Free unscrambled local HD channels?

Question

I just bought a 1080p sharp aquos 46 inch at circuit city and it has a QAM tuner built-in. Now what i heard was that you can pick up local hd channels (like our local Fox, CBS, ABC, or NBC), which would be great because i just want their weekly NFL games without the hassle of the NFL package. So I asked teh guy at the store about doing this and extending my range with an antenna and he said "ya you can do that with the optimized for hdtv antennas." So i thought awesome im set. So i bought the Phillips Silver Sensor Digital Amplified Indoor Antenna (PHDTV3) for 50 bucks and plugging it into the cable jack on my new tv. I scanned for all the air and then cable channels. All i got was 3 freakin versions of my local 69 news channel. To say the least i was pretty steamed. One of them was the hd version and it was not even close to hd quality. I guess thats cause i was only getting it at 70%. The antenna is inside my downstairs room. Placement, better ant, different accessory?wat should i do

Answer 1

First thing first, make sure that your antenna is connected to the right spot (mine has one connection for VHF/UHF and a separate connection for digital "over-the-air"-- refer to your TV manual). If this is correct make sure that your TV is turned to the digital numbers---example 69.1 or 69.2-- digital usually uses a whole number plus a decimal place. Also, you may have only have a few digital channels in your area--I have only one that I can receive! By-the-way, with digital you either pick up the channel or you don't at all ----no "snowy", or "fuzzy" picture.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

How To Unscramble Channels

Answer 3

You should go to antennaweb.org and type in your location. It should be able to tell you what channels you should be able to recieve and what type of antenna you would need to get that signal. I am in the New York City area and it is true that you can receive Over the Air HD with a QAM tuner because it worked for me

Answer 4

You may only have to wait 'til February to receive more than just the one channel. For you see, after 19 Feb, all ANALOG broadcasts will become ILLEGAL.



Therefore, ALL of your local channels will be broadcast in digital. Well... That is to say, all of those stations NOT put out of business by the added expense.



Of those remaining, there are bound to be some in HD, as well. But then again, they may chose to scramble the HD signal and force you to watch their "normal" version, unless of course, you pay more. (In which case, your TV viewing habits are being held ransom.)



But that is a rant for another time and place.

Answer 5

Try getting a better antenna. i got a $40 and got like to channels than i bought a $150 terk hdtv antenna and i got all local channels. and check out the website below. just type in your address.