Newbie w/Questions...

I'm new to this area, & would like a few answers before jumping in the deep
end.

First, I have a Projector that's HDTV compatible & I'd like to find a ATSC
tuner for terrestrial reception.
Plans for HDTV monitor/TV in the future.
I don't have, nor want cable &/or Sat. TV (restricted by trees)

I've run into a few cable & DirecTV dish receivers on Craig's list, & it's
my understanding that some of these units can be run as stand alone tuners.
Should I look for a tuner that's specifically for terrestrial reception, or
can I uses one of these boxes as a tuner? How will software upgrades be
handled with a "pay" TV box?

I've also seen mixed responses about the need for HDTV antennas.
I live within 5 Miles of the "tower farm" the local channels all broadcast
NTSC & ATSC from.
What distance is reasonable for good reception using an antenna without an
amplifier.
If an amplifier is used, what distance is reasonable for decent reception,
as there are a couple others from 15 to 45 miles away...

Is there a reasonably affordable "new" tuner on the market, or should I look
for used?

I've run into a bunch of used & refurbished eqpt, both namebrand & not.
Samsung has always been a name I've trusted, and seems to have an array of
tuners, built over the past few years, that show up everywhere. Are they
trustworthy, or are there others I should look for?

Any info or direction will be appreciated...

thx & good luck
slj
st.paul, mn.

"GOJONESatCOMCASTdotNET" wrote in message
. ..
I'm new to this area, & would like a few answers before jumping in the
deep
end.

First, I have a Projector that's HDTV compatible & I'd like to find a ATSC
tuner for terrestrial reception.
Plans for HDTV monitor/TV in the future.
I don't have, nor want cable &/or Sat. TV (restricted by trees)

I've run into a few cable & DirecTV dish receivers on Craig's list, & it's
my understanding that some of these units can be run as stand alone
tuners.
Should I look for a tuner that's specifically for terrestrial reception,
or
can I uses one of these boxes as a tuner? How will software upgrades be
handled with a "pay" TV box?

I've also seen mixed responses about the need for HDTV antennas.
I live within 5 Miles of the "tower farm" the local channels all broadcast
NTSC & ATSC from.
What distance is reasonable for good reception using an antenna without an
amplifier.
If an amplifier is used, what distance is reasonable for decent reception,
as there are a couple others from 15 to 45 miles away...

Is there a reasonably affordable "new" tuner on the market, or should I
look
for used?

I've run into a bunch of used & refurbished eqpt, both namebrand & not.
Samsung has always been a name I've trusted, and seems to have an array of
tuners, built over the past few years, that show up everywhere. Are they
trustworthy, or are there others I should look for?

Any info or direction will be appreciated...

thx & good luck
slj
st.paul, mn.


To get your feet wet, you might try a Channelmaster 4221 [AKA 3021] and an
OTA tuner card for your PC. Add the amplifier later if necessary.

http://www.digitalconnection.com/

http://www.starkelectronic.com/

GOJONESatCOMCASTdotNET wrote:
I'm new to this area, & would like a few answers before jumping in the deep
end.

First, I have a Projector that's HDTV compatible & I'd like to find a ATSC
tuner for terrestrial reception.
Plans for HDTV monitor/TV in the future.
I don't have, nor want cable &/or Sat. TV (restricted by trees)

I've run into a few cable & DirecTV dish receivers on Craig's list, & it's
my understanding that some of these units can be run as stand alone tuners.
Should I look for a tuner that's specifically for terrestrial reception, or
can I uses one of these boxes as a tuner? How will software upgrades be
handled with a "pay" TV box?

I've also seen mixed responses about the need for HDTV antennas.
I live within 5 Miles of the "tower farm" the local channels all broadcast
NTSC & ATSC from.
What distance is reasonable for good reception using an antenna without an
amplifier.
If an amplifier is used, what distance is reasonable for decent reception,
as there are a couple others from 15 to 45 miles away...

Is there a reasonably affordable "new" tuner on the market, or should I look
for used?

I've run into a bunch of used & refurbished eqpt, both namebrand & not.
Samsung has always been a name I've trusted, and seems to have an array of
tuners, built over the past few years, that show up everywhere. Are they
trustworthy, or are there others I should look for?

Any info or direction will be appreciated...

thx & good luck
slj
st.paul, mn.


Unless you wait untill later in the year using a PC or Laptop will work.
There are a few USB tuners starting at $89 at BB.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1157068455221
-mike