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Will the DTV transition get more people watching OTA television?

by Richard Lawler, posted Jun 11th 2009 at 4:14PM


With mere hours separating us from an analog TV broadcast-free existence, Harris has released poll results indicating many may switch to free OTA broadcasts, shutting off their current cable and satellite subscriptions. The way we see it, the 55 percent indicating they were either somewhat or very likely to switch to antenna probably represent many people who are only just finding out you can get HDTV without paying for service -- not to mention those who are paying and not even watching high definition at all. Still, with the channels available on digital TV broadcasts plus online streaming, there's a lot more choices, anyone else stepping back from their pay-TV habit?

Intel develops embeddable DTV antenna for OTA on the go

by Ross Miller, posted Mar 4th 2009 at 11:32PM

Not wanting you to miss a second of LOST while you're making the Wednesday night commute, Intel has created an embeddable Digital TV antenna for picking up that fancy over-the-air HD signal from your laptop without having to use one of those cumbersome external receivers. There isn't much to say here other than its existence and this handy diagram (the preferred DTV receptor method is on the right, by the way). With details pretty scant and the patent still pending -- not to mention the official transition date in perpetual flux -- don't get your hopes up for seeing this hit the market anytime soon.

Panasonic delivers first LCD packing built-on Japanese HD DTV antennas

by Richard Lawler, posted Mar 4th 2009 at 9:08AM


Inside what appears to be a run of the mill Panasonic 17-inch 1366 x 768 edge LED backlit IPS LCD (ok, maybe not so run of the mill) is a world's first, picking up that title because it can go where your external antenna wiring doesn't. Capable of picking up all 12 segments of Japan's digital TV broadcasts courtesy of that funky rear mounted antenna -- lighting up (pictured) is thankfully optional -- the TH-L17F1 HDTV is completely ready for Japan's still upcoming DTV transition. Of course, diversity antennas alone are nothing new, with plenty of DVB / ISDB (the digital TV format of choice in Europe and Japan) tuners capable of picking up multiple sub channels or, in this case, able to kick down to 1seg in particularly bad signal conditions, to improve picture quality. We don't know how well that could work with ATSC broadcasts in the U.S. but never fear, we're sure Panasonic will figure out a way to bring over annoyingly distracting (and hopefully better at picking up digital TV signals) antenna technology soon enough.

[Via AV Watch]

Video: DIY antenna makes good use of wire hangers, spare time

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 27th 2009 at 10:08PM


We've seen a few complicated DIY antenna projects before, but we've yet to come across one that makes building one so easy. MAKE has hosted up an eight minute tutorial on crafting your very own short to medium range OTA antenna using just a block of wood, a few spare screws, a handful of old wire coat hangers and a few general tools that are surely collecting dust in your garage. Seriously, it's almost too simple. Head past the break for a look at the video.

[Thanks, Isaac]

Continue reading Video: DIY antenna makes good use of wire hangers, spare time

ESPN snaps up BCS rights starting in 2011, antenna viewers SOL?

by Richard Lawler, posted Nov 28th 2008 at 9:02AM

ESPN recently announced it's locked up the rights to televise all the college Bowl Championship Series games beginning in January 2011, but that's not making everyone happy. The National Association of Broadcasters is airing a beef on the side of those who prefer to experience major sporting events -- particularly those featuring publicly funded institutions -- via free OTA broadcasts, not to mention the potential for further delaying a playoff system. The upside for viewers of course is the sports giant's commitment to high definition broadcasts and ability to deliver on multiple platforms, and playoff or no playoff, someone was going to grab those TV rights. Any OTA diehards planning to make the switch or say goodbye to the BCS in a couple of years?

Two-thirds of OTA households have requested DTV coupons

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 21st 2008 at 8:11AM


There's no doubt that the CEA and NTIA have been spreading the word about the 2009 digital TV transition as hard as they can, but some folks still aren't taking the time to listen. 'Course, 62% is way better than what we've seen in the past, but that still leaves a full third of OTA-reliant American households sans a government-issued voucher with under 100 days to go until analog slides under the guillotine. Currently, 17 million homes have requested 33.5 million coupons (in other words, most folks are requesting the maximum of two) and 13.5 million have been redeemed. For those with a strange curiosity to know even more, it's stated that a number of eastern cities have the highest coupon application rates, while folks in Hawaii and Alaska could apparently care less. Can't blame 'em given the scenery, eh?

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best short-to-mid-range OTA antenna?

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 23rd 2008 at 12:40PM Featured Story


Following up on last week's promise, we present to you a similar (but very different) question about pulling in OTA signals:

"I'm relatively close to my local TV stations, and I'm not looking to overtake my roof with chicken wire in order to get a signal. I want an OTA antenna that can be setup indoors, preferably something that's either easily hidden or not atrocious. The short-to-mid-range antenna market is so over-saturated -- someone, please help me pick the best one!"

Your turn, city dwellers. What indoor antenna do you use to fetch relatively nearby TV signals? Know of a good deal on it? Dole out your masterful advice below.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Ask Engadget HD: What's the best long-range OTA antenna?

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 16th 2008 at 12:00PM Featured Story


Unless we're badly mistaken, there's a general feeling of love 'round these parts for OTA programming. After all, it's free, it's remarkably good looking and it's gratis. Thus, we figured Rodney's question on the matter was worthy of being aired out for all to see.

