Can You Use a Satellite Dish As an Ota Antenna?

Many options for television reception are currently offered.

An OTA, or over the air, antenna is an older television antenna that harnesses signals projected from local television stations for viewing. With newer technologies evolving everyday, coupling this older device with modern ones requires some extra work.

Features

A satellite dish receives its data from satellites rotating around the Earth. People who have satellite dish subscriptions receive multiple channels, many in high definition, and can also receive local channels at a set price.

Considerations

A satellite dish cannot act as an OTA antenna, but a modification to the dish is possible. To receive free local programming through an OTA antenna, but still receive satellite channels, a clip on antenna is available for positioning on the satellite dish itself. Additionally, the signals from both the satellite and OTA can be combined within the same cable supplying the building.

Helpful Tip

Although the signals can share the same cable, once the cable reaches the set top box, or satellite receiver, a diplexer is necessary to split the cabling, so that inputs to both satellite and antenna can be achieved.

References

• Crutchfield: Choosing and Installing an Antenna for HDTV
• HDTV Pub: HDTV Reception