HDTV Antenna's

[Paul51]

I don't know if this is the right site for my question so here goes. I have DLP HDT and would like to recieve local broardcasts using an outdoor antenna. I guess someone can tell me what antenna's work the best and what antenna's to stay away from. I have a samsung HDTV with interinal monitor to recieve the over air siginal so it's about the local cable company not transmitting what I want.I went shopping on E-BAY and there is a guy that claimes he has the instructions for the best HD ANTENNA for $4.99 anyone know anything about this.Any info on which,where and what would be a good antenna.
Thanks Paul

[aud19]

Have a look here for info

http://www.checkhd.com/aw/welcome.aspx

[antennawiz]

The first subject to address is TV antenna range. Range is the ability of a particular television antenna to receive a signal from a particular distance. Many antenna manufacturers do this using range in miles. This however can be very misleading. Here's why, antennas can receive TV signal from a much greater distance over flat open terrain, versus hilly or densely wooded terrain. Some manufactures exaggerate their claims, by using the words up to ____ miles. For an example, one manufacturer claims their antenna can receive TV signals up to 210 miles away. This may be true under perfect conditions, but very misleading to the consumer. The fact is, under perfect conditions, a station with a very strong signal, broadcasting over flat open terrain, with sufficient antenna height (to overcome the curve of the earth) could be received 210 miles or more. But the reality is, most of us will not get that kind of performance. The gain figure of a particular TV antenna is much more important then range in miles.

Many factors will effect the distance a TV signal can travel. Lets take a look at some of those factors.

1. Not all TV stations are created equal. At our home we use the MS 2000 for our TV reception. We receive numerous channels from many different directions. Cadillac Michigan is north west of our location and has two TV transmitters that according to www.antennaweb.org are 78.6 miles from us. Channel 9 has a strong signal and a tall transmitting tower and we consistently receive their signal nearly perfect both in analog and digital. Channel 33's transmitter is located within a half mile of channel 9. They have a weaker signal and a shorter tower, we receive their signal poorly, sometimes so bad it has no color. Two channels, same distance, same receiving antenna, different results.

2. How high is your TV antenna?
The curvature of the earth plays a role in how far a TV signal can travel. TV signal is best received when the broadcast antenna and the receiving antenna have what we call line of site. In other words, the higher the receiving antenna is installed, the better it will perform. For best results the antenna should be installed above your roof line.

3. Is it windy at your house?
Believe it or not I ask that question when I'm helping someone choose a TV antenna, no I'm not crazy. Wind and TV signal travel across the earth in a similar manner. For an example, if your home is surrounded by a dense forest you would have very little wind compared to a home in the middle of an open field. Which location do you think would get better TV reception, the one in the open field with more wind of course. The same goes for homes surrounded by tall buildings, hills or anything that can block TV signal. A few trees around the neighborhood has very little effect on TV reception.

4. Do you look down on everyone? Do you live on a hill? If so your reception should be very good. Some time ago a customer called me on the phone. He wanted to inform me that the MS 2000 he had purchased from me wasn't working good at all. I had the customer run through some troubleshooting procedures and could find nothing wrong. I finally ask him where he had installed the antenna and he replied, oh it's on top of the TV in the basement, elevation does matter. Examine your elevation in comparison to the terrain surrounding your home. When your driving home pay attention to the terrain. Sometimes changes in elevation are so small they go unnoticed. Sometimes you can even be living on a hill in a large deep valley and not even realize it.

5. The bottom line Range in miles is for the most part is useless, without you the consumer having some knowledge of TV signal behavior. Now that you have the knowledge, you can better determine which TV antenna is right for you.

[junior77blue]

Depending upon where you live, HD reception may not be feasible.

I've had the best success with HD digital cable. I'm sure satellite offers as good picture, albeit for additional cost.