Going HD: rooftop antenna or DTV?

[leeko]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice. I currently have standard def DTV with a 3LNB slimline dish, and am looking to move to HD. However, I'm not sure how best (and most cost-effective) to go about it.

I was originally thinking of just installing a rooftop antenna to get OTA HD locals. However, the cost of the installation would likely be around ~$200. For that price, I might as well upgrade my DTV to HDTV. BUT:

All of my TV runs through my computer, which can't capture output from the DTV box in HD - effectively, it would downgrade the signal to 480i. It CAN capture true HDTV from the OTA signals.

So, I think I still need a rooftop antenna anyway (my indoor antennas don't cut it). My questions are:

1. Does my existing dish also act as an OTA antenna? i.e. can I just hook up the coaxial from the dish directly to a TV (or my PC's tuner card)?

2. If so, would it capture ATSC broadcasts?

3. If I choose to upgrade to an HD DTV solution (which would mean a dish upgrade if I understand correctly), would the DTV installer be able to also install an antenna while he's up there? (a long shot, I know, but you never know!)

4. Anyone have any better ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Lee

 

[jcrandall]

1 thru 3 - NO

4. Dont use the computer to watch HDTV? Otherwise your gonna need an antenna.

 

[leeko]

Thank you for your answers.

Don't use the computer? Not an option!

My entire home entertainment setup goes through my PC, which is a linux (mythtv) box. It took a long time to set up correctly, but it's just about right now and I'd be loathe to bypass the whole thing... Especially given the functionality it offers.

Looks like a rooftop antenna will be the best option for me. Anyone know any good cheap installers in the Chicago area?

Thanks again,

Lee

 

[charper1]

I prefer both; OTA and a dish

 

[Jimbo]

I prefer both; OTA and a dish

Agreed !

 

[Lkr]

if you want to continue to use your HTPC setup and want premium HD channels(stuff you pay for, not OTA), you will need this:
Newegg.com - Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Personal Video Recorder 1212 USB 2.0 Interface

You would have to hook the D* HD receiver up to that.

Additionally, you can continue using your HTPC and hook up a D* HD DVR directly through HDMI or component and use both

 

[Big Dawg 23]

Thank you for your answers.

Don't use the computer? Not an option!

My entire home entertainment setup goes through my PC, which is a linux (mythtv) box. It took a long time to set up correctly, but it's just about right now and I'd be loathe to bypass the whole thing... Especially given the functionality it offers.

Looks like a rooftop antenna will be the best option for me. Anyone know any good cheap installers in the Chicago area?

Thanks again,

Lee

I have wanted to do MythTV but the lack of support on Tuner Cards has prevented me. I have two Hauppauge(1-USB WinTV950-Q and 1-PCI Card(Analog only). I would like to see increased driver support newer tuners that are QAM.

 

[stonecold]

I have wanted to do MythTV but the lack of support on Tuner Cards has prevented me. I have two Hauppauge(1-USB WinTV950-Q and 1-PCI Card(Analog only). I would like to see increased driver support newer tuners that are QAM.

Right now I have two QAM ATSC cards and a FTA S1 card working with myth still have not found a compatible S2 card.