"I'm just on the outskirts of a pretty big city and I'm hoping to get enough stations with just an antenna to avoid paying for cable or satellite TV. I'm looking for an attic or roof-mounted OTA antenna that will pick up stations a good ways out, but obviously the smaller the better (but not at the expense of signal reach). Any suggestions? I don't want to order a huge antenna only to realize the reception is subpar."

So, OTA lovers: what long-range antenna do you rely on to pull in your HD locals (and maybe those of the next closest town)? Where did you get it from? Was installation a real chore? Speak up! (Oh, and look for a short-range version of this question to pop up next week.)

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

RCA introduces $60 ANT1500 flat OTA antenna

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 15th 2008 at 5:25AM


Nah, this isn't yet another digital-to-analog converter, just a tried-and-true OTA antenna for those looking to ditch their pay-TV provider and live off the fat of the land (or whatever HD locals you can fetch, same difference). The RCA ANT1500 Flat Indoor Antenna is a 10.5-inch square that checks in at just under one-inch thick, and its design supposedly helps it minimize the "cliff effect." RCA notes that this device is just the first of seven new RCA antenna products created with digital TV reception in mind that will be announced this year, and those satisfied with numero uno can find it around right now for $59.99 (or less if scouring the streets).

Poll: Do you tune into OTA programming?

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 28th 2008 at 12:00PM


So we've invaded your personal space before by asking how many options you have for HD programming, and we've also wondered about the primary medium of delivery, but this week's question hovers around the tried-and-true antenna. We're simply curious to know how many of you out there still rely on OTA programming for some or all of your HDTV consumption? Are there enough locals to keep you from shelling out to a pay-TV provider every month? Do you supplement your service with OTA offerings? Or do you tune into OTA locals just because they look better than what's delivered via cable? Deposit your vote below.

[Image courtesy of HMSTV]

Do you tune into OTA programming?

Antennas Direct taking preorders for ClearStream2 OTA antenna

by Steven Kim, posted Jun 17th 2008 at 8:06AM

Antennas Direct ClearStream2Well in time for the analog shutoff, even for the test subjects in Wilmington, NC, Antennas Direct is rolling out its long-range UHF/VHF ClearStream2 antenna on June 30th. According to the linked press release, the company has started taking preorders for the C2. Based on the specs, this model could be a real life saver for many folks near the scary precipice that is the digital cliff -- a 50-mile range combined with a 70-degree swath, all from a 10 x 20-inch assembly. We spoke with a company rep who said there should be a "small batch" of these available as early as this week to those who place a pre-order for the $79 antenna.

GSSI / Toptronics / Antennas Direct intro DA-001 indoor antenna

by Darren Murph, posted May 14th 2008 at 10:59AM


We heard Antennas Direct was going small, and it wasn't kidding. In partnership with GSSI and Toptronics, the firm has just rolled out the DA-001 indoor antenna, complete with a "patented element and low noise amplifier designed for digital signal reception." Checking in at 12- x 8- x 13-inches, the unit was crafted to receive both VHF and UHF signals (channels 2 to 69), and supposedly, it can fetch said waves up to 50 miles away. There's been no official mention of a price, but a modicum of digging puts it just south of $65.

CEA gets official with smart antennas

by Steven Kim, posted Apr 13th 2008 at 8:26PM

CEA gets official with smart antennas
We've talked about "smart antennas" before in the context of DTV converter-box coupons. We're pretty big on the idea of self-aligning OTA antennas -- when you consider reports of HDTV misunderstandings, anything that reduces the knowledge necessary to get HD signal into the home is a good thing, in our book. Enter CEA-774-A, which puts forth standardized testing for these magical antennas that self-align for optimum reception like some DTV dowsing rod. We're hoping that these smart antennas get some sort of special CEA-standardized designation to differentiate them from standard multi-directional antennas, perhaps even a special color code along the lines of those already in use by the CEA.

DIY Gray-Hoverman antenna promises better OTA reception

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 6th 2008 at 8:31AM


With pay-TV prices headed nowhere but up and programming quality getting dodgy in spots, we've got just the thing for those looking to go OTA. The Gray-Hoverman Antenna for UHF Television Reception is an improved version of the original Hoverman antenna, and thanks to a little help from computer modeling, users are reporting some fairly amazing pickups. Best of all, the creators have made the instructions for assembling one yourself totally free and available in the read link, and just in case the 0 to 60 mile range of the single bay edition isn't enough for you, the double bay model can purportedly fetch stations from 20 to 100 miles out. We'd love a little confirmation if any of you are courageous enough to put one together and give it a spin.

[Via RetroThing]

Antennas Direct going small at NAB

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 22nd 2008 at 4:20PM

We've already seen Antennas Direct sizing down its antennas while still promising wicked long range, and apparently, it's making the small initiative official at NAB. Aside from showcasing the aforementioned ClearStream2, the all new Lacrosse Micron DTV antenna will also be making its debut. Designed specifically to "target post 2009 DTV frequencies," the Micron -- hailed as "rabbit ears on steroids" -- boasts a 8.6 dBi maximum gain, is up to 98-percent efficient and arrives in a 10- x 10-inch Radome. Lastly, the firm is all set to "announce a partnership with the NAB to develop a new CEA909A-compliant Indoor Smart Antenna," but it seems we'll have to wait until April to find out more on that one.




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