Just ordered Directv, what OTA atenna should i get for CBS HD?

[mholtz2323]

Hi, I live in Oak Creek and just ordered Directv. I get it installed tomorrow but was wondering what OTA antenna i should get for CBS HD only. I dont really need the other channels (4, 6, 12). And no, i dont watch 24 or 18.
I dont want a huge antenna on the house, but was looking for something smaller. If its indoors thats fine too. Just cant stick out.
So it needs to be sleek and be able to pull in CBS HD 100% of the time. Or well, at least when criminal minds and CSI are on. haha

thanks for your help

By the way, i read there is a chance CBS HD will be on Directv! Hope this goes through.

[Tom Snyder]

May have some bad news for you... the new DirecTV boxes don't have an antenna input.  I would double check and see what they're bringing out for you... a new one or an old one.

If you get stuck with a  new one, within the next month or so, they'll have a box you can buy for $60 that will add OTA functionality, but it's not out yet.

Based on the history of negotiations between 58 and DirecTV, I would find a  way to get 58 OTA for the foreseeable future.

Once you can plug an antenna into your box, I've had great luck with Radio Shack Double Bowties indoor antennas (not being made any more, but you find them if you look hard enough). Not sleek, but I have mine bruied in some greenery on a shelf so no one ever sees it. The Silver Sensor is sexier, and gets me 80% signal strength in the Town Of Jackson.

[mholtz2323]

I already have an hr20 so it all works out. Will the installer bring an ota antenna in case I want one from directv. Theirs good quality? I looked for the double bow tie and couldn't find it online.  Any other suggestions?

[gb4fan92]

If you can't find that one I've had luck with the RCA HDTV antenna.  Only about $30.00. Available everywhere. The box Tom refers to is the AM21 which is actually rumored available in the first week of May. You will need this because its extremely doubtful you will get the older model HR-20 from the installer.

[mholtz2323]

If you can't find that one I've had luck with the RCA HDTV antenna.  Only about $30.00. Available everywhere. The box Tom refers to is the AM21 which is actually rumored available in the first week of May. You will need this because its extremely doubtful you will get the older model HR-20 from the installer.

can u post link to the specific antenna u use?  does it have an amplifier?

thanks

[Will]

Go to Marmax on 68th and Rawson for an antenna.  Better yet, call them up first.  They are quite good, and can recommend and sell an antenna that will meet  your needs.

http://www.marmaxdistribution.com/

414-425-8020

I bought my Channel Master 4221 there, and am very pleased.

[gb4fan92]

can u post link to the specific antenna u use?  does it have an amplifier?

thanks

RCA Indoor Amplified TV Antenna - ANT525

http://http://www.buy.com/prod/rca-ant25-amplified-antenna/q/loc/111/201698502.html

[HDefinicktion]

Ditto on Marmax and the CM4221...works great from Waterford in the attic.

[bschlafer]

Build your own over the air antenna for digital TV reception:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/762088/coat_hanger_hdtv_antenna_better_than_store_bought_amazing/

No kidding... it works!  I built a better version than the one in this video and it easily outperformed any rabbit-ears or amplified indoor antenna I tried.  It's cheap, easy to build and works great.

I've attached a PDF to this post of a drawing I created of the antenna I built which shows dimensions and general construction details.  Total cost of materials was around $5.

There are several websites online with lively web blogs on the subject.  LumenLab has a good one going with plans and discussions of different antenna options and designs.  Go to: http://www.lumenlab.com/  find the Forums "Mad Science" section, and search for DIY HDTV Antenna.  You will likely have to create an account to view the forums, but it's free and well worth the time.

Good luck.
*Bill

[AndrewP]

Well, you are in Oak Creak, that means you have a very good chance to get locals from Milwaukee and Chicago. It should be better then in my case, I live in Muskego. I installed CM 4228 for Chicago and some cheap antenna from Menards for Milwaukee. Both antennas are in the attic and are combined by using the  regular splitter in reverse. Also I added CM Titan amplifier.

