[M3-ADDICT]

I canceled my Cable. I only like a few shows and those are on the provider's website (abc, nbc etc) or hulu.com. Sometimes you want to look at the morning news before going out, or if no access to Internet it's a good backup. I tried a few of these RCA, radio shack, cvs indoor antennas but they all are horrible. Thought I'd ask to see if someone has a good recommendation.

Searched online and looks like Terk and Zenith are pretty popular. As long as I'm not seeing too much snow, it's fine. Right now it's very snowy with these antennas RCA, Walmart, CVS brand ones.

[Blake]

i've used that terk antenna before, it works just fine.

[NYBMW335]

Well the problem with those antennas is that they are going to be obsolete by feb 2009. All signal is going to be digital, so you will no longer be able to access your local channels through those types of antennas.

You can always get a digital converter box, but for that, you can just get basic cable for a small price.

PS: I don't have much knowledge on this topic, so if i am wrong please feel free to correct me.

[MMMazing07]

ya dude antennas will be out of business come Feb 2009. you either have to cough up the dough for digital cable or a converter box.

[M3-ADDICT]

Completely forgot about the Feb, 9 analog to digital thing. So if I want to get local channels without paying, what are my choices?

[MadDog]

Originally Posted by NYBMW335

Well the problem with those antennas is that they are going to be obsolete by feb 2009. All signal is going to be digital, so you will no longer be able to access your local channels through those types of antennas.

You can always get a digital converter box, but for that, you can just get basic cable for a small price.

PS: I don't have much knowledge on this topic, so if i am wrong please feel free to correct me.

Partially true. Some of the local stations in my area are broadcasting a digital (ATSC) signal. You will still be able to pick these signals up with a pair of rabbit ears - I'm doing it now for a Korean station that my wife watches. My TV is also able to tune in these digital signals, so I don't need a conversion box. These digital signals show up as 2.1, 3.1, etc. on my Sony TV and 2-1, 3-1, etc. on my Samsung TVs.

[M3-ADDICT]

Ok did some research, Government gives you two $40 coupons per household to use and you can go on Amazon and they have eligible converter box that are coupon qualified. You can buy one that comes out to be free, or if you want quality ones using your coupon you end up paying a little north of $20-$60. You still need some sort of Indoor rabbit antenna. I'm thinking of the Terk one, it has great reviews. Terk + Digital Box if you don't want to pay for cable. So still need recommendation for other good indoor antennas.

[MadDog]

Originally Posted by M3-ADDICT

Ok did some research, Government gives you two $40 coupons per household to use and you can go on Amazon and they have eligible converter box that are coupon qualified. You can buy one that comes out to be free, or if you want quality ones using your coupon you end up paying a little north of $20-$60. You still need some sort of Indoor rabbit antenna. I'm thinking of the Terk one, it has great reviews. Terk + Digital Box if you don't want to pay for cable. So still need recommendation for other good indoor antennas.

The converter box is used to convert digital (ATSC) TV signals to analog, so your old analog TV can still be used.

Do you just have an analog TV ??

[Rewted]

Why not spend $150 on some hardware and get free/wide open Directv, DishNetwork or Bell?

[M3-ADDICT]

Originally Posted by MadDog

The converter box is used to convert digital (ATSC) TV signals to analog, so your old analog TV can still be used.

Do you just have an analog TV ??

Oh, sorry for being a noob. It's not an HD-TV, LCD. I have a Sony and a CRT TV / SDTV. One was purchased in 2001 (Sony), one was purchased in 2005 (Sharp). Are these digital? My Room:

[MadDog]

Originally Posted by M3-ADDICT

Oh, sorry for being a noob. It's not an HD-TV, LCD. I have a Sony and a CRT TV / SDTV. One was purchased in 2001 (Sony), one was purchased in 2005 (Sharp). Are these digital? My Room:

I'm not sure if your TVs have digital tuners. Find the model numbers and check online at the manufacturers website.

If they have a digital tuner, you won't need the converter box, just a good antenna (which was your original question).

[M3-ADDICT]

I don't think it does, double check please since you know what you are talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-X-Flat-3.../ref=de_a_smtd

[MadDog]

Originally Posted by M3-ADDICT

I don't think it does, double check please since you know what you are talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-X-Flat-3.../ref=de_a_smtd

You're correct, it doesn't. So, in order to use this TV, you'll either need cable, satellite, or a converter box with an antenna.

There is a website which shows what ATSC stations are broadcasting in your area (I can't find it at the moment). But, you can see how far away they are and what type of antenna you need to receive their signals.

[MCS]

I have a TERK indoor antenna for one of my TVs that doesn't have a cable hookup in the room. Works great for both HD and regular broadcast . Check out Crutchfield - they have an attenane strength guide based on your zipcode.

Note - I live 12 miles due west of NYC so I get very good signal. If you have weak broadcast signal, you may need a roof antenna