Off Air Antenas

[MikeC]

I have DirecTV with the HD Dish. Even though I get most of the HD broadcasts on local chanels, there are some that the dish does not pick up and an "off air" antenna is required for. Does anyone have any experience with this type of set up? Any recommendations.

Note: Generally when I'm a member of a BB I have some things to add as well as "take." But I'm really a noob here so I don't exactly have much to add yet. Hopefully I'll learn and become a contributing member too

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Mike,

I think you mean over the air, or OTA antenna. Your best reception is a standard $99 Radio Shack roof antenna aimed at the city the signal is originating. Those small indoor or ourdoor plastic antenna's aren't even close to the reception you'll get with the old aluminum styles.

Go to this site and put in your address (you'll need at least your zip code). It will tell you the stations you can reach and the mileage from your location. You don't need to check the boxes, provide your name or phone number to get results.

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

 

[ejreiss]

You have to check to find out what you would receive in your area. I live in nj and the local best buy and circuit city told me that I wouldn't get any channels in my area with an ota antenna. I guess I am just too far away to receive the signal.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

You have to check to find out what you would receive in your area. I live in nj and the local best buy and circuit city told me that I wouldn't get any channels in my area with an ota antenna. I guess I am just too far away to receive the signal.

That's total BS. Did they even ask you how far you were from local broadcast networks? If you place the antenna listed below on the top of a 2 story house with a 6/12 pitch, you are talking almost 30' in the air. This is without a mast. You'd be amazed at the reception. And, no - rabbit ears don't count as OTA in my book. If BB and CC were talking about those, they are correct.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?pg=1&parentPage=search&cp=&productId=2103087&y=8&origkw=outdoor+antennas&kw=outdoor+antennas&x=16&s=D-StorePrice-RSK&tab=features

By: John S., Southern Indiana | 06/10/06
I have installed 3 of these antennas for friends. All were mounted on towers about 30'-35'. The people I have installed them for get reception from well over 200 miles away. I have found the use of a good antenna booster makes a great combination. So far all have held up to some really bad storms. I suggest this antenna to anyone wanting to replace their old one. I have priced different ones about the same size. For what you get from this one it beats the others hands down.

 

[ejreiss]

Is there anywhere I can go to find a list of people who broadcast over the air and find out what cities they are in. abc, nbc, whatever else. Would these signals be high definition and would they be as good as my high def I get from my satelite company. I only live about 70 miles from new york city and I would think that some are broadcasting from there.

 

[Audioholics]

www.antennaweb.org