Smart Antenna

ok, I have heard people saying that after installing their converter boxes that they have either lost channels or get nothing at all. Apparently they are told they need to get "smart antennas" does anyone have an clue as to what this smart antenna is?

A "smart antenna" is an antenna with an amplifier that is supposed to automatically adjust the signal strength sent to the TV/ converter box.

In reality, most situations don't require anything that fancy. All one really needs to do is the basics. Visit http://www.antennaweb.org and put in your ZIP code. That will produce a list of the stations in the area, where to aim the antenna, and guidance on what types of antennas would work well. The same old antenna technology we've been using since the 50's will still work well today; and it's a lot cheaper.

I hope this helps. Please return and choose a Best Answer from all of those submitted.

2008-06-19 18:52:35 by Ozzy

My RCA converter box is smart antenna compatable as well as coaxial. I am not getting coaxial antenna signals over 28% according to my box. I just cant find a "smart antenna" anywhere!

Check out this thread, there is some good info. Looks like there is only one out on the market, for now: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthrea d.php?t=1014159

2008-07-01 13:33:27 by tigerbaby99

Price: $105.00

I currently have a regular TV rabbit antenna for my DTV converter box, which is better, rabbit ears or the smart antenna?

I don't think I have ever been able to put my hands on a smart antenna. (A smart antenna is supposed to be able to adjust itself for the best signal). I've seen boxes that are supposed to work them, but I've never seen one on the shelf.

The smart antennas are supposed to work better than the traditional rabbit ears. However, if the signals in your area are not strong enough for whatever antenna you have, it's not going to work no matter how smart the antenna is.

Try this, visit http://www.antennaweb.org . Based on your zip code, the site will suggest antennas for your situation. No body can tell you what antenna you need without knowing where you are.

2009-01-16 12:40:15 by Claudette

Price: $39.99

Low-profile design
Supports all digital frequencies
Includes metal bracket that can be used to stand the antenna upright
Dual-plane design provides more antenna in less space
Eliminates constant adjustments - hang it, stand it up or lay it flat

I do not have tv hooked up to an antenna

Some of the converter boxes support the smart antenna function. Smart antennas implement a sort of dynamic directional tuning function. I'm not sure which boxes support this but you can go to the referenced site below and then Google the boxes.

I'm pretty sure that smart antennas are primarily for receiving stations at moderate range. If you're in a fringe area (over 50 miles from transmitters), you'll probably need a large directional antenna and, if the stations are at various divergent angles, a rotator to point it optimally.

2008-06-09 16:08:58 by Donna F

What do they do exactly? Are they really worth the extra money?

The signals from more and more of my local TV stations keep breaking up more and more often, and it's getting really annoying. At least with analog broadcasts, there may have been snow and ghosts, but I never lost the signal altogether. Why would the problem be increasing lately? Are stations trying to see how much they can reduce their transmitting power?

A smart antenna will automatically optimize its reception properties. They usually have antenna elements that are arranged 90 degrees to each other. Internal circuitry then determines the best angle for reception.

However, these are still small indoor antennas, and only really help you when you have TV transmitters in multiple directions. You are better off getting an outdoor antenna, if that is possible. It's a real problem for people living in apartments.

Try entering your address at
http://www.antennaweb.org ot
http://www.tvfool.com

It will show you where the TV transmitters are relative to your location. If they are all in the same direction, then the smart antenna isn't really much help. Antennaweb will even suggest what kind of antenna you'll need.

I use an antenna optimized for channels 7-69, mounted in my attic, and I'm getting rock solid reception of stations 38 miles away.

2009-08-12 08:16:46 by Cool Dude