Ota Hd

[rroyer]

I'm in a "blue" antenna area and have just purchased a 60" hitachi LCDRP TV.
When I went to Dish to get the HD box and plan, I found that I still will not get the super Bowl and other "network" offerings.
I don't think I can get HD OTA in my area. Anyone have any ideas on how to check out the possibility without having to buy everything and bring it all back if it doesn't work? I checked all my neighbors and no one has any idea how OTA reception is. I tried a cheapo Radio shack antenna on my analog TV and got nada, so I'm not too hopefull. But maybe someone out there can give me some hope???
Rich

[BobF]

I don't know how to test an antenna before you install it.

As you found out, cheapo doesn't cut it. You will need a quality antenna. I would even suggest a directional intenna. It may be that you have to raise it up very high. When I was a lad, my dad installed an antenna and it had to be really high, I'm talking 40-60 feet up. We got good reception for stations 30 miles away. It was somewhat directional. We live in a hilly region. If you live somewhere flat, like Iowa, height may not be as critical.

You might try a search on satellite guys. That web site has a forum devoted to OTA HD.

[fewalt]

Rich,
Go to www.antennaweb.org for your local transmit locations and distance to towers. You'll find that most digital/HD is on the UHF side with a few in the vhf band. You may need a UHF only antenna as I put up, (a channel master 4228). I am also ordering a powered pre-amp to also install on the mast at the antenna location. Hopefully, the lower power transmitters will be picked up.

Here's the best site I've seen for local ota information:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45
Then find the city closest to your home.
I found that station managers and engineers frequent my area listing and the information is invaluable.

I understand that RS will take back an antenaa if it does not meet your satisfaction, but check with them first.

fred