Recieving HDTV channels from Antenna

[Abunai]

For those paying comcast for hdtv channels, how many channels do you get that are hd and how much does it cost?

I'm just too poor to afford hdtv channels :laughing, well whatever, I did some research that you can get HD channels from antenna.

This site (http://www.hdtvtunerinfo.com/indoorantennatips.html) explains what channels you can pull out of your hdtv antenna.
Basically says, go to AntennaWeb (http://www.antennaweb.org/)
click "choose antenna"
Enter your zip code
On the map, click on your location and continue

All those with "-DT" are high def ...those channels are good within 20 from your location.

Now, heres my question....I have yet to get my own hd antenna. Anybody care to share their experience?

[Sane_Man]

You may find out that you need a $400 external antenna to get those free channels.

Your next door neighbor can block your signal, even if that website says you can get a signal with a particular antenna. You won't know unless you try, but you may find that it is easier to pay for HD then to get it free.

I had DirecTV and Comcast for HD. You need a 5-LNB dish to get local channels in HD with DirecTV, while they are included with Comcast when you order HD.

Good Luck.

[HeavenzJai]

you can get the local HD ch's through any type of simple antenna (doesn't have to be HD specific.)

I would do this: go to Fry's and buy two antenna's, 1 cheap, 1 decent, and see if there's any difference. (I did this in Sacramento and didn't see any difference)

[Abunai]

Yup...I noticed that the back of the tv dosn't have any coaxial plug. I guess this is why i need a reciever which cost 50-300 bucks...WOW geez i Just want to watch some hdtv local sports.(T_T) Alot of source do say that there is no difference to very little comparing (indoors) reg antenna vs hdtv one, only difference is the power amplified ones .

[marcg]

You also need a TV with an ATSC receiver. ATSC is the standard used for digital TV broadcasts in the US. If your TV is more than a couple of years old or cost less than $500, chances are it doesn't have an ATSC receiver. If it doesn't, you'll need a separate ATSC receiver.

As far as antennas go, DTV is broadcast in the same frequency bands as analog TV (called NTSC), with the same channel bandwidth and generally from the same towers at comparable power to analog TV broadcasts. There's no need for a special antenna for receiving DTV.

[brichter]

PM if you need a tuner, I think I've got one in a closet somewhere from before Comcast had HD available.