How to get HD reception with an antenna?
Aug 15, 2010 in
Electronics FAQs
I bought a new Sharp Aquos 1080p lcd tv recently. My cable company told me that I only have regular services. To upgrade, Dish want 0 upfront plus extra a month for HD service. Then a friend said he heard from someone that since I already have regular cable, all I need is an antenna to get HD reception. Anyone knows how to make it work?
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2 comments
Stephen P on August 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Free HD reception works almost exactly like free analog TV broadcasts.
You just connect a TV antenna to the antenna/cable coax jack on the HDTV and use the TV’s menu to scan for digital channels. It is usually easier to adjust the antenna for the best analog reception and then do the scan for digital channels.
The antennaweb site is a good place to start as far as finding you how good of an antenna you need. I live 5 miles from a TV transmitter farm and I can pick up all the local digital stations with a 7" piece of wire attached to the antenna input of my converter box.
One problem you may run into is switching back and forth from cable to over the air signals. Look in your TV’s owner’s manual to see what they say about this.
If you haven’t tried this already, connect your HDTV directly to your cable jack and have the TV scan for digital cable channels. Some people have found that they get some digital channels even if they only are paying for basic cable.
R T on August 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm
TV stations have been offering Free Over The Air (OTA) digital broadcasts since about 2002. To receive them, you need to have a good quality, properly installed UHF/VHF TV antenna. This will allow you to use the digital signals from the local TV stations in your area. if a program is offered in HD by the local station, you should be able to get it that way.
http://www.antennaweb.org is a good resource. This site has tools to assist you in choosing and installing an antenna and what stations are available in your area.
I hope this helps.