OTA noob: what do I do?

[jostenmeat]

bhodge, I've got the PHD205 sitting in my Amazon cart, and the PHD205 LE sitting in the ePvision cart. The prices are nearly identical, as shipped at least.

The LE has HDMI output (rather than DVI), RF output connector, NTSC is just pass-thru. According to the linked pdf, it is actually $10 less than the regular PHD205. Can you explain to me if I'm missing anything here?

I checked out the AVS sticky you linked, and it seems that with the few first candidates, they are somewhat aged. At least one or two of them don't have HDMI.


http://www.epvision.com/HDTVSTB/phd205LEmain.htm

pdf
http://www.epvision.com/Documents/PHD_STB_compareN.pdf


I have an itchy trigger finger sitting on the LE right now. I think with that RS antenna, plus whatever else, it'll all come out to around $270ish all said and done.

 

[bhodge]

You can ignore the NTSC pass through, not sure what the other model does (just has a check mark) but you won't be using NTSC, thats analog. The only stations which can still transmit in analog are very low power stations which would be independent stations, if any in your area.

I would go with the LE model, it has the HDMI out which is going to be more standard in HT with tvs, receiver, switches. Aside from the HDMI the only other difference is the mpeg decoder chip...which I don't know anything about. Tried to search on it and nada. Sorry can't be of extra help there.

Let me know how it works out, interested to here your thoughts of OTA.

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks again, bhodge. I just sent a PM to someone I get along with in an amps/processor subforum, when I found out he's into this stuff. I will await his reply, and I know for a fact now that he's tried both the 205 and 205LE.

During my research tonight, I found this really cool site, that seems to be considerably more detailed than antenna/web/org.

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

According to my own results, the attic mounted and indoor set top antenna are nearly identical, even with adjusted heights. I suppose I'll go with attic, because I can and it's better, but then there's that lazy part in me.

 

[bhodge]

During my research tonight, I found this really cool site, that seems to be considerably more detailed than antenna/web/org.

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

Thanks, much more detailed site indeed.

I have a feeling the chip in one of those STBs will probably decode a bit better so it will be good to have insight from someone who has had first hand workings with them both. Hopefully you can wait that long, if you are anything like me, your finger is itching to pull the trigger on one of them

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks, much more detailed site indeed.

You're welcome!! Least I can do. The help has all been one-way so far.

I have a feeling the chip in one of those STBs will probably decode a bit better so it will be good to have insight from someone who has had first hand workings with them both. Hopefully you can wait that long, if you are anything like me, your finger is itching to pull the trigger on one of them

I see that these units get FW updates too, to help with video performance, if only for SD, etc. Man, everything is FW updated these days. I think my coffee maker is probably running on outdated FW.

It seems, at least a few months ago, that he thinks that these units could very well be the only choice for ATSC/NTSC/QAM. My query to the fellow is pointedly asking about ATSC (OTA) only. Man, there are some crazy people out there. Check out this indoor antenna shootout.

 

[itschris]

Local stuff.

Plug in your address, and it will show the stations, how far the antenna is, and at the specific compass reading. It will also list them as easiest to hardest signals to receive:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

Okay... what am I missing here? How can you guys get rid of cable if it's just they local channels. I don't watcha ton of TV, but when I do, it's usually the channels like Discovery, History, Speed, Military, Bravo, and Food Networks. So is there really any value to having an OTA setup for me?

 

[bhodge]

Man, there are some crazy people out there. Check out this indoor antenna shootout.

Ha, I bet the are saying the same thing about AH

 

[bhodge]

Okay... what am I missing here? How can you guys get rid of cable if it's just they local channels. I don't watcha ton of TV, but when I do, it's usually the channels like Discovery, History, Speed, Military, Bravo, and Food Networks. So is there really any value to having an OTA setup for me?

