HDTV Antenna Question

[peteykirch]

Now I'm wondering if I need to get one or not. I just got a new HDTV that has a built in HDTV Tuner that picks up some local HD channels mainly Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, etc. But would a HDTV Antenna get me anymore channels or just the basics like that? I get my cable from just a wire from the cable outlet into the back of my TV, no cable box.

[p_rushing]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

It will only get you locally broadcast channels. Look here and it will show you all the channels you get. http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx With the antenna, you will get the sub-channels that show different things sometimes.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

There is no such thing as an "HD Antenna".

An antenna is an antenna. They all pick up the exact same channels. There are some better quality that will be up your channels better, but don't go out and buy a $100 "HDTV Antenna".

Go to the website rushing gave. Follow the steps, put in your exact address. When it gets to the big list check show digital stations only and see how far away you are from the broadcast antennas. It will also show every station that is being broadcast.

-

I was bored and did it for your putting in your hometown. Most of the towers are under 30 miles away.

I live 34 miles away from our TV towers and use a $15 set of rabbit ears I got from walmart and it sits ontop of my DLP tv. I pick up every channel 100% clear.

[p_rushing]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

You also may want to wait until June 12th when the stations go to full power. You should be able to get better signals once that happens, which could allow rabbit ears to pickup all stations.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

If you are next to a huge city you should be fine. I am 30 miles from the Dallas station broadcast antennas so I am good. But if you are out in the boonies and get the local poor station signals, they may not go full power until June 12.

[Sting]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

Bumping this. I have an HD tv but it doesn't have built in hdtv tuner/antenna. I'm in my girlfriend's apartment and I don't wanna pay for HD here just yet. What exactly do I need to pick up my local major networks in HD?

Here's a printout of the results that I entered in the website mentioned in this thread:

DTV Antenna
Type Call Sign Channel Network City, State Live
Date Compass
Heading Miles
From RF
Channel
* yellow
uhf WFRV-DT 5.1 CBS GREEN BAY, WI 168° 15.4 39
* yellow
uhf WACY-DT 32.1 MNT APPLETON, WI 166° 13.8 27
* yellow
uhf WBAY-DT 2.1 ABC GREEN BAY, WI 165° 10.1 23
* yellow
vhf WLUK-DT 11.1 FOX GREEN BAY, WI 163° 10.3 11
* yellow
uhf WPNE-DT 38.1 PBS GREEN BAY, WI 165° 10.1 42
* yellow
uhf WIWB-DT 14.1 CW SURING, WI 168° 15.4 21
* red
uhf WGBA-DT 26.1 NBC GREEN BAY, WI 166° 13.8 41
Note:

[Sting]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

I'm thinking about just going with trial and error: go grab one @ BestBuy and if it doesn't work just take it back

[23]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

You need a digital tuner box

[Sting]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

You need a digital tuner box

even if she has digital cable here already? Can you elaborate. I have no idea what I'm doing

[23]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

She has cable? Then nah just get an antenna.. its a chance that it will work for you.

and ollie is right, there is no such thing as an HD antenna.. I remember getting OTA HD locals long ago on a 12 dollar antenna I bought from the 99 cent store

[Sting]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

She has cable? Then nah just get an antenna.. its a chance that it will work for you.

and ollie is right, there is no such thing as an HD antenna.. I remember getting OTA HD locals long ago on a 12 dollar antenna I bought from the 99 cent store

You're a good man, I don't care what they say. Preciate it. Off to BestBuy for an antenna

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

If her cable box has a ASTC tuner, then all you'd need is an antenna. I'd get one that's powered to get the best reception. Wouldn't spend more than $30 or so.

A digital signal will be all or nothing.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: HDTV Antenna Question

What gamecock said. Some of your stations signals are pretty far away so a dinky 1 stick antenna may not do the job. Digital channels are a pain because you either get it full amazing HD, or a blank screen (sometimes little blocks that will freeze and update every 30 seconds)