How to setup HD Ready TV w/OTA Tuner

[The Law]

Being a TW sub, I don't really know how to answer a friends question.   He has purchased and HD ready TV and would like to know what components he needs to purchase.  He has an antennae that he's mounting in his attic, however, neither of us know whether or not a special antenna needs to be purchased for HD.  

Also, what sort of tuner is required and what sort of features and functions should he be looking for.  He is on a tight budget and would like to buy gear that is affordable.

Thanks for your help.

ps.  If it makes a difference, he lives in Germanown.

[Mark Strube]

I don't know too much about OTA tuners, but here's my best advice. First, he'll need an HDTV tuner box. Here's some tips:

1. Buy it off ebay, you'll save a lot of money by getting used and refurbished equipment.

2. Make sure it's a true HDTV receiver... some are marked as "DTV" and can be misleading. (I think... could be wrong).

3. Get one that gives you the option of DVI and component output. Also, make sure it's got either optical or digital coax audio out. (What he needs would depend on any receiver equipment he would happen to have.)

Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken on any of this.

[Den Mayer]

It sounds like your friend is setting up OTA

(Over the Air antenna) HD TV reception.....

 The basic HD OTA items are:

 A UHF attic antenna like a Yagi or 4 bay bow tie.....
  Good choice is a Channelmaster 3021 4 bay bow tie ($25)

  RG-6 (not RG-59 cable) double shielded antenna cable....
     no Gold splitters please......

 ASTC Digital Tuner....   Either $200 Walmart HD Tuner
     or an old Samsung T-151 or better....  about $200....

  and a set of component HD Video Cables.....
      plus the red/White Audio cables...

   You have not identified the HDTV model nor
       any Sterio audio items for which a better
       wiring system can be defined.

[The Law]

Thanks for the help, guys.  Much appreciated.  I'll relay this information and inquire about the audio.

[Johnny Legion]

If you're looking for a OTA tuner, check out Circuit City in Racine (off Hwy 31). The were selling the Zenith HD-420 open box for $140 without the manual. I picked the manual off a website for free. Last time I checked - Wednesday, they still had one left.

You only get a signal strength bar, but it works great.