How to Pick Up Broadcast TV in the Triangle Area

[WDJ]

Originally Posted by backto_nc

I picked up an HD over the air antenna from a local (Raleigh) based company called Mohu. It has worked very well and looks nice to boot. If you get to their web site, it will also show you how to find out what channels you can pick up in your area, based on FCC information.

I think that's the antenna lovebrentwood was referring to.

[backto_nc]

Originally Posted by WDJ

I think that's the antenna lovebrentwood was referring to.

Indeed, just re-read that and noticed. Different expereinces - different locations/setups perhaps. I am not affiliated with them in any way other than being a paying customer. I have their second generation version, and both times it was needed, it worked flawlessly.

[wizard-xyzzy]

Originally Posted by TheBigKahunaNC

You do not need an "HDTV" antenna. Any TV antenna will pick up the signals.

Yes and no. There is nothing magic about HDTV, but at the time of the conversion to digital there were many changes in frequency assignment. WRAL-TV, for example, moved from VHF channel 5 to UHF channel 48. People who had an old-style antenna that was optimized for VHF might find that it doesn't perform so well on UHF. (Or maybe it does.)

This is one reason why the antenna makers came out with "HDTV" antennas. Of course, pure marketing was another.

Just to make things confusing, a few stations like WTVD kept their VHF assignments after the transition. So, a UHF-only antenna doesn't work so well with those.

[sonderella]

The only reason we still have the most basic cable package is because we want PBS for the kids. Has anyone had any luck in getting PBS without cable, just an antenna?

[arsbadmojo]

Originally Posted by sonderella

The only reason we still have the most basic cable package is because we want PBS for the kids. Has anyone had any luck in getting PBS without cable, just an antenna?

Yeah, UNC-TV comes in great. I'm using a homebrew coat hanger antenna that set me back about $8. I liked this guy's design better than most, although I changed it up to use nylon standoffs instead of the PVC he used.