Over-the-air HDTV (Less is More)

What is this? Has this blog turning into a techie blog?

No. Maybe. No.

Background: We just switched to DISH network, from Comcast Cable. When we had Comcast, we had the signal in every room of the house, and my "office" has two plugs: one for TV and one for the internet. A total of seven outlets.

Now that we are on DISH, I can get the satellite signals on five of those seven plugs. The 6th plug retains Comcast for the internet.

That leaves one plug with no signal at all: the room on the 4th floor.

I think it has been a fortuitous thing. Some might even say that "God" was looking out for me. Amazing, huh?

Last week, after a (very) modest amount of research on the net, I sent the wife out to purchase an indoor, over-the-air, UHF/VHF/FM/HDTV antenna for that plug on the 4th floor (which just so happens to have an HDTV in it, dormant). On RadioShack's website (yeah, I know, but they're close) I found one that the reviewers claimed worked fine. Ok, some said it sucked, but practically every antenna had the same differing opinions. What'cha gone do?

Got it home. Set it up. The reception was just on THIS side of NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever. Total POS.

So, I took it back for a refund/return, and the salesguy points me towards a smaller antenna that he says works FAR better, AND, it only costs $16. The first one we bought was $49.

Got it home. Set it up. AWESOME. The HDTV channels are crystal-clear (maybe because it's on the 4th floor), and it's just ... perfect. So now, we're ready for when a hurricane comes and knocks out the satellite dish. We'll still have a great over-the-air signal, if they're broadcasting, that is. And we'll be on the ... uh ... 4th floor. Have to try it in Harry Potter's Closet, if you know what I mean.

So, you go from a $49 POS to a $16 JEWEL. Both RadioShack products. Less is more. Sometimes.

The sucky, relatively expensive antenna is here.

The better, much cheaper antenna is here.

I've heard it said that, if you want to purchase something and you have a budget, DOUBLE YOUR BUDGET and you won't be disappointed. People say the wierdest shit.