Hi, I just started looking into OTA HD recievers, and I'm a bit lost, I'd appreciate someone pointing me in the direction of products that would meet my needs.

I have a projector setup, and used to have HD cable run to it...but with ground loop issues (that I had to solve myself, but lowered signal strength), and the monthly cost, I turned in my box. So I've been interesting in getting an OTA reciever. I have a few questions:

Is HDTV over the air recpetion better than what you would get with analog tv? Will it look as clear as with cable becasue it is digital? Would I have to put an external antenna outside? Do any come with VGA output? Does that $40 coupon that is being offered toward converters apply to this type of product? Is there a wide variation in quality of picture between products? Is it possible to get a good one for $150 or less?

Thanks in advance!

Spend some time and READ the posts here. All the questions you ask have been answered. :)

In order...

yes.
I think yes.
maybe/probably/depending on location to transmitters.
not sure.
no. Only composite, S-Video, RF coaxial outputs are allowed on the government coupon boxes.
yes
not sure.

edit: I forgot, it seems S-Video is allowable too...

Yes, Yes, Yes,in most cases to get a really reliable signal. Yes, No, Yes is the answer to those questions!:D

Yes, Yes, Yes,in most cases to get a really reliable signal. Yes, No, Yes (if you Ebay - but you may have to buy your remote separate - be careful what you bid on) is the answer to those questions

Otherwise - start reading reading. Start with the Samsung DTB-H260F thread for HDTV receivers.

Spend some time and READ the posts here. All the questions you ask have been answered. :)

That's the answer I'd probably give someone! I'm sure I'm going to read through everything here, just wanted a jumping off point. My main question was if that coupon could apply to the type of box I wanted.

And thanks to you guys who answered my questions!

That's the answer I'd probably give someone! I'm sure I'm going to read through everything here, just wanted a jumping off point. My main question was if that coupon could apply to the type of box I wanted.


The coupon-eligible boxes (around $50-$70 retail without the coupon) will output a standard definition signal on composite (or possibly S-video) that, at best, looks like widescreen DVD when watching a 16x9 HD broadcast on your widescreen TV.

If you want to display at HD resolution you'll need one of the more expensive boxes that start at over $100 and are not eligible for the coupon.

... Do any come with VGA output? ...!

That's the feature that will probably push you up over $150.

Almost all the really good OTA boxes with features like VGA and HDMI or DVI are no longer being built and thus have retained a good chunk of their retail value.

You might look for a used RCA DTC-100, a 1st generation DirecTV / Digital TV receiver, with VGA output. Caveats:
- It only outputs 1080i HD. All SD is upconverted to 540p, and 720p is side-converted to 1080i.
- 1st gen reception can sometimes be problematic, but it can work fine in some circumstances, where the terrain is relatively flat, within 40-50 miles of the stations, low multipath issues (no airports close by, etc.), and connected to a outdoor directional antenna mounted as high as possible, with (maybe) an antenna preamp connected.
- Check the Menu to be sure it has a recent Update, allowing Retrace Timing options in Monitor Setup. (Menu, Assistance, Monitor Setup). If the unit does not have Retrace Timing options in Monitor Setup, it will still work, but will compress the horizontal image about 3%, and you will have to access the Service Mode to see the entire image. If it does, select 'Short Retrace (EIA770.3 Timing) and you will be all set.
- Although the unit does not have to be active with DirecTV or be connected to a dish, it does have to have an Access Card in it.

First you need to determine reception quality.
If you're sure of reception, you want a receiver that will output to match your projector.
Coupons are for standard definition set top boxes-works with your analog tv.
Are you asking about vga because that's the input of your projector?
If you're sure of reception, get an high definition capable OTA receiver. Many available for pc's and one I have(a set top box) is the Samsung DTB-H260F. But even here, is not enough for trouble free reception.

If you want HD, get a used Hisense DB2010 on ebay for around $40-50. Great tuner with component or S video out and will do up to 1080i resolution (with component of course).

Are you two reading the OP? He wants VGA, which neither the Hisense or Samsung have.

And I asked why.

And I asked why.
He has a projection set up, asks for VGA = VGA.

If you're sure of reception, you want a receiver that will output to match your projector.

.

Ken, I'm not trying?

Zenith HDV420 OTA HD receiver/STB(long discontinued 3rd~4th generation LG chipset) is another one that has VGA out.

Switch on back to switch between VGA out or component out. I've only used the VGA out with a CRT PC monitor, and it worked just fine 1080i/720p/480p out from STB. 480i only output via Svideo or composite.

Both the LG LST-3510a (DVD/OTA tuner) and the Hughes (LG) HTL-HD D* box have VGA (analog RGB) out.

The 3510a is 3rd gen LG and the HTL-HD is 4th gen LG.

I have a 3510a on hand if the OP is interested. The DVD player doesn't work very well but the tuner works fine.