OTA-Over the Air-HDTV Reception:How to Receive All Your Old Channels and More

The digital television conversion has a lot of people frustrated and confused. If you received your TV stations before the switch with some type of antenna instead of satellite or cable, it is termed "over the air" reception or "OTA".

So, if you already have an antenna, have gotten and hooked up the converter box, why aren't you receiving all the stations you did before? There are many reasons for this...quite a few stations changed from VHF to UHF in the switch (or vis-a-versa), the direction of the signal has changed, or the distance to the signal has lengthened, there may be interferences that effect the digital that didn't bother analog, the digital signal isn't as strong right now as the analog was, and the list goes on.

I know the frustration since we live in the country, 40-60 miles from the signal and, although we have a big analog antenna high on the roof, we lost several of our favorite stations and channels after the converter box was hooked up. So, I began to research HDTV antennas to find the best at the best price...for us and for you.

There's a lot of junk out there, antennas for under $25 that are unsatisfactory and can't do the job or break within a week or two. There are antennas that are super, but cost several hundred dollars, and you don't need to spend that much to get just as good of quality and reception.

I have been telling you about a few of these inexpensive, yet high performance antennas...the Antennas Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna and the CLEARSTREAM4 Antenna. Both of which are terrific if you are in a close range (1-40 miles) distance to the signals. You can't go wrong with either of these two, and you can't beat the price.

But what if you are beyond that range...what's referred to as the outer fringe? Some of those antennas are expensive, and quite a few don't work if you need to pull in a signal from 60-75 miles or more. I actually discovered a HDTV antenna review site from Canada by guys that are into everything digital. This site has a chart rating the very best antennas for your needs. And the very best rated antennas are Channel Master antennas...particularly the Channel Master 4228HD!

In fact, here are a few reviews from people who use it:

James Rose, Marysville, WA-
"I bought this antenna to replace an older Radio Shack VHF/UHF combo antenna. I've made the switch to digital only OTA TV and wanted an antenna that would bring in a stronger signal from my local stations, which are 30 miles plus away. This antenna brings then in great.
Installation was a snap. The antenna comes fully assembled. All you have to do is attach it to a mast. You may need to buy a new mast if you are using a rotator with a short mast."

W. Kennedy-
"I replaced my Terk 55 with this antenna. I am now able to receive HD channels over 50 miles away without an amp. It does seem to be more directional than my Terk but once I got it dialed in it was fine. I installed it in the attic over my garage but had to take the reflectors off to make it fit through the access hole. That was not too difficult and it went back together pretty quickly."

arff "antenna man"-
"We ordered a Terk and got 0 channels returned and got the Channel Master. We get every available channel in Phoenix and we are over 40 miles from the broadcasting antennas. Fabulous antenna."

Hal M. Burns-
"I bought this antenna in a final attempt to get good OTA reception. I replaced a NEW Wineguard HD822U that was pathetic, even with a Winegard AP8700 pre-amp and Channel Master's 24db preamp. I live in a 50mile+ fringe,low wooded area. The CM #4228 is AWESOME ! I receive 100% better reception and 5 more channels. The support and advice from Ron Morgan at Channel Master was outstanding. And it is less than half the price of the Winegard. Great product, great American company."

I can't say it any better than that! This is probably the best antenna for the price you're ever going to find! Stop your cable, stop your satellite! Get this antenna and Netflix and you'll be all set!

Channel Master 4228HD

CLEARSTREAM4 Antenna

Antennas Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna