Adding HD TV

[E-man]

So I have one of those Glomex things up on top of the radar and a coax cable under the galley cabinet, there's also a dial switch of some sort there. What do I need for HD TV? Just plug the coax into the back of an HD TV? Was thinking about getting another Direct TV Dish for the dock as well.

 

[JimFromMD]

Correct. Just plug the current cable from the antenna into a new HD TV with a digital HD TV tuner in it for digital broadcast TV. Most of the old TVs only had analog TV tuners in them. You can still use those, but you'll need to get one of those analog to digital converter boxes. Definitely doable, as long as you have a generator or 110v source. I do recall seeing some analog to digital converters for big rigs that run on 12v though too.

 

[E-man]

Thanks! Is this a good way to do it? Or do I need a better antenna than the Glomex?

 

[Hampton]

You do not need a better antenna. You will get more HD channels than the old analog capabilities. The switch needs to be on and up for good reception.

 

[E-man]

Cool, thanks!

 

[JimFromMD]

Cool, thanks!

My original glomex for analog works just fine and gets me plenty of HD channels. I was told that I didnt need to replace the antenna and that there is really no difference between it and the HD unit except the label. Have seen and heard other reports here. For as much as I use the TV in TV mode (vs dvd/video output from computer/ipad) and as many channels as I get now... not worth my investment to experiment.

There's also a thread here comparing various models of antennas. I cant rember if it was Kaz who was working it or someone else.

 

[Danny Troy]

The original Glomex didn't work for me, considering I'm in a fringe area, it's understandable. The larger Shakespeare was a little better, but in the end I bought a more powerful preamp and made my own antenna design. It looks a little strange, but it works pretty darn good: http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q746/DanTheSaxman1/DTV_antenna1_zpsa7654b4d.jpg