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Tr1cK
12-10-07, 09:08 AM
I got rid of cable, I couldn't justify it's cost anymore, especially since they forced me to go with DSL for net. I live close to local stations and want to get a good HDTV antenna. I have a $9 set of rabbit ears that get 3 of the 6 stations really well, but the others won't lock in.

Would an amplified HD antenna be worth the cost? Could I have some recommended?
Bman212121
12-10-07, 09:18 AM
I would check to see how close you are to the stations as this would help you decide. If the 3 that you can get in are like 10 miles away, but the 3 you cannot are 20, you might need to get a full sized antenna. You might be able to just get an amplified set of shorter antennas that will do the trick.

http://www.checkhd.com/aw/welcome.aspx

I'm about 40 miles away from all of our stations, and we have to have a large antenna with a booster in order to get everything in.
Xav
12-10-07, 09:45 AM
I actually went with a $15 indoor hdtv antenna from GE that I picked up at Home Depot. Grabbing about 40 stations with it.

I've read that some indoor antennas are better than others even if they are in the same price range...may be worth your while to try a different brand.
Tr1cK
12-10-07, 09:54 AM
I'm thinking about an omni directional outdoor antenna.

The site shows me to be within 16 miles of all the ones I need.
Bman212121
12-10-07, 09:58 AM
If your within 16 miles that you can probably get by with an indoor antenna. I'm actually suprised what you have now can't get them all in.
Tr1cK
12-10-07, 10:01 AM
Well that's what that CheckHD site said. The funny thing is the best reception I get is from the farthest away station and all of them are in the same direction away from me. I guess I will take what they say with a grain of salt.
Bman212121
12-10-07, 10:28 AM
Well that's what that CheckHD site said. The funny thing is the best reception I get is from the farthest away station and all of them are in the same direction away from me. I guess I will take what they say with a grain of salt.

Well if you have tall buildings nearby you can get reflections which can cause signal problems. Also if you didn't put it down to street level then it could be a little off but it does seem odd that that you can't get those stations.
Tr1cK
12-10-07, 10:31 AM
I live on a hillside. All the stations are on the downhill side from me. I figured I would have some rockin reception.
six_storm
12-10-07, 11:06 AM
I'd take a look at some multidirectional antennas, depending on where your local stations are located according to your house. If you have CBS in the south and FOX in the north, you have a tough decision to make on your alignment lol.

I wonder if the station are going to cut OTA HD channels come Feb 2009?
Tr1cK
12-10-07, 01:38 PM
Why would they cut them out? I thought all broadcasting had to go digital by then?
Bman212121
12-10-07, 02:55 PM
Why would they cut them out? I thought all broadcasting had to go digital by then?

It will be all digital. HD OTA is digital and it is what will be replacing SD analog. Feb 2009 HD OTA will be the only thing a lot of channels broadcast.
six_storm
12-10-07, 03:23 PM
Why would they cut them out? I thought all broadcasting had to go digital by then?

I just figured since most Cable/Satellite companies were so restrictive, there was a possibility of them shutting off OTA HD channels.
Bman212121
12-11-07, 08:51 AM
I just figured since most Cable/Satellite companies were so restrictive, there was a possibility of them shutting off OTA HD channels.

Neither of them should have any regulation over Over The Air channels. If a channel wants to give away their service for free I'm sure they could, but most of them sign contracts with your cable/satellite providers so they can make money.