Bruce White

What OTA HDTV decoder?

What do folks in this forum recommend for an inexpensive OTA HD receiver I can hook up to my Mits 55819?

What features do I really need for an OTA HD receiver?

How good is the Samsung SIR-T151? They can be had on Ebay for less than $250, sometimes even less than $200.

I won't be getting satellite for at least another 3 years, so I don't think getting one with satellite functionality also would be a good idea at this time.

Suggestions?

Also, any suggestions for a good indoor powered antenna?

Thanks!

Bruce

There are only three kinds of people in this world--those who can count and those who can\'t.

Robert_J

Have you checked AntennaWeb to see if an indoor antenna is right for your location?

-Robert

Jerry Klawiter

Bruce,
With the big game on today,
Be sure to check your local stores in the coming weeks.
It seems many buy these boxes just for this game and then
return them. Over the last few years BB & CC seem to have a huge supply of open box discounted units.
Also since your here in the twin cities you may want to look over at this forum.
http://www.hdtvtwincities.com/
and review some past post here:
http://www.ktca.org/innertube/inside/bbs/index.html
-Jerry in Coon Rapids

David Judah

Lecktor: Then how did you catch me?
Graham: You had disadvantages.
Lecktor: What disadvantages?
Graham: You\'re insane.

Bruce White

Yes, for the stations of greatest interest to me, it told me yellow UHF, green UHF and VHF, and light green UHF and VHF. My greatest distance from the towers is 11.2 miles. Compass orientations are either 241° or 244°.

From my limited knowledge in this area, I think an indoor powered antenna should work for me.

Bruce

There are only three kinds of people in this world--those who can count and those who can\'t.

Bruce White

Jerry,

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely check BB and CC this week. I've put the first site you suggested in my favorites already. The second one is down due to inappropriate posts.

Thanks again!

Bruce

PS If you stumble across any great buys at BB or CC, feel free to email me!

There are only three kinds of people in this world--those who can count and those who can\'t.

Bruce White

I don't understand why I can't find any information about the 151 at the Samsung website. They have info on the 150 under "archived" products, but nada about the 151.

If I find a deal on the 351, is that one supposed to be substantially better?

Thanks!

Bruce

There are only three kinds of people in this world--those who can count and those who can\'t.

John S

I didn't think the 351 was an ATSC OTA tuner.. I could be wrong. I use a Zenith bought open box, seems so good so far anyways with my old Radio Shack powered indoor antenna that I fished out from boxes of relics of days past.

imported_Brian L

The 351 is the successor to the 151. For whatever reason, Sammy seems to have dropped the manual from their web site.

As for the 351, be cautious, as there are reams of user reports about audio drop-outs with the 351 when using a digital connection for DD. I have no first hand experience with that, but there are lots of unhappy users out there.

I just retired my 151 in favor of a Sammy 160 (combo OTA and D* HD box).

As for the 151, I had no audio problems at all, and good reception, although I live about 3 miles the way the crow flies from the antennas in my city. I can't comment on fringe area reception. The 160 seems to work just as well as the 151 for OTA Digital.

Back to the 151, I have a PDF copy of the manual, if you want it. Just post your e-mail or shoot me a PM at bleduc@comcast.net

BGL

David Judah

Lecktor: Then how did you catch me?
Graham: You had disadvantages.
Lecktor: What disadvantages?
Graham: You\'re insane.