HDTV Antenna / replacing cable

[nitsuj]

So I'm trying to get rid of my evil cable bill, and been researching different options that will still give me at least 80% of my shows automated (since I work so much I don't want to low-def stream or bittorrent all my shows) so I can just come home and watch them.

I <3 my TiVo and it is now boasting great antenna support:

http://www.tivo.com/products/source/antenna/index.html

I'm curious if anyone has used a specific antenna and wanted to recommend it, or if anyone has a really great cable replacement that wasn't Sezmi (not available), Boxee (low def streaming) or something that involves more than 20% bittorrent

[Darus Grey]

I actually just did this too, was rather surprised that broadcast HD channels looked significantly better, and didn't know that many broadcast networks have 2-5 addon channels all with different content.

I used a cheapo radio-shack antenna, an antenna is nothing but a loop of metal wire, so there's no real benefit to "premium" ones, only to bigger ones.

My only other major change is I now schedule my TV viewing a lot further in advance instead of channel surfing to "Whatever's on", my taste in movies is really broad, so I don't have issues filling up my queue with hundreds of movies and just watch them one by one.

Torrent as a "lifestyle" sucks if you're a channelsurfing kinda guy, otherwise just planning ahead changes a lot.

[Furtwangler]

The biggest kicker with antenna reception is your area. Where I come from it's very rural and people have issues with reception based off of surrounding foliage, mountains/valleys. Darus was mostly right, the antenna is only so much of a distinguishing factor, also where you point it can be VERY important. Some tuners are better than others, idk how good tivo's is.

Depending on your area again, and the available channels, what antenna you get can be all the difference. Some have more elements than the others, more elements for the UHF range (thats digital, high def), means better chance at getting the channels available. They make newer style square antennas that will not give you as good reception as the older style long rooftops, but you may be limited based off of where you live.

Go to radioshack and they will have something you can use. They make their own brand, but the one I used to work at (although we stocked them from a different retailer than radioshack) carried Wineguard antennas, which are top of the line, built well, and will give you the best bang for your buck. It's not only reception to worry about, but (also depending on where you live) how the antenna holds up against the elements during the winter. Whereabouts do you live? I can try to figure out what stations should be available for you.

If you don't pick them up at first you can also look into getting a signal booster, which can be the difference between receiving or not receiving a channel. Unlike analog signal with digital you won't get a blurry/fuzzy picture, it just won't pick it up.

[nitsuj]

Cool thanks guys. I'll hit up Radio Shack tomorrow.

And I'm not a Channel Surfer dude, I just like to have my shows ready for me when I sit down and actually have an hour or two to watch them. That's why I <3 TiVo. Web scheduling FTW.