HDTV Antenna Recommendation (1 Viewer)

[Johnny_M]

Hey guys, I have directv and I called about HDTV and they said for local channel HDTV I would need an antenna. Well, I dont really want any other channels EXCEPT for local HDTV. Mainly for sports. So what do I need to look for antenna wise.

I found this at best buy, would this do the job for me?


Antenna

Johnny

 

[Johnny_M]

ok, well i went to best buy and the selection in stock was not too good. i bought this...

RCA Antenna

it was the most expensive one in stock so i took a chance, but it SUCKS!! either this thing is a peice of junk or i live somewhere with bad reception. i checked out antennaweb.org and all the towers are about 20-25 miles away. I live in the sacramento valley so i cant imaging signal should be a problem here.

would investing in an outdoor antenna make more sence? i would hate to spend money on 1 and have it not work.

edit, i have a small battery operated tv and i cant get good signal with that either. i am surrounded by large trees. is this hopeless?


Johnny

 

[Don_Berg]

Those antenna models are junk. For an indoor antenna the only one worthwhile is the Zenith Silver Sensor - check at Sears stores. But I found a better unit for only around $23 is the Channel Master model 4221 low-profile outdoor UHF antenna - it works the best of all antennas I've tried for digital/HDTV OTA reception up to 35 miles or so. You can get any mounting accessories (mast, coax, etc.) at local Radio Shack or Frys stores. Here is a link:
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm

 

[Johnny_M]

cool, cheaper than i was expecting. i think ill have to try an outdoor antenna, luckily i can return this one at best buy. question about hookup for an external antenna, considering my directv dish is already on the roof, can i split the cable up there and run to both the dish and the antenna? or will i need to run a new cable down to the tv?


Johnny

 

[Iver]

I would use separate lines.

Antennaweb suggests models. You could also see what your neighbors are using. Analog and digital broadcasting is governed by the same basic principles, so what works for NTSC broadcasts should be similar to what will be needed for digital. TV stations pump out much more power than satellites, so usually trees won't block their signal, but you are a pretty good distance from the xmtrs.

 

[Don_Berg]

You can combine OTA antenna signal with a dish downlead using a diplexer, one to combine and one to separate at each end.

 

[marc]

You should be able to find an HD antenna that mounts to the dish and as Don said, connect it the a diplexer. I found that indoor HD antenna are all junk and or very touchy. Go with something outside and you won't be disappointed.

 

[Robert_J]

That is not always a good idea. Your dish may not be pointed at your local antennas. You can get an omni-directional antenna but then you risk multi-path interference if you have large structures around.

Go to AntennaWeb to find the size and type antenna for your location. It will also show you the directions of the antennas from your location. If they are all grouped together, you need antenna with a "viewing angle" to pick them all up. If they are spread all over the place you may need a rotar to turn your antenna based on the channel you want to watch.

Get a good antenna. For indoors, Zenith Silver Sensor or Radio Shack Double Bow Tie are proven choices. Outside, Wingard, Radio Shack or Channel Master are good. Get an antenna that looks like an antenna. Stealth models or dish clip ons sacrifice performance for looks. What ever you do, stay away from Terk. They are the Bose of the antenna world. And don't fall for the special high pricedd HDTV antennas. An antenna is an antenna. It picks up UHF, VHF or both. You don't need anything special for HD signals.

-Robert

 

[John Lloyd]

I am using the CM4221 with good results. I think I am about 45 miles from the Sacramento broadcast towers. I played around with indoor antennas but they were very touchy. I had to move the antenna to a different location for each channel The outdoor antenna is getting a very strong reliable signal.

 

[StephenL]

Antenna Selection
http://www.antennaweb.org

Antenna Testing Information
http://www.atechfabrication.com/tests.htm

Tower Page - see N1LO's GUYED TOWER TOPIC SUMMARY
http://www.qsl.net/n1lo/tower.htm

Antenna Installation Guide
http://www.starkelectronic.com/cmig.htm
(Note that if a seperate ground rod is used for the antenna it must be bonded to the house grounding electrode system)

Grounding Satellite Dish and Lead-In Cables
http://www.mikeholt.com/news/archive...-2002-9-47.htm

Code Basics: Article 810, Radio and Television Equipment
http://www.mikeholt.com/news/archive...01-10-2003.htm

National Electrical Code - Search for "dish"
Link Removed

Antenna Grounding
http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/hdrec...grounding.html
(thanks AVS Forum member greywolf)

Preventing Damage Due to Ground Potential Difference
http://www.cinergy.com/surge/ttip08.htm

PSIHQ - Grounding Requirements
http://www.psihq.com/iread/strpgrnd.htm

PolyPhaser Technical Information
http://www.polyphaser.com/ppc_technical.asp

FCC Fact Sheet on Placement of Antennas
Link Removed