HDTV Antenna Question?
x7thdayx asked:
So I have a 47″ Philips HDTV it has everything I need to pick up the HD channels (NTSC, ATSC, QAM). I did the channel search and only two Digital channels showed up but here’s the thing they aren’t High Def and the picture is about half the size of the screen. I have Comcast Cable. I did a search on Comcast’s site and saw they’ve yet to offer HD programming in my viewing area. If I pick up an outdoor hdtv antenna can I pick up these channels then? Or will it not even matter? Thanks for any help!
GET YOUR 52″ VIZIO LCD HDTV
So I have a 47″ Philips HDTV it has everything I need to pick up the HD channels (NTSC, ATSC, QAM). I did the channel search and only two Digital channels showed up but here’s the thing they aren’t High Def and the picture is about half the size of the screen. I have Comcast Cable. I did a search on Comcast’s site and saw they’ve yet to offer HD programming in my viewing area. If I pick up an outdoor hdtv antenna can I pick up these channels then? Or will it not even matter? Thanks for any help!
GET YOUR 52″ VIZIO LCD HDTV
Tags: Digital Channels, Hd Programming, Outdoor Antenna, Outdoor Hdtv Antenna, Qam
September 29th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
There is no sure answer here. So much of it depends on your location, what obstructions (hills, mountains, buildings) are near you, how high you mount the antenna, how strong the signal strength is and a whole bunch more.
Truthfully, I’d look into another tv signal source. That will be the easiest way to get some HD programming.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
If you live within say, 40-30 miles of a metropolitan area, you can use an antenna to pick up off-air HD and digital signal. However, from that distance you’ll probably need an outdoor antenna to put on your roof unless you live on top of a massive hill, and even with an outdoor antenna, hills and stuff get in the way.
If you live in a city with local channels like ABC, CBS, etc, then buy an indoor antenna and you should pick up stuff just fine.
Note: Not all programming is in HD, so sometimes shows will be shown in 4:3 (the smaller screen you were talking about). However, primetime shows and sports like LOST, CSI, NFL games, etc, will be in HD and be fully widescreen.
Sucks about Comcast, cable companies ***** people over all the time. You might consider satellite for HD programming.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am
What kind of antenna are you using now? You might do just as well with the one made out of coat hangers.
I love linking to that thing. I made one and it picks up every digital channel in this area, about 13 in all. Costs about five bucks, because of the transformer.
It’s exactly the same antenna design as the ones made by Antennas Direct, that sell for $50 to $80.
If you live more than 25 or 30 miles from the broadcasters though, yeah you’re most likely going to need an outdoor antenna.
October 5th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
try antennaweb.org for some help