Does an internal HDTV tuner require service to get local HD stations?
Hi, I just bought a new Samsung LN40A550 that the sells rep said had an internal tuner. He said I'd literally just plug it in and turn it on and it'd find the local HD stations and I'd be able to watch them. Unfortunately, this hasn't happened. It does the scan, but doesn 't find any stations. I don't currently have cable at all, is that a prerequisite? Do you need a cable at least plugged into the wall even if you don't get service? Or did the salesman oversimplify?
Thanks so much for your help. I (obviously) have no idea about this stuff.
You are going to need an OTA (Over the air or Off the air) antenna. I believe most reasonably populated areas have local stations that broadcast in high-def, my town of 55K has about 4. The HDTV's that have built-in tuners, simply means that with a sufficient signal it can display a high-def channel that is free. (not over cable or satellite) There are several options for you - Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Best Buy, Radio Shack, will all carry antenna's that are advertised as OTA antennas. Another option is a roof mounted antenna, but whether you need that or an antenna that sits on your entertainment center will depend on your proximity to the local stations broadcasting high-def as well as your geographical terrain. (Trees, hills, etc)
I would recommend doing a little research on OTA antennas and making a buying decision on what works for your budget and has good reviews.
As an alternative to using an antenna you can subscribe to a cable/satellite company that offers high-def channels, including local channels. Typically you have to purchase a high-def receiver and a channel package that has the high-def channels. If you don't want to spend the money, I believe the OTA antenna is your best option.
Here's a starting point for your research:
http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/index.php
In case you don't wanna research...
Here is a link to an outside antenna that has pretty good reviews from Best Buy: (it's a long link but you can copy and past it in your internet browser or search for "ota antenna" at Best Buy
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8408476&productCategoryId=abcat0107006&type=product&tab=7&id=1183160363349#productdetail
Here is a review on an indoor antenna from Radio Shack - pretty decent reviews, especially from folks living in cities, surrounded by a lot of buildings.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?parentPage=family&summary=summary&techSpecs=techSpecs¤tTab=summary&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032204&custRatings=custRatings&features=features&accessories=accessories&productId=2417014&support=support&tab=custRatings#showReviews
Hope this helps you out and good luck - hope you enjoy your new television!
Robert
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