View Full Version : Antennas for HDTV
mgworek
12-02-2002, 01:06 PM
In order to receive HDTV from local channels, do you really need an antenna that says its a HDTV antenna? I know I need a STB. But a tech told me paying 100-400 for something from Terk is a waste of money and just getting a rabbit ears or a antenna in my attic will recieve the digital broadcasts.
Ratman
12-02-2002, 01:44 PM
NO!
You do not need an antenna that says it's an "HDTV" antenna. If it DOES say that... then you should know it's nothing more than marketing hype.
Any antenna will work. BUT, with digital reception, a lot will depend on:
The transmitting power of your local stations.
Whether they x-mit a digital signal.
Your distance from the x-mitters.
Your terrain.
Etc.etc.
Terk is overpriced and usually worthless. Some folks have luck, but they are usually folks that tried that one first (after they spent their money) and were fortunate enough to have it be successful. I would bet that they would have been able to use aluminum foil.
Success at reception will take some homework on your part to get the logistics. BUT... it's trial and error. Indoor could work, attic could work, outdoor may work. Bottom line, start with the easiest and cheapest first and work your way up if necessary. It may be frustrating, but it's worth it!
I recommend that you skip the 'indoor' type of antenna. Try a 'real' outdoor antenna in your attic or outside to see what you get. Once you get a 'feel' for what's obtainable, you can move on from there.
Anyway... it's just my suggestion. Others will provide their thoughts. But for starters check out:
www.titantv.com - to see who's broadcasting in your area.
www.antennaweb.org -to see distance/direction/power.
have fun!
mgworek
12-02-2002, 02:20 PM
Thank you very much. I knew I needed to do my homework for everything you listed but I wanted to make sure I didnt need a special antenna.
Thanks again.
kevinw
12-02-2002, 02:47 PM
Ditto what Ratman sez..even a coathanger can be better than TERK. I recomend Radio Shack because if it doesn't work you can return with their liberal return policy.
Buying a good $80 rotor will make your HDTV experiance much better. Don't buy a TURK! go with a Channal Master or Wineguard UHF ant. $30.
ttugrad95
02-10-2003, 03:31 PM
The one thing I have noticed about "High Definition" antennas is that they are designed for good UHF reception as well as VHF (at least the one's that are true to their name). Since most networks have typically been in the VHF range, that is where most antennas have been designed to work best. Now that HD channels are out a big part of them are in the UHF range which has always been a challenge to get clearly. Shame on whoever did this because if HD channels were in VHF there wouldn't be so many problems receiving all the HD channels.
kevinw
02-10-2003, 04:03 PM
There is nothing in a design that makes an antenna "High Definition". Antenna design has not changed dramatically in years. I have heard of people connecting an antenna left on the roof since the 60's working just fine.
It makes no difference wether UHF or VHF in getting a signal. In Atlanta we have more analog UHF stations than VHF.
In the end run it will not matter at all when cable catches up and starts offering locals in (DIGITAL) HD or when the analogs cease broadcasting and they switch to digital freeing up the UHF band.
Skyboss
03-09-2003, 09:44 AM
My best advice is a UHF only antenna fo rthe short term. It's a low cost investment that yields very positive results. Be prepared however to buy a VHF/UHF combo in 2007 as many stations will release their UHF signal and return to their former VHF channels in the VHF range. IE... San Diego.
6-FOX
8-CBS
10-ABC
15-PBS
39-NBC (Not Moving)
51-KUSI (Not Moving)
All returning to the VHF band in 2007.
Buck-I-Dale
04-28-2003, 10:22 PM
I tried 4 set top antennaes with limited success and I'm < 15 miles from all broadcast towers.
I bit the bullet and fished a wire to my attic. Purchased a Channel Maste 4221 (<$40) and now pick up everything including the one station on VHF13.
I bought mine locally but this place had good prices.
www.warrenelectronics.com
blueguy
04-30-2003, 12:42 PM
Originally posted by Skyboss
My best advice is a UHF only antenna fo rthe short term. It's a low cost investment that yields very positive results. Be prepared however to buy a VHF/UHF combo in 2007 as many stations will release their UHF signal and return to their former VHF channels in the VHF range. IE... San Diego.
6-FOX
8-CBS
10-ABC
15-PBS
39-NBC (Not Moving)
51-KUSI (Not Moving)
All returning to the VHF band in 2007.
I live in San Diego and just bought an HD Receiver. Any suggestions on good antennas for this region? someone told me to get the radio shack bow-tie but that's no longer made.
Blueguy, welcome to the forum.
Check out the FAQ section on the home page. Start with the post on Antennae/OTA.
blueguy
04-30-2003, 12:59 PM
Thanks, I already read through quite a bit of that stuff but it's pretty useless as I didn't find one reference to something like: in San Diego the xxxx antenna works great. There's the color coded info but really nothing about brands that appear to be useful for local users.
From what I've read it's mostly trial and error.
proacman
04-30-2003, 12:59 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Skyboss
My best advice is a UHF only antenna fo rthe short term. It's a low cost investment that yields very positive results. Be prepared however to buy a VHF/UHF combo in 2007 as many stations will release their UHF signal and return to their former VHF channels in the VHF range. IE... San Diego.
6-FOX
8-CBS
10-ABC
15-PBS
39-NBC (Not Moving)
51-KUSI (Not Moving)
All returning to the VHF band in 2007.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make sure the digital stations you want to receive are currently uhf stations. Some stations use the VHF band for their digital counterparts (WTNH-DT is one example).
FatDog
05-11-2003, 11:49 AM
Blueguy: there is a web site specific to HDTV in San Diego:
www.hdtv.forsandiego.com
One of the engineers for a local station is very active/responsive to questions. Browse through the posts to get an idea of what antennas are in use.
blueguy
05-11-2003, 01:04 PM
Originally posted by FatDog
Blueguy: there is a web site specific to HDTV in San Diego:
www.hdtv.forsandiego.com
One of the engineers for a local station is very active/responsive to questions. Browse through the posts to get an idea of what antennas are in use.
thanks so much!
