Why can't we get any broadcast TV channels? (Lewes: condo, live in)

[dilly23]

We are in the Lewes area and have both an antenna and an amplifier installed in the attic, but get no channels. Any thoughts as to how to improve reception without cable?

[ShaneSA]

Use the internet and get You tube TV. You get all the channels of cable without the contract or cost. If you have a smart TV, it's a simple download.

[Mary2014]

I also live in the Lewes area. I can only pick up about 11 local stations with an indoor antenna ( long range with 18 ft cord) placed in a southwest facing window. It must have no obstructions such as buildings. There is a tree line about 150 feet away. Reception is better during the winter when there are no leaves on the trees, but, it still gets most stations during the summer.

I have a 10 year old smart tv and the TV location has to be so I can link to my internet connection in order to switch from broadcast TV to smart tv via the internet connection. (That is why the 18 ft cord on the digital HDTV antenna is important to allow me to place the indoor antenna in a SW window and the TV within range of a wifi internet connection.)

So, it may be that the location of your antenna is the problem. I live in a first floor condo - so no attic. My indoor antenna must be placed in a southwest facing window. You might try moving your antenna to various window locations to see if you can pickup local broadcast stations. I get some Philly stations and some Maryland stations.

[L00k4ward]

Originally Posted by dilly23

We are in the Lewes area and have both an antenna and an amplifier installed in the attic, but get no channels. Any thoughts as to how to improve reception without cable?

Use your address to determine which stations are available to you in which direction and what type of antenna you need, other conditions.
Explore the sites to troubleshoot

https://www.tvfool.com/modeling/

https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

You need TV with the tuner - new ones come without it?
Is your roof metal?

[dilly23]

thanks for those 2 websites to check---the roof is part shingle and part metal but what does that have to do with tv reception?

[roodd279]

Signals are weakened by just about any roof - but especially a metal roof. If you're not sure - take the antenna outside by hand for a few minutes and see if things improve. For sure - any metal "shielding" is going to reduce your chance of success.

[Star691]

Make sure the small end of the antenna is pointed toward the broadcast towers(many people get this wrong). Check the cable to make sure there aren’t any breaks or loose connectors. Buildings and trees can also obstruct/weaken TV signals.