having my HD sat / D* installed soon...newbie questions ??

[mickjag]

questions:
I currently have D* ..and will be getting my new HD reciever installed soon from D *.
Will I probally get the 20 " 3-LMB dish or do I have an option for the 24 " version ?
As far as the HD reciever that D* provides ...is this of a decent quality?

Should I expect to have a DVI output on this HD reciever...is their options on which mfg.s to ask for as far as a better reciever ?

I did sign up for their D* antenna @ $ 50.oo ?

But I now understand their is a much better antenna for our area...called a " Tampa Bay special "....for a much better OTA HD reception.
Where is a good place to purchase such an antenna...& how much should I expect to pay ?
I live in the south Tampa area.
Looking for good HD reception on my new plasma. Thanks for feedback.

[teampozer]

I've heard that DirecTV sends out either the Hughes or Samsung 160. I have the Samsung and like it. Yes, it has DVI. I've heard mixed results on the antenna they install. Depends on your location. Being in south Tampa, you may be ok. If you happen to get Channel 10 without dropouts, the other stations transmitting from Riverview shouldn't be a problem. The Tampa Bay special you speak of, which I use in St. Pete, consists of a UHF/VHF combo pointed towards Riverview and a second UHF only pointed north towards Pasco County. Both are joined by a Channelmaster "jointenna" set to only allow channel 24 (10's digital signal) to come off the north facing antenna.

[mickjag]

thanks for your reply.
Can you suggest where I could shop for this TpaBay Special antenna & approx. cost with installation ?

[teampozer]

I bought the Channelmaster VHF/UHF combo at Lowes and a UHF only yagi at Radio Shack. Call Warren Electronincs (warrenelectronics.com) for the Jointenna and tell em you only wanna receive Channel 24. When ya get it... run the combo into the "All In" jack and the yagi into the "Channel 24 jack". Then enjoy crisp clear video on all stations.

[mickjag]

thanks for this info.
What is the " yagi " you suggest I get @ Radio Shack. ?
Is this a fairly large antenna ?
What can I expect to pay for all of these items ?

[teampozer]

VHF/UHF - $75
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-2154

UHF - $25
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-2160

[LRSchuler]

I went to AntennaWeb website, which uses your zip code to determine how far away you are from the local broadcaster's antennas in Riverview and Holiday.

I'm within 20 miles of all of them (north Tampa).

I'm getting ALL the local HD and DT broadcast channels. Most of them at 90%, well sufficient for a great picture.

Using the antenna rating system, you might not need a 8' to 10' antenna. A smaller, and cheaper one, might do nicely.

Also, big antennas tell ALL the street theifs you have a nice, new TV.

I do want to add a seperate UHF for Channel 10 out of Holiday. I'm looking at a pass-thru (connects to existing antenna) thats less than 3' and only about $25.

Bigger is not always better...