Looking for an OTA antenna

What do I need to know? I see "HDTV Compatible" rated antennae with ratings of 36-38DB and then there's "Designed for HD" ones that say they are 42DB.

What does the decibel rating have to do with the ability to gather a signal? What is a good antenna to buy under a hundred bux?

Thanks in advance ...

Paul in San Diego

look at antennas direct website. They treated me real
good. Its located in the central part of the country.
I bought the db8 but understand the db4 is a very good
antenna, and best it is multi directions, and doesn't
need a rotor.
:yippee:

look at antennas direct website. They treated me real
good. Its located in the central part of the country.
I bought the db8 but understand the db4 is a very good
antenna, and best it is multi directions, and doesn't
need a rotor.
:yippee:

Thanks! Wow 4db sure sounds like a big jump from 40! Is yours an inside model? I don't wanna mount one outside...guess I should have stated that in the orig message. :banghead:

First of all, there is no such thing as an HD antenna. TV signal whether digital, analog HD or SD all are transmitted using the same basic equipment. Only the way the signal is modulated is different.

Now, it sounds like you are talking about amplified antennas, which you may not need. Where are you getting these numbers? If they are from the antenna manufacturer, take them with a grain of salt.

Use antennaweb.org to tell you which range of antenna you need (small, medium, large/multi-directional, unidirectional) and if you might possibly need a pre-amplifier.

Give us your zip code and we can advise you as to what probably will work.

Also, the DB8 and DB4 are antenna models, not signal strengths.

3dB signal strength difference means a doubling of the signal.

The best UHF only antennas are probably the Channel master 4228 and the Antennas Direct 91XG. Look at http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html. It gives a good comparison of many different antennas.

What do I need to know? I see "HDTV Compatible" rated antennae with ratings of 36-38DB and then there's "Designed for HD" ones that say they are 42DB.

What does the decibel rating have to do with the ability to gather a signal? What is a good antenna to buy under a hundred bux?

Thanks in advance ...

Paul in San DiegoIf you want an excellent indoor antenna go to Radio Shack and purchase the # 15-1892, indoor VHF/UHF?HDTVantenna w/Remote control. Price is 49.99 and it works super. I live in Richmond, Ky., about 30 miles from all the digital stations in Lexington, Ky. and pick up all the major stations with a signal of 85 to 100. You will love it!!

Go To http://www.antennaweb.org It is the best site for understanding what you need, then you can go to a purchase site.

Sorry, see that Jim already gave this advise!!

The important thing to remember about antennaweb.com is they can not know what kind of man-made structures are in your area, and their recommendations are only for outdoor antennae, but they can be applied to indoor. Some natural obstructions like small hills and homes nestled in small low areas can present a problem that the data may not help you with.
The best thing it does is give you distance and azimuth of your local transmitters, and that is priceless.
If you analyze the data and your exact location, you can find it very useful for most any kind of antenna you are considering. If you look at my avatar you can see the small Silver Sensor (upper right) bringing in my major locals. :)

Give us your zip code and we can advise you as to what probably will work.



FWIW the Zip is 92119 - I'm about 25 mi from the part of the city where the local stations broadcast from, but there's small mountains and lots of hills between here and there.

The numbers I was quoting were, indeed, from the boxes of the units I saw in the store. And yes thanks, I did take 'em with a grain of salt.

I think I would start with an outdoor antenna, the Radio Shack U75-R. $30 and can be returned if it does not work. All your digitals are UHF, but KFMB-DT will have to move off 55, maybe back to 10. If that does not work we can talk again.

I setup a new samsung ln-4095d hdtv today in my basement and hooked up a channel master 4228 antenna inside (in the basement) just to see if i could pick up anything. I did get a few channels real well. the antenna and a cm 7777 preamp is going on the roof as soon as i can find someone to install it. I have a steep roof and don't want to climb it. I expect a lot more channels when it is moved outside.