Affiliate Link to CM7778-HD Preamp 👉 bit.ly/31vEuwQ Affiliate Link to 4 port powered splitter 👉 bit.ly/3F1zGgn Affiliate Link to 8 port powered splitter 👉 bit.ly/3JMK3Z9 📡 Do you have reception problems? Consider an antenna recommendation from me below! antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
With Tyler's custom recommendation,I went from the junk antenna to the Winegard HD76949 & the Channel Master 7778v3 Titan 2 med. Gain Preamp.I now get 60 channels with no interruption.👍👊📡📶
@@Toto4730 Just for clarification, did you use Tyler's antenna recommendation through his website, or did you have your own solution? I don't mind throwing him a few bucks, but I have a strong background in antennas/radio/wideband/microwave/satellite/cellular/cable, so I'm more concerned with wasted time on purchasing the wrong product.
@@Toto4730 very good 👍 You Antenna and amperflyer Is doing what DEVO sings Whip it Good 1980 instead of what QUEEN Sings Another One Bites The Dust 1980 !! Bravo !!
Hello Tyler, I was able to get a new old stock Radio Shack preamp. This unit cost me just five bucks at a yard sale. Was new in box and works just perfect. The yardsale also had a combination antenna that was for deep fringe reception with 100 miles plus distance to station. Now I am just set with free to the air reception. I used your site with all the information to make things work just great. Thanks a bunch to you Tyler the Antenna Man. Keep on doing what you do best and help us all on TH-cam get great reception. One more thing I forgot to say, the antenna is just five feet higher than the roof ridge. Do not have a rotor but am thinking of adding a second UHF antenna pointing in a different location. That is for a later date. Peace and out. VF
Good info Tyler been using one of these for years dual input . One thing to keep in mind the preamp can only amplify the signal that hits the antenna it does not make the antenna more sensitive .like you said just helps with cable loss .
Loved your impression of an "average every man with a cheap antenna and won't give it up"... Stellar performance, my friend. Cracked me up, not sure if that was the intent, nonetheless, I enjoyed it. LOL. Keep up the great work, Tyler, your approach to this subject matter is refreshing, your not using big words, nor are you condescending to your audience. Very informative, and entertaining. Looking forward to viewing more of your content. 😉👍
I was watching this and cracking up. I am an old school DXer and also from the Philadelphia area. I have experimented with antennas since I was in middle school. Its amazing how so many people nowadays that want to cut the cord are so ignorant when it comes to simple RF reception. I really like how you explain more than needed and dumb it down a little for the uneducated. What I was laughing about is your obvious display of disgust with "junk antennas" from shoddy manufacturers and I simply can't agree more about those pieces of garbage. What I also laughed about is you making a mocking voice of the know-it-alls. Outstanding! Hahaha
You gotta understand that this technology completely dropped off in peoples' lives and society is relearning it from the ground up. A lot of people watching this channel weren't even alive with antennas were used. For example, I had cable, satellite, and Internet through my entire life. Of course the original artisans will think the newbies are ignorant, but they're taking up the mantle of reviving a lost art and should be praised for their efforts. If it weren't for the new generation, the hobby would die off completely.
@@adultlunchables Very true. We got cable real late, '85, and we had a huge antenna on a mast two flights up. No rotator; no pre-amp, just pulled in the flagship stations in NYC using that flat ribbon wire so common in the day. So, I'm having to learn through "back channels", so to speak.
Most of the stores in my area don't even sell the cheap Coaxial cables. It is RG6. I checked all my wires and they are all the RG6. This is probably the best Preamp Channel Master has.
I only install RG6 cable. The signal is stable and you get all channels even if the signal is low. The RG59 is a nightmare, even for FM reception is still crap.
@@jeffreyd399 RG59 has its place (besides it trash LOL) -- if you need a very short, very flexible cable to make a hook-up, it can be used without suffering too much signal loss. By short, I mean literally no more than a foot or two long (like to go from a wall outlet to the back of a wall mounted flat screen TV, for instance). But anything beyond that kind of length and you will start to suffer from the very lossy nature of the cable.
Pre-amps help amplify the Pres. - Bullwinkle Having a similat Mastushita/Panasonic TV, I'm surprised your TV needs almost 50% to get a solid image. Mine takes about 35%, but if it's a steady signal, I've seen it work with only 26%.
It's that tuner box he uses. I bought one and it won't hold a signal if it doesn't stay over what it deems as 40% strength. When both my TVs built in tuners will hold a signal if it stays above what they deem as 20-25%. I even used the tuner box as a pass through (with it turned off) and I got minimal signal loss, comparied to directly connecting it to my TV. So the Tuner box was the problem.
@@Hobojoe4464 It's his TV tuner (unless the box has the same Panasonic/Matsushita GUI), because his GUI is exactly the same as mine, except my TV will hold a signal at 35%, and if it's super-steady, as low as 26% (very rare).
I am the type that needs an amplifier. When I UNPLUG the one that I currently have(Onn model that I do not remember where I got it from--possibly from buying a past antenna), my channels go away almost completely. However, with this Onn amplifier, I get 2 stations all of the time. And, 6 more stations come in intermittently(1 more station)* or at night. With that said, I must use a 100 ft long cable to reach my CS 4V MAX antenna placed above the roof on a tree pole. I did not take you up on your consultation offer only because I had bought the $150 antenna before I came across your site and I could no longer return it. So, if you had recommended to get another antenna, I could not. I was fully invested at this point(I have to get all I can out of this one), but it is arguably the best antenna that we've ever had. Never received 6 stations before--although we used to get the 3 stations needed all of the time and had to turn the pole to get an extra 4th station(one of the 6 stations mentioned). The CS 4V gets 2 AOTT--another in and out sometimes--and 6 in total. The old antenna was one of the popular Silver above-the-roof antennas that used the thin brown rectangle coax cable where you had to cut the wire and twisted the copper wire onto the screw. IS THIS AMP ONE OF THE BEST FOR PULLING IN CHANNELS THAT YOU CAN ALREADY GET ON SOME LEVEL? I VALUE YOUR OPINION AND WOULD BUY AN AMP THAT YOU THOUGHT MIGHT AMPLIFY THE CS 4V MAX... *These 3 stations are all that are needed. Most of the time, the intermittent station of channels is glitchy or in and out.
