Record Local HD Channels with Antennae setup

[butch1130]

Curious what indoor antennas are being used by the group with success AND what device are you using to record these channels?

Have DirecTV and considering getting Sling with Netflix to at least cut my bill in half.

Need locals in HD and would like to record.

Thanks for any help and input.

Dave

[wkumtrider]

I have a cheap RCA antenna I bought at BestBuy and I bought a Tivo Premier DVR from some dude on Craigslist.  It was $100 including lifetime subscription to the channel guide.  Good deal when compared to new DVR and the regular cost of a lifetime subscription.  So check out Craigslist and see what you can find.

[HipGnosis]

I got a great picture with old rabbit ear antenna, but I had to adjust it for a few of the channels.
I went thru a couple 'HD' antennas and ended up with this one;  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X4RA74A/ref=amb_link_451541902_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_r=05TXGBDCTZZTCVZ7RYHX&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=2346066602&pf_rd_i=B00MFXNQBU
I found out that having the antenna higher up can improve reception - it did for me. I suspect I could have kept the 25 mile antenna.  There are websites that show/tell you how far the station transmitters are from you..

For recording; I got a Channel Master (brand) DVR + (model) OTA DVR.  Kinda pricey, but it's a one time cost.  It uses the internet (LAN cable or WiFi) for the free for life program guide.
Also needs a USB HD.  I got a 1Tb.  If I were to do it again I'd get 2 smaller HDs.  I'd use one for the daily record, watch, delete stuff and the other for classic & fav movies I want to keep.  There are a LOT of classic movies on the HD channels.

[southern granny]

We had Dish instead of Direct TV.  We cancelled the satellite, and bought an outdoor antenna from best buy for $99.  We mounted it to the bracket that the Dish was attached to.  Connected the antenna to the Dish cable that was already running to the TV.  Works great.  We did end up buying a amplifier for $25, because one station was not coming in great and it took care of that.  We haven't tried recording anything yet.  With then antenna, netflix  and amazon prime we have plenty to watch.  We binge watched Longmire on netflix so now we have to wait for the next season.

[primozaj]

I went thru a couple 'HD' antennas and ended up with this one;

Did you put it on a wall or a window?  Did you have to amp it?

[ketchup]

I used a Hauppauge TV tuner card in my PC about five years ago to do this.  Card was around $100, antenna was I think $40, and Windows Media Center did a surprisingly good job at capping the shows I wanted.  The antenna worked shockingly well considering I was in a college dorm room at the time that was essentially a concrete box.

[geekette]

We have a Tablo TV, and while the earlier reviews peg it as "not ready for prime time", the software has been (and continues to be) improved.  Commercials are easy to speed through on the Roku (thumbnail pics as you FF).  You can also stream to phones and tablets.  One interesting feature I haven't played with much is streaming over the internet.  Once your device is paired, you can watch remotely. 

As for the antenna, higher is better!  We have a 20+ year old analog antenna in the attic and it works great when all the in house HD antennas did nothing.

[HipGnosis]

I went thru a couple 'HD' antennas and ended up with this one;

Did you put it on a wall or a window?  Did you have to amp it?

It was high on a wall.  I have rearranged things and it's now on top of a tall bookshelf.
No amp.