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Streaming app for OTA channels

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8.7K views 43 replies 20 participants last post by  jk246  
#1 ·
Is there an app that can be used to stream local (OTA) channels without using an antenna?

Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Is there an app that can be used to stream local (OTA) channels without using an antenna?

Thanks in advance.
I have a "MyGica" -- which is an app, and comes with a tiny dual antenna. In a pinch it's pretty good, and given the size of the antenna, it does reasonably well. The UI can be a little "klunky" at times...but it works.
This is the only gadget for portable OTA that I'm aware of.
 
#3 ·
Most local television stations have their own app which will let you stream their original content (news, weather, public affairs programming, etc) for free. For anything else, such as primetime or sports, you'll need an MPVD service that carries your local stations' streams, such as YouTubeTV or DirecTV Stream. You can also get programming from the networks' own streaming platforms such as Paramount Plus, which includes the live stream from participating CBS affiliates and Peacock, which does similar for NBC.

Hope that helps
 
#5 ·
Is there an app that can be used to stream local (OTA) channels without using an antenna?
Nothing for free, some have tried but got smacked down by the big guys.. You can stream local OTA via paid streaming services, but they come loaded with a bunch of other stuff.

You can get a network tuner, which does require an antenna, but allows you to stream all local channels you pick up over your network to any of your devices, some even support DVR functionality. Google "HDHomerun" for an example.
 
#6 ·
@renjeti No, not without an antenna. With an antenna, you can either use the ATSC tuner in your tv (if it has one) or a separate STB. However, a lot of local stations have switched over to ATSC 3.0 so you need to make sure that the ATSC tuner that you use is ATSC 3.0, whether it is built-in to your tv or external.
 
#8 ·
It's pretty hard to just get OTA channels in a convenient and reliable way without paying. Your cable provider may have the best deal for that. In general, and if you need live sports, Fubo is great. It's reliable and they have an awesome app for the Apple TV. If I wasn't Fubo user, I'd probably have Hulu ... and then Youtube TV after that. I've tried them all. In the end, it really just depends on the channels you need. By the way, cheap "over the top" streaming is a thing of the past, especially if you need live OTA channels.
 
#10 ·
Sling, through their AirTV device, allows you to get local channels without signing up for their service. You still need an antenna, though.
What's your aversion to using an antenna? There are many (reasonably priced) quality indoor antennas available. Are you out of range?
 
#12 ·
I use a Channel Master Flatenna+ antenna (sticks to my window) connected to an HDHomeRun Flex 4k, which is connected via ethernet to my home network. With this setup, I can use the HDHomeRun app on my iPad, my phone, my TV's (either with built-in apps or via a streaming device), etc. It works really well! I can even DVR/record shows with Plex (paid for the lifetime membership to get this capability a few years ago).
 
#13 ·
Thank you everyone for your input. I currently have TV service via my cable provider, but we barely watch any tv other than sports on local tv channels.
I am trying to cancel the service but still would like to have the ability to watch sports on phones/tablets/projector. If I have to use an antenna, I will lose the ability and that's why I am trying to see if there is a streaming app. May be someone should start a new service!!!
I have tried the apps for the local channels, but they don't carry the live programming and definitely don't carry live sports,
 
#16 ·
In that case subscribing to a service like YouTube TV that has your local TV channels as well as many cable stations might be your best bet.
You would be able to stream sports on not only the local channels, but TNT, TBS, ESPN, etc.
YTTV supports streaming to smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices with their app installed. I think you can have 3 streams active at the same time with the basic plan too.
 
#19 ·
A Slingbox used to take your home TV signal and make it viewable via an app but they closed up shop recently.

Locast came along and tried to fill the void but got sued by the networks.
 
#23 ·
If you're dead-set on using apps, have a look at HDHomerun. The Homerun receives local signals via antenna and distributes them via your home network for use on apps such as Plex. I do not have this, so I can't elaborate. Use our search box, above, to find more HDHomerun threads than you can imagine. Search "homerun" or "HDHR" for the most hits.

As for antennas, if you go that route, please use our excellent antenna gurus by going here:
(289) Local HDTV Info and Reception | AVS Forum
Read ALL of the sticky threads at the top, then find the local thread for your television market. Supply the requested information and they'll have antenna suggestions in short order. Reminder, READ the sticky threads all the way through and supply the suggested information in your initial post. You'd be surprised how many people leave stuff out, get zero help, then gripe about it. :)

Doc
 
#25 ·
I think the OP is asking how can they watch OTA channels on phones and tablets. The HD Home Run ecosystem will do this. You'll need one of their OTA receivers and the free app on your phone, tablet or computer. If you want to watch it on your TV, either the TV needs to be a Smart TV where the HD Home Run app can be installed or you'll need to add a supported streamer where you can install the HD Home Run app. I don't know if a Roku, ATV ChromeCast with Google TV, and/or FireTV Stick will work.

