• We have updated to the newest version of the forum. Please let us know if you see any issues. And, yes, we know the shoutbox is gone. We'll see about getting it back if they make a newer version.

Over The Air HD is the best

mOjO

mOjO

Member
Over The Air (OTA) HD signals are better than what you receive from your Cable or Satellite providers. Why? Cable companies will compress less popular HD channels signal to retain a higher fidelity for the "popular" channels. Sometimes they will broadcast in 720 instead of 1080 "HD". Also, much of the signal losses found from a cable setup won't be found in an antenna based system. Don't be fooled by your providers. For most people, the highest quality HD signals are FREE.

Here is a great link to find out what TV stations you are likely to receive at your home: http://tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29. It will also help you pick out what type of antenna you need (set-top, attic, roof) and what sub-type (full directional, semi-directional, omni-directional)

I'm trying to source some recommendations on some makes and models of antenna that would work well. I'll post these up when I get them.
 
Picklz

Picklz

SUDO Make me a SAMCH
While I agree the channels that are broadcast OTA (4,5,9,11,etc) are better quality, you don't get nearly the number of channels that you can receive via digital cable or satellite. So, if you want to watch Discovery HD, ESPN HD, etc you are SOL unless you get cable or satellite.
 
dmention7

dmention7

Hater
Right. But if your TV has the ability, it's probably best to have it "prefer" the OTA source for local channels than the cable source.
 
mOjO

mOjO

Member
Direct from the hors....er...brothers mouth:

http://www.antennaweb.org

This should help. Most of the HD signals come out of Shoreview so unless you are trying to shoot through downtown Minneapolis (some parts of Minnetonka, Excelsior) a medium multi-directional or a medium directional should be fine.

We use and have had very good luck with Winegaurd antennas.

The couple dedicated UHF ones we spec are the HD-9065, HD-9085, HD-9095.

You can also get UHF/VHF combo antennas that work pretty good, but with the transition happening I would recommend just getting a dedicated UHF. Errr… unless they are WAY out of town and then in some cases they will still get VHF broadcasts because it travels so much father therefore will be used in rural areas.

We will usually put the largest antenna that will fit in an attic then have a sat meter to aim it. Roof mounting is better, but our customers don’t want to see the big ugly on their roof. If your friends are trying to aim their antenna just have them to point them towards Shoreview… Also… I think that antenna web site will tell you the appropriate azimuth.

RF reception can be picky sometimes, so there is no silver bullet for everyone.

Side note: Most antennas will do a great job at picking up FM. If you have an extra coax, plug it into the back of your receiver and you should get great reception.

-a
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top