Is OTA Needed

[Bassmaster]

Is an OTA needed to get ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in HD? I am comparing Direct TV vs Dish Network and looking at the different packages and pricing.

 

[dishrich]

If we knew what market you were in, (ie: where you are) we could tell you.
But since you didn't, if you are in an O&O network market, you can get them through the dish.

 

[Bassmaster]

I am about 30 miles outside of Baltimore MD

 

[dturturro]

If Baltimore is an O&O market you can get the big 4 through DTV. If not, you MAY be able to get waivers from your local stations in order to receive them through DTV. BUT, OTA is the best signal you can get. Go to antenna web.org and shop for a rooftop antenna, it's your best bet.

 

[dishrich]

The only station in Baltimore that is O&O is the CBS station - you would have to get waivers from the other stations to get the HD signals through the dish, which most likely they WON'T give you anyway.
Like dturturro says above, if you can get the local HD signals off-air, the picture quality will be better than what is coming down thru the dish.

 

[Hogarth]

Note, this restriction is by federal regulation.
Neither Dish nor DirecTV will be better in this regard.