Terk Antennas

[jocooper]

Is the Terk HDTVa the same as the HDTVi?

If not, is one better?

[festivus]

I don't know about the difference between the 2 but I have an HDTVi. I'm 16-17 miles from most towers and it pulls in all signals perfectly. I had issues a couple of years ago when the stations were having issues. But everything works perfectly now.

[Dbailey]

I always recommend the channel master 4 bay antenna, i think model is cm4221? i have 2 in my house now and never have any problems...

[jocooper]

I always recommend the channel master 4 bay antenna, i think model is cm4221? i have 2 in my house now and never have any problems...

By the looks of the pictures online, that thing is huge!

[jocooper]

I don't know about the difference between the 2 but I have an HDTVi. I'm 16-17 miles from most towers and it pulls in all signals perfectly. I had issues a couple of years ago when the stations were having issues. But everything works perfectly now.

Based on the description on Amazon, it looks like the HDTVa is the amplified version of the HDTVi.

[Dbailey]

By the looks of the pictures online, that thing is huge!
Well not really, get the dimentions for yourself, it really is not that big, was able to fit it through my ceiling into my attic... anyway just a suggestion...

[festivus]

I have a similar db2 antenna in my attic for my basement system. It works perfectly as well.

But if you're looking for a smaller set top antenna the Terk works great. I don't need amplification but I guess that it can't hurt. Just make sure that the mast is pushed all the way in when you assemble it.

[Rob052067]

I live within the city limits of Columbus, about 8 miles from downtown on the NorthEast side. I just wanted to pass along my experience with two indoor OTA antennas connected to my DishNetwork VIP722 DVR:

I recently swapped out this antenna:
"GE 24775 Quantum Indoor HDTV Antenna"
http://www.amazon.com/24775-Quantum-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B000W8XQJC/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_2_0

...for this one:
"Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna"
http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1231216800&sr=8-1

I've found across-the-board improvements in signal strength by 10-20% on each channel with the Terk (ie: 66% now 76% on one distant channel and 80% now 100% on one nearby channel).

Both models are amplified (ie: you need to plug them in to electrical outlet for best signals). The Terk has a thicker cable (ie: coaxial), but not sure if that makes any difference. (Note: It was only $37 when I ordered it, but it's currently out of stock at Amazon and the 3rd party seller has it for $60. Shop around!)

Additional info for DishNetwork newbies like me: It's very easy to attach an antenna cable to the back of your Dish receiver (VIP612, 622 or 722), and pretty simple process to run the local channel scan. And, yes, you do need to subscribe to locals from Dish if you want the OTA channels to appear in the guide with programming info.

DishNetwork is expected to finally offer HD-Locals in Columbus by February. But, even with HD-Locals provided by satellite, by adding an OTA you'll have access to HD local channels on a 3rd tuner and the ability to record 3 different programs at once (ie: two over satellite and one over the air). The other benefit to the OTA is to have a backup tuner in case severe weather interrupts the satellite signal (which is pretty rare). The only drawback is that the OTA signal is less compressed and takes up more hard drive space on the DVR than satellite signals.

[festivus]

Cool. Sounds like we're finally going to get HD locals! :D

I love having an OTA hookup. My satellite signal was out again this morning for some reason.