HD OTA Tuners

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

Krisma wrote:
> I just got a new HDTV, I live in a shithole but may be able get a few
> stations OTA, so I'm looking to buy a HD Tuner cheap, just to see how well
> it works.
>
> Probably will be getting something off of EBay, is this a simple technology,
> or does paying top dollar for an HD Tuner really get you something that
> performs better than the cheaper ones?

Hard to say if there HD tuner brands that clearly work work better
than other brands. In general, the newer models are more reliable in
working with weaker signals. But the models do differ in features - VGA
port, HDMI or DVI - and user interface.

BTW, Radio Shack has been selling an Accurian HTS 6000 HD OTA tuner (#
16-3499) at a clearance sales price of $89. I picked one up, works ok,
better user interface than the Samsung SIR-T451, but the Samsung picks
up my weakest important station better.

But does your HD TV have a built-in ATSC tuner? The larger models are
required to have those by now.

> And as far as antenna, can I just get a cheapie (like something used for
> regular or SD) or do I have to buy a special HD antenna?

No, you do not need a special HD antenna. Almost all digital stations
are currently broadcasting in the UHF channels, so the UHF antenna is
more important than the VHF. (Note: Digital channels are re-assigned by
the box, for example Channel 4 (analog) may be broadcasting it's digital
channel on UHF 34, but your HD tuner shows it as 4.1, 4.2, etc.)

I am currently using a Channel Master 4 Bay Bowtie UHF antenna, for
example. The antenna cost me $25. I've spent more total on the RG-6
cable, mounting bracket ($5) for the attic, and an amplifier. Between
Washington DC and Baltimore, I have been able to pick up around a dozen
digital stations which offer HD.

Alan F

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

"Krisma" <krismaNOSPAM@NOSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:XhLXe.15897$Ma.15479@fe07.lga...
>I just got a new HDTV, I live in a shithole but may be able get a few
>stations OTA, so I'm looking to buy a HD Tuner cheap, just to see how well
>it works.
>
> Probably will be getting something off of EBay, is this a simple
> technology, or does paying top dollar for an HD Tuner really get you
> something that performs better than the cheaper ones?
>
> And as far as antenna, can I just get a cheapie (like something used for
> regular or SD) or do I have to buy a special HD antenna?
>
> Thanks.

Agree with Alan. I also use the CM, which is model 3021. HD stations
practically jumped into the set here in Northern NJ.

If you're some distance from your towers, you may need a fringe type
["Yagi"] , like the CM 4248. [~$48]

A dealer near Boston's been good to us: http://www.starkelectronic.com/
They have unbelievably fast shipping.

If you have some time, here's a good article about it.

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/howto/405hdtv/

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

David wrote:
> "Krisma" <krismaNOSPAM@NOSPAM.com> wrote in message
> news:XhLXe.15897$Ma.15479@fe07.lga...
>
>>I just got a new HDTV, I live in a shithole but may be able get a few
>>stations OTA, so I'm looking to buy a HD Tuner cheap, just to see how well
>>it works.
>>
>>Probably will be getting something off of EBay, is this a simple
>>technology, or does paying top dollar for an HD Tuner really get you
>>something that performs better than the cheaper ones?
>>
>>And as far as antenna, can I just get a cheapie (like something used for
>>regular or SD) or do I have to buy a special HD antenna?
>>
>>Thanks.
>
>
> Agree with Alan. I also use the CM, which is model 3021. HD stations
> practically jumped into the set here in Northern NJ.
>
> If you're some distance from your towers, you may need a fringe type
> ["Yagi"] , like the CM 4248. [~$48]
>
> A dealer near Boston's been good to us: http://www.starkelectronic.com/
> They have unbelievably fast shipping.
>
> If you have some time, here's a good article about it.
>
> http://www.ultimateavmag.com/howto/405hdtv/
>
>
>
>
>
The samsung t-451 can be had $139 +shipping on ebay.
If you cant to an outdoor antenna, an amplified indoor
one can be had at radio shack for about $40.