Thanks Tyler had to watch a few times because it took me a few times to get where the power inserter goes. I have seen some recommending putting the power inserter before the long cable run and others recommending after the long cable run
Thank you, Tyler for another Really great video. Lots of basic and easy to understand info as usual. Thanks and Congrats on the 100K subscribers. Harold.
The FM trap does not remove harmonics from the FM station, The FM trap blocks the main signal from the FM station. A very strong FM signal can saturate the amplifier and keep it from properly amplifying the weak signal from TV stations. Ed
Great video, l think many people think a preamp will make the attenna stronger and pull in weak signals. It doesn't, it amplifies a long cable run. Right? I bought one from channel master back when they would pick up the phone. First tech gave me wrong information. 2nd guy straightened me out. I had their less sophisticated version. It burnt out, and no bull the day of the Superbowl. I pulled it out of line and got the game.
Using a Wingard LNA200 with Denny's Stacker antenna I am 60 miles north of the broadcast towers and get about 35 channels; been reliable for 5 years now; except KSTC had a transmitter issue and is operating on a temporary authorization at a reduced power here in Minneapolis market.
I have tried a few combinations but ended up with a XG91 50' of RG-6 and a Winegard AP-8275. If the Winegard fails the CM-7778 looks good. Thanks for the review.
7:55 cm3414 great little product, did more on its own than my antenna amp in most cases. My cm7777 was overkill in most applications as a move from city to city and try a new setup every 4 years.
I replaced my "Juice" with this CM-7778hd. I see an improvement I hadn't planned on. It appears the CM is better at toning down overly strong signals. For 4 years my 5 TV's would have an occasional "hot" face or red or pink. That issue seems to now be almost completely gone....which also appears to make for a sharper picture. The lower setting receives a stronger signal for me.
Hey Tyler, new subscriber here. I just watched the video and remembered I have an 8 channel distribution amp from the late '50s or early '60s meaning its a tube amp. I've had it laying around for a couple years and never even thought of going through it and getting it working again, I now have a new project to play with, lol. I work on vintage guitar tube amps so this right up my alley and it has infinitely adjustable gain not just high or low and I am going to try to mount the antenna in my 2 two-story house attic. We'll see. Thanks for the info!!
Antenna's Direct ClearStream 2V for the win...:) 85 channels...Unfortunately, most of them are religious, Spanish, or home shopping but what can you do? On the bright side, soccer and Sabado Gigante!
Some of the old converters you can rescan adding to the old ones. Scan in each direction adding new channels. Then set so when you scan the TV you get the channals you want.
Awesome review. Worth looking into. Buffalo added 3 more stations last week. Start TV Decades and MOVIES! now receiving 55 strong stations and 5 weak 50% on or off. Weak transmitters need upgrades.
Great review as always Tyler! One area you did not touch on is knowing that amplifier might overdrive TV causing no picture or breakups. A reputable installer SHOULD have checked that TV(s) are OK with amplifier gain and no FM interference. If consumer installed the amp and set it for high ("Hey if low gain is good, then high outta be gangbusters for the distant 200 mile away station. ;-) ) The consumer installer not realizing the problem then one star and bad mouths amplifier. Also please post reference for the cable losses chart you showed.
So let me get this straight. The signal strength you gain using a large rooftop/attic antenna..you basically lose in the long cable? So then you have to get a good pre-amp to HOPEFULLY compensate for that loss? Then you have best of both worlds, right? Can a preamp still be beneficial if you use a short 6' RG6 coax and keep the antenna in the same room? I use an old school ClearStream 2 with the mesh backing and i'm thinking about adding a preamp but i'm not sure if i want to also finally move it in the attic. Also, all of my major networks broadcast on UHF except PBS which is Hi-V. Is that a situation where it should be beneficial to use a dual input and aim my second antenna directly towards PBS? Thanks!
I have the grey silver one 7778 . I plan to use it when I get a channel master antenna. Did use it on a Phillips antenna and learned only use a preamp like that on a passive antenna not when the antenna has its own amplifier. So my Phillips craped out.
This preamp sounds like it'd be a good choice to combine my ClearStream C4 & C5 antennas, especially when I'm trying to get stations ~60 miles away (getting Denver stations in Colorado Springs). -- BR
I'm right now on Gray-Hoverman with VHF hats added. I'm no designer, but I copy plans well. Though my original builds were wood, I moved to plastic for better signal isolation.
Tyler, did you conduct your test on the low or high power setting? Your gain led was red so I assume on high power. I would also assume if you open the amp and switch to low you still get the same amount of channels? This preamp costs more than others but it also features a LTE filter if you live close to cell towers.
I have a dual antenna (Original design CM4228 and a Deep Fringe Paralog VIP-307SR) installation that has worked well except for an intermittent contact problem at the antenna end. I'm replacing the preamp (a Titan 3) to upgrade and increase isolation from 5G interference. Should I use the separate inputs or the combined input? The separate inputs seem to be the obvious choice. The repack resulted in certain lower-powered PBS stations being lost. I will switch the FM trap out as I use the antenna for deep-fringe FM reception as well. Thanks for any clarification you can provide.
Keep up the good work I really appreciate your showing us the good antennas from the bad antennas and the preamp the question I have today is the splitter I have two antennas and I can't seem to find a splitter that allows for two separate antennas for example on one antenna tower I have three antennas facing south towards Colorado springs
I actually have a video on this topic. Combining antennas has to be done a very specific way or you will mess up reception. I do offer setup guidance on my website at the following link: www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
Great channel, Tyler! I watched a number of your vids and learned a lot. No bull, just plain English. Thanks. What do you think of the Antennas Direct DB8e? I've done well with it but paired it with those two pre-amps you dislike, the RCAPREAMP1R and the Winegard. Bought two RCAs over 6 years and one Winegard; the RCAs faired better. I'm thinking of your recommendation of the Radio Shack with adjust- able gain, but might get this one as an improvement over the 7777, in case I overcompensate the gain.
