also if it helps, im pretty much just looking for any good indoor HDTV antenna under $50. so if these arent the best, and there is something cheaper, please do tell
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Really need help with indoor HDTV antennas
ok, so i just got an HDTV for christmas, but im not going to pay an arm and a leg for HDTV service. so i started looking around and found some HDTV antennas, but im kinda lost. from what i see, terk is a good brand to go with, and its not too expensive. ive come down to 3 models, but i dont know which to pick. i dont know which is best, or what all i need to hook it up.
HDTVi
HDTVa
TV5
i also need an A/B switch because i only have 1 RF input on my tv, but i also have cable. i would guess that wont cost me much
any and all help would be great.
*sorry if this is posted in the wrong section. still getting use to stuff around here*
HDTVi
HDTVa
TV5
i also need an A/B switch because i only have 1 RF input on my tv, but i also have cable. i would guess that wont cost me much
any and all help would be great.
*sorry if this is posted in the wrong section. still getting use to stuff around here*
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The Radioshack 15-1878 is a good antenna at $29.99 and the Zenith Silver Sensor seems to come highly recommended at around $20. How far from the transmitters are you? Try the antennaweb site if you haven't already.
Stay away from Terk.
The two antennas suggested above are good and you may also consider the Radio Shack 15-1880.
The best option would be an outdoor antenna. Many have good results with one mounted in the attic.
Check www.antennaweb.org for an idea of distance and direction of the x-mitters.
The two antennas suggested above are good and you may also consider the Radio Shack 15-1880.
The best option would be an outdoor antenna. Many have good results with one mounted in the attic.
Check www.antennaweb.org for an idea of distance and direction of the x-mitters.
i live about 17-20 miles away from most of the stations. and would a higher amplifier mean a better picture? also, does radio shack have a thing where if it doesnt work, then i can get my money back?
i also need a RF switch so i can plug the antenna and the normal cable in, and just which whenever i want.
*if i get the switch, would i have to do a air scan every time i switch to the antenna?
i also need a RF switch so i can plug the antenna and the normal cable in, and just which whenever i want.
*if i get the switch, would i have to do a air scan every time i switch to the antenna?
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If you only have one RF input on your TV, you probably don't have a digital tuner. Also since you did not pick up the HD channels (Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC with channels such as 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 7.1) when you scanned the cable, that also indicates that you probably don't have a built in digital tuner. Most TVs with a digital tuner have two RF inputs, one for analog and the other for digital. Without a digital tuner, you would probably have to get a HD cable box for HD cable reception. At first I thought that you could purchase an external digital HD tuner for OTA or cable reception but I don't think that will work since I believe that will convert the digital signals to anolog channel 2 or 3 which is not HD. Does anyone know if there is a external digital HD tuner that will convert the signal to Component output?
| i also need an A/B switch because i only have 1 RF input on my tv, but i also have cable. i would guess that wont cost me much any and all help would be great. |
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i have the 26" panasonic if that helps. and wouldnt the antenna find the __.1 channels? i would think i didnt get any of those because the normal cable was in when i did the scan
| Originally Posted by mterzich If you only have one RF input on your TV, you probably don't have a digital tuner. Also since you did not pick up the HD channels (Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC with channels such as 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 and 7.1) when you scanned the cable, that also indicates that you probably don't have a built in digital tuner. Most TVs with a digital tuner have two RF inputs, one for analog and the other for digital. Without a digital tuner, you would probably have to get a HD cable box for HD cable reception. At first I thought that you could purchase an external digital HD tuner for OTA or cable reception but I don't think that will work since I believe that will convert the digital signals to anolog channel 2 or 3 which is not HD. Does anyone know if there is a external digital HD tuner that will convert the signal to Component output? |
Which model do you have? If you give me that information, I'll check to see if it includes a digital tuner. Generally only the more expensive TVs have a built in digital tuner. Even some of the 42" or larger sets don't have a digital tuner.
Normally the cable companies broadcast the local national networks unencrypted on the cable so most people that have a digital tuner will receive that channels.
Normally the cable companies broadcast the local national networks unencrypted on the cable so most people that have a digital tuner will receive that channels.
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i have the 26" panasonic (CT-26WX15), but i dont think it has a digital tuner. so if i dont have a digital tuner, then i shouldnt get an antenna to get HDTV?
| Originally Posted by mterzich Which model do you have? If you give me that information, I'll check to see if it includes a digital tuner. Generally only the more expensive TVs have a built in digital tuner. Even some of the 42" or larger sets don't have a digital tuner. Normally the cable companies broadcast the local national networks unencrypted on the cable so most people that have a digital tuner will receive that channels. |
According to the specifications, that TV only has analog coaxial which is what I expected. I own 2 HD TVs, one a Sony 34" CRT (called HD Ready) without a digital tuner which I have to run off of a HD cable box and the other a Sharp 45" LCD which has 2 digital tuners and one anolog tuners (3 RF connections) which allows me to receive HD any number of ways (by either of the two digital RF connections or from a cable box via Component, HDMI, or DVI connections).
An antenna won't do you any good without a digital tuner. The only possibility that I can think of other then getting a HD cable box is to see if you can buy a external HD tuner that has Component output (HDMI output would also work since you have that connection on your TV). The problem is that I don't know if they make such a beast and it may be quite expensive.
An antenna won't do you any good without a digital tuner. The only possibility that I can think of other then getting a HD cable box is to see if you can buy a external HD tuner that has Component output (HDMI output would also work since you have that connection on your TV). The problem is that I don't know if they make such a beast and it may be quite expensive.
You will need to either buy an exteral receiver or you can rent one from your cable provider for HD.
The cheapest HD tuner with Component output that I could find on is about $250.
i dont really care for all the extra HD signals...just local. i know that sounds kinda stupid, but i dont want to pay an arm and a leg for TV i already have. with the antenna, i would just be using the local stations for like sports games and other shows
Unfortunately, without a digital tuner, you cannot pickup digital stations.
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ok, thanks for your help anyways then.
| Originally Posted by mterzich Unfortunately, without a digital tuner, you cannot pickup digital stations. |
Zenith Silver Sensor from Sears for under 25 bucks....hands down! I have used it for 9 months without a single problem...
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But it won't do him any good,cause he doesn't have a HD Tuner Built in ,nor do I think he wants to buy a HD STB ?
| Originally Posted by cseoni Zenith Silver Sensor from Sears for under 25 bucks....hands down! I have used it for 9 months without a single problem... |
NOSintake - you CANNOT get the local HDTV channels on your TV WITHOUT a digital, HD-capable external tuner. If you look around, you can find one for less than $250.00.
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Believe there's a separate thread here on the closeout Acccurian from Radio Shack that's considerably less costly. It has HDMI and YPbPr outputs. -- John
| Originally Posted by mterzich The cheapest HD tuner with Component output that I could find on is about $250. |
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