help me find a TV antenna

[dpopiz]

my parents' cable stopped working 3 weeks ago and comcast seems to be unwilling to fix it, so they canceled the service.
they just watch pbs and fox, which are broadcast. but their tv doesn't have an internal antenna.

so what choices are there as far as TV antennas? I assume there are a few different kinds, so could you explain what each one is good for?
they don't really want to get a big expensive, hard to install roof antenna, so do you think some sort of indoor antenna would suffice?

let me know if I need to provide more info or something...


btw they aren't going to get satellite and there's no way they can get reliable cable. so those are not options.

 

[Cashmoney995]

Spend 5 cents, and you got yourself a paper clip. Spend 5 bucks, and you got yourself decent reception. Spend 30 and your good.

A lot of people keep their Tv antenna's right above their tv's. Honestly, that is the most horrible thing to do. You want to keep your antenna in a high place near a window. Also, you can use Coax cable to run it to the tv. Many times if your in a big city, you can use about 10 feet of coax cable as your antenna. you just have to be touching it. I did that for weeks on my tv tuner on my pc...had 10 feet of coax, and then just touched it with my toe. Worked amazing.

Spend a decent amount of money. Get one that has the two adjustable antenna's and maybe 1/2 adjustable middle loops. Use some UNSHIELDED Coax cable and connect it as I described above. Your antenna, will be an antenna, and your coax cable, will be an antenna. an an an an, itll be good.

 

[dpopiz]

ok I don't think we get very good reception here because a piece of coax is pretty much unwatchable. the broadcasting sites for those channels are about 30-40mi away. (I'm in davis, channels are in sac)

so is there a certain "kind' of antenna I should get or what?
and what are good bang-for-your-buck brands?

 

[conjur]

Channelmaster/Winegard.

Check out http://www.starkelectronic.com

 

[fr]

You want to get an antenna that can receive UHF and VHF. I think Terk makes some good ones. At least they are easy to find in stores.

 

[conjur]

Terk antennas are total CRAP!

Actually, if your stations are all UHF, Radio Shack is now back to selling its double-bowtie antenna for about $20. The thing ROCKS!

Otherwise, a CM/Winegard will do you fine.

 

[Nitemare]

I have a Philips 45db gain antenna that works pretty decent. It's not the best, but what can you expect from an indoor antenna

 

[woowoo]

Find a weinguard dealer
They should be able to help you.

You will need :
The antenna, A tripod, A ground rod, A static discharge block and a couple hundred feet of RG-6
Should run around $100
You may need a preamp

If you have the book for a new tv, They usually have a pretty good drawing of what you need to do.

Your local dealer will fill you in on channels available for your area and pointing info.

Or,
You can go to avsforums and look in the local reception area for your town.
Or go to this site
http://www.antennaweb.org

Conjur is right
Terk makes doorstops ...

Pm me if you need any help.
woo

 

[Wag]

Double-bowtie is cool for all UHF, but the Silver Sensor is even better. Rocks for HDTV.

 

[Hammer]

silver sensor

 

[woowoo]

Originally posted by: Hammer
silver sensor

Is an indoor antenna.


If your going to try.......At least put it on the roof.

Edit:
Hammer I work for the state of KY.
Your sig is correct!

 

[fredtam]

Originally posted by: Cashmoney995
Spend 5 cents, and you got yourself a paper clip. Spend 5 bucks, and you got yourself decent reception. Spend 30 and your good.

A lot of people keep their Tv antenna's right above their tv's. Honestly, that is the most horrible thing to do. You want to keep your antenna in a high place near a window. Also, you can use Coax cable to run it to the tv. Many times if your in a big city, you can use about 10 feet of coax cable as your antenna. you just have to be touching it. I did that for weeks on my tv tuner on my pc...had 10 feet of coax, and then just touched it with my toe. Worked amazing.

Spend a decent amount of money. Get one that has the two adjustable antenna's and maybe 1/2 adjustable middle loops. Use some UNSHIELDED Coax cable and connect it as I described above. Your antenna, will be an antenna, and your coax cable, will be an antenna. an an an an, itll be good.

You could have saved yourself a lot of toe cramps if you would have cut the exterior of the coax (including the braided/mesh wire) and removed it where it plugs into the tv and just pushed the rigid wire in.

OP: A $20 antenna from RS should be fine.

 

[NutBucket]

You'll laugh but this thing works great.

http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI45818-CI209,00.html?