Digital Antenna? need advice (Phoenix, Mesa: house, transfer, purchase)

[ShanMan72]

Howdy all. I'm currently living in Surprise west of the 303 and very much want to cut the cord. I've done the Satellite and Cable thing and are tired of the increasing costs. I'm looking to get a digital antenna to mount on the post where my Satellite is currently mounted but need to know if there are any other digital antenna users out there that have had good results with their antenna. How's your reception? How many channels are you getting? Do you recommend a particular brand/model? I appreciate any feedback.

Shannon

[unit731]

Any OTR antenna is good.

I used an inexpensive $5.00 one next to my TV. I got about 6 channels. Obviously it all depends where you are in the valley.

With over the air antenna you either get the TV station or you don't. No more "snow".

If you can afford broadband internet then you can purchase a Logitech Google TV box. There is much free streaming over the internet. And included is option for Netflix with Google TV. Netflix is a paid subscription that will come through the Google TV receiver. Youtube videos are free. I got my Logitech Google TV receiver new for $100.00. Prices vary. The Logitech wireless remote can also be programed to work as a TV remote.

[madmmac]

Get a powered antenna. I get 40+ channels and the HD looks nears as good as Directv.

This will help you decide and aim your antenna both. http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Hi Shannon. I also live in Surprise. See AntennaWeb

Click on "choose an antenna". Plug in your zip code, and answer the two other questions (single story and if their are tall buildings within 4 blocks). Then drag the red icon to your close location (assuming you don't want to give your EXACT location on the "address section"). It's going to list every single channel available. They include:

DTV Antenna
Type Call Sign Channel Network City, State Live
Date Compass
Heading Miles
From RF
Channel
* yellow
vhf KPNX-DT 12.1 NBC MESA, AZ 123° 26.5 12
* yellow
uhf KPHO-DT 5.1 CBS PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.6 17
* yellow
uhf KPAZ-DT 21.1 TBN PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.6 20
* yellow
uhf KTAZ-DT 39.1 TEL PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.6 39
* yellow
uhf KASW-DT 61.1 CW PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 49
* yellow
vhf KAET-DT 8.1 PBS PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 8
* yellow
uhf KTVK-DT 3.1 IND PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 24
* yellow
uhf KUTP-DT 45.1 MNT PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.7 26
* yellow
uhf KTVW-DT 33.1 UNI PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 33
* yellow
uhf KPPX-DT 51.1 ION TOLLESON, AZ 123° 26.6 51
* yellow
uhf KNXV-DT 15.1 ABC PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 15
* yellow
vhf KSAZ-DT 10.1 FOX PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 10
* green
uhf KAZT-CD 36.1 IND PRESCOTT, AZ 123° 26.6 27
* green
uhf KPHE-LD 16.1 MMT PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 16
green
uhf KDPH-LP 48 DAY HOLBROOK, AZ 123° 26.6 48
* lt green
uhf KFPB-LD 50.1 IND GLOBE, AZ 124° 26.5 50
lt green
uhf KPDF-CA 41 AZA PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.6 41
lt green
uhf KDTP-LP 58 IND PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.6 58
* lt green
uhf KTVP-LD 22.1 IND PHOENIX, AZ 124° 26.4 22
* red
uhf K38IZ-D 38.1 IND PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.6 38
* red
uhf KVPA-LD 42.1 IND PHOENIX, AZ 124° 26.5 42
* red
uhf KEJR-LD 40.1 IND KINGMAN, AZ 123° 26.5 40
* red
uhf KFPH-CD 35.1 TFA PHOENIX, AZ 123° 26.5 35

Now click on "street view" and they will show you which direction to point your antenna. I use an amplified indoor antenna. It easily picks up all of the channels with a weak NBC signal.

Stucco homes are tougher to penetrate because the wire mesh material is a "Faraday shield" (it reduces all wireless signals from penetrating the home).

In short, you don't need an expensive or large antenna in Surprise especially if is is outside.

[wit-nit]

I installed a 100 mile range antenna that I got from Fry's Electronic and I receive over 30 channels. With antenna tv you get better HDTV reception than with cable since you lose less signal from the transfer.

[ShanMan72]

Originally Posted by unit731

Any OTR antenna is good.

I used an inexpensive $5.00 one next to my TV. I got about 6 channels. Obviously it all depends where you are in the valley.

With over the air antenna you either get the TV station or you don't. No more "snow".

If you can afford broadband internet then you can purchase a Logitech Google TV box. There is much free streaming over the internet. And included is option for Netflix with Google TV. Netflix is a paid subscription that will come through the Google TV receiver. Youtube videos are free. I got my Logitech Google TV receiver new for $100.00. Prices vary. The Logitech wireless remote can also be programed to work as a TV remote.

Yeah I have a Roku and was going to do the streaming thing with Hulu+ and Netflix then use the Digital Antenna for local live programming. Just want to make sure being about 30 miles from all the broadcast towers that I have an antenna capable of pulling in that signal.

[ShanMan72]

Originally Posted by nitram

I installed a 100 mile range antenna that I got from Fry's Electronic and I receive over 30 channels. With antenna tv you get better HDTV reception than with cable since you lose less signal from the transfer.

Can you tell me what make and model you bought from Frys?

[madmmac]

I'd try a powered indoor before going the large outdoor type and all the hassle involved. If you are not happy, just take it back.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by nitram

I installed a 100 mile range antenna that I got from Fry's Electronic and I receive over 30 channels. With antenna tv you get better HDTV reception than with cable since you lose less signal from the transfer.

Actually the reason that OTA (Over The Air) looks better is because they doesn't compress the same way that Direct TV does. It's a bandwidth thing so they compress a little. DISH actually looks slightly worse than DirectTV on the locals. Subjectively, it looks "softer" with DISH versus DirectTV. For those who have DirectTV and DISH, take advantage of the OTA input and scan the channels into your box. You also save on local programming. When you compare DISH versus Direct TV on other channels, there is no real winner (some channels look better on DISH while others look better on DirectTV).

[gritz]

I use the Mohu Leaf and Leaf + at my house south of your location and get 33 channels. This thing is amazing. I do augment with netflix, hulu+ and amazonprime.

Amazon.com: Paper Thin Leaf Indoor HDTV Antenna - Made in the USA!: Electronics