How do i find out what HD channels I could get with an HD antenna?

Question

I am thinking about picking one up. I currently have Direct tv with standard boxes and standard service. I recently bought an HD tv, but have not upgraded the boxes (waiting for a promotion)

I've seen these HD antennas and know very little about them.

1) are they easy to hook up?

2) is there a guide to determine what HD channels I may or may not get in my area?

3) I assume this will require external installation?

Any assistance is appreciated. thanks

Answer 1

WTF is an "HD antenna"? You just need a converter box to change the signal from digital to analog. The antenna doesn't care if its digital or analog.

Answer 2

If your HDTV has a built-in digital tuner (QAM), you should be able to hook up the antennae to it (any antennae) and go to your menu settings and find the feature that automatically scans all the frequencies to locate the local HD channels.

Check the manual as well, or if you don't have it, do a search with your model name and you will find the manual somewhere online and can do some keyword searches to find how to have your TV do that scan.

Also, go here (it's still in Beta) and enter your zip code to see what local HD channels you get in the area: http://www.whereishd.com/

Answer 3

If your TV is digital you can get HD channels off a cheep antenna , go for the $29 one , I have a Panasonic 42 plasma , no cable  no Direct tv , just the antenna and get great reception on all my local HD , broadcast , the trick its like old school rabbit ears you have to move them around and sometimes i un plug the antenna it gets better reception that way !