Do Homes Need Antennas Anymore?

dammit on 02/04/2022 - 12:23
Last edited 02/04/2022 - 20:09

I bought a google tv six mths ago and now basically never even connect the coax old style tv antenna cord anymore whenever I move.

I moved into a new house, internet is pretty good (100/40 speeds nbn), so just seem to stream everything or use 9now, 7plus etc through google tv. Also have a new tv (Samsung 2021 the frame).

Is there any need to have antennas anymore? My new house has a giant huge antenna on a pole which is an eyesore and about (edit:10m? https://i.imgur.com/TQlMYVp.jpg) above the house. I’m in metro sydney but in a real gully/valley. I’m thinking of removing it and just having no antenna given it’s probably an accident waiting to happen in a big storm or one day might cause a roof leak from where the wire supports go through the tiles.

Should I remove it or is there some benefit I’m missing to having an old school vhf uhf antenna? I guess the pole may in future be of some use for an external fixed wireless or mobile reception booster but that’s a stretch.

Poll Options

  • 114
    Remove the antenna and pole
  • 341
    Leave the antenna and pole in place
  • 42
    I want candy
Electrical & Electronics Antenna

Comments

  • Brendoo on 03/04/2022 - 08:10

    An antenna is needed to watch free live to air TV. If you don't ever want to watch free live TV then of course you can get rid of the antenna. Or if you are happy to pay for free live TV then you can view it via Foxtel and do away with the antenna.

    For me the antenna is important as I watch free live TV and I don't want to pay for it.

  • Stephen2 on 03/04/2022 - 08:20
    -2

    That's disgusting ewww, get rid of that ASAP, utterly useless old tech

  • MessyG on 03/04/2022 - 08:49

    I don't watch FTA but I'd leave the antenna there. It's a relic and who knows, might be useful in the zombie apocalypse.

    • Lanushi on 03/04/2022 - 09:44

      It could be used for radio comms. Who knows

  • jiberz on 03/04/2022 - 09:04

    If you get fibre to the home, you can run the regular free to air tv over that. When I built, I did network cable to throughout the house and didn't plan on buying an antenna but the builder said because it is a fibre to the home estate, the fibre company's modem provides the coax output for tv.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 03/04/2022 - 09:12
    -3

    Nein. Da.

  • Jaspa7 on 03/04/2022 - 09:38
    +2

    That's a decent antenna.. Pick up a new hobby and into the HAM community

  • Subere on 03/04/2022 - 09:49

    Depends where you live. During natural disasters locals rely on FTA TV and ABC Local Radio for updates. Internet will be the first thing that goes down as that happened in the Northern Rivers a few weeks ago.

    There's also technology out there that utilises UHF/VHF as a downstream for data I believe. Still in its infancy but who knows if it will ever be deployed here. It's all about 5G now but that relies on so many nodes which can't compete with traditional broadcast for coverage.

  • Wampus on 03/04/2022 - 09:50

    The only thing I needed to reconnect our FTA antenna for after we moved into this place was for live footy games. We stream everything else but Foxtel has a monopoly on streamed footy and force you to subscribe - Channel 7 etc just stream this lame scoreboard.

    I didn't want to subscribe just for the odd footy game so old tech it is

  • cms1 on 03/04/2022 - 10:03

    That's a long pole.

  • gromit on 03/04/2022 - 10:21

    I gather you are one of the rare lucky ones that never has an internet outage. I hate FTA but it is better than nothing in an outage.

  • zombie hunter on 03/04/2022 - 10:21

    The strong wind took care of sister one so did not have call the guy to remove it

  • atomX on 03/04/2022 - 10:28
    +1

    Had a similar one on a 6-7m pole, did a reroof a couple of years ago and replaced with a small (<1m) antenna pointed at Wollongong instead. Made a massive difference on how my place looks.

    These days we hardly watch FTA, pretty much streaming all the time and some of the channels (ABC iView) stream in higher quality than the FTA transmission anyway. If I was building new I'd get no external antenna or one inside the roof

    • dammit on 04/04/2022 - 11:02

      I've noticed a few people have similar differences, are you in Sutherland shire by any chance?

