What Do I Need & How Much Will It Cost?

[TonyG]

I'm new to even thinking about OTA Reception(?)...

What will I need(Gear ,Brand ,Etc...) to get OTA and how much will it cost?

I have TWC now. Where does everything connect?

Please help...

Thanks,
Tony G

[Skaggs]

If your HDTV has a "BUILT-IN" tuner, all you need is an antenna.

If your HDTV is "HD-READY", then you will need a digital tuner box (STB). This is what you will hook your antenna to and it will decode the OTA signal so your HDTV can display it. You will need to connect the STB to one of your TV's HD input via component, DVI, or HDMI in order to view the channels. A component cable is normally supplied with the STB.

I have a Samsung SIR-T151 HD tuner (STB). Samsung is a popular HD set top box. I bought it used, on eBay, with an indoor antenna, for $200. The Samsung website lists all their current set top boxes (the SIR-T151 is no longer manufactured). You may be able to find various manufacturer's OTA boxes locally, such as at Hippo's, Towne TV, BB, or CC.

In order to select the proper antenna, go to AntennaWeb.org, click "Choose an antenna", and enter your address. It will show you the digital channels available at your address and make a recommendation as to the best type of antenna for you.

You can buy the antenna locally, if you can find it. Radio Shack may have it in stock and I've seen some at BJ's, Circuit City, etc. I bought mine via the web for $30 and installed it in my attic. I aligned the antenna, ran coax down to my OTA set-top box, ran the setup on the box for OTA digital signals, and I was able to pick up the HD channels listed on this page of our website.

If you live anywhere near the Guilderland, Voorheesville, Altamont area, you will have excellent reception of the digital OTA signal because all of the local TV stations (except FOX, who will eventually) broadcast from the same shared transmission tower on top of the Helderberg Mountains. I know people as far away as Clifton Park that are able to receive the digital signal.

Good luck.