hold the cable property and also be removed easily without any damage to wall/ paint when we want to? Any other options/ ideas will be greatly appreciated too. Thanks!
Help! Looking for The Best Option for Extending TV Cable on Wall
Last edited 09/09/2019 - 03:49 by 1 other user
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Get a Vodafone TV box or similar, I think all FTA stations now have apps that allow viewing their live channels.
How much does it cost? My current tv isn’t smart tv so running apps isn’t an option but if Vodafone box isn’t a big cost, that could be a viable solution.
$72.
In our case, it wasn't a matter of the TV outlet being too far, it was a case of our address having very little viable FTA reception. We even had 2 different antenna specialists come and get on the roof to see if an aerial would help. (Previous tenants had Foxtel) Both specialists said that we had only marginal reception even in perfect conditions so installing an aerial would probably be more trouble that it was worth.
One suggested a satellite connection where one could get a license/subscription for not a lot of cash - certainly cheaper than Foxtel. Or to go with Foxtel like the previous tenants.
Anyway, long story short, we didn't go that route. We bought a $49 Chromecast and stream all FTA channels via the FreeView app. Works perfectly. One observation we made though is we actually don't really watch much FTA anymore.
Thanks so much. I do have Chromecast. Does FreeView app have Android version and all free to air channels are available on that app generally?
It does have an android app and it is, in fact, the app that I use.
I haven't done a channel by channel/program by program comparison, but (https://www.freeview.com.au/watch-tv) seems quite similar in how the phone app works. Have a look and see if it will suit your purposes.
3m
Is there not enough gap under the door to clear a cable?
I am in a similar situation to you and we ran a 10m cable around the skirting and into the next room. The door is a cavity slider and there is a about a 15mm gap from the bottom o the door to the floor.
In another room I just added a chromecast and use the freeview app for FTA as suggested above.
I was thinking of adding an extra antenna outlet but I refuse to improve the owners property at my expense.
Thanks so much. Owner/ agent is a bit fussy and may not allow adding an extra antenna outlet (he may instead ask to put tv where one outlet is but it's at a weird place in the room and doesn't suit my current furniture arrangement). By the way, does the FreeView app have Android and iOS versions and all free to air channels are available on that app generally? Is it easy to switch channels. I've an idle ipad at home which I can then use for just this purpose if not my phone.
No worries. The app is available in both android and ios. The app has 23 different channels so guessing most if not all. It also allows you catchup tv. Switching is very simple. Download the app and have a play around with it.
I am using the older cheaper Chromecast and it works fine. Amazon Prime video now works with Chromecast as does Netflix I think. You can get a Chromecast for about $50 and you will need the google app as well.
I do have Chromecast already - this app will be a perfect solution then and I don't need to worry about extending antenna wire (indoor antenna didn't work anyway). :)
Hope the app has ABC Kids too.
@virhlpool: Indoor antenna didn't work for me either.
It does have ABC Kids. You can also watch on your phone and ipad as well without casting. Its all pretty simple to use.
Enjoy!
Just an update on this one for anyone in similar situation - I ended up using Freeview app (and Chromecast) and it solves all problems. Each channel has their individual apps as well if you want to watch past episodes etc. This has been a lifesaver as indoor antenna just won't work at my place!
Have you tried to use a more powerful antenna such as the 35 DBI gain antenna?
Yes, I did but it didn't work either. App + Chromecast worked out to be the best solution. Thanks.
Ask for permission from the owner to drill a hole to run an antenna cable. Its’s a reasonable request.