      • atomX on 04/04/2022 - 16:42

        Blue Mountains. Only thing with a Wollongong transmitter is that you get local ads, and also lose one of the extra Nine stations - no big loss for me as about 95% of our watching is streaming these days.

  • deneb on 03/04/2022 - 11:30
    +2

    I love fta channels, flicking between them aimlessly feels better than streaming apps like 9now

  • harrywwc on 03/04/2022 - 11:42
    +4

    the hardest part of ditching the antenna is navigating between the FTA networks via the interwebs apps.

    you have to get the 9Now app, the 10Play app, the 7Plus app, the ABC Iview app, & the SBS On Demand app - then you need accounts, and link them to the TV(s) and the apps.

    So, moving from, say, the 7 News at 6pm and moving to Adam Liaw on SBS Food, and then to something on 9 after that, all takes time and effort to get out of each app (and 9's I find particularly awkward to get out of! lots clicks) gets to the point where some would say "bugger it".

    At least with the over-the-air you can key in the number of the channel you want (or channel-hop sequentially).

  • dufflover on 03/04/2022 - 12:49

    Is this some pointless FTA shit-stirring thread like the last one? Maybe not from the OP but the usual commenters who seem to get offended that people like free stuff :P

    Anyway try buying or borrowing one of those portable digital TV antennas and see if you get reception ok in case of emergencies or even just to know it works. Could probably find an old "normal" sized roof antenna to try for free on the side of a house demo or something lol.

  • LFO on 03/04/2022 - 13:40

    Should I remove it or is there some benefit I’m missing to having an old school vhf uhf antenna?

    After the zombie apocalypse Internet will be nonexistent but UHF/VHF will survive and will be the only alternative.

    Keep it and maintain it.
    You have been warned.

  • Triceratops on 03/04/2022 - 14:57

    I still record FTA and fast forward the ads. Only resort to catch-up TV if I have to - although 7+ is good for multi-channel Olympics and similar.

  • gimli on 03/04/2022 - 15:09

    Can you stream abc live?
    I always feel as though the news takes few hours to appear on iview

    • atomX on 03/04/2022 - 17:19

      Yes

  • Euphemistic on 03/04/2022 - 16:15

    I’m old school, keep the antenna. Mostly use free to air. There’s enough choice on there to get decision paralysis, let alone the free streaming services. I usually end up watching whatever is on in front of me

  • the Unforgiven on 03/04/2022 - 16:36

    That's a tall one, taller than mine
    I would leave about 2 metres, just incase you want to put starLink on later. You could always download an app and check it before cutting that sucker shorter; you don't need those antennas anymore. There is a website (which I can't find) that will show you which antennas you need and what stations you will get. If you have an android TV, get it through that, if not, get an android box

    • dammit on 04/04/2022 - 11:03

      now this is actaully the feedback and thoughts I needed, could be a very compelling reason to keep it for things like new tech which may get better signal up high??

  • dogboy on 03/04/2022 - 19:10
    +4

    Haven't had an antenna since 2012. Mainly due to hatred of ads and reality tv.

  • pogichinoy on 03/04/2022 - 19:57

    I still watch tennis on live TV.

    Keep it.

  • lakes_8 on 03/04/2022 - 21:05

    My coaxial adaptor in the TV broke, anyway I can watch FTA tv without getting a set top box..?

    • spaceflight on 03/04/2022 - 21:22

      Fix the coaxial adaptor on your TV?

  • Miss B on 03/04/2022 - 21:11

    That's art, mate. I vote keep it.

  • fredk1000 on 03/04/2022 - 21:22

    Eyesore to you but no one else in the world would think so. Not an eyesore to me.

  • caitsith01 on 03/04/2022 - 22:04

    Moved house over two years ago and we never set up the antenna, have not missed it at all except when we realised that the STUPID AFL rights deal means that the grand final is only on broadcast TV. A frantic scramble through the garage turned up a pair of rabbit ears, which now get a run once a year in late September.

    The limited exposure I have had to FTA TV in recent times has been uniformly negative, it's absolutely atrocious.

