How will i know if i need a outdoor antenna for hdtv?

Help, need tuner for my HDTV ready TV 30PW850H Philips?

• Hi, Would like to know what hardware would be the best for the money to get local analog and HDTV / public air channels. I have a Philips 30PW850H HDTV ready TV with no built in tuner. I don't care for too many bells and whistles, just want to view off air public programming. I live in the Portland Oregon Metro (zip 98682). What model tuner / receiver would you guys recommend? What model indoor antenna would you guys recommend? What cables / connectors would you guys recommend, unless the hardware comes with the right cables? Anything else I would need? Thanks a bunch in Advance!

• Answer:

  Based on the specifications for your HDTV model, here is what I recommend. I hope this sticks into your budget. What model tuner / receiver would you guys recommend? I like the two tuners shown below on the Source section. The Samsung one is a little pricey but I believe it's worth it. Includes Component video outputs, which is the same inputs your TV has. For audio includes stereo outputs and Dolby 5.1 digital output (in case in the future you want to connect your home theater to the receiver). It also includes a TV guide on the screen! The Kworld one is over 50% cheaper and it has a basic connections, Component though. Now, those two devices receive digital TV signal only but, at this point of time (two weeks before the digital transition), I believe is okay for you to not get analog channels. What model indoor antenna would you guys recommend? Based on your ZIP code, most of the digital channels broadcasting antennas are around 15 miles from your ZIP code (for a more exact location of the antennas go to the third link shown on the Source section below) so you could do just right with a pre-amplified indoor VHF/UHF antenna. I strongly recommend the antenna shown on the fourth link below. Now, if you already have a VHF/UHF outdoor antenna on the roof of your house and it's in good condition, save the money and just plug it to the receiver. What cables / connectors would you guys recommend, unless the hardware comes with the right cables? Your TV has three different type of video connections: composite, S-video and Component. In order to get the best results out of the receiver and your TV, you should use the Component cables. These are three RCA cables put together in a single line and the terminals are colored (green, blue and red). For audio you can use standard RCA audio cables (red and white). Now, RCA cables transport analog signals (video/audio) so they are susceptible for radio interference so you might want to spend a little more money on some good quality cables. You can try first some cheap ones and, if the video quality is not too good, then go for something like Monster cables. Anything else I would need? Finally, if you don't have one already, I suggest to connect the receiver and you TV to a surge protector. If you can buy one for audio/video devices would be better since those have special filters that can really improve the image and sound of the devices but if you don't want to spend to much money in this just make sure the surge protector has enough joules for one TV and and audio device. If you are going to use an outdoor antenna, then get a surge protector that includes coaxial connections, with this you can connect the antenna to the protector and the protector to the coaxial input of the receiver. This way the whole setup is protected against thunderstorms. Uff! I think this is it. I hope this information helps.