Howdy folks! Does anyone in the area receive high definition local channels over the air(outside antenna)? If so, how's your reception and any suggestions. I currently have HD Directv. Thanks for input!
I don't have a setup for that yet, but if I recall correctly, almost every HD antenna in the market is located at the WRAL tower farm just outside Clayton. (The 3 big antenna's just off highway 70.)
I receive over the air HD singals. I bought an outdoor HDTV antenna from Radio Shack that works great. Prior to the radio shack antenna, I used a Winegard SS-1000 HDTV antenna, I DO NOT recommend buying.
What about the amplified version? I'm using a Terk from Radioshack as well, but it is off and on - currently off where I'm living now. The last two places were fine though.
My one question would be just how much of an improvement is HD if it's just broadcast over the airwaves? I have the same question about HD radio as well. Craig
OTA HDTV is 1000% worth it. You haven't watched CSI, Lost, etc until you've seen it in HD. HD Radio - I have no idea.
The Grands just went this way (OTA) with their new fancy-pants HDTV at Christmas... Sheeeeze, it's nice but no way would I unload that kind of Moooola for a dang TV. Their reception with what I would call "rabbit ears" is very nice. (They live in Elevation on the other side of Black Creek.) We are 10+ years away from a HDTV - at least.
I had a chance to sample HD Radio when I was "out west" a few weeks ago. It sounds GREAT. Generally speaking, a station will rebroadcast their regular analog signal in HD, plus run 1 or two additional sideband channels. As an example, 101.5 has Mix 101.5 in analog (what we all here), in HD digital (what we hear, only a lot better), and an "adult alternative" station. All located on 101.5. Clear Channel Raleigh was supposed to have all of their primary signals in HD, pluse one additional sideband channel (creating a total of 8 HD channels where only 4 analog channels exist). However, they have fallen and don't seem to want to get up. So every time they (G105, KISS-FM, The River, The Rooster) run a commercial touting HD radio, it's actually a free advertisement for their competitor... Mix 101.5.
The wife will vouche for me when I say this. I bought XM alittle over a year ago and never listened to regular radio again. Then this christmas we bought each other Sirius units and cancelled the XM. After dealing with satelite radio I can't imagine going back to regular crap. Craig
Thanks for all the input! Superbowl on Sunday will be broadcast on WRAL and Directv currently doesn't broadcast WRAL in HD. Was informed today by WRAL that they are pushing Directv to have HD before this weekend. I'm calling Directv tonight and notifying them of the above. If you have Directv, you may want to do same. This morning Directv said WRAL doen't have HD and that's why it's not offered yet and they wanted to argue with me otherwise.
If your TV has an over-the-air tuner, you can just slap an HD antenna on it and pick up the game straight from the tower. We have one of these at work, and it does a great job considering the concrete, pipes and Ethernet cable that cocoons our basement work area! http://www.amazon.com/Zenith-ZHDTV1..._12/102-8159422-6340917?ie=UTF8&s=electronics They're showing as unavailable, but at the time it only cost us $19.
Yes, but I'm paying for all the local HD channels in the Directv HD package ,which includes WRAL. They lied. I realize that OTA , the images are not compressed and therefore much clearer picture. If I don't get it by Wed., it's a quick trip to Radio Shack for coax. Time will tell! Thanks for input!
Capital Broadcasting is is negoiations with both Directv and Dish to carry the HD signal. It's all about money on both sides. Work this to your advantage. If you call WRAL and tell them you have a dish and can't receive it they WILL send you and OTA antenna. From everything I've read it's a Channel Master and is good quality. I got this from a forum on HDTVand Directv. I left out the names. First, thank you for taking the time to contact WRAL-TV. WRAL and WRAZ are in the early phase of negotiations with EchoStar to provide viewers in the Raleigh market our HD signals. We hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Meanwhile, WRAL would be happy to provide you a free over the air antenna for your home. Paul, if you would be kind enough to provide us with your home address and phone number we will generate a signal study to determine the exact antenna required for your location. By receiving the local stations over the air, your HD picture quality will be far superior to what DirecTV or Dish will be able to provide. In addition, you will be able to see the other standard definition channels provided by the local broadcasters. WRAL and WRAZ have been providing a local 24-hour news channel and weather channel for over 4 years. You will also be able to enjoy ABC and NBC additional SD channels, which are not provided by DirecTV or Dish. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact WRAL.
Good info CFB. I just emailed them. I'll let you know when/if they reply. Did this info come from AVS?
Thanks for info CFB. You're info is right on the money. WRAL sent me an antenna, a Channelmaster, just haven't put it up yet. What really burns me, is that Directv misled me about their HD products and I'm paying for them.
HD is a tremendous improvement. It's a digital signal, not an analog signal like you've seen all your life. What that means is that there's no static or ghosts or anything like that. With digital, it's either there or it's not. It's not kinda there hidden in the background behind all the snow. If you don't have a strong signal, you'll get occasional dropouts. I have an antenna in my attic and get all the HD locals with 90+ on the signal. Couldn't be happier with the over the air stuff. I also subscribe to Dish Network with one of their HD packages and am very satisfied with it as well.
