OTA Antenna for DTV HD20 Receiver

[TexasMama]

Hello,
I noticed on the back of my new DirecTV HD20 Receiver there is a "OFF AIR IN" connection. I assume that is where I can plug in a OTA Antenna. So here goes:

BTW:The HD20 is connected directly into the back of our HDTV if that makes any difference or not... that is how DTV guys installed it. (via GRB cable - soon to be replaced by a HDMI cable).
Then then signals from our 2 DTV receivers (one a TIVO the other is the HD20) are then sent throughout the house using a Netmedia modulator. Been set up that way for years and is working just fine with the exception of the OTA HD channels
So with that in mind:

(1) What antenna (brand/model) do you suggest? I need both VHF/UHF. We get our locals in HD off of our attic antenna, but only on our main HDTV, don't know why but they won't come in on my Sony HD-Ready TV. (See question 2)

(2) I have a Sony HD-Ready TV in the kitchen that I would like to also receive the OTA HD channels. I assume IF I add the OTA antenna to the back of my HD20 receiver then I will receive the OTA HD channels, correct or not? I have my thoughts, want to know what you think.

Hope I have covered all my bases, if you have any questions please let me know.
Thanks again!

TexasMama

 

[texasbrit]

OK, a few questions. And I am going to make several assumptions about your setup so I may be wrong....



You say you get the local HD channels on your main HDTV? That means you already have a suitable antenna. Do I assume therefore the main HDTV has a built-in ATSC tuner?

If that's the case then to get locals on your H20 all you need do is put a splitter into the cable coming from the antenna to the TV, connect one output to the H20and connect the other output from the splitter to your TV.

OK, now the ATSC tuner in your H20 will be active. you will then have two sources of HD locals, both connected to your HDTV. But since your H20 sends the currently-selected channel through the modulator to your other TVs, if you select an HD channel on the H20 that will be the one that goes to the other TV(s) just like it does now, except it will NOT be HD - it will be a 480i (down-converted) version of your HD channel because the modulator system can't handle HD.

As far as HD on your Sony is concerned. First we need to know how the Sony is connected today. My guess is (and please correct if I'm wrong) that the Sony receives a combination of the OTA antenna and the two channels inserted by the modulator. If so the Sony will see a down-converted HD channel if this is what is selected on the H20. To get true HD on the Sony you will need an ATSC tuner.

Please post back with comments/answers.....!!

 

[TexasMama]

WOW! Hope I can answer correctly... will do my best:

Main TV - YES we get all our locals both in standard and HD broadcasts, but only the HD on the HDTV of course.
Yes, it has a ATSC Tuner, what I call a "True HD TV" meaning not "HD-Ready", etc.

Yes, My HD-Ready Sony (and all the other analog TV's) operate as you stated, you are GOOD! Want to come over and connect me up? Just teasing of course.... I am a Grandma 4 X over.

QUESTION: Is there a HI-DEF modulator available that will be equal to and/or replace the one I have? AND would I really need one?? Cost???

QUESTION: In order for my Sony HD-Ready TV to gain a ATSC tuner I would have to directly connect (via GRB cable) my HD20 receiver to the Sony, correct? I asked the DTV install guys about that, but the satellite cables are too far away or so they said. Unless there is another solution I don't know about. Please enlighten me.

I think I have covered all your questions and added a few more of my own.
Let me know if you have anymore questions.
TexasMama
AKA TexasGrandma!

PS: Not sure how the antenna is connected to the modulator; I mean I am not sure if it is a separate cable directly FROM antenna down to modulator OR some other "fancy cable/connections footwork" going on up in the attic I am not aware of. Does it make a difference? Hope all this makes sense.
TM

 

[texasbrit]

There are no hi-def modulators...

As far as the Sony is concerned, (making some assumptions again) if you want to use your H20 to drive the Sony, then it has to be connected to the antenna splitter, to the modulator (to drive the rest of the TVs) by composite video and audio connections, and to the Sony by either component video or HDMI. Yes, this can probably be done - depends on the distances, and how much you want to spend. I'm not an expert, but I seem to remember both composite and component video can go up to 100ft or so without problems. HDMI is another issue, you are limited to short distances unless you pay big bucks - to run 140 ft you need a cable with built-in amplifier and this is about $400.
So if your H20 is less than 100ft or so from the Sony you need to run component video plus audio to the Sony. You could put the H20 next to the modulator or next to the Sony. If it's more than 100 ft but less than 200 ft or so you can do it by putting the H20 "half-way" between the modulator and the Sony and running more cables (but of course then it would probably be somewhere inconvenient for changing channels etc!!)
Again I am not an expert, you would need to look at your exact situation.