  • stewy on 03/04/2022 - 22:07
    +1

    My house is in an estate that is serviced by Opticomm and not the NBN, so FTA TV is delivered over the fibre service and no antenna is needed on the house.

    That said, TV spent over 6 months in the box since my last move and since unboxing it, can't say there is actually much on FTA TV I'd want to watch…

  • tikei on 03/04/2022 - 23:04

    That looks like a future hazard if not maintained. I'd remove it. I never watch FTA. How do people put up with the ads, or the junk that is reality TV amuses me.

  • G4life on 03/04/2022 - 23:30

    I have a new house and didn’t bother installing antenna on the roof. I use a nvidia shield with all free to air stations programmed on iptv .m8u address. Saved myself $500 bucks.

  • preddye on 03/04/2022 - 23:32

    Some areas no matter what they'll need the antenna but if your area already has fttp nbn or your area is going to be upgraded to fttp there is a fibre TV option. Basically an extra part connected to the ntd that produces the fta signals via a coax out and you run a TV cable to it

  • Gandalf the Grey on 03/04/2022 - 23:53

    I'm with you on this, I'm even tempted to remove my antenna, haven't watched FTA TV since around 2006.
    All I would watch is a movie or what I would consider a really good series.
    I even have to be in the mood to sit down to watch something, which would be around once a week if that.

  • ssmith3104 on 04/04/2022 - 03:38

    When I had a Foxtel IQ2, I got all my free-to-air channels in HD thru my Foxtel device and therefore did not need to use my rooftop antenna (which has since broken). When Foxtel made me upgrade to the newer IQ4, instead of receiving my signal via cable it instead primarily comes via a satellite dish, and I found to my disgust that all the free-to-air channels now only come in awful STANDARD DEFINITION. For that reason, I am now forced to spend a thousand dollars to get a new rooftop antenna (to 3 points in the house). If you have a working external antenna, be smart and keep it.

  • RolandWaites on 04/04/2022 - 07:18
    +3

    Good lord that antenna is incredible.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 04/04/2022 - 07:39
    +2

    Ditch! You'll likely raise your property price by getting rid of that abomination.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 04/04/2022 - 09:14

    You need an antenna if you are going to use it, but you don't if you are not.

  • ThadtheChad on 04/04/2022 - 09:56

    I feel that FTA is largely a relic of the past that we still kept around for folk who are unable to or unwilling to adopt newer tech.

    I've found most of the content is a bit dated, and the shows I like (media watch, the news etc) I can just stream off Youtube. That said, different strokes and all that, so I guess if someone like FTA content, more power to you!

    Definitely agree with the comments around having a backup comms channel, even if it is one-way. IMHO if there is 4G/3G service available in OP's area, get a backup SIM/dongle from a different operator. That would be substantially better than keeping that absolute mammoth eyesore. However, if you're in a bit of a "black spot", then I reckon either keep or look at alternatives. I'm a yuppie tech-head, so I'd lean towards having a sat-link or something of that nature.

  • soaringphoenix on 04/04/2022 - 10:15
    +1

    I would personally ditch it as I haven't watched FTA in over a decade. I agree that it is unlikely to be much of a consideration for a future buyer as this is not a major purchasing factor (i.e., if someone likes the place enough, a 5k antenna installation will be miniscule on the background of the total property purchase).

    That said, if you have just moved in, you might want to wait six months to see how you feel. Almost no one else will care about it, except for you. You might find that you habituate to it after a few months - in which case your decision may be easier.

  • godofpizza on 04/04/2022 - 10:40

    i honestly hate the amount of bird poo on the roof because bird use the antenna as their toilet.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/04/2022 - 11:03

    Plenty of times the internet can go down for maintenance or any reason. Sometimes it's just nice to watch tv. It's your choice mate.

  • REDRUM on 04/04/2022 - 11:22

    I haven't had an antenna connected to any of my TV's for well over a decade now!

    The house we bought a few years ago still had two, one on a hockey stick outside and one inside the roof… I ditched both, the outdoor one was nothing more than a perch for indian myna's. I just can't watch FTA television anymore, the content/advertisement ratio is just out of this world… I'm much happier paying for streaming services and being able to watch uninterrupted content.

