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General discussion

amplified tv antenna

Aug 30, 2005 12:50AM PDT

I have a hdtv ready tv but currently do not have cable or anything like that. just a simple rabbit ears antenna (for now). it picks up stations but was looking at maybe picking up an amplified indoor antenna. The descriptions on these seem to be geared towards hdtv off air receptions so i was wondering would it be worth it for me to do this? i know i need a hdtv tuner to get the hd signal but would this type of amplified antenna help give me better reception to the regular antenna i'm using now?

Discussion is locked

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amplified tv antenna
Aug 30, 2005 1:29AM PDT

Note: If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem.
How far form the City, What TV, make & model????????? John

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amplified tv antenna
Aug 30, 2005 3:09AM PDT

what difference does it make what model tv i have? i was just inquiring if anyone knows if amplified indoor antenna's will increase the signal of normal on air stations or are they only beneficial for hdtv signals.

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TV signals are line of sight broadcasts...
Aug 30, 2005 6:10AM PDT

so amplified or non-amplified antenna reception will depend on how close you are to the broadcast towers and if there are any natural or man made obstacles in the way. I live in rugged west virginia where the ridges are so close together and so steep that 50 feet of elevation can make a huge difference in reception. A thousand foot broadcast tower in florida or kansas can send a signal for hundreds of miles where as I could have a problem with reception from the same size tower just 50 miles away if I live below a ridge or on the wrong side of a hill.

You say you get pretty good reception with rabbit ears and that's a good sign. The gain amplification circuitry may help you get better reception but chances are a 25 foot tower on your roof with a directional antenna will out perform the indoor antenna. Yeah it's a hassle but you can't argue with the physics of radio waves.

By the way... some TVs have better antenna reception than others so asking what tv or what model would be a valid question for some one who is knowledgeable of such things.

grim

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amplified tv antenna
Aug 31, 2005 1:35AM PDT

OK, now I understand your question.
RF amps work for both kinds of sigmals. Most HDTV is in the UHF band.
The reason I asked about your TV is the "HDTV ready" statment. Your TV may not have a ATSC tuner it. John

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WHY SPEND MONEY ON A HI DEF T.V. AND NOT USE IT?
Aug 30, 2005 6:04AM PDT

May I sugest getting the Dish Network 811 sat system. They will probably give you the system for $49.00 and give you credit on programming FREE. Order basic+the hidef package and VOOM about $45.00 per month. You will be in hi-def heaven, also the 811 system has a awsome over the air hi-def tuner So throw up a cheap outside antenna and you will receive all your local stations in hi-def digital. But make sure you buy a d.v.i. cable from your hi-def box and your t.v. I have this set up in san jose ca and I get 21 hi-def channels good luck stewart norrie cadillacstew@aol.com