Nope not missing anything, you do lose a lot of shows but it was a compromise for me. I do like watching some of those stations you mentioned (and SciFi and ESPN) but I found that I didn't really "follow" any one specific show it was more or less when I was bored I could find something.

OTA is a higher quality signal for HD because there is no compression so what I do watch has a much clearer picture. In addition, if you have the right setup you can get alot of content from those stations from other sources (Hulu, Netflix, Bittorrent, etc). For example, I can get mythbusters through netflix instantly.

What I have found though is I end up watching less TV and use the extra time on movies, DIY projects, and maybe the occastional exercise or two (maybe) and I am okay with that.

 

[Swerd]

I'm coming in a bit late on this, but I want to add another antenna for your consideration.

Winegard Squareshooter - available as unamplified (SS-1000) or amplified (SS-2000).

I have the SS-1000 mounted in my attic with a rotor and it works great. I live near Washington, DC where most OTA broacast antenna are within 15 miles, but I also easily get the stations in Baltimore which are 40-45 miles away. I live on a hilltop, and local terrain and elevation do matter. If you are 50 miles from a broadcast tower, you might need the SS-2000.

These antenna are small, 16" x 16" x 4", and mount as easily as the 18" satellite dishes.

I've used mine for about 3 years with no problem.

You can safely ignore local codes about mounting an antenna outside on your roof or on the side of your house. There was a federal lawsuit that ruled these codes in violation of constitutional free speech. This court case overrules any homeowner association rules. Just the same, mounting in the attic is much easier than on the roof.

 

[itschris]

Nope not missing anything, you do lose a lot of shows but it was a compromise for me. I do like watching some of those stations you mentioned (and SciFi and ESPN) but I found that I didn't really "follow" any one specific show it was more or less when I was bored I could find something.

OTA is a higher quality signal for HD because there is no compression so what I do watch has a much clearer picture. In addition, if you have the right setup you can get alot of content from those stations from other sources (Hulu, Netflix, Bittorrent, etc). For example, I can get mythbusters through netflix instantly.

What I have found though is I end up watching less TV and use the extra time on movies, DIY projects, and maybe the occastional exercise or two (maybe) and I am okay with that.

I don't think that would go over well in my house. My wife wants to watch Pawn Stars, that new antique pickers show, etc. If those aren't readily available than it would work out well for us. If she has to search for stuff, it sorda defeats the whole purpose since I'm trying to consolidate things and make the system easier to use and more accessible. Good info though.

 

[skers_54]

OTA is a higher quality signal for HD because there is no compression so what I do watch has a much clearer picture. In addition, if you have the right setup you can get alot of content from those stations from other sources (Hulu, Netflix, Bittorrent, etc). For example, I can get mythbusters through netflix instantly.

What I have found though is I end up watching less TV and use the extra time on movies, DIY projects, and maybe the occastional exercise or two (maybe) and I am okay with that.

I definitely agree with that. The pic isn't as good as a blu-ray since most shows are still compressed somewhat before the network gets them, but it is pretty clean. I was at my buddy's house watching a playoff football game and there was very obvious macroblocking. He has Cox, which is beyond overpriced. Around $60/mo for something like 35 channels .

I'm using an el-cheapo 7 year old RCA antenna and I don't get any dropouts with my Panny X1. I'm able to pull in some channels that are 40 miles away. I did have some issues with reception on my old Sanyo HDTV, so a good tuner is definitely worth the money.

Audio quality is pretty good via OTA. I haven't noticed a difference between OTA and the audio from TV show DVDs, but I haven't really A/B'd it. Most things are broadcast in Dolby Digital, which works just fine for football and TV shows. Kinda like music, the production seems to be the limiting factor rather than the transmission medium.

 

[jostenmeat]

Welp, it's all paid for!

I decided on the 205LE, the RS Antennacraft, and a 25 ft quad shielded RG6 cable.

I underestimated the figure by $10. Really, before I even started researching this time around, I was hoping/thinking $200, but I guess I can swallow $80 more. I needed the HDMI anyways.