@@AntennaMan Thanks, Tyler. BTW, anyone reading this, go to his website and check out the myriad of antennas he reviews. If I'd done my homework, I would've seen my antenna already up there! Ooops.
Tyler I’m using a WinGard FL 6550A powered antenna to pull in 90% of my channels .local towers only 25-35 miles away. I bought an RCA Yagi as a directional antenna to try to pull in ION (older police shows NCIS etc) but tower is 42 miles and very weak signal. Can I use the preamp on the yagi into a splitter with the WinGard powered coax to my TV or would the two power sources overpower the final line feed to my television?
Another great product review. Alas, this amp is overkill for me. I like the adjustable gain. I'm a bit surprised by the inclusion of an FM trap vs an LTE trap. I would think those darn cell phones are a more likely problem. I'm trying to combine from different directions so the separate UHF/VHF input is not helpful. The device I'm looking for would have: adjustable gain, FM and LTE trap options, single input (or dual to act as a combiner.) I like the adjustable gain, but as another commenter pointed out, it is fairly easy to reduce the signal by inserting a splitter (or presumably more wire!) Since one direction is local and the other distant, perhaps the adjustable gain should be on one input to keep local signals from swamping out the distant? My local stations are UHF only, so perhaps the ability to have one input UHF/VHF and the other UHF only would be useful? Or just a switch between separated UHF/VHF and combiner mode. Not sure I've seen anything with dual traps, but I guess I can add an external LTE trap. (Do current LTE traps take into account the bands that were handed over to LTE with the latest repack?)
Greetings Tyler. I have the Antenna Direct ClearStream 2V, and it has separate VHF and UHF elements that are combined then have an output to the downwire. I plan to use this pre-amp, connect each UHF and VHF separately (taking advantage of the separate optimized amplification), and then send down to my Tablo. My question is, does this sound good? I purchased the Tablo, CM pre-amp, and cable via your store as a thank you for your info/advice (assuming I did it right).
Tyler I live near Atlanta, GA and already have a CM4228HD that needs installing hopefully using the existing satellite setup. I want the full treatment and to have each room to work equally well. I am no longer able to climb on roofs thus need a recommendation for someone who can provide this service here locally. I am also open to other antennae, if needed. Thanks, Ruben
What do you do with the unused outdoor port? Seal it up with silicone? Wouldn’t the weather find it’s way inside? Is this better than the previous model? I had the CM-7778 and it burned out in 6 Months. The power inserter port was brown as well as the PCT coax connector. I was using RG6 Quad Shield.
Antenna Man have you reviewed Denny's HD Stacker Antenna? I have looked can't find a comparison. Would be interested to get your input on that specific antenna and how it stacks up to other similar antennas.
Hey there Tyler. Any chance for an overall diagram? Locations of all the amplifier parts included? I could use more details with the power inserter and where it needs to be, could be located... close to the amplifier? Close to the tv? Thx for all the information you've posted. Very helpful.
I already made the video so I can't add to it. You can refer to the user manual or if you sign up for a consultation with me I can take the time to make a diagram. If interested visit the link below: antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
Unfortunately Channel Master went to the effort of moving production to Bulgaria last year and in the redesign did not allow for the repack in the US ,so the LTE blocking is above 700MHZ instead of the current 600Mhz, so as cell phone companies increase services you may have an issue in the future if your close to a broadcasting cell tower . And removing simple things like boots from the kit to keep the moisture out of your connections wasn't to smart either as most installers will use them .
What is the difference between the older model CM-7778 and the newer CM-7778HD? I have the older model which was manufactured (I think) just prior to the mandated digital conversion. I'm pretty sure the older model doesn't have adjustable gain but it does have an FM trap and separate UHF/VHF combined or VHF only inputs.
CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MANY DB,S THIS PUTS OUT I ALREADY HAVE THE CHANNEL MASTER SPLITTER YOU SHOWED WHEN I HAD MY STUFF INSTALLED THE GUY PUT A 30 DB GAIN POWER BOOSTER BUT OVER THE YEARS IT QUIT ALL I COULD FIND 25 DB I WAS RUNNING 8 TVS ON IT AND I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER 8 SPLITTER I'M RUNNING 5 TV,S NOW. SO IF I GOT THAT AMP COULD I PUSH 8 TVS WITH MY BRAND NEW CHANEL MASTER PLUG IN SPLITTER YOU THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER. THANK YOU FOR THE INFO IT,S VERY HARD TO GET ANY OUT THERE
I live in a rural area in Plymouth, MA that’s surrounded by trees. I tried to use the One For All 16472 antenna, which is an indoor antenna, to see how many stations I would get the first time I ever used it, and I only got 4 stations from Rhode Island, none of which were coming in clearly at all. If I buy the Channel Master Amplify+, will it not only clear up the stations that were coming in badly, but would it also help the antenna pick up even more stations? And while I’m on the subject, could you please do a review video of the One For All 16472, and see how it works for you? Thanks!
I purchase and review new antennas based on requests from voluntary contributions. If you would like to contribute to this fund to support the channel and request I review that antenna you can do so at the link below. antennamanpa.com/support.html
Hay Tyler, I got rid of my cable box that I had a cable F type connector hooked to it and then went out through HDMI cable to the back of my tv. My t.v. only has one F type connector hook up and I already have a antenna hook up and I want to hook my bacic cable back up that is also a F type connector What would you recommend to convert the F type cable connection to a HDMI?
Is the gain fully ajustable, or is it a high/low switch? That wasn't clear. Currently I have a high gain pre-amp and had to use a splitter to knock down the signal about 3db so as to prevent overload on a local channel, but still capture the distant channel. I've been looking for one that is fully adjustable.
