[lexmarks567]

Im looking to install a outdoor antenna to get the digital sub-channels i don't get with cable along with some hd channels. I was thinking of using a signal combiner to combine the antenna and cable signals to the tv. Can i use a combiner or do i need a cable/antenna switch?Going to antennaweb.org i found out i need a mid-range multy directional antenna.But what kind? should i get UHF only or a VHF/UHF one? for sub-channels like 4-1 7-1 etc are those VHF and 38-1 UHF if so then i would need a VHF/UHF antenna correct? I do have a digital TV that supports HDTV.

[Drabdr]

Originally Posted by lexmarks567

Im looking to install a outdoor antenna to get the digital sub-channels i don't get with cable along with some hd channels. I was thinking of using a signal combiner to combine the antenna and cable signals to the tv. Can i use a combiner or do i need a cable/antenna switch?Going to antennaweb.org i found out i need a mid-range multy directional antenna.But what kind? should i get UHF only or a VHF/UHF one? for sub-channels like 4-1 7-1 etc are those VHF and 38-1 UHF if so then i would need a VHF/UHF antenna correct? I do have a digital TV that supports HDTV.

Hey there!

Why do you feel you need a combiner? Do you have the inputs on your TV to accept the signals? If so, you can run your cable signal to one input, and the antenna input to another. Would that work?

[lexmarks567]

i already have a cable wire going into my room from outside to the tv. my cable box does not have hdmi outputs just the RCA type or the coax type. i do not want to drill another hole for a 2nd wire. maybe i can stuff both into the same hole and use a signal switch to switch back and forth. the tv only has 1 coax jack on the back which is used for CATV.

[wacor]

Lex why not try an indoor antenna. I can pick up all the local channels on it and I live in the burbs. I got mine at best buy. It is an amplified set of rabit ears basically. If it does not work then you can return it. If you want help on which antenna also you could email Fox 2. I had a problem which they followed up on promptly. It got it fixed but they said if I had anymore issues and needed help to let them know.

The only thing I might not be able to get is Channel 9 out of Canada. I am not sure if they have Hi Def yet. If they do I can not get it. Which does not surprise me as it was always week when using the normal antenna years ago before cable.

As to your hook up get a box at Radio Shack that you would plug but cables into. It has a selector switch for which input.

You will be glad you did get the over the air signal. It is way superior to Cable Hi Def. You get a full screen without having to zoom the picture. Shows like CSI jump out at you

[Drabdr]

Also, I just saw an advertisement for Dish Network where the receiver accepts both signals.

Otherwise, I would look at the setup Wacor suggests.

[lexmarks567]

Originally Posted by wacor

Lex why not try an indoor antenna. I can pick up all the local channels on it and I live in the burbs. I got mine at best buy. It is an amplified set of rabit ears basically. If it does not work then you can return it. If you want help on which antenna also you could email Fox 2. I had a problem which they followed up on promptly. It got it fixed but they said if I had anymore issues and needed help to let them know.

The only thing I might not be able to get is Channel 9 out of Canada. I am not sure if they have Hi Def yet. If they do I can not get it. Which does not surprise me as it was always week when using the normal antenna years ago before cable.

As to your hook up get a box at Radio Shack that you would plug but cables into. It has a selector switch for which input.

You will be glad you did get the over the air signal. It is way superior to Cable Hi Def. You get a full screen without having to zoom the picture. Shows like CSI jump out at you

a switch like this http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-.../ref=pd_cp_e_0

[wacor]

Originally Posted by lexmarks567

a switch like this http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-.../ref=pd_cp_e_0

Exactly

I think I may have been mixed up a bit.

I am now guessing you have a regular tv and have a digital converter box??

If so then ignore my points about the picture quality. You would only get that with a Hi Def television

But with a converter you should get more channels. There is a 2nd channel 4 .... There are 3 or so channel 56's .... a couple of 38.... plus 7 and 4 I think have weather channels.

None of those IMO are worth much money. The only reason I want over the air via an antenna is to get the true Hi Def on the local channels for the prime time stuff and football. The rest of the time it is just digital.

[lexmarks567]

i have digital cable and a high def tv and would like to get all the sub-channels i can't get with cable. right now i get 2 hd channels for free (WDIV detroit and WXYZ detroit) without a antenna. i get 6 more digital stations including This TV which is not carried on cable in my area.

[wacor]

This is one of a few that Best Buy has
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1171058630563

I tried a couple before I found the one that worked best.

As I said you could email Fox 2 and see what they recommend.

If you get WDIV and WXYZ you should be able to get their subchannels already. If not then go into your tv menu and see if it has an option to auto search for channels.

[lexmarks567]

ok installed a pair of rabbit ears. picked up 14 digital stations and 5 analog stations. a bit of a improvement over 8 digital and 2 analog. i picked up a switch from home depot to switch between cable and the rabbit ears.

[lexmarks567]

can i use a amp on the rabbit ears. it seams like every time a car comes down the street the picture freezes for a second. also would the amp help with wind.

[wacor]

Digital is not like analog. You basically have a picture or you don't.

Sometimes you can get a freeze or a pixialted screen for a flash and then it either gets the signal or goes blank.

Are you using standard or amplified rabitt ears? If they are standard then buy something like the amplified antenna I provided a link to. They do make antenna boosters but I think you are better off spending just a wee bit more and buying the amplified antenna

Also not every station will get good reception with the ears in the same position. Now and then I have to move mine until the pic gets stable.

And as I stated earlier not every rabbitt ear is the same. I tried one and found another that did a better job. Digital signals are not as strong. I don't where you live in Warren but if you live to the north east you will not get as good a signal as most stations are to the west and south a bit