Antenna

HDTV is digital, which means broadcast reception can be as good as cable or satellite. So far, it actually seems better. You obviously don't get a hundred channels. But with all the major stations broadcasting in digital, over-the-air reception easily trumps a basic subscription like Comcast's $14/month. It's free afterall. It only requires an ASTC tuner (either built-in or, in the case of HDTV-ready sets, separately purchased).

According to antennaweb.org, the main direction for 14 of the 15 primary digital signals in my area is about 187 to 194 degrees in compass orientation. They're mostly 21.7 and 25.5 miles away, so a medium-range directional UHF antenna is what I needed. NBC is the only station on VHF, which it won't get. I figure I can give up watching NBC.

I got the 42XG from AntennasDirect.com for $59. Important is also a RG6 coaxial cable to minimize signal loss. I found a roof vent nearby to get it into the attic. From there it goes directly into an interior wall, then comes out through a grommet wallplate to the TV without any additional connection. The mast, chimney mount and cable standoffs are from Radio Shack.

It's also a good idea to check USGS topo maps like topozone.com. There's actually a 360-foot (altitude) hill about 7 miles in the same direction -- while I'm at 180 feet with about 40 feet up to antenna. Apparently it's no problem.