Hvr-1600

[rkieran2]

Is the only way to get HD channels on an HVR-1600 to hook an antenna to it or buy one of the boxes off the cable company (which come with a monthly fee that I am trying to avoid).

And I was hoping I could get a recommendation on an antenna if it is needed.

Thanks

[agidius]

if it is QAM capable, you should be able to plut it into the cable and get the unencrypted channels.

as for antenna--
remember when CDs came out and ALL audio equipment doubled in price saying they were "digital ready" even though it was the exact same item as before??
this is the exact same thing.
the people selling HDTV antennas are full of crap.
I get perfect HD channels from the roof antenna purchased in 1983

[rkieran2]

Thanks I didn't think I needed to buy a $120 dollar antenna.

[zaphod7501]

Is the only way to get HD channels on an HVR-1600 to hook an antenna to it or buy one of the boxes off the cable company (which come with a monthly fee that I am trying to avoid).

And I was hoping I could get a recommendation on an antenna if it is needed.

Thanks

A cable box might get you viewing capability for HD but not the ability to record HD on the 1600, but you can record S-Video downconversion with the 1600 from the box.

Most ATSC is UHF so the best antennas:
Indoor - double bowtie - Radio Shack 15-624
Outdoor - 4 bowtie - Channel Master 4221 type
Outdoor extreme - 8 bowtie - Channel Master 4228 type
Outdoor unbelievable - Channel Master 6 foot parabolic dish (no longer available new)

[Squid]

Thanks I didn't think I needed to buy a $120 dollar antenna.

There are alot of scam hdtv antennas on the market. For instance the Terk TV55 ( I think that is model number ) I bought, not really worth it. The DB4 I bought from http://www.antennasdirect.com made my setup possible.

I know most HDTV is UHF, so if you had good UHF reception reception before then you do not need anything else.

[saintjo]

i have an antenna (no unencrypted qam in my area)

i went this the Indoor Amplified Terk HDTVA. it only runs about $39 and works fine for me.

also, check out http://www.antennaweb.org to find out which channels you'll be able to pick up and which direction to point the antenna in.

[-Oz-]

the 1600 also has QAM so you can get unencrypted HD channels over your cable line. I'm setting mine up in about 15min so we'll see how that goes

[Squid]

i
also, check out http://www.antennaweb.org to find out which channels you'll be able to pick up and which direction to point the antenna in.

Yes, antennaweb is great. Also, avsforum has a section that details what HDTV is available in which city.

[treads6464]

Yes, antennaweb is great. Also, avsforum has a section that details what HDTV is available in which city.

Thank you guys for the great sites....very useful!

[-Oz-]

I got my 1600 up and running. Analog works great and digital works but I don't think my computer's video card can handle it so I definitely have more playing to do with that. I do pick up QAM channels nice and clearly though.