Antenna, dish's, cables, and all that good stuff!!!

[ineptabouthdtv]

Trying to get all my ducks in a row and additional equipment ready to go so that I can just hook it all up once my 50HDX82 (will be in basement by the way) gets here....but being a newbie, of course I've got a couple questions:
1.) Using the titan.tv site's antenna selector suggested an "Antennacraft AC-9" to go in the attic of my multi-story house w/no big buildings around (but lots of trees here in VA). Does that site give pretty good recomendations or is there better advice out there? I definately don't want to "scimp" on price, but I'm not trying to pay double for "name brand" either.
2.) I was just going to buy the acoustic research component cables from best buy and save over the monsters (I'm guessing I really won't see that much difference....especially being a newbie not knowing what I'm looking for anyways.) Will they be sufficient?
3.) Now the tough question - is there any way to give an explanation in layman's terms on the pro's and con's of the diff services available (i.e. DirecTV, Dish network, HDcable, or any other options for HD programming)??? I have yet to purchase my STB so I can taylor that purchase to go w/the best programming option available.
Thanks for any help you can give!

[Ratman]

The antennas recommended by any of those sites is very general. I would suggest that if you want OTA, go to Radio Shack are try some of their antannas. The "Double Bowtie" is highly touted. It has been discontinued and may be hard to find. But if you can find one they are going for about $10!
Also, I recommend this one: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F004%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2160

The good thing about R/S, they will take back just about anything, so use them as your hardware test. If they work... them just keep it.

Buy the AR cables, good quality and A LOT cheaper than Monster.
I use them too!

As for providers, for cable it depends on what your local cable rapist provides (HD). For satellite, that's really a toss up! Both have HBO/Showtime. No locals for HD.

By and far, I think OTA is the best! Start with that for the time being and get your feet wet. Then decide which option (sat/cable), suit your needs/budget.

[kevinw]

I have to agree with RAT.. I use cable for most viewing except my locals wich I use an antenna. Even when a show is not Hd, I still prefer the 480i digital feed. I also use a RS VU-160 antenna that I bought for 40.00.

[ineptabouthdtv]

I appreciate the help!

1.) Now, this will truly show my ignorance, but I have to ask: the "bowtie" that you recommend says UHF only....I know that UHF are higher channels than VHF, but what is the dif? And I take it if that antenna is a good one to try first that VHF isn't important?

2.) Being that I still haven't decided whether to go w/any satellite programming and keep w/comcast (yuck) and OTA for local (hopefully HD) for now until I fully get a handle on this, what kind of STB would be recommended? (on a side note....what is the importance if any of stations going "live" as far as HD programming goes?)

Thanks again!!!

[kevinw]

1) Almost all digital channels are UHF/ In Atlanta NBC is the exception.

2)Do you watch HBO or Showtime? Shows like The Soprananos or Band of Brothers. The are shown in HD. If not keep cable and get the Samsung OTA only box. Otherwise go Direct because of HDnet-Hdnet is a HD channel available on Direct only.( lots of sports and special progamming like Hawaian Tropic bikini contest:D) Most boxes are the same, ask users what they think. I use only OTA.

Going live means that they are up and running a digital signal.

[Ratman]

check out www.titantv.com to get an idea if what stations broadcast digital in your area and the channels they are assigned. (14-69 is UHF).

[ineptabouthdtv]

I'M SOLD!!!

[ineptabouthdtv]

Thanks alot for the help guys!

[Nashbabein woods]

OK, just got in from the store holding my receipt for my TOSHIBA 50x82. HELP! Until I have the cash for the HD sat receiver( I LOVE HBO) , I bought a direct tv 2 room receiver to tide me over. What is OTA? Do I need more than direct receivers to watch local channels? Also I bought a Monster powerbar 1100 surge protector for $199. Is this really a necessary item? I have seen one Monster 800av in Walmart for $50. Is this just as good? GROAN, I haven't even begun to look at DVD's and home theater systems. Any suggestions? What is all the chat about cables? Was I supposed to buy some? Send news fast while I can still refude delivery if necessary.

