OTA HD Receiver - HTPC or otherwise

[edro]

I am getting rid of DirecTV soon.
My TV is actually a 42" "monitor" and it doesn't have a tuner built in.

I want the cheapest, best way to get OTA HD channels with an HD antenna.
It might be an HTPC, or a used Tivo box, or AppleTV/Roku, or something like that.

HTPC sounds like overkill for my needs, but if that's the best/cheapest alternative, I could go that route.

I don't NEED DVR or internet streaming, but those would be nice if they came along for free.

Suggestions!?

Thanks!

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

You could go with something like this:

http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phd205LEmain.htm

or this:

http://www.summitsource.com/digiwav...l-aerial-reception-part-dtv5000hd-p-9672.html

 

[kalrith]

This is the only OTA DVR without a subscription service that I know of: http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master.../dp/B0065EQ45U

When I built my HTPC, it was between the Dish DTV Pal and an HTPC. I didn't want a TIVO, because it seemed like a waste of money at about half the price of the cheapest Dish Network HD package. The HTPC won, because it was about $150 more than the Dish DTV Pal and so much more useful.

OP, while an HTPC might seem overkill for what you want, I think it's your best option. The internet streaming and dual-tuner DVR that you can have will give you a lot more enjoyment than just an OTA tuner. My wife and I use our HTPC for things like ESPN3, Food Network shows, Bravo shows, etc.

When I went shopping for an HTPC, I gave myself a budget of 6 months' worth of satellite payments. If you do the same, you'll likely have no problems getting a decent HTPC to meet all your needs.

 

[edro]

Why are OTA HD Converter boxes so cheap ($40), yet OTA receivers to HDMI are so expensive ($130+ and made by generic companies)?

I wonder if there is an OTA converter box that has RCA/Coax output as well as HDMI?

 

[Kwatt]

I am getting rid of DirecTV soon.
My TV is actually a 42" "monitor" and it doesn't have a tuner built in.

I want the cheapest, best way to get OTA HD channels with an HD antenna.
It might be an HTPC, or a used Tivo box, or AppleTV/Roku, or something like that.

HTPC sounds like overkill for my needs, but if that's the best/cheapest alternative, I could go that route.

I don't NEED DVR or internet streaming, but those would be nice if they came along for free.

Suggestions!?

Thanks!

Some dvd players/recorders have a built in OTA HD tuner. AT member CHJF has one. I think he is happy with it. I cannot remember what he paid for it.


.

 

[sixone]

I have this one.

The only thing I don't like about it is not being able to block specific sub-channels. Either you get them all, or none.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Based on some of the OTA receivers some are suggesting, you might want to take a look at this one:

http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phdvrxmain.htm

It has dual tuners, DVR, you can stream to it using TVersity, and it has some limited internet streaming functions too, all for $230. It looks like they keep it pretty up-to-date as well since there have been a couple of firmware updates for it in the last few months.

 

[sixone]

Based on some of the OTA receivers some are suggesting, you might want to take a look at this one:

http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phdvrxmain.htm

It has dual tuners, DVR, you can stream to it using TVersity, and it has some limited internet streaming functions too, all for $230. It looks like they keep it pretty up-to-date as well since there have been a couple of firmware updates for it in the last few months.

That looks pretty good. I might have to pick one up.

 

[kalrith]

Some dvd players/recorders have a built in OTA HD tuner. AT member CHJF has one. I think he is happy with it. I cannot remember what he paid for it.


.

Last time I checked there were some old Toshiba DVD recorders with built-in OTA HD tuner and Tivo basic for about $80. Tivo Basic has no monthly fee, but I think the recording function is very limited. It's at least another option to consider.

 

[sixone]

Last time I checked there were some old Toshiba DVD recorders with built-in OTA HD tuner and Tivo basic for about $80. Tivo Basic has no monthly fee, but I think the recording function is very limited. It's at least another option to consider.

I've been reading about Tivos, lately. If you have a channel that you like that gets a weak signal, you may not be able to get it at all with a Tivo.

Just something to consider.

 

[sixone]

Based on some of the OTA receivers some are suggesting, you might want to take a look at this one:

http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phdvrxmain.htm

It has dual tuners, DVR, you can stream to it using TVersity, and it has some limited internet streaming functions too, all for $230. It looks like they keep it pretty up-to-date as well since there have been a couple of firmware updates for it in the last few months.

I've been reading up on that device: http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=199469

Some serious issues, not sure I want to mess with this. Add in the cost of external storage, and it's not quite as good as it looked, at first blush.

 

[MikeL DISH]

kalrith,

Your post caught my attention and I just wanted to check in with you as to how you're liking the service! I hope you're enjoying the equipment and programming and would be delighted to know of any questions you may have!