Posts tagged over the air antenna
Over the Air
Your local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS channels
FREE!
Since June 12, 2009, all over-the-air TV broadcasts are broadcasting in digital. The images conjured up of analog snow and ghosts are a thing of the past. HDTV broadcast quality is often superior to the quality of the same HD programs received through cable. Not only the quality is better, OTA HDTV is free of charge. Actually getting something better for cheaper.
Why is image quality better for OTA than cable? Cable TV compresses the signal
Adding “HDTV” to the label on TV antennas is just a marketing gimmick. The “rabbit ear” VHF/UHF antennas do work for local digital broadcasts. However, you may need a digital converter box depending on the capabilities of your tv.
Check the reception maps for available local channels in your area.
- http://dtv.gov
- http://www.tvfool.com/
- http://www.antennaweb.org/
- TV Antenna Helper – FREE (Android phone app)
HDTV antennas can be found ~$30-100+ price range. Do your research before buying.
Review sites:
- http://hdtv-antenna-review.toptenreviews.com/
- http://geekbeat.tv/review-mohus-leaf-a-paper-thin-hdtv-indoor-antenna/
- More coming soon
What to look for:
Below are three “low-cost antennas” with good reviews from Amazon:
Disclaimer: Other review sites say the leaf no better than rabbit ears – go figure!
For example, the reception map showed 7 high strength DTV channels in my area. With a Walmart bought HDTV antenna for ~$30, I had no problem pulling in all 7 high strength (green indicated) channels. Below is a video capture of channels available and reception quality.