Hi, enjoy yr videos. I'm in West Pittston Pa. Turned my set on not 1 of 8 channels of Wbre and Wyou, I believe Fox also. I know there were complaints last month when frequencies were changed. Is this going on with others? I hardly watch TV and just noticed. I'd appreciate yr help.
@@AntennaMan hello I just installed the channel master but I get no channels on my tablo when I run a scan. It does have power and before I was using a wineguard amp and it was working I switched back to the wineguard and it works. Do you think I have a bad unit. I think it was a bad unit and actually had an x on the back of it whenever I open it up to adjust anything looks like it would have been a great thing to get if it worked but I'm too scared to get another one as I have to pay the shipping back to channel Masters. I bought it off of Amazon and they agreed to pay for the shipping which they were not supposed to but I have that in writing. It's a shame because I believe it would be a good unit and like I said there was an x on the back of it which I find awful strange
Does this product filter/block out frequencies 109 - 173MHz? The support person for Channel Master was evasive about this by just regurgitating the words for the frequency for this product under the Tech Specs tab of the webpage.
Antenna Man Can you use this pre amp and amp with the Televes DATBOSS LR Mix UHF VHF Long Range antenna instead of the one that comes with the antenna? Thank you
No you can't or it will mess things up. If you are having issues with the Televes antenna you may need to adjust it with a tuner or try a different antenna.
You need to purchase a separate LTE Filter from Channel Master to reflect the recent 2020 FCC repack as this filters out frequencies greater than 610 MHz. The LTE filtering in the CM-7778HD does not filter out frequencies greater than 610 MHz as of October 21, 2020. This pushes the purchase price over $100 for preamp + LTE filter. FCC repack was completed in July of this year. I am hoping that Channel Master updates the LTE filter in this product and has new version (CM-7778HD version 2???) before I can consider buying this product; otherwise, this becomes a nickel and dime process to buy a separate LTE filter with this preamp.
I have a question I hope you can answer for me. I live in a rural area, is there a antenna that can be stationary and pick up channel from west and east of me?
You'll likely need a two antenna setup. It has to be set up a specific way or you will mess up your reception. I offer setup guidance at the following website: antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
Here is my setup Tyler I bought 2 antennae via your videos as in my apt I needed 1 to get MA Boston stations and one to get RI I am confused on everything as to cable length I use a premade 150 cable to hook up my 1st ant on the front porch and I just hooked up my HDTV and my new HD Homerun tuners my 2nd ant is mounted outside 15` away anyways let me post this comment to see if I get any help TIA! I want get as many stations as possible from RI and MA and I got a lot amps splitters and misc items to try to the cord I dont want to waste 40-60 a month for just locals. So recap I have 2 ant 1 facing Boston and 1 facing RI connected to 2 tuners my HDTV and my HDhomerun I want all the local stations but so far no suess
Affiliate Link to CM7778-HD Preamp 👉 bit.ly/31vEuwQ
Affiliate Link to 4 port powered splitter 👉 bit.ly/3F1zGgn
Affiliate Link to 8 port powered splitter 👉 bit.ly/3JMK3Z9
📡 Do you have reception problems? Consider an antenna recommendation from me below! antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
With Tyler's custom recommendation,I went from the junk antenna to the Winegard HD76949 & the Channel Master 7778v3 Titan 2 med. Gain Preamp.I now get 60 channels with no interruption.👍👊📡📶
What's a custom recommendation
@@carlthomas4959 Tyler offers antenna recommendations through his web site Antennamanpa.com.
@@Toto4730 Just for clarification, did you use Tyler's antenna recommendation through his website, or did you have your own solution? I don't mind throwing him a few bucks, but I have a strong background in antennas/radio/wideband/microwave/satellite/cellular/cable, so I'm more concerned with wasted time on purchasing the wrong product.
@@leopard4life240 I used his website.
@@Toto4730 very good 👍
You Antenna and amperflyer
Is doing what DEVO sings
Whip it Good 1980 instead of what QUEEN Sings Another One Bites The Dust 1980 !! Bravo !!
Hello Tyler, I was able to get a new old stock Radio Shack preamp. This unit cost me just five bucks at a yard sale. Was new in box and works just perfect. The yardsale also had a combination antenna that was for deep fringe reception with 100 miles plus distance to station. Now I am just set with free to the air reception. I used your site with all the information to make things work just great. Thanks a bunch to you Tyler the Antenna Man. Keep on doing what you do best and help us all on TH-cam get great reception. One more thing I forgot to say, the antenna is just five feet higher than the roof ridge. Do not have a rotor but am thinking of adding a second UHF antenna pointing in a different location. That is for a later date. Peace and out. VF
My antenna has a built in Amp and it works well, Having the Gain control is great to have to help not to over amplify and lose signal!
I have been using the old CM 7778 for years and it works well. Good review!
Good info Tyler been using one of these for years dual input . One thing to keep in mind the preamp can only amplify the signal that hits the antenna it does not make the antenna more sensitive .like you said just helps with cable loss .
Loved your impression of an "average every man with a cheap antenna and won't give it up"... Stellar performance, my friend. Cracked me up, not sure if that was the intent, nonetheless, I enjoyed it. LOL. Keep up the great work, Tyler, your approach to this subject matter is refreshing, your not using big words, nor are you condescending to your audience. Very informative, and entertaining. Looking forward to viewing more of your content. 😉👍
I was watching this and cracking up. I am an old school DXer and also from the Philadelphia area. I have experimented with antennas since I was in middle school. Its amazing how so many people nowadays that want to cut the cord are so ignorant when it comes to simple RF reception. I really like how you explain more than needed and dumb it down a little for the uneducated. What I was laughing about is your obvious display of disgust with "junk antennas" from shoddy manufacturers and I simply can't agree more about those pieces of garbage. What I also laughed about is you making a mocking voice of the know-it-alls. Outstanding! Hahaha
You gotta understand that this technology completely dropped off in peoples' lives and society is relearning it from the ground up. A lot of people watching this channel weren't even alive with antennas were used. For example, I had cable, satellite, and Internet through my entire life. Of course the original artisans will think the newbies are ignorant, but they're taking up the mantle of reviving a lost art and should be praised for their efforts. If it weren't for the new generation, the hobby would die off completely.