I'd like to thank everyone for their input, particularly highfigh and Midwesthonky, but also Swerd, skers 54, and lsiberian, and most especially bhodge.

So, the newest arrivals for 2010 :

 

[bhodge]

Welp, it's all paid for!

I decided on the 205LE, the RS Antennacraft, and a 25 ft quad shielded RG6 cable.

WAIT NOT THE 205LE, thats the worst one!

I think you will be happy with the PQ and SQ. BTW what where you using before? Do you have cable/satellite/IPTV/nothing?

 

[jostenmeat]

WAIT NOT THE 205LE, thats the worst one!

I think you will be happy with the PQ and SQ. BTW what where you using before? Do you have cable/satellite/IPTV/nothing?

Nothing. For years.

Bluray or bust, baybee.

 

[bhodge]

Nothing. For years.

Bluray or bust, baybee.

Oh its going to be like christmas with all the shows in HD, just in time for march madness too! You're going to love it!

 

[lsiberian]

I don't think that would go over well in my house. My wife wants to watch Pawn Stars, that new antique pickers show, etc. If those aren't readily available than it would work out well for us. If she has to search for stuff, it sorda defeats the whole purpose since I'm trying to consolidate things and make the system easier to use and more accessible. Good info though.

Itunes carries most tv shows a day or two after they air commercial free for much less than the cost of a cable subscription. The quality is very high on what I've watched. Seriously she can get a lot more stuff at the pawn shop with the money you'd save.

Of course if you have Time Warner they run a very good HD signal. They are pretty much the best tv provider I've used. Not had a chance to try out FIOS though.

 

[jostenmeat]

Of course if you have Time Warner they run a very good HD signal.

I disagree. I think it might be the worst cable signal that I've seen, however, I don't think I've seen Comcast yet . . . can't quite recall.

 

[jostenmeat]

So, I think the tuner should arrive today!

I set up my antenna last night (man the things is really dirty/greasy, had to wash my hands so many times), and threw it up in the attic (with some difficult at maybe 7+ ft long?), without a mast though.

I did some research on grounding. Lightning is a non-issue in attic. Static building up in the coax is a maybe-issue, at least with longer lengths, but mine is moderate at 25ft. RF grounding improves signal for some people, if only for marginal stations (none of which I really care for, I think).

I am not planning on grounding anything yet, but then again I don't know if that breaking a law or what not. Feel free to talk me into grounding, if you want to.

 

[jostenmeat]

So, I think the tuner should arrive today!

I set up my antenna last night (man the things is really dirty/greasy, had to wash my hands so many times), and threw it up in the attic (with some difficulty at maybe 7 ft long?), without a mast though.

I did some research on grounding. Lightning is a non-issue in attic. Static building up in the coax is a maybe-issue, at least with longer lengths, but mine is moderate at 25ft. RF grounding improves signal for some people, if only for marginal stations (none of which I really care for, I think).

I am not planning on grounding anything yet, but then again I don't know if that breaking a law or what not. Feel free to talk me into grounding, if you want to.

 

[bhodge]

I did some research on grounding. Lightning is a non-issue in attic. Static building up in the coax is a maybe-issue, at least with longer lengths, but mine is moderate at 25ft. RF grounding improves signal for some people, if only for marginal stations (none of which I really care for, I think).

I am not planning on grounding anything yet, but then again I don't know if that breaking a law or what not. Feel free to talk me into grounding, if you want to.

Don't worry about grounding, its a non issue for you since its in the attic.

Hopefully you don't have to go back up and angle the antenna after your tuner arrives, but that should be the only reason to have to go back up there. If you do have poor reception, double check the tower locations (from either site you found) and make sure the line of sight is perpendicular to the side of the antenna that is the longest to increase the surface area which will receive the signal.

Let me know how the test drive with the tuner goes.