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Indoor OTA antenna for HDTV?
I have not had good luck with getting a good OTA antenna for my 3 HDTVs. Tried the RCA rabbit ears and also the new fangled flat, flexible type to no avail. TWC now has an app so all their programming (if you subscribe) can be had with a Roku app which is nice since I have a Roku player which I connect with an HDMI cable to Roku player, no problem there but my local channels are absent from this app so I am still searching for the OTA antenna to bring in local channels. I guess my final question is are all "flat flexible antennas made equal?" Are there some out there in the market place that are definitely better in bringing in the local channels?" Ya kinda hate to spend hundreds of dollars on trying to the the right antenna. Actually, I have an old analog TV (big screen Hitachi from the 90s) that brings in the locals with RCA rabbit ears and an RCA digital convertor box so I know they are out there. Youtube and Amazon are full of comments, some say perfect and another will say nothing on certain types of indoor antenna. Any experts out there that care to divulge their secrets would be appreciated.
3 Answers
- RichLv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
All TV stations now broadcast in digital... Yes, you can get local channels with an antenna and a converter box, and watch in analog... However, to get digital, which is sent in binary, you need a very good signal, or you will see nothing on an HDTV tuner.. Some have luck with an outdoor antenna and an amplifier (at least 10db.) I did try this and got 4 channels.. You have to be fairly close to the TV towers with few obstructions, like buildings, hills, trees, and within about 20 miles for good reception. For all that trouble, I'll stick with cable...
- kg7orLv 78 years ago
1. All indoor antennas are a poor compromise for a real TV antenna, the kind you see on a mast over someone's roof. *That* is the kind of TV antenna that has worked well for over 60 years, and nothing about TV antennas has changed with the advent of digital and HD broadcasts.
2. Most indoor TV antennas sold today are sold for profit, not performance. You literally can do about as well with some of them by using a coathanger. A small number are actually well designed for the purpose and are worth buying if you absolutely can't put up a real antenna (see above). The one in the link below is among the best of the best. If I had to buy an indoor antenna, it's the only one I'd consider. If you can't pull in a channel with that one, it can't be done with an indoor antenna.
3. Specifically, your "flat" and "rabbit ears" antennas are among those in bottom of the barrel. Those who get good results from them are extremely lucky to be in a location where they'll do well--most locations won't make it happen.
Bottom line: do your best to put up a real TV antenna (#1 above), and all your channel reception problems will be solved. Failing that, consider the indoor antenna in the link. Good luck.
- dysartLv 45 years ago
no longer good? Does that mean now and again you get a good image, and different circumstances it breaks up into blocks? in case you do get a good image now and again, you antenna is operating. even if, it received't be directional sufficient to get rid of pondered or different interfering alerts. you may attempt shifting the antenna aroung and installation distinct places. even if, you ought to opt to bypass to an outside antenna.
