Archived Thread

NFT: Watching TV while tailgating, how?

JFIB : 10/30/2014 8:04 am

Need some help from some of you hardcore tailgating BBI'ers. Going to an outdoor event on Sunday and the bulk of the early afternoon will be spent waiting around. We really would like to set up a TV to watch our local NFL games while we're there and I'm trying to figure out a way to do it. We tested out an HD Antenna but couldn't get that to produce anything and thought that potentially an I-Pad with the Sunday ticket app and an HDMI cable into the TV might do the trick. Does anyone have any experience trying to pull this off? I'm not sure if the Sunday Ticket App will allow me to watch local games or just the games offered in the 700 channel block on the TV. Would love some suggestions if anyone has any. Thanks!

We have a spare Direct TV dish

figgy2989 : 10/30/2014 8:17 am : link

That we bring to the games. Obviously if anyone has a spare, you can set up on a Tri-Pod and all you would need is a direct TV receiver to bring with you to the game. Now finding the signal is another animal all together. I know there are guys next to our tailgate that have some sort of HDMI "rabbit ears" that they get the local channels. I though rabbit ears where not supposed to work anymore, but these guys have a perfect reception every home game!

Other than that, if you have a direct TV Account, then just download the direct TV app and use your Ipad. You are correct, if you go that route, the local game will be blacked out.

NFL Sunday Ticket

Rick in Annapolis : 10/30/2014 8:18 am : link

will not let you watch local games on the app. Plus you are likely to run into streaming difficulties without a WIFI connection. I use my ipad to watch games on our boat and I have to often leave the app and come back into it because the bandwidth isn't sufficient enough to show the image. I use an HD antenna for local channels.

Something else to consider will be your data use, which may or may not be a concern of yours.

If you want to go the adapter route

figgy2989 : 10/30/2014 8:21 am : link

From the Ipad to your TV via HDMI, check out the below link. I am unsure of what style Ipad you have, but you can get an idea of what is needed via the below link. I know it is from Walmart, but I am sure a radio shack/best buy may have a more "brand" name adapter.

Adapter

Rick and Figgy

JFIB : 10/30/2014 8:41 am : link

Yeah, not getting the local games was my concern and Figgy, thanks I have the adaptor. Who has had success with the HD antenna? We did a trail run yesterday and got nothing but snow. Not sure what we did wrong but may have to try it again.

JFIB

figgy2989 : 10/30/2014 8:46 am : link

I wish I knew what the guys next to us do, but it is definitely just an air antenna and their signal is crisp and clear.

I am sure there are other guys on the board who have used it in the past and can offer some insite.

I'm surprised that rabbit ears didn't work

Bockman : 10/30/2014 8:55 am : link

considering you're only a few miles from NYC.

Spend $50-$70 on a directional antenna and point it towards the Empire State Building - should get everything you need.

See the linked example. This thing got me NYC channels from my attic in CT!
RCA VHF/UHF Antenna @ Lowes - ( New Window )

Holy Data Plan! Dont stream it.

ballanda : 10/30/2014 9:09 am : link

That big pointy building in NYC provides all the local games in HD. I have this, and it works great in lot J. I jut put it on the roof of the truck.
Amazon Basics Antenna - ( New Window )

I believe at first I got all snow too

ballanda : 10/30/2014 9:10 am : link

Then I went into the TV's menu, and did an "Auto-Program" so it would scan and save all of the local channels. I think your TV has to have a digital tuner too. But I guess they all do now, because for example, channel 5 is "5.1". That tripped me up the first time.

RE: JFIB

HelmetCatch : 10/30/2014 9:12 am : link

In comment 11947880 figgy2989 said:

Quote:

They probably have a TV with a built in digital tuner. If you are trying to use a TV without one you need a digital to analog converter. You can pick one up at most store that carry electronics.

converter - ( New Window )

I'm in Denver

JFIB : 10/30/2014 9:27 am : link

So pointing the thing at The Empire State Building won't help much! Thinking an antenna of some kind is going to be our best bet. I'll have to do some more research.

We just

MotownGIANTS : 10/30/2014 10:35 am : link

project from a laptop to a portable screen.

RE: We just

JFIB : 10/30/2014 10:48 am : link

In comment 11948036 MotownGIANTS said:

Quote:

project from a laptop to a portable screen.

How are you receiving a signal on your lap top? Getting a signal to the TV is not the hard part but how do you get the local game on your laptop?

I do this every late game

notoriousc : 10/30/2014 11:28 am : link

1. U need at flat screen with a tuner, most new 1s have it. Next purchase HD outdoor antenna $20. Connect 2 n u got local tv in HD. Some tvs need 2 scan channels 1st which will take a few mins. MOST IMPORTANT THING about HD antennas is that they have 2 b pointed in correct direction of tower. From Giants stadium if u r looking at city, point ant downtown toward freedom tower.
2. If u plan on streaming good luck, never a good enough or consistent signal in parking lot with that many ppl around

NYC digital map - ( New Window )

Also,

notoriousc : 10/30/2014 11:30 am : link

I hacve 2 adapters which I plug into cig lighters, 1 for tv and 1 for antenna