Off Air HDTV Channels

[rajatQ2]

Ok, this is probably a dumb question.

I have a 50" samsung DLP tv, about 3 years old. I just cut the cord with Comcast, no more cable tv and $120 monthly bills. I need some TV though, and Hulu and the other sh* just isn't cutting it.

I've been looking at some HDTV-Analog converter boxes like this.

http://www.amazon.com/Zinwell-ZAT-970A-Digital-Analog-Converter/dp/B001DVZXC0/ref=pd_ts_e_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

They all say they'll convert the signals to analog. But I don't want an analog signal, i want a digital signal, hopefully over hdmi or component.

what do i need? just an antenna? Some converter boxes? I'm confused. I set my TV up to get channels off the air, but every channel has nothing but snow and says "weak or no signal".

THANKS!

[ramazank2]

If you want to put an outside antenna check out www.antennaweb.org. If you want to be cheap http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10008086&prodlist=froogle
It worked ok for me but I was missing to many channels so I went to a Winegard Squareshooter. I was then able to get everything but fox...

[rajatQ2]

Do i need a tuner, dtv tuner?

Here is my manual:
http://www.samsung.com/us/support/detail/supportPrdDetail.do?menu=SP02&prd_ia_cd=02010300&prd_mdl_cd=&prd_mdl_name=HL-S5086W&prd_ia_sub_class_cd=P

I can't figure out if I have the tuner built in or not. Samsung model # HL-S5086W

[InfiniteNothing]

I think what you're looking for is a rarity because most HDMI tvs have tuners built in. Try searching amazon for "atsc {connector}"

I found this searching for ATSC HDMI
http://www.amazon.com/Kworld-HDmi-External-Digital-Tuner/dp/B002RL8I2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269492129&sr=8-1

[ramazank2]

It has an ATSC tuner so you do not need another box. You just need an antenna.

[rajatQ2]

thanks guys! Antenna ordered. ALl these acronyms (DTV, HDTV, ATSC) get confusing.

[mojo]

first of all, if they haven't cut the cable feed to your house yet (requires truck visit) then check the line. just plug it into the back of your tv. you should get a few channels before you get the antenna.

then depending on your needs you might want to check out hackaday - i think they have a DIY antenna rig for HDTV off the air. it's either that site or you can do a google search.

also check out this link (http://www.dtv.gov/) for more general info

btw, how is it that you access the internet? broadband is often carried over similar methods and there may be a solution for you there.

[attgig]

i've had pretty good success with this antenna:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2
but they're out of stock right now (been as low as 18 bucks)


they have a few others:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901

and antenna web is a good resource.

[Jah Rulez]

i've had pretty good success with this antenna:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2
but they're out of stock right now (been as low as 18 bucks)

and antenna web is a good resource.

I got that same antenna just sitting in the window, not even mounted in my room hooked up to a 42" 720p Panasonic plasma. Perfect HD picture on FOX, CBS, ABC, etc. A few additional channels that I didn't know existed say like 7-3 with is ABC local weather all the time. Not bad for a $20 antenna. I have DirectTV in my main room and am too cheap to pay $5 for another box for my room when I don't watch much TV in there anyway.

I think if I mounted it I could get Philly and NY channels, but it's no big deal, until football season at least.

[rajatQ2]

nice, i bought attgig's suggested antenna from monoprice. it is hooked up and works like a charm. I get 12-15 channels, mostly crap, but in high quality