I get signal with indoor antenna , but still have question.

Hi,

Last night i bought samsung T451 tuner and an indoor antenna from Walmart and i could get channel 4,5,7,9 in zipcode 20165 .

The antenna is Philip and it says 50db gain , built-in amplifier. i place antenna on top of tv and it's in the main level of the house. The signal in general is great even though i get pixelized and drop-out signal. Olympic on channel 4 is awesome.

However, when i change channel i see the info says that DTV 4 1 or DTV 4 2.

1> does it mean that it's HDTV signal? The tuner as HDTV light on.

2> If i put an extra amplifiler , does it help?

I have already ordered Silver Sensor and it's on its way. I guess Silver Sensor will beat Philip antenna i have right now based on many reviewers here.

If Silver Sensor does not help, i guess DB2 indoor or DB4 outdoor will give much better signal.

Any recommendation , suggestions would be greatly apprieciated.

By the way, the tuner i bought is on display item and it does not have the remote. Would you recommend a great universal remote that i can use with both tuner, TV, VCR and DVD player?

thanks for reading.

Michael.

The outdoor antenna will yield the bess signal not only because the signal does not have to go through walls, but the height reduces multipath and gets up where the signal is stronger.

A very nice remote for cheap is the Radio Shack 4-in-1 Kameleon Touch-Screen Universal Remote (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103081&cp=2032057.2032187.2032188.2032201&parentPage=family) http://rsk.imageg.net/images/pixel.gifModel: 15-2136 | Catalog #: 15-2136

I use one of these in my bedroom and it has four macro keys that can be programmed as device select keys. By using these keys they can be set up to switch all of your equipment to the state needed to watch a DVD or TV or satellite etc. The remote will learn from your other remotes if the code is not available and you can set the volume control buttons to work your TV volume when the remote is selected to the cable box or satellite receiver. Lots of stuff for under $30.

Thanks, rbinck.
Since i already ordered Silver Sensor, i will wait and see if it is ok. I don't know if HOA in my community bans the outdoor antenna or not, but i will get DB4 in case Silver Sensor does not work better than the Philip i have now. So, i will but DB4 on the deck and raise up about 6 feet and that the max i can go as i can install it next to the chimmey.

Currently i can get channel 4, 5, 7, 9, but not 8, PBS.

Your HOA can not ban an outside antenna if you live in the USA. See: Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule (http://highdefforum.com/showthread.php?t=400) .

If you live in an apartment the landlords can restrict the use of outside antennas somewhat, but in your own home they can't.

Update:


I have just bought Silver Sensor . After an hour trying, i decide to return it. It's even worst that the Philip i have now. I come to the conclusion that any indoor antenna must have amplifier to boot the signal.

I think i will get another Philip for my basement TV.

If I decide to put up outdoor antenna , i think i will hire a pro to install it on my rooftop.

thanks.