HD Antennas
For most readers of this book, the first step will be to get hooked up with an over-the-air antenna. If you live in a major market, you may be able to pick up dozens of channels thanks to the switch to digital TV that allows your local stations to offer several channels at the same time. This multicasting means your local channel 7, for example, may put its main signal on digital channel 7.1 and then offer different feeds on 7.2 and 7.3. So you might get the regular programming on channel 7.1 and then some classic TV on 7.2 with perhaps 24-hour local weather reports on 7.3. Often these extra channels are available only when using an over-the-air antenna, so that’s an added bonus.
You can find a good digital antenna, able to pick up HD signals, for under $30. I highly recommend the Monoprice website, as they offer high quality antennas at very low prices. Plus, if you need HDMI or other cables, their prices are unbeatable.
I’ve tested two of their digital antennas and they both worked very well, even though I’m about 45 miles from the main market for me (Sacramento, CA). I was able to pick up all but one of the local network channels. The only one I couldn’t get reception for was the ABC affiliate. Its tower was located out of range or perhaps did not put out enough power for me to pick up. I’m sure having several large trees surrounding my home didn’t help matters. I was able to pick up over 20 channels when you count the extras offered by the digital spectrum. On my HDTV, the reception is crystal clear! You won’t see a better picture than you get with an HD signal and an over-the-air antenna. Not from cable, not from satellite.
Here are links to the two antennas that worked out well for me:
If you are in a particularly remote area and in need of an antenna with better range, Winegard is an excellent brand. It would be wise to also buy an amplifier to help boost the signal further. Here are links to both, through Amazon, for a total of right around $70.
Certainly your local retailers will have antennas that will fit the bill as well, although you tend to get better prices online and a wider range of choices.
If you opt to buy locally, my advice is to stick with well-known brands and check out reviews online before purchase. Walmart, Target, Best Buy and other retailers should offer a variety of HD capable antennas and have reviews available on their website. Even if you did end up buying one that didn’t work out, you can always return it and try another. That’s a definite benefit to going the local route – easy, same day returns.
You can get a good idea of what local channels you can pick up by inputting your information at the antennaweb.org website. The site uses color coding to indicate the strength of signal for the stations in your market.