Good replacement for tv? Let's say I just want to watch the free digital channels (NBC, CBS affiliates) on my PC, would this be all I need?
1055333
yes, it can pick up the digital channels (NBC, CBS, ABC) over the air with the included antenna in my area in PA. The big question is can your computer handle it? On my Dell Inspiron it freezes up badly. The Dell Dimension is a bit better but not great. Analog channels come through fine but we are on limited time for the analogs.
1644410
Thanks for your comment it has helped me confirm I did make a right choice by getting a Roku. Most people keep jabbering about being able to watch live TV and stream their media from their computer to TV. What I don't think they realize is both of those things can be done without Roku or Boxee. I already have a tuner card, video card, and "cheap" special cords to do both of those things. To be honest I rarely do either of those things anyway.
530690
It will give you the ability to watch over the air channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and PBS in high definition. You cannot watch cable channels using an antenna.
1483358
From disable cable.com: "Many people don't realize that if you live near a large or medium-sized city, and you have a modern flat-panel TV (made in 2006 or later), you should be able to receive hi-definition digital TV for FREE over the air by using an antenna. The stations available are the major networks, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, etc., plus PBS, plus local stations. Often the picture quality is BETTER than that of cable TV!" I see Fox in that line-up
1677250
You can get OTA digital TV, but this product uses old technology mechanical switches which affect the ANT and Cable inputs especially. Digital TV is not as forgiving when you have a weak signal - instead of "snow" you get tiling, frozen audio and/or video. If you have a strong input signal, it can compensate for the loss. A Satellite Receiver or VCR *should* work OK. Quest seriously needs to update the design. See my Review for details.
558288
Analog pass through may be of interest to some, but probably most folks don't need it, and it shouldn't be a factor in their purchase decision. There is no major TV station in my area that doesn't already broadcast its programs on DTV. That is probably true of most areas. By 2009, it will be the case almost everywhere.
709844
A web browser would help to get current year epiosdes of network TV as well as the local news. If I could get that fully operational, why would I need cable at all. $90 is better in my pocket than theri pocket. I need access to current year shows, local news and sports,
1219428
This box is to pick up a High Def digital broadcast so a lot depends on how close you are to the broadcast stations. It's a TV Antenna, only more high tech than when I was a kid and it does plug into the HDMI port of your TV. Great for free TV but limited to your local broadcast. I got about 30 channels out of it. All my local stations plus some others and many Spanish stations in my area. I'm not much of a TV watcher so that worked for me.
687828
I've been wondering the same thing, only I have Windows XP Media Center. I'd like to be able to DVR shows on the PC and watch them on my regular TV. I'm starting to think I should just have a dedicated PC for the TV.
136517
I am desperate to reduce my monthly expenditures and I think Roku may be a great option for a cable service replacement. However, I'm a still a bit foggy on the specifics of it. When I turn the TV on, it's not going to be a just an array of channels like I have now but the channels that I "subscribe" to, correct? And I won't be able to watch live TV for news, awards shows, etc.?
1882442
It is a good substitute for cable. However, not for the premium channels. Most of the premium show eventually make it to Roku after about a year. Roku does a tremendous job in their own programing developing very good shows. Also Roku has a tremendous group of channels that one can choose from. I have both cable and Roku and I'm considering discontinuing cable and using Roku.
2277950
The fundamental problem is that digital broadcast signals are WEAK and intolerant of any interference unlike the "old" analog signals...Another bright idea from Washington where the consumer gets screwed and has to spend money to get what was formerly free.As far as I am concerned OTA Digital TV is a BUST.
510156
You can get a digital attena to get free air channels ( without the digital Attena, TV won't be able to get all free channels in your area doing to signal interference) or get a cable/satelite box to get pay channels
2066811
Thanks for your input. I suspect you are correct but I just can't figure why more cable ready DVRs aren't available without a subscription. It makes me think that the cable companys may have found a way to defeat recording digitally. Why on earth would so many people pay $200 or more a year for the rather small convenience of not having a TV guide, which still requires that you look things up and program. Heck, the Cable company has a guide itself, just not as conveniently. hopefully someone has direct experience with this.
2071598
This antenna is very low in quality and will absolutely not replace any good quality digital antenna. On the other hand, is the TV set is not capable of decoding digital signals, you will need the decoder as well.
511465
I agree, I had a Boxee on pre order and I had thought about Google TV also but then I thought, for about the same money or less I was able to hookup a nice PC to my TV via HDMI and I use a cheap Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse and it works like a dream! Plus as stated above, it does all of what a settop box will do and whole lot MORE! I had Direct TV for 12 years and I decided that I was tired of paying $70 a month for two DVR's and no premium channels. So I bought a HDTV antenna and a HTPC and I am set!
47928
This one does the job in that radius just fine as long as you don't "cover it up." Put it high and/or near windows if you can, and still be connected to your targeted TV. Local and prime channels FREE after the initial cost. One final point, these usually come with a diagram and steps for installation that were relatively easy. Have fun and good luck!