  • Brianqpr on 04/04/2022 - 11:27

    We have one, but since renovating recently have not used it. Watching everything online now.

    Don't watch that much of the FTA channels but when I do its usually ABC, sometimes SBS. Keenly avoid the main commercial channels due to the largely terrible content and endless advertising.

  • pinchies on 04/04/2022 - 11:44

    Its certainly an eyesore! I wonder, could you add a 4G antenna to the mast to provide some benefit?

  • All Blacks NZ on 04/04/2022 - 11:49

    We have an antenna and TV is connected to it but we never watch "TV". Free TV is full of ads, the TV shows are available on demand on their apps anyway, news (if you wanna call it that) is either sensationalised or propaganda. Sports will probably be the only thing I would have free tv on for but even then I would rather pay to watch sports with no to little ads and pause the game if I need to step away or watch a game when it suits me rather than watching it at 1am like IPL at the moment.

  • Darkheartz on 04/04/2022 - 13:55
    +1

    For the last 5 years I hadn't used my TV antenna, so when we purchased and renovated our new home I plastered over the antenna sockets in my walls. They were in ugly/weird locations as the previous owners room configuration was vastly different.

    I made the choice assuming I wasn't moving house for a few years, and also not giving a toss about the desires of of a future buyer to want access to a TV antenna.

    The free-to-air channels we watch (a bit of ABC & SBS and sometimes 7, 9 for guests who like news or sport) are well serviced through the apps available on smart TV's, and seem to include both live channels and playback of shows previously aired. I'd be interested to understand from any free-to-air fan what doesn't meet their needs from the free-to-air smart TV apps. They seem pretty solid.

    We have experienced interrupted internet service (e.g. in the wake of the floods) but were able to connect with 4G hotspot mobile internet from our phones. Personally I have no regrets. Looking forward to not replacing (removing) the aging antenna on the roof.

    @OP you just need to determine if the current inconvenience of having it outweighs the possible inconvenience of having to pay to put it back (for some possible reason I personally cant fathom), or that a potentially buyer might haggle a couple of thousand off you in a sale for not having it?

  • Gracey on 04/04/2022 - 14:44

    Your right its an eyesore, I would remove it.

    If were speculating about resale value, I think your more likely to get a marginally better price just because the house looks better without it..

  • Buckshot on 04/04/2022 - 16:19

    Keep your antenna as a backup in the event your Internet goes down.
    If you faced a natural disaster and cell towers/NBN etc went down,FTA would be a godsend.

  • jv on 04/04/2022 - 16:24
    -2

    I've been using my current antenna since 2012. Mainly due to love of ads and reality tv.

    • gimli on 04/04/2022 - 21:12

      Love of negs?

  • jv on 04/04/2022 - 16:25
    -2

    some benefit I’m missing to having an old school vhf uhf antenna?

    Channel surfing…

  • whatgift on 04/04/2022 - 17:36

    I only watch a few shows on FTA like Survivor and Have You Been Paying Attention, mainly because I'm recording them and can skip all the ads. I hate using the FTA catch up services with their ads - I realise that's how they're free blah blah blah.

  • Thatsgold on 04/04/2022 - 17:39

    Remove now, regret later

  • digitalbath on 04/04/2022 - 22:46

    I recently mounted my TV on a wall that doesn't have close access to the FTA plug. Tried to stream FTA using the apps, as I like to watch the news and other random shows. Was a pain having to go to each app to see what's on each channel. Also the 9now app gives me Sydney timeslots and news, which is crap as I'm in Brisbane. For now I have the cable running across the floor. Now I need a rug.
    I'm a 39yo, have access to all the streaming apps which I use daily, but for some reason I still use FTA. Not only for oldies (but I guess I am old these days to the new crowd).

    And also in the recent floods in Brissy, NBN was down for 3 days, so was good to have FTA.

  • connorlo on 05/04/2022 - 06:47

    I removed mine around 4 years ago, never had an issue.

  • Name on 05/04/2022 - 08:38

    Abc / 7/9/10 all have live streaming of their FTA channels through their apps, so you really don't need antenna.