@@adultlunchables Very true. We got cable real late, '85, and we had a huge antenna on a mast two flights up. No rotator; no pre-amp, just pulled in the flagship stations in NYC using that flat ribbon wire so common in the day. So, I'm having to learn through "back channels", so to speak.
Most of the stores in my area don't even sell the cheap Coaxial cables. It is RG6. I checked all my wires and they are all the RG6. This is probably the best Preamp Channel Master has.
I only install RG6 cable. The signal is stable and you get all channels even if the signal is low. The RG59 is a nightmare, even for FM reception is still crap.
@@Nicholas_Chris And considering I am an FM dx'er RG59 would go straight into the trash. I wouldn't even buy that crap.
@@jeffreyd399 RG59 has its place (besides it trash LOL) -- if you need a very short, very flexible cable to make a hook-up, it can be used without suffering too much signal loss. By short, I mean literally no more than a foot or two long (like to go from a wall outlet to the back of a wall mounted flat screen TV, for instance).
But anything beyond that kind of length and you will start to suffer from the very lossy nature of the cable.
You'd be surprised. I've seen coaxial cable labeled RG6 at Walmart but it's as thin as hair.
I plan on using this video to ensure I have my CM3414 is connected properly. Lots of useful advice here. You da man Tyler!
NEVER APOLOGIZE for having INFORMATION.
Thanks for all the Info.
I bought a Channel master Mini 1 and it fixed the break up I was getting on the channels I could receive on my rabbit ears 😍
Radio Shack has that kind of signal amplifier too. I bought it in 1999 and it still works until now.”
I am a long time user of Channel Master equipment. Never a problem. Some signal loss can be over come by the type of coax you use also.
Pre-amps help amplify the Pres. - Bullwinkle
Having a similat Mastushita/Panasonic TV, I'm surprised your TV needs almost 50% to get a solid image. Mine takes about 35%, but if it's a steady signal, I've seen it work with only 26%.
It's that tuner box he uses.
I bought one and it won't hold a signal if it doesn't stay over what it deems as 40% strength. When both my TVs built in tuners will hold a signal if it stays above what they deem as 20-25%.
I even used the tuner box as a pass through (with it turned off) and I got minimal signal loss, comparied to directly connecting it to my TV.
So the Tuner box was the problem.
@@Hobojoe4464 It's his TV tuner (unless the box has the same Panasonic/Matsushita GUI), because his GUI is exactly the same as mine, except my TV will hold a signal at 35%, and if it's super-steady, as low as 26% (very rare).
I am the type that needs an amplifier. When I UNPLUG the one that I currently have(Onn model that I do not remember where I got it from--possibly from buying a past antenna), my channels go away almost completely. However, with this Onn amplifier, I get 2 stations all of the time. And, 6 more stations come in intermittently(1 more station)* or at night. With that said, I must use a 100 ft long cable to reach my CS 4V MAX antenna placed above the roof on a tree pole. I did not take you up on your consultation offer only because I had bought the $150 antenna before I came across your site and I could no longer return it.
So, if you had recommended to get another antenna, I could not. I was fully invested at this point(I have to get all I can out of this one), but it is arguably the best antenna that we've ever had. Never received 6 stations before--although we used to get the 3 stations needed all of the time and had to turn the pole to get an extra 4th station(one of the 6 stations mentioned). The CS 4V gets 2 AOTT--another in and out sometimes--and 6 in total. The old antenna was one of the popular Silver above-the-roof antennas that used the thin brown rectangle coax cable where you had to cut the wire and twisted the copper wire onto the screw. IS THIS AMP ONE OF THE BEST FOR PULLING IN CHANNELS THAT YOU CAN ALREADY GET ON SOME LEVEL? I VALUE YOUR OPINION AND WOULD BUY AN AMP THAT YOU THOUGHT MIGHT AMPLIFY THE CS 4V MAX...
*These 3 stations are all that are needed. Most of the time, the intermittent station of channels is glitchy or in and out.
From my experience the preamp works best with Yagi or Log antenna. It helps you get all the channels with no problem.
Succinct summation. You addressed all my suspicions/questions in just a few minutes -- Thank You!!
Hi, Tyler! I got CM-7778HD for our Stellar Labs antenna to get local TV stations in the San Antonio, TX area.
I decided to get this for attic because it has power over coax. My other choice was CM-7777HD which is a USB power
Thanks Tyler had to watch a few times because it took me a few times to get where the power inserter goes. I have seen some recommending putting the power inserter before the long cable run and others recommending after the long cable run
Thank you, Tyler for another Really great video. Lots of basic and easy to understand info as usual. Thanks and Congrats on the 100K subscribers. Harold.
I put this on my outdoor setup and put it on the high setting the reception on all my channels went through the roof.
The FM trap does not remove harmonics from the FM station, The FM trap blocks the main signal from the FM station. A very strong FM signal can saturate the amplifier and keep it from properly amplifying the weak signal from TV stations. Ed
Great video, l think many people think a preamp will make the attenna stronger and pull in weak signals. It doesn't, it amplifies a long cable run. Right? I bought one from channel master back when they would pick up the phone. First tech gave me wrong information. 2nd guy straightened me out. I had their less sophisticated version. It burnt out, and no bull the day of the Superbowl. I pulled it out of line and got the game.
Always love seeing that PingDingBing antenna
Using a Wingard LNA200 with Denny's Stacker antenna I am 60 miles north of the broadcast towers and get about 35 channels; been reliable for 5 years now; except KSTC had a transmitter issue and is operating on a temporary authorization at a reduced power here in Minneapolis market.
I have tried a few combinations but ended up with a XG91 50' of RG-6 and a Winegard AP-8275. If the Winegard fails the CM-7778 looks good. Thanks for the review.
