Indoor TV antenna?

[MichaelD]

I'm looking for an indoor TV antenna, just to pick up the basic local channels. Parts Express has a few, but was wondering if any of you are using one and could make recommendations?

FYI: Cable/Sat tv is not an option. Right now, I have no "TV." I watch only DVDs on the TV. Have intarweb, obviously.

Thanks!

 

[blurredvision]

http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-ZHDTV1-HDT...d_bbs_sr_1/104-3519894-3043124?ie=UTF8

One of THE best indoor antennas you can buy, and it doesn't hurt that it's cheap as hell.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-ZHDTV1-HDT...d_bbs_sr_1/104-3519894-3043124?ie=UTF8

One of THE best indoor antennas you can buy, and it doesn't hurt that it's cheap as hell.

It is a great antenna (I have one), but it is UHF-only - if the OP wants to pick up any VHF channels (2-13), it won't work very well at all for those.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks, blurredvision. One main thing concerns me:

Note: When using the enclosed antenna, you will only receive UHF
channels. To receive VHF channels (Channels numbered 1 thru 13),
you must slso connect a VHF antenna to the TV. You can install a
device referred to as a ?antenna combiner? which will combine the
two antenna output signals into one 75 ohms for a single connection.

I need it for VHF reception! There are no HDTV channels where I'm at, so that's not a requirement for me. I need to research more and see if the combiner-thing comes in the box or not.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: blurredvision
http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-ZHDTV1-HDT...d_bbs_sr_1/104-3519894-3043124?ie=UTF8

One of THE best indoor antennas you can buy, and it doesn't hurt that it's cheap as hell.

It is a great antenna (I have one), but it is UHF-only - if the OP wants to pick up any VHF channels (2-13), it won't work very well at all for those.

Good point. It's too early in the morning for me.......

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001

Originally posted by: blurredvision
http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-ZHDTV1-HDT...d_bbs_sr_1/104-3519894-3043124?ie=UTF8

One of THE best indoor antennas you can buy, and it doesn't hurt that it's cheap as hell.

It is a great antenna (I have one), but it is UHF-only - if the OP wants to pick up any VHF channels (2-13), it won't work very well at all for those.

Thanks much; I caught that right away. I appreciate the tip.

 

[Paperdoc]

Sounds like you need VHF for local channels, but NOT the UHF band. IF I got that right, then you do not need the combiner box. Just get a VHF antenna and connect to your TV; forget UHF entirely.
At one time TV's had separate VHF and UHF antenna input connections on the back. Then along came 75 ohm coax inputs for cable. Now, it seems, many have only the 75 ohm coax. If that's how your TV is, watch for this also: The VHF antenna may or may not come with an impedance converter. The simple ones have just two leads on the end of their cables intended for the old screw terminals for 300 ohm twin-lead. The newest ones actually end in a coax screw-on or push-on connector for the 75 ohm input. If your antenna has only the old two leads, you will need a little adapter box that converts from one to the other. It's easily found in most TV accessory shops.

 

[nakedfrog]

Coax cable attached to the input, and an alligator clip on the center conductor on the other end of the cable.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I bought a Magnavox set from Kmart or Walmart years ago. It was a standard set of Rabit Ears.....with the UHF swivel thing in the middle.... It worked good enough as long as there weren't too many hills between me and the broadcast antenna. They can be had for $10-15 in most places.....the only step up from those, are amplified ones.