Posted: 5/2/2013 3:55:04 PM EDT
| I'm looking to pick up a decent antenna. My main question...is an analog to digital converted still required? Any models you guys could recommend? Thx in advance. |
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Quoted: I'm looking to pick up a decent antenna. My main question...is an analog to digital converted still required? Any models you guys could recommend? Thx in advance. I presume you mean TV antenna. Yes, if your TV doesn't have a digital tuner, you'll still need a converter. The type of antenna you choose depends on the direction and distance from the transmitter sites. |
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Most newer LCD (flat) TVs have digital tuners. We cut the cable(cord) a while back. We got a roof antenna(in the attic) with our house and I ran direct coax lines to each TV from one splitter/amp at the antenna.
Check http://antennaweb.org/ for all the info you need. ByteTheBullet (-: |
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Quoted:
Most newer LCD (flat) TVs have digital tuners. We cut the cable(cord) a while back. We got a roof antenna(in the attic) with our house and I ran direct coax lines to each TV from one splitter/amp at the antenna. Check http://antennaweb.org/ for all the info you need. ByteTheBullet (-: I'll check the manual to see if it has a tuner. So if it does, is there a special antenna to get? |
DUPE!  May I suggest -> http://www.antennaweb.org/Default.aspx Click "Start Here" and your questions will be answered.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Most newer LCD (flat) TVs have digital tuners. We cut the cable(cord) a while back. We got a roof antenna(in the attic) with our house and I ran direct coax lines to each TV from one splitter/amp at the antenna. Check http://antennaweb.org/ for all the info you need. ByteTheBullet (-: I'll check the manual to see if it has a tuner. So if it does, is there a special antenna to get? Here's what I have: 
http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/C2-Clearstream-Long-Range-Indoor-Outdoor-HDTV-antenna.html |
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Quoted:
Most newer LCD (flat) TVs have digital tuners. We cut the cable(cord) a while back. We got a roof antenna(in the attic) with our house and I ran direct coax lines to each TV from one splitter/amp at the antenna. Check http://antennaweb.org/ for all the info you need. ByteTheBullet (-: Just don't rely on that site's calculator for supposed antenna reception. According to my zip and address that site says I will only get one channel, but in reality I get FOX ,PBS (3), ABC, NBC, CBS and an independant station in HD using a rooftop antenna with a booster. BTW, I can find most anything I want to see on the net though. I have a PC connected to my 42" TV (used as a monitor) and use a wireless mouse and key board. |
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Quoted:
May I suggest -> http://www.antennaweb.org/Default.aspx Click "Start Here" and your questions will be answered. I came here to post that. OP, here's the short version- Your TV almost certainly has an HDTV tuner built in so you don't need a converter box. There's no particular difference between an older antenna and a newer one. The only real difference is that HDTV is a bit more picky in how strong the signal has to be to work decently. If you're in the boondocks, you might need a large antenna in your attic or on the roof but there are some free or near-free things to try first. The plain old rabbit ears can work, so if you have a set laying around, try them and see. Next, there are some pretty easy do it your self designs if you are at all handy. Check out antennaweb and especially check the coverage maps of different stations. I forget where it is but you can put in a location and it'll give you a list of all the stations that might be available at your house. If the ones you want are nearby (actually, if they have a good signal at your house) you don't need too much of a fancy setup, but you might need to turn the antenna to face the station you want to watch. If the station comes in and doesn't break up into little squares, you're fine. That's the acid test. |
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Inside units are typically low gain and will give poor service in fringe areas. Higher gain antennas for fringe areas are usually mounted outside. Their configuration may be yagi, bow-tie with planar reflector also stacked bow-tie, corner reflector, parabolic dish or log periodic. Frequency range for OTA tv in most locations is now 500MHz to 600 MHz. The hardware is often referred to as UHF antennas.
To avoid additional signal loss use ribbon lead between antenna and the back of the set. Use a BALUN to transistion from ribbon to coax. The BALUN transformer plugs into the antenna jack (F connector) on the set. The above antennas are directional so may need to be positioned at installation for maximum signal capture. Your 55" tv is equipped with an ATSC receiver (by law) that decodes the carriers and subcarriers into the necessary feeds to your video section. Converter boxes are not necessary, and are just another insertion loss if used. Software switch from the menu selects cable QAM receiver or OTA ATSC receiver, usually at the same "F" connector input jack. |