7:55 cm3414 great little product, did more on its own than my antenna amp in most cases. My cm7777 was overkill in most applications as a move from city to city and try a new setup every 4 years.
I replaced my "Juice" with this CM-7778hd. I see an improvement I hadn't planned on. It appears the CM is better at toning down overly strong signals. For 4 years my 5 TV's would have an occasional "hot" face or red or pink. That issue seems to now be almost completely gone....which also appears to make for a sharper picture. The lower setting receives a stronger signal for me.
I have heard bad things about the Juice by other commenters. The Channel Master Preamps seem better.
Hey Tyler, new subscriber here. I just watched the video and remembered I have an 8 channel distribution amp from the late '50s or early '60s meaning its a tube amp. I've had it laying around for a couple years and never even thought of going through it and getting it working again, I now have a new project to play with, lol. I work on vintage guitar tube amps so this right up my alley and it has infinitely adjustable gain not just high or low and I am going to try to mount the antenna in my 2 two-story house attic. We'll see. Thanks for the info!!
I still have my old Trisonic preamp. It claims 36 db, but I have my doubts. I paid 19 or $20 at Walmart, but I may have to upgrade to the CM-7778.
Antenna's Direct ClearStream 2V for the win...:) 85 channels...Unfortunately, most of them are religious, Spanish, or home shopping but what can you do? On the bright side, soccer and Sabado Gigante!
Some of the old converters you can rescan adding to the old ones. Scan in each direction adding new channels. Then set so when you scan the TV you get the channals you want.
Tyler knows what he is talking about.
Awesome review. Worth looking into. Buffalo added 3 more stations last week. Start TV Decades and MOVIES! now receiving 55 strong stations and 5 weak 50% on or off. Weak transmitters need upgrades.
Some of the Buffalo stations are at reduced power. I have a video on this topic if you go on channel.
Hmmmm, I could use one since I’m 35-45 miles away from the main antennas
That little 7 inch TV is hard to find brand new..
But, your videos are really good with great information, keep it up bud.
There's one left in stock brand new here: ebay.to/37TAzIT
Great review as always Tyler! One area you did not touch on is knowing that amplifier might overdrive TV causing no picture or breakups. A reputable installer SHOULD have checked that TV(s) are OK with amplifier gain and no FM interference. If consumer installed the amp and set it for high ("Hey if low gain is good, then high outta be gangbusters for the distant 200 mile away station. ;-) ) The consumer installer not realizing the problem then one star and bad mouths amplifier.
Also please post reference for the cable losses chart you showed.
did you watch the video & cable loss charts are easy to find
i love your videos i have learned a lot i have seen most of your videos.keep them coming.
Thanks Tyler, love your content!
So let me get this straight. The signal strength you gain using a large rooftop/attic antenna..you basically lose in the long cable? So then you have to get a good pre-amp to HOPEFULLY compensate for that loss? Then you have best of both worlds, right? Can a preamp still be beneficial if you use a short 6' RG6 coax and keep the antenna in the same room? I use an old school ClearStream 2 with the mesh backing and i'm thinking about adding a preamp but i'm not sure if i want to also finally move it in the attic.
Also, all of my major networks broadcast on UHF except PBS which is Hi-V. Is that a situation where it should be beneficial to use a dual input and aim my second antenna directly towards PBS?
Thanks!
Great video as always Tyler , have an awesome day
I have the grey silver one 7778 . I plan to use it when I get a channel master antenna. Did use it on a Phillips antenna and learned only use a preamp like that on a passive antenna not when the antenna has its own amplifier. So my Phillips craped out.
Thanks to Tyler , I own this amp and get great reception 👍👍
Tyler, you the man! You were too funny at 10:03. Do some more like that and more of the "Black hand of death".
This preamp sounds like it'd be a good choice to combine my ClearStream C4 & C5 antennas, especially when I'm trying to get stations ~60 miles away (getting Denver stations in Colorado Springs).
-- BR
Two days following tropical storm; no electric, and no Internet. However I did get TV from three markets, on an antenna I built myself from plans.
I like to build my own antennas too.
I'm right now on Gray-Hoverman with VHF hats added. I'm no designer, but I copy plans well. Though my original builds were wood, I moved to plastic for better signal isolation.
Tyler, did you conduct your test on the low or high power setting? Your gain led was red so I assume on high power. I would also assume if you open the amp and switch to low you still get the same amount of channels? This preamp costs more than others but it also features a LTE filter if you live close to cell towers.
I tried it on both high/low setting and there wasn't a difference between the two settings.
Would the high gain switch setting be too much for an attic antenna?
I heard years ago that noise figure was one of the more important numbers to consider
If as you say a preamp is to address signal loss from long cables, what is a distribution amp for? When and why would you chose one over the other?
Been waiting for this one. Thank You!
I have a dual antenna (Original design CM4228 and a Deep Fringe Paralog VIP-307SR) installation that has worked well except for an intermittent contact problem at the antenna end. I'm replacing the preamp (a Titan 3) to upgrade and increase isolation from 5G interference. Should I use the separate inputs or the combined input? The separate inputs seem to be the obvious choice. The repack resulted in certain lower-powered PBS stations being lost. I will switch the FM trap out as I use the antenna for deep-fringe FM reception as well. Thanks for any clarification you can provide.
My coax cable is stamped Beldent-T 9
11 Duobond II 75 ohm Series 6 1C18 E108998. Is this a quality cable or should I upgrade? Thanks for your videos.
HOWdy A-M,
Thanks for this REVIEW
COOP
...
Keep up the good work I really appreciate your showing us the good antennas from the bad antennas and the preamp the question I have today is the splitter I have two antennas and I can't seem to find a splitter that allows for two separate antennas for example on one antenna tower I have three antennas facing south towards Colorado springs
I actually have a video on this topic. Combining antennas has to be done a very specific way or you will mess up reception. I do offer setup guidance on my website at the following link: www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
When are you gonna test out the TELEVES 560483 pre amp? I want to know if its better than my CM 7778HD? Thanks love your channel!
