HDTV Antennas

[FoolKiller]

So, I have my HDTV and all but we still haven't upgraded from analog cable, and as cable doesn't feel like making a permanent digital switch for a while I was looking at antenna options for at least picking up my local stations.

In looking I have seen everything from $10-$100 for indoor antennas. I am mainly looking for indoor as my house is a cinder block building on a concrete slab. Running an outdoor antenna will be a pain.

My best estimate is that the nearest broadcast tower is 25-30 miles away in Lexington and the ones in Louisville are likely close to 50 miles away as they are located in Indiana. So, I will likely wind up only receiving Lexington digital signals.


Anyway, what is the difference between these antennas and is there any legitimate way to tell a good one from a bad one? Basically, what am I looking for in over-the-air reception?

My wife is on the edge of agreeing to satellite, but until then I want to know what my other options for HD broadcasts are.

 

[TB]

antennaweb.org is an outstanding resource, granted mostly for exterior rooftop antennas, but have some info on indoor. The big thing they do is tell you where antennas are located and how far away they are so you can get the best signal possible. You don't have to bother with filling out the name, email and phone info if you don't want to - pretty much just the zip code.

As for the antenna, according to them the thing to look for is this on the box:

Due to multiple variables in determining good reception in a specific location with indoor antennas, these antennas are not included in this mapping system. This mark, however, assures that an indoor antenna meets or exceeds CEA performance specifications for indoor antennas in households that can use indoor antennas.

I have an antenna similar to this one laying on the trusses of my garage with a coax line run to a multiplexer. Would it be possible for you to do something similar?

In looking to see if Consumer Reports has reviewed antennas (they haven't that I can find), I came across this handy little app that should help a bit.

 

[Sniffs]

I swear I heard somewhere that the digital antennas were actually rebadged rabbit ears with no difference from what's been being produced for decades.

you might wanna keep this advice around, though, for some people in this state. there are places in this state where not even Sattelite TV can be used because of positioning of the community. people in these reigons have had doubts raised that even the appropriate antenna conversions will not make a difference where they live.

I also live in a reflective analogue dead zone with respect to TV signals. when we recieved our fox affiliate in 1987, 2 channels became almost completely illegible, and 3 more dissapeared completely.

 

[FoolKiller]

I have an antenna similar to this one laying on the trusses of my garage with a coax line run to a multiplexer. Would it be possible for you to do something similar?

I could possibly set that up in the attic. I know my dad did that with an outdoor antenna when I was a kid.

Thanks for the other resources. Hopefully I can talk the wife into satellite sooner than later. I am hoping to do it before the racing seasons get started, but it isn't looking good.