Getting HD Channels/Clear Picture on HDTV with Antenna?

Question

I just bought a 40" Samsung Series 5 530 HDTV (with HD tuner), along with a Phillips Indoor amplified antenna (46 DB Amplification) to replace our old tube tv. We do not have cable/fios but I was told that we could still get HD stations. As it turns out, not only can i not find any HD stations, the picture on regular channels is WORSE than the old tube tv. Does anybody know why this is or if its possible to get a better picture?

Answer 1

Most of the time, being unable to receive channels is because of a poor signal into the converter box. In short, you need a better antenna and/or to re-aim the antenna you have.

Digital works a bit differently than analog. With analog, a poor signal would give you snow and ghosts. With digital, if the signal is not good enough for the box to decode, it will look like you are getting nothing even though you are getting something marginal. Also, many of the older stations on VHF (channels 2-13) have digital assignments in UHF (channels 14-52). And, some may move around after February 17. So, you must have a good quality VHF/UHF antenna.  Personally, I would dump the amplified antenna.  They can actually limit the channels you can get and make the situation worse.

Visit http://www.antennaweb.org and put in your ZIP code. You will get a list of stations in your area that you could expect to receive, suggestion on antennas for your unique situation and where to aim them.

I hope this helps. Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.

Answer 2

if u can buy a new tv why cant u afford cable or better satelite since cable is a total rip off.

Answer 3

In order to get better video and audio sound you will need to get two cables an HDMI Cable for Video and a Optical cable for Audio unless you have an HD Box and you have subscribed to HD Channels you will only get SD Channels Rogers has a Deal once you have an HD box you get some HD channels free  you will see all the stations with black bars on either side that is because where you see the bars is where SD TVs end once you install the cables check the input on the tv should have something saying hdmi 1,2, etc check if you have more than one input and select the one you using you will get your Superior quality video and audio

Answer 4

For your answer.  There are many factors.  I am giving you a link for starters to help with the antenna issue.  Only you know the info to get your info from this site.  Come back here with your questions, if any and we will try to help you.

You will probably be able to find your answer with there expertise.

NOT everyone wants to feed the pay TV people.

NOT every body listened to their request.

I understand, some people here just do not. scot! get it?

Answer 5

okay

Answer 6

You have to go into the TVs program menu.  From there you need to search for channels.  On the VIZIO we just go there is an option to search for digital, hd, standard channels.  The new"digital" stations are no longer just 10,12,6, etc they are now something like 10.5, 12.4 etc.  Just like the radio stations.  In theory now there can be stations10 stations for on channel.