HDTV transmitter/antenna information


I recently bought a HD receiver for my Direct TV and want to hook up an outdoor antenna to receive local networks etc.

I am having difficulty finding good information on what antenna to use and if it is likely that I could even receive HD from my location in Kalamazoo Michigan.

My receiver is a HR10-250 for Direct TV.

Any websites that can help? I have searched the archives on Agon and googled but no real answer.

ANY info is appreciated

thanks

Phil
128x128philjolet

Showing 4 responses by dan_ed

Good luck, Phil. The only problem I see with HD and sattelite is too much compression. The difference in the sat broadcast and the OTA broadcast of the same event is quite noticeable. Unfortunately, compression is here to stay.
You might try avsforum.com Lot's of experience there. I've been using a Channel Master in my attic for the last few years to pick up the stations in Boston. This has worked pretty well for me except the Fox affiliate which, I believe, happens to be to closest tower to me at about 35 miles. It's either multipath or atmospheric. These over-the-air HD broadcasts are by far the best HD pictures, especially live events, with the exception of HD-Net.

OTA is kind of tricky and sometimes takes abit of luck. I would suggest trying a cheap UHF antenna first to see if you can even get a signal. My experience with Terk antenna's has been terrible. They just never worked for me. YMMV
That's a very good point, avguygeorge. My late Toshiba HD receiver was much better both on sat and OTA PQ. But I have to admit that it is nice to have the recording feature. Would you happen to know if the new D* PVRs are better than the previous Phillips D* PVRs?
Yes, I have 2 of the cheap, but well regarded Rat Shack double bow-tie antennas. They haven't made them for a few years now and the guy at the local store didn't even know he had them. The in-line stock search pulled them up so off to the store I went. He was more than happy to sell both to me fo $5. I cut off the ribbon wire and soldered a 75 ohm adapter. They work very well, but the wife wanted them out of sight. So I went to channel master in the attic.