[tencom]

Any antenna even rabbit ears, should prove satisfactory. After all your location should be in the range of about channel 58 DTVs 10,000 microvolts per meter signal contour which is well above the ATSC threshold of 14.9 db. signal to noise ratio, required for ATSC reception.

[JohnRacine]

Yesterday (4/29) I ordered a DirectTV system to be installed at my home.  When speaking with the CSR, I specifically stated that I wanted the HR20 so that I can record HD OTA from Milwaukee/Chicago.  At first, she said that was not necessary because all networks (from Milwaukee) are offered in HD from the satellite and no antenna is needed.  I told her that CBS 58 is not offered in HD from DirectTV.  The lady I was speaking with then consulted with a supervisor who said that I was correct and the CSR was mistaken.  At that point, the CSR told me that the installer would bring an HR20 to my home on 4/30.  I had her repeat that to me twice so that there could not be any misunderstanding.  

This morning (4/30), the installer arrived (2 hours early) with no HR20.  I told him about my conversation with the CSR on 4/29.  He was very apologetic and said that my request for an HR20 was not noted on the order form sent to him.  He then called 6 other installers who were in the SE WI area to see if they had any HR20's...none did.  So, he said he'd have to reschedule the install for anywhere from 1-7 days from now.  But, he said he would definitely locate an HR20.  With that, he recommended that I buy the protection plan ($5/mo) as all HR20's are refurbished and could breakdown over the next 2 years (the length of my contract).

I asked the installer if he had any knowledge of an add on box from DirectTV that may be available in the future would allow the HR21 to record OTA.  He said he had no knowledge of that and thought it highly unlikely.

I then called the Customer Service line at DirectTV to let them know how unhappy I was that they failed to tell the installer that I wanted the HR20.  The CSR transferred me to a supervisor/manager.  He was very apologetic and said that he was fairly confident that I would eventually receive an HR20, but could not guarantee it.  They stopped making HR20's 9 months ago.  He also stated that there is no add on box for the HR20 in the works.  Instead, he said that DirectTV is focusing on negotiating with more locals to allow their HD signal to be put up on the DirectTV satellite.

I'm now waiting for the installer to call me back when (and if) he locates an HR20 so that I can record locals from Milwaukee and Chicago.  He admitted that DirectTV jumped the gun when they moved to the HR21 and should not have moved so quickly.  The manager that I spoke with on the phone said the very same thing.  He stated, "We've created a gap that will take some time to fill".

My first experience with DirectTV has not been good...I've got my fingers crossed for the next few days....

[basshive]

The AM21 USB Add on is now available from DirecTV.com to give you the OTA recording capabilities.

Go to //www.directv.com and login, then go to My Programming & Equipment link and then down to Add Kits and Equipment.

Please let us know if you get it and what your throughts are!

[AndrewP]

I recommend to call DTV and ask if they can provide AM21 in your situation free of charge instead of locating HR20.
Actually when I ordered HR20 in December they sent me HR21. I called them. They promised to provide AM21 free of charge when it will be available. I asked if I can buy HR20 myself and they agreed and gave me $200 discount. So I have HR20 (bought in Circuit City near Chicago) and HR21.  Now thinking about calling about AM21. If it will be price tag then I don't need it. HR20 is good enough for Cbs58;)

[JohnRacine]

Thanks to basshive and AndrewP...

OK, I followed your advice and called DirecTV to ask about the AM21 USB add on in case my installer cannot locate an HR20.

The CSR had never heard of that device - but she transferred me to the "Tech Department".  William, in the Tech Department told me that the AM21 is not avalable at this time, but may come out sometime around Labor Day.  He said he could not be sure as it's still in development.  He did say that anyone who has an HR21 will receive an email when the AM21 becomes available (if ever).  But, he could not give me any more info than that.

Again, thanks for the tips...even though it's not working out for me.  Maybe my installer will come through and find one of those vanishing, refurbished HR20's.