The OTA receiver comes in either a 2 tuner or 4 tuner model. You'll need one tuner for each channel someone wants to watch at a given time. So if three folks want to watch something different at the same time, you'll want the 4 tuner model. I would also subscribe to the Electronic Program Guide. It's about $36 a year as best I can tell. There is a separate HD Home Run DVR box that can be purchased and possibly an HD Home Run cloud based DVR service that you can buy.

As well, you may be able to do this with the TiVo OTA gear but I thought I read somewhere they were getting out of the OTA business. One used to be able to do this with Amazon's Recast but it has been end of lifed by Amazon.
 
#27 ·
As well, you may be able to do this with the TiVo OTA gear but I thought I read somewhere they were getting out of the OTA business. One used to be able to do this with Amazon's Recast but it has been end of lifed by Amazon.
Maybe, but they're still selling them and you know they'll keep doing the guide updates so long as there is a subscription base supporting it. I have the Bolt OTA, which also skips commercials automatically on most recordings. I flat forgot TiVo has an app. I can set recordings, delete recordings and stream content to my phone. It also works with some Android TV boxes, according to the app page in the Play store.
 
#26 ·
Similar to m0j0, I have an antenna feeding a Tablo TV (4-tuner DVR), which is connected to my home network. On my TVs, I watch it through my Roku streaming boxes. On my phone or computer, I use the Tablo TV app. On my phone or computer, I have the same functionality as I have on my TV -- watch live or recorded programs, schedule recordings, etc.
 
#30 ·
YouTube tv offers local channels and its app lets you watch on your phone and tablets as well
 
#32 ·
Silicondust has a variety of products that can put your OTA (and cable, for that matter) on your home network. From there, an AppleTV with the Channels app enables you to watch your OTA programs on your TV. Assuming your network has WiFi, there are Channels apps for iOS devices, probably for others as well, I don't have any so you'll have to check those. They also have apps for using a computer for a DVR and the ability to watch the channels on your home networked tuner(s) remotely via the internet. Silicondust has a very good customer support forum with good response time. Their latest generation tuner has 4 tuners capable of tuning ATSC stations, 2 of which are also capable of tuning ATSC3.0. The initial cost is somewhat steep ($200 for the tuner plus the cost of the AppleTV 4K if you go that route, but that, and the cost of the apps is pretty much it (unless you want to add more tuners later).

Otto mentioned ATSC 3.0... more facilities continue to come on line, but it's spotty, because it's an expensive prospect to bring not only a new transmitter on-line, but also the slew of new capabilities that come with ATSC 3.0 as well, that all costs more money. Generally speaking, with some exceptions, smaller markets will take longer to come online. Since television manufacturers have just started delivering ATSC 3.0 capable hardware in about the last year, and even those that have, have limited it to their higher-end products, it will take some time for customer demand to be fully embraced, especially in many of the mid- and smaller markets. Many of the stations that are listed as broadcasting in ATSC 3.0 are essentially broadcasting test signals and program material while they determine signal penetration and interference with other services and tweak their systems for better performance. Don't assume that your ATSC 3.0 transmission will come from the same tower as your ATSC signal came from. I live in the a large metro area and all of the networks are broadcasting from a PBS tower remote from their location- it's uncertain if they'll eventually move back to their own towers. One of the better aspects of ATSC 3.0 is that it is a more robust transmission and will have higher allowable broadcast power, so more people from further away will be capable of receiving OTA broadcasts.

( Off topic- when I travel, I carry a Winegard FlatWave antenna that has it's own preamp, a Silicondust tuner, (and optionally a TP-Link travel router for connecting to phones and tablets) with me- lets me have access to OTA anywhere there's a signal)
 
#35 ·
I would suggest getting the Flex4K, it's expensive, but all 4 tuners work with ATSC, and 2 of the 4 work with ATSC 3.0, which will allow you to watch new ATSC broadcasts as they come online. The other choice is a quad ATSC tuner which will provide no further benefit once ATSC 3.0 has been fully embraced (many broadcasters have promised to continue to provide ATSC for at least a year after ATSC 3.0 becomes the official standard in the US. ATSC 3.0 also opens the door to mobile tv reception, for good or bad.
 
#39 ·
Some articles to show you what's out there.

SiliconDust HDHomeRun DVR review: Buy the hardware, but you should skip the software

Channels DVR review: The best over-the-air DVR for cord-cutting enthusiasts

Channels DVR: The best solution to IPTV streaming

Channels: Whole Home DVR

Silicondust has their own DVR hardware/software, but Channels appears to be more popular. That's not a knock on Silicondust, I've been using their hardware for as long as it's been around, and it works great and it's highly reliable.