What are you using to get the digital signal strength on your screen? Love your videos.
Great channel, Tyler! I watched a number of your vids and learned a lot.
No bull, just plain English. Thanks.
What do you think of the Antennas Direct DB8e? I've done well with it
but paired it with those two pre-amps you dislike, the RCAPREAMP1R
and the Winegard. Bought two RCAs over 6 years and one Winegard;
the RCAs faired better.
I'm thinking of your recommendation of the Radio Shack with adjust-
able gain, but might get this one as an improvement over the 7777,
in case I overcompensate the gain.
The DB8E is a good UHF antenna but won't work well with VHF stations.
@@AntennaMan Thanks, Tyler!
@@AntennaMan Thanks, Tyler.
BTW, anyone reading this, go to his website and check out
the myriad of antennas he reviews. If I'd done my homework,
I would've seen my antenna already up there!
Ooops.
Tyler I’m using a WinGard FL 6550A powered antenna to pull in 90% of my channels .local towers only 25-35 miles away. I bought an RCA Yagi as a directional antenna to try to pull in ION (older police shows NCIS etc) but tower is 42 miles and very weak signal. Can I use the preamp on the yagi into a splitter with the WinGard powered coax to my TV or would the two power sources overpower the final line feed to my television?
Another great product review. Alas, this amp is overkill for me. I like the adjustable gain. I'm a bit surprised by the inclusion of an FM trap vs an LTE trap. I would think those darn cell phones are a more likely problem. I'm trying to combine from different directions so the separate UHF/VHF input is not helpful. The device I'm looking for would have: adjustable gain, FM and LTE trap options, single input (or dual to act as a combiner.)
I like the adjustable gain, but as another commenter pointed out, it is fairly easy to reduce the signal by inserting a splitter (or presumably more wire!) Since one direction is local and the other distant, perhaps the adjustable gain should be on one input to keep local signals from swamping out the distant? My local stations are UHF only, so perhaps the ability to have one input UHF/VHF and the other UHF only would be useful? Or just a switch between separated UHF/VHF and combiner mode. Not sure I've seen anything with dual traps, but I guess I can add an external LTE trap. (Do current LTE traps take into account the bands that were handed over to LTE with the latest repack?)
Greetings Tyler. I have the Antenna Direct ClearStream 2V, and it has separate VHF and UHF elements that are combined then have an output to the downwire. I plan to use this pre-amp, connect each UHF and VHF separately (taking advantage of the separate optimized amplification), and then send down to my Tablo. My question is, does this sound good? I purchased the Tablo, CM pre-amp, and cable via your store as a thank you for your info/advice (assuming I did it right).
It depends on your area. It may work fine. If the signals are too weak you may need a larger antenna.
@@AntennaMan Thanks. 40 miles from towers so it looks good (on paper).
Tyler I live near Atlanta, GA and already have a CM4228HD that needs installing hopefully using the existing satellite setup. I want the full treatment and to have each room to work equally well. I am no longer able to climb on roofs thus need a recommendation for someone who can provide this service here locally. I am also open to other antennae, if needed. Thanks, Ruben
What do you do with the unused outdoor port? Seal it up with silicone? Wouldn’t the weather find it’s way inside? Is this better than the previous model? I had the CM-7778 and it burned out in 6 Months. The power inserter port was brown as well as the PCT coax connector. I was using RG6 Quad Shield.
Did you have the preamp and antenna grounded?
Antenna Man have you reviewed Denny's HD Stacker Antenna? I have looked can't find a comparison. Would be interested to get your input on that specific antenna and how it stacks up to other similar antennas.
Thanks Tyler, good job!
Hey there Tyler. Any chance for an overall diagram? Locations of all the amplifier parts included? I could use more details with the power inserter and where it needs to be, could be located... close to the amplifier? Close to the tv? Thx for all the information you've posted. Very helpful.
I already made the video so I can't add to it. You can refer to the user manual or if you sign up for a consultation with me I can take the time to make a diagram. If interested visit the link below: antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
great video keep up the good work !!
Unfortunately Channel Master went to the effort of moving production to Bulgaria last year and in the redesign did not allow for the repack in the US ,so the LTE blocking is above 700MHZ instead of the current 600Mhz, so as cell phone companies increase services you may have an issue in the future if your close to a broadcasting cell tower . And removing simple things like boots from the kit to keep the moisture out of your connections wasn't to smart either as most installers will use them .
That junk antenna looks like a stage prop from a classic 50s, 60s, or 70s SciFi show ...
What is the difference between the older model CM-7778 and the newer CM-7778HD? I have the older model which was manufactured (I think) just prior to the mandated digital conversion. I'm pretty sure the older model doesn't have adjustable gain but it does have an FM trap and separate UHF/VHF combined or VHF only inputs.
Adjustable gain and the dual antenna input. I don't know if the old CM7778 had an FM trap either.
Hi brother what is a good digital antenna
CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MANY DB,S THIS PUTS OUT I ALREADY HAVE THE CHANNEL MASTER SPLITTER YOU SHOWED WHEN I HAD MY STUFF INSTALLED THE GUY PUT A 30 DB GAIN POWER BOOSTER BUT OVER THE YEARS IT QUIT ALL I COULD FIND 25 DB I WAS RUNNING 8 TVS ON IT AND I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER 8 SPLITTER I'M RUNNING 5 TV,S NOW. SO IF I GOT THAT AMP COULD I PUSH 8 TVS WITH MY BRAND NEW CHANEL MASTER PLUG IN SPLITTER YOU THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER. THANK YOU FOR THE INFO IT,S VERY HARD TO GET ANY OUT THERE
I live in a rural area in Plymouth, MA that’s surrounded by trees. I tried to use the One For All 16472 antenna, which is an indoor antenna, to see how many stations I would get the first time I ever used it, and I only got 4 stations from Rhode Island, none of which were coming in clearly at all. If I buy the Channel Master Amplify+, will it not only clear up the stations that were coming in badly, but would it also help the antenna pick up even more stations? And while I’m on the subject, could you please do a review video of the One For All 16472, and see how it works for you? Thanks!
