Help finding a HDTV OTA antenna...

[50]

Hello, I've been using my HDTV tuner for a couple weeks now. I can receive almost all OTA channels (excluding a New Hampshire channel that some people in boston get and 2 of the 8 PBS channels in boston). However I can rarely get all of the channels without one of them requiring me to adjust the antenna. I've heard that HDTV antennas are a waste of money, is this true? Does HDTV need a seperate UHF/VHF like regular tv does? I saw this but it says UHF only so I didn't know if I could receive all of my channels. It also looks like it came off a space craft or something. However for 14.99 it doesn't seem like it would be that bad a risk if it didn't work. Can someone reccomend a good antenna otherwise? Thanks

 

[KLin]

I've heard the Zenith silver sensor is supposed to be good. But any old antenna will work to receive HDTV broadcasts.

 

[Apex]

What channels (actual, not virtual) do you want to receive? If they're all above 13, all you need is a UHF.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Just plug in your address.

 

[50]

Originally posted by: Apex
What channels (actual, not virtual) do you want to receive? If they're all above 13, all you need is a UHF.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Just plug in your address.

Thanks, I guess I only need UHF.

 

[50]

Well I think I'm going to get the Silver Sensor as KLin recommended. Can anyone find it for a lower price than this? That seems the cheapest. Thanks for all the help guys

 

[50]

Well I think I'm going to get the Silver Sensor as KLin recommended. Can anyone find it for a lower price than this? That seems the cheapest. Thanks for all the help guys

 

[ScottMac]

With only a few exceptions (Channel 2 in Chicago being one of them), the digital / HDTV channels are located up in the UHF range.

There is no such thing as an "HDTV Antenna" ... that's all just marketing fluff.

If you get a decent antenna with a good UHF section (depends on your location and distance to the station), you'll be well-rigged for HDTV / digital OTA.

The Zenith antenna is a good one ... Wiengard is very nice ... even the Radio Shack antennas are pretty good.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[jcuadrado]

I've bought several antennas for this very purpose.

The Silver Sensor is a very good choice...and at 20 bucks it's a steal...goes for 40 at BB. The other day I saw a new and improved Silver Sensor at BB...may want to check it out.

I also used the Terk4 which gave me a better signal that the SS. Many people don't like the Terk but it worked great for me.

 

[jalaram]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
With only a few exceptions (Channel 2 in Chicago being one of them), the digital / HDTV channels are located up in the UHF range.

There is no such thing as an "HDTV Antenna" ... that's all just marketing fluff.

...

The Zenith antenna is a good one ... Wiengard is very nice ... even the Radio Shack antennas are pretty good.

Good Luck

Scott

What he said. But, one more note, Radio Shack also sells "HDTV" antennas that are crap. Look for the double bowtie antenna for a good one.

Also, check out the HDTV hardware section of www.avsforum.com and search for antenna.