Thanks > really in the woods!

[Ratman]

Originally posted by Nashbabein woods
What is OTA? Do I need more than direct receivers to watch local channels?
OTA means 'off the air'. To receive digtal broadcasts OTA(and HD) you need a receiver (STB) of some sort. Otherwise, you will only get regular, plain old TV (NTSC - 480I).
Also I bought a Monster powerbar 1100 surge protector for $199. Is this really a necessary item? I have seen one Monster 800av in Walmart for $50. Is this just as good?
Personally (IMO) I feel that a) Monster anything is overprised and b) a 'decent' quailty surge/spike protector is just a effective! I'd say rerturn the $199 unit, buy an inexpensive (but decent) unit and use tha $150 you just saved and use that towards an STB purchase.

GROAN, I haven't even begun to look at DVD's and home theater systems. Any suggestions?
Again, just my opinion, but I would recommend any progressive DVD player! There's a lot of cjat about why one is better over the other, but personally, I'm quite happy with my Toshiba SD3750 ($179).

What is all the chat about cables? Was I supposed to buy some?
You shouldn't need any cables at this point. When you get a DVD player, you'll need component video cables (RED/GREEN/BLUE) to connect the player to the TV.

[Nashbabein woods]

Thanks for the response-

Have any suggesstions on the brands for the powercable?
Also can you give me more info on the STB- I assume I need an installer as I am NOT climbing up on my roof. Any advice on the STB product? Price , where, brands? Also how much can I expect to get it installed for? Thanks again for the help!

[Nashbabein woods]

re -read your response. An STB is a receiver not an antenna? DO I need an additional receiver to my direct tv receiver? Do I need any additional antennas beside my direct tv dish?
Nashbabe

[kevinw]

With Direct you will need the Oval dish to receive any Direct provided HD material as well as a Direct HD tuner aslo known as a STB. This STb will get you all your regular Direct programming as well as the HD programming that you subscribe to.

Add an antenna-those big metal things that use to be roofs-will get you your local digital and HD programming.

Panasonic,Toshiba,Mithsubishi,Samsung,Hughes,RCA and others brands STB's can be had from your favorite electronics store..

[Nashbabein woods]

LOL.. OK I get your point about the big things on the roof- I believe here in music city I can get local CBS affiliate on Channel 5 in HD.. so a new antenna for $10 bucks ( aforementioned bowtie) will get me the HD version? I bought a 2 room package RCA receiver thru Best Buy with a dish. Direct comes Thursday to hook it up. Any other advice? Things I should ask him to do?

Starting to see light through the leaves-

[kevinw]

Tell them you need "Para dos todas" or whatever they call the Spanish language hook up. They will supply you with the oval antenna you will need later for HD. Then cancle the spanish feed afert the install an change it to premier choice.

[jjmcgraw]

You will need an HD receiver. I just picked up the Hughes E86 that is also an OTA receiver. I paid about $450 for it though. You get HDNet for free (the most amazing picture). You will have to subscribe to the HBO package to get the HD HBO (12.99) and they also offer a Showtime in HD - that package is (12.99) both together they give you for $22.00 (7 HBO's and 6 Showtimes I think, only 1 of each in HiDef though). But to get the Showtime HD channel you will need to get the SAT C "third" LNB just to get it (unless the dish you bought came with it already). I bought a 2 dual LNB oval dish with the ability for the third and had to order it online as it wasn't anywhere local. Tacked on another $50 for that bugger. I tried a regular LNB first and it doesn't work. The Sat C one is special as it sticks out a little from the others. I know how you are starting to feel, I followed the rabbit into the hole... and man it's getting deeper! Hang in there, there are a few more things you will discover that you will want to buy. You don't have to do it all at once though. But if your like me you want it all now!

Good luck.