    I went through this same decision only last week! Had a 4m high mast. I cut it down. Turns out it's still picking up channels just laying on the roof so I have no idea why they put it up so high.

    • jv on 05/04/2022 - 08:49
      +2

      Abc / 7/9/10 all have live streaming of their FTA channels through their apps, so you really don't need antenna.

      You do if you want to switch between channels quickly… That apps are too slow to change channels, and if you need to keep changing apps too…. Can't be bothered.

      • Name on 05/04/2022 - 18:43

        Yeah. Point taken.

        I guess I don't watch FTA enough to have really been impacted by that issue. I usually only go to ABC live stream for morning news and other channels for specific shows that I am aware are on. So I don't just scroll around trying to find something. About 99% of the time I'm on one of the other streaming services that don't have ads.

  • CalmLemons on 05/04/2022 - 10:42

    Removing it will probably cost more than your TV…..if you can find someone to even do it.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2022 - 11:34

      Just push it over or chainsaw. Easy.

  • kaleidoscope on 05/04/2022 - 11:53

    If you have plans to sell the house, then keep it but have the cable not connected to tv if you dont use it :)

  • DemocracyManifest on 05/04/2022 - 13:08

    Just leave it, where I am, you can't get reception with normal rabbit ears, a roof antenna is compulsory. It'll drive you nuts if theres a internet outage or you decide you can go without the internet for a little while. My second tv hence has no free to air and relying on streaming when a peak free to air event is on (eg NRL final) could end in tears haha

  • pos on 05/04/2022 - 14:00
    +1

    How do you get FTA via the internet? Can you get 1080p?
    I'd love to get rid of my antenna. I never watch FTA, except for the occasional football match anyway.
    I reckon if our internet died, I'd rather read a book than turn to random FTA! And I have a Plex backlog anyway…
    Edit: also useful to ditch the antenna if you want solar panels.

  • Carve2 on 05/04/2022 - 17:03
    +6

    OK, from a structural point of view, if you've already got leaks around the base or the guying positions, then yes, I'd get rid of it or get it replaced if you need/want FTA at some point in the future (or for selling the house to someone who values it). An antenna can always be added later, but leaks and structural damage just magnify over time, as I'm sure you know. Plus you get the space back for solar panels, solar hot water, or that second storey loft you've always wanted!

    The antennas that are there now are a high-gain UHF yagi (pointing left of picture), and pretty knackered VHF-only yagi (pointing to the right). It might be that only one of these is connected into the cabling now too, hard to tell from the picture. Your VHF will probably be pointed at the Gore Hill site, and the UHF one is likely for a local re-transmitter. You can use MySwitch to estimate the likely signal levels from your closest transmitters, but that site's not great at elevation problems. The size of both of these, and the 9m mast tells me that there are/were serious issues with signals in that valley. I'd guess there was a pretty decent mast-head amplifier somewhere in that system too.

    A lot of the major antenna installation crews (like Jim's, Mr Antenna, etc) have free quote services, so it's worth calling to get them to look at it properly and test the site for better/local signals that don't require a 9m mast. With digital FTA signals, sometimes you can get a good reflected signal that's stronger than the tower's direct signal, and a good installer will know how to do that properly.

    Personally, I almost never watch FTA TV, but for live events, bushfire coverage, sports, and local news (I live in the country), it's a pretty easy way to keep up to date. But I don't need a 9m tower where I am! I've been in the AV game for almost two decades, including a lot of antenna work, so let me know if you want any advice or information.

    • ThadtheChad on 06/04/2022 - 00:02
      +4

      This was a superb writeup. Genuinely learned a few things today.

      • Carve2 on 06/04/2022 - 09:36

        Thanks mate, good to know it was useful!

  • justgooddeals on 05/04/2022 - 19:59

    When the internet goes down aerial is great back up.

    Plus apps take ages to load. Just easier switching channels with FTA

  • mdavant on 06/04/2022 - 10:10

    No.

    Now the TV companies can use your data and send you highly targeted more profitable advertisements to get you to part with your hard earned.

    Which is probably the main reason why they supported higher speed broadband so greatly, so they can get you to spend more.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2022 - 11:20

    Yes

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