HD TV antennas

[cael]

Don't want to get cable at the new house, at least not right away. Anyone have good recommendations for an HD antenna that would get us some channels? Not super worried about getting a zillion of them, even just local channels would be great. I had one friend recommend the dish-looking ones that go outdoors, anyone have experience with those? Thanks!

[ArchietheDragon]

This site helps you figure out what Chanel's you can get with different types of antenna s

www.antennaweb.org

[cael]

Thanks! ...but dammit, the site predicted 0 channels would be available where we're moving, damn small towns in the sticks. Obviously that may not be entirely accurate so I'd still like to try something.. maybe I'll just find a cheapo one to start with and see what happens.

[Tiny]

I don't think it matters too much what kind of modern antenna you get - it depends on if you are in a spot where the antenna can receive the signals.

I'd maybe try google and see if you can find what "over the air" TV is available in your area. Although the site that Archie posted was pretty accurate back about 5 years ago for me.

Best Buy sells antennas (and the cable/wiring). It's been a few years - but they use to be under $100.

[cael]

I just checked another site that says with a 50 mile antenna you could get 19 channels up there, so maybe there's hope!

[cael]

Anybody know anything about the Mohu Leaf antennas? Good reviews on amazon, maybe I'll try one of those.

[CCL]

I have this one in my attic and it works great. I think we get something like 38 channels. They may have a newer model by now.

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001GE6T9A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467946198&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=RCA+ANT1450BF+Multi-Directional+Amplified+Digital+Flat+Antenna+%28Black&dpPl=1&dpID=31jdV9krzoL&ref=plSrch

[justme]

I have the Mohu. Was recommended by several people and websites. Had to get the 50 mile one to work.

But that's if you're just looking for those thin antennas instead of a more traditional one.

[weltschmerz]

Jul 7, 2016 21:21:06 GMT -5 cael said:

Thanks! ...but dammit, the site predicted 0 channels would be available where we're moving, damn small towns in the sticks. Obviously that may not be entirely accurate so I'd still like to try something.. maybe I'll just find a cheapo one to start with and see what happens.

You may want to consider a directional antenna if you're out in the sticks.

If all of the channels available to you (or at least the ones you want to see) all come from one direction—like the nearest major city—then a directional antenna could be the way to go. One bonus of directional antennae: they’re stronger and can reach farther, so channels you get will come in more clearly than with an omnidirectional antenna.

lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-best-over-the-air-antenna-for-free-hd-1569752514

[Deleted]

Well, I'm in the sticks and get at least 15 channels with just a couple cheapo antennas (like under $25 each)  One is a mohu leaf knock off style and the other is a super old type with rabbit ears and a separate circular digital antenna. 

[cael]

It's sad - it's in the sticks to me, but it really isn't that far out (GRG can attest to that!) With a 50-mile one we should be able to get some channels.. so much research to do and so many different kinds!

[Deleted]

Jul 7, 2016 22:07:12 GMT -5 cael said:

It's sad - it's in the sticks to me, but it really isn't that far out (GRG can attest to that!) With a 50-mile one we should be able to get some channels.. so much research to do and so many different kinds!

Sorry toots. You're in the sticks. BIL lives one or 2 towns over from where you're going and it can be rural as all get out. And if you're going across from the lake I think you are, it's the sticks. just hope nobody else drowns this season.
Anyway, we have some cheapish RCA antenna from Best Buy. Of course the PITA known as DH wants an antenna to put on the roof. How a guy who can't walk thinks it's going to get there is beyond me. I have a ladder but not a chance in hell am I going on the roof. A stepstool freaks me. the roof? HELL NO!!!!! Haven't had cable for about 10 years. DH mostly sleeps in front of the tv so what's the point? I'm not spending $50/month for him to snooze to Animal Planet.

[toomuchreality]

Jul 8, 2016 3:19:09 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

Jul 7, 2016 22:07:12 GMT -5 cael said:

It's sad - it's in the sticks to me, but it really isn't that far out (GRG can attest to that!) With a 50-mile one we should be able to get some channels.. so much research to do and so many different kinds!

Sorry toots. You're in the sticks. BIL lives one or 2 towns over from where you're going and it can be rural as all get out. And if you're going across from the lake I think you are, it's the sticks. just hope nobody else drowns this season.
Anyway, we have some cheapish RCA antenna from Best Buy. Of course the PITA known as DH wants an antenna to put on the roof. How a guy who can't walk thinks it's going to get there is beyond me. I have a ladder but not a chance in hell am I going on the roof. A stepstool freaks me. the roof? HELL NO!!!!! Haven't had cable for about 10 years. DH mostly sleeps in front of the tv so what's the point? I'm not spending $50/month for him to snooze to Animal Planet.

LMAO!   That's exactly what I do!  And believe me, I get annoyed as Heck, when an infomercial comes on. If I don't catch it during the first few minutes and change the channel, I wake up with a horrible headache and am in a terrible mood.

It's worth it to me, to spend the money not only for cable, but for expanded cable (or whatever upgraded version is called).    Good sleep is important! 

[Deleted]

I'm guessing if I use an antenna I need to watch commercials? 

[Deleted]

Jul 8, 2016 6:37:48 GMT -5 oped said:

I'm guessing if I use an antenna I need to watch commercials? 

Not if you get a TIVO and DVR everything. That's what I do.

[Cookies Galore]

We have a couple of cheapie antennas in the third floor window facing the radio tower ~10 miles away. Works great. We also bought a new smart TV the other week and the digital tuner is better than our previous tv. So that helps.

[Anne_in_VA]

We tried the leaf ones and didn't get very many channels.  We got a different kind, similar to the one that looks like four squares which DH put up in the attic and ran cable from it to each tv.  Works great and we're getting s ton of channels.

[cael]

Jul 8, 2016 8:44:16 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Jul 8, 2016 6:37:48 GMT -5 oped said:

I'm guessing if I use an antenna I need to watch commercials? 

Not if you get a TIVO and DVR everything. That's what I do.

That's a good call, we'd been mourning losing the DVR but we can just buy one!