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04-07-2003, 01:59 PM
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#2 of 9 
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Member
Join Date: Jun 1999
Local Time: 05:34 AM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 21,275
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Congrats on your purchase, Hector. And, yes, you can receive HDTV over the air (and for free). Check with your local stations to see which are broadcasting digital programming; I imagine you have quite a few in Chicago. As for antennae, I like Terk's products. Get one designed for HD reception; you can use an indoor antenna, but make sure it's located in an area free of signal-blocking obstructions (the attic is a good location). Enjoy your 1080i life!
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04-07-2003, 05:36 PM
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#3 of 9
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Administrator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Local Time: 07:34 AM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 38,317
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You'll need a UHF antenna to get the OTA HDTV stuff. There's nothing "magical" about a "HDTV" antenna, 99% of all HDTV is broadcast over the UHF frequency range/channels.
But good reception/signal strength is highly dependent on where you live and nearby obstructions.
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04-07-2003, 06:51 PM
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#5 of 9
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Local Time: 05:34 AM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 1,094
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I have very good reception with a Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna. It runs about $40 dollars and it is fairly small. I should note that my theater is up in the attic and I can see the broadcast antenna if I stand on my roof, so I could probably use just about any antenna. But the Silver Sensor has gotten good marks by a lot of people.
To see what kind of antenna you need check out http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp
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04-07-2003, 06:58 PM
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#6 of 9
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Member
Location: New York City
Join Date: Aug 2001
Local Time: 08:34 AM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 2,400
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From what I understand, the Silver Sensor is directional, no? That might not be most suitable if he lives inside Chicago, instead of in the suburbs. Probably something omnidirectional and maybe w/ a signal amp would be good depending on his exact location in the city, unless of course, he's in the suburbs.
_Man_
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04-09-2003, 03:42 PM
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#7 of 9
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Member
Join Date: Aug 1999
Local Time: 07:34 AM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 279
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I live in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, about 40 miles from the Sears Tower. As much as I would like the Silver Sensor, that antenna only receives UHF signals. I need a VHF/UHF combo if I want to receive CBS in Chicago. This would be a huge selling point for my wife since she loves CBS's Monday night sitcoms.
Anybody use the Terk TV55? How good is it? I know I can mount it indoors. Is this a good idea?
-Hector
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04-09-2003, 04:41 PM
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#8 of 9
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Member
Location: New York City
Join Date: Aug 2001
Local Time: 08:34 AM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 2,400
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From what I gather, the Terk antennas are mostly style, little substance. Probably better off getting a RatShack antenna w/ a built-in amp.
While this article (http://www.projectorexpert.com/Pages/antin.html) is old and the RS antennas no longer available, it's a good read for anybody wanting to get OTA reception. There are other useful articles along the same lines over there.
_Man_
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04-09-2003, 09:09 PM
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#9 of 9
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Local Time: 12:34 PM
Local Date: 09-05-2008
Posts: 19
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If I was you I would try the cheapest outdoor antenna you could find. I got one from Radio Shack for $2.97. That is not a typo. They had a 6' antenna that was orignally 50 bucks or something for under three dollars. It had been in their stock so long they just kept lowering the price. From there I got up on the roof and started walking around with it until I got the best overall signal. I must say it is awesome watching shows like 24 and CSI in HD!
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and welcome to the club! 
