Which TV Antenna is Best??

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by teejayevans

Agreed but all digital stations are not equal. They can transmit in different resolutions the higher resolutions require a better signal.
That's why some require 80% versus 50%, but even the lower resolution is not as good as analog.
By the way, assuming you have a computer aboard, you can buy a USB tv thingy that will turn your computer into a digital tv for about $50.
Tom

Huh. Thanks for that about the USB tv thing, I'll check those out.

[ranger58sb]

We have a Glomex amp'ed version, works well. Even more channels, since the digital transition.

-Chris

[Dragon Lady]

Has anyone tried a DVB-T twin tuner box I've heard they are are the way to go?

[timbenner]

Originally Posted by DeborahLee

If you want a great antenna check this out and build your own cost @ $5 and 1 hour. Sounds stupid but mine works great.

Very cool. Maybe I build one and just hoist it up a halyard when I'm using it.

[Cheechako]

Dishnet or Direct TV worked at the dock for my buddy. at anchor he spent a lot of time reirecting it, but when you get a pic it's a good one. Anyone know if they work in another country? It's satellite so... why not? programming issues?

[onestepcsy37]

rebel heart - i've got one of those usb tv dongles. it works. has an antenna connector which allows you to hook up any of the antenna's being discussed here.

since it uses your computer to process the signal, the faster your cpu and the more available memory you have the better the results. i seem to recall that the instructions that came with it specify a 2mhz or faster cpu.

for someone who can only afford one entertainment device - or just doesn't have a lot of storage space - it's nice to know you can use your laptop to play dvd's or watch antenna tv....

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by teejayevans

Agreed but all digital stations are not equal. They can transmit in different resolutions the higher resolutions require a better signal.
That's why some require 80% versus 50%, but even the lower resolution is not as good as analog.

Not sure I understand how higher resolution requires a better signal. 8VSB is 8VSB, regardless of resolution. Bit errors will affect the lower resolution streams within the signal the same as higher resolution.

[Ironman162]

Originally Posted by Sweet Chariot

Currently have a UFO one from Whitworths and on my mooring at Tarren Point, Botany Bay,near Sydney cannot get anything else but one digital channel- TV Sydney. Going to try some "rabbit ears" with amplifier as I have heard that might work.

Steve

I also have no luck with the UFO omnidirectional antenna from Whitworth. I am on a swing mooring at Morreson bay. Also being a motor cruiser it doesnt have the hight of a mast.
Any ideas on the twin antenna set top box from The Superdigi mobile tv solution? Its available in Dee Why for around $1000.

[40 South]

Originally Posted by Ironman162

............The Superdigi mobile tv solution? Its available in Dee Why for around $1000.

Not worth the box it comes in!

Have had one for 5 years and works when it wants to! Been back to Oceantalk several times but they say it is working as it should.

[gspeak]

Last year I bought one of the older larger GME Omnidirectional TV antennas from Whitworth's & was totally disappointed with it. To their credit they gave me a refund.

When the new (& much smaller & cheaper) GME AE3000 appeared this year I got one of those. Its like chalk & cheese. It works very well even though I haven't permanently mounted it up the mast yet. I just sit it on the boom for now. Hopefully when I finally get it mounted on the mast it will be even better.

Unlike the old one it now comes with a few different mounting hardware options including a mast mount bracket.

See it here.

Dave

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

We have a Glomex amp'ed version, works well. Even more channels, since the digital transition.

-Chris

That's what I have, a Glomex with an external amplifier/switch box. I mounted it underneath the flybridge dash and it works fine and it's out of the way.

[Rustic Charm]

Hi all,

12 months ago, I purchased a new Banten whip antenna. It's only 25cm (10 inches) in height.

But it apparently needs a 12v power supply. But it doesn't come with one. I know nothing about tv antennas. Can some one tell me how you connect a power supply to it. There doesn't seem to be anywhere to plug power in to it?

Ted

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by tedsherrin

Hi all,

12 months ago, I purchased a new Banten whip antenna. It's only 25cm (10 inches) in height.

But it apparently needs a 12v power supply. But it doesn't come with one. I know nothing about tv antennas. Can some one tell me how you connect a power supply to it. There doesn't seem to be anywhere to plug power in to it?

Ted

Not familiar with the brand... but was it advertised as a powered antenna? Does it have a pair of red/yellow (or perhaps red/black) wires leading out from the base? In addition to the coax cable?

-Chris

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by tedsherrin

Hi all,

12 months ago, I purchased a new Banten whip antenna. It's only 25cm (10 inches) in height.

But it apparently needs a 12v power supply. But it doesn't come with one. I know nothing about tv antennas. Can some one tell me how you connect a power supply to it. There doesn't seem to be anywhere to plug power in to it?

Ted

That antenna comes with a power supply. If you didn't get one, your missing a part. Chuck

[zeehag]

sea view was good--required power supply and has a remote for you he-men out there..i threw one away in la cruz de huanacaxtle last summer...