I purchase and review new antennas based on requests from voluntary contributions. If you would like to contribute to this fund to support the channel and request I review that antenna you can do so at the link below. antennamanpa.com/support.html
Hay Tyler, I got rid of my cable box that I had a cable F type connector hooked to it and then went out through HDMI cable to the back of my tv. My t.v. only has one F type connector hook up and I already have a antenna hook up and I want to hook my bacic cable back up that is also a F type connector What would you recommend to convert the F type cable connection to a HDMI?
You can use a freewave antenna tools
Can I put the power inserter after a splitter that allows power pass through?
Hey Tyler, have you ever tested the antenna that Dish provides for a OTA signal?
Yes. It will be featured on a future video of mine.
Good, honest review. Thanks.
i have a long run just over 2000 ft will it work
What is the best attic antenna?
Is the gain fully ajustable, or is it a high/low switch? That wasn't clear. Currently I have a high gain pre-amp and had to use a splitter to knock down the signal about 3db so as to prevent overload on a local channel, but still capture the distant channel. I've been looking for one that is fully adjustable.
It's just a high/low switch. This is one of the only preamps I found to have a "fully adjustable" gain setting: amzn.to/2DmOc8C
How does this compare to the Kitz pre-amplifiers? I've read some good reviews about them.
You'll have to wait and see when I review a Kitz amp on my channel.
Hi, enjoy yr videos. I'm in West Pittston Pa. Turned my set on not 1 of 8 channels of Wbre and Wyou, I believe Fox also. I know there were complaints last month when frequencies were changed. Is this going on with others? I hardly watch TV and just noticed. I'd appreciate yr help.
They are still having transmitter issues. Contact the TV station directly for updates. You can find their phone number on the website pahomepage.com
I have just ordered this today and I have a wineguard hd8200u. what are your thoughts on my antenna that I have thank you.
The antenna from a design standpoint is great. However, there's a common issue with the 75ohm cartridge. It's known to fail after a few years.
@@AntennaMan thank you! Is there a way to get the p/n and replace the cartridge if it goes bad
@@AntennaMan hello I just installed the channel master but I get no channels on my tablo when I run a scan. It does have power and before I was using a wineguard amp and it was working I switched back to the wineguard and it works. Do you think I have a bad unit. I think it was a bad unit and actually had an x on the back of it whenever I open it up to adjust anything looks like it would have been a great thing to get if it worked but I'm too scared to get another one as I have to pay the shipping back to channel Masters. I bought it off of Amazon and they agreed to pay for the shipping which they were not supposed to but I have that in writing. It's a shame because I believe it would be a good unit and like I said there was an x on the back of it which I find awful strange
Does this product filter/block out frequencies 109 - 173MHz? The support person for Channel Master was evasive about this by just regurgitating the words for the frequency for this product under the Tech Specs tab of the webpage.
It might not. That's a good observation.
If a preamp is used with a distribution amp are power supplies needed for both amplifiers ? Or can one power supply be used?
You would need power supplies for both
Antenna Man Can you use this pre amp and amp with the Televes DATBOSS LR Mix UHF VHF Long Range antenna instead of the one that comes with the antenna? Thank you
No you can't or it will mess things up. If you are having issues with the Televes antenna you may need to adjust it with a tuner or try a different antenna.
You need to purchase a separate LTE Filter from Channel Master to reflect the recent 2020 FCC repack as this filters out frequencies greater than 610 MHz. The LTE filtering in the CM-7778HD does not filter out frequencies greater than 610 MHz as of October 21, 2020. This pushes the purchase price over $100 for preamp + LTE filter. FCC repack was completed in July of this year. I am hoping that Channel Master updates the LTE filter in this product and has new version (CM-7778HD version 2???) before I can consider buying this product; otherwise, this becomes a nickel and dime process to buy a separate LTE filter with this preamp.
Most areas don't need an LTE filter. I didn't add one on mine in the video. It worked great.
Can this be used on a indoor antenna to help pick up weaker stations?
If you have a short cable it's unlikely to make much of a difference.
does this have the lte filter?
I have a question I hope you can answer for me. I live in a rural area, is there a antenna that can be stationary and pick up channel from west and east of me?
You'll likely need a two antenna setup. It has to be set up a specific way or you will mess up your reception. I offer setup guidance at the following website: antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
I have an amateur radio guy 2nd house up the street. Is that something that can cause TV interference?
nice very informative thanks..also what the heck! Sally Jesse rafael still has a show?
Could you use the CM Preamp with your magic paper clip?
Yes!
@@AntennaMan I keep forgetting to ask you about the AM radio reception how can you improve it ?
Does this unit mount outdoors near the antenna or, indoors at the tv ?
Rewatch the video. One part goes up at the antenna and the other closer to the tv
@@AntennaMan, thank you
@Antenna Man
I keep forgetting to ask you
How about The AM reception
How can you improve
AM ?
An AM loop antenna or stream the station on the internet.
@@AntennaMan Thanks
I Will look it up
Here is my setup Tyler I bought 2 antennae via your videos as in my apt I needed 1 to get MA Boston stations and one to get RI I am confused on everything as to cable length I use a premade 150 cable to hook up my 1st ant on the front porch and I just hooked up my HDTV and my new HD Homerun tuners my 2nd ant is mounted outside 15` away anyways let me post this comment to see if I get any help TIA! I want get as many stations as possible from RI and MA and I got a lot amps splitters and misc items to try to the cord I dont want to waste 40-60 a month for just locals. So recap I have 2 ant 1 facing Boston and 1 facing RI connected to 2 tuners my HDTV and my HDhomerun I want all the local stations but so far no suess
Will this be of use after we move to ATSC 3?
Yes the only thing that will have to change is your tv tuner