HDTV

[cougarfreak]

If I were to get HDTV with the Dish Network and I bought this product: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=4092760&type=product&productCategoryId=cat08084&id=1051384674089

Would that mean I could get locals in HD, or would I have to have an outside antennae too?

[gstelmack]

Depends ENTIRELY on your locals situation. Around here, many people pick up locals great with a Silver Sensor indoor, but I'm in a little valley with a lot of trees and have a nice big Radio Shack external to pick them up. Distance and topograhy matter.

http://www.antennaweb.org is a good place to get some idea.

[Samdari]

If it can pick up UHF signals with it indoors, you would get the local digital broadcasts - no outside antenna needed. I researched that antenna when the terk dish mounted one turned out not to work, and it got about 25% favorable reports. Those 25% loved it though, easy, convenient, unobtusive. Can you pick it up somewhere that lets you try it out and then return it if it does not work? That would be the way to go.

I notice you call them HD locals, but (just a public service) I hope you realize that you mean digital locals? The channels would always be digital, but probably only 25% of the time (or less) would they be in HD. Generally from the networks, only prime time episodic (i.e. not reality) shows are in HD. The rest of the time, they are standard def. Sports from the nets (and ESPN) are unpredictable as to what is broadcast in HD.

[cougarfreak]

If it can pick up UHF signals with it indoors, you would get the local digital broadcasts - no outside antenna needed. I researched that antenna when the terk dish mounted one turned out not to work, and it got about 25% favorable reports. Those 25% loved it though, easy, convenient, unobtusive. Can you pick it up somewhere that lets you try it out and then return it if it does not work? That would be the way to go.

I notice you call them HD locals, but (just a public service) I hope you realize that you mean digital locals? The channels would always be digital, but probably only 25% of the time (or less) would they be in HD. Generally from the networks, only prime time episodic (i.e. not reality) shows are in HD. The rest of the time, they are standard def. Sports from the nets (and ESPN) are unpredictable as to what is broadcast in HD.

That makes sense. I'll just stick with regular Dish until more HD broadcasting is available. I can't justify paying $10 a month to watch 1 or 2 sporting events in HD a week.

[Samdari]

That makes sense. I'll just stick with regular Dish until more HD broadcasting is available. I can't justify paying $10 a month to watch 1 or 2 sporting events in HD a week.

Well, I have an antenna. Since I do not watch reality tv, the networks are actually the most consistent source of HD programming that I enjoy. I pay for the HD package from DirecTV, as I have to have ESPN HD (the best source of Sports programming in HD). I was not trying to turn you one way or another, I just hear lots of stories about people buying HDTV's and being pissed when they get it home and discover how little programming is in HD. I just wanted to make sure you were not one of those people.

[TroyF]

Well, I have an antenna. Since I do not watch reality tv, the networks are actually the most consistent source of HD programming that I enjoy. I pay for the HD package from DirecTV, as I have to have ESPN HD (the best source of Sports programming in HD). I was not trying to turn you one way or another, I just hear lots of stories about people buying HDTV's and being pissed when they get it home and discover how little programming is in HD. I just wanted to make sure you were not one of those people.


I also have Direct with the HD. Just recently upgraded to HD after a couple of years without it. Man I missed it.

As for the locals, I can't get any because of my location. You can now apply for a waiver from DTV for just the HD local channels. If you can't get them in your area and your local networks agree, you can get either the LA or NY feeds.

It's only been about two weeks since I applied for the waivers, but Fox and CBS have already granted them. I'm guessing the other two networks won't be far behind. (fingers crossed)

Samdari,

Not sure if you've heard, but DTV is going to start broadcasting ESPN2 HD as well. I heard the Friday night game this week will be the debut. Channel 72 I believe.