Hacker News Reader

Comment by yanowitz | Hacker News Reader

I'm looking at it as a way to replace cable tv for first run network shows (30 rock, modern family, etc.). They say they will stream that stuff at 720p. I'd love to know how that compared to comcast. I would watch with a Mac mini attached to the tv.

View on HN

Get an antenna.

Yep, I have a HD antenna and watch network TV in 1080p. Sadly I think most people are conditioned to believe that you cant get these channels without cable.

Sad especially considering that you can record TV via Windows Media Center for a couple hundred bucks in hardware and no monthly fee.

Could you please explain or link to more information about how this works?

Get an antenna from <any store that sells TVs>, plug it into your HD-ready TV and scan for channels. You should get ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS and other local channels. Most channels have sub-channels that might show weather, alternate programming or older shows from the 70s or 80s.

If you don't have an HD-ready TV, you can get a converter box from the same store that you plug your antenna into.

If you asking about the 1080p part, most (all?) HD channels broadcast in 720p or 1080i.

And you don't even need a fancy "HD antenna". I'm using a broken old antenna from analog days to receive 1080i HD from 4 of the major networks, PBS, and then some. I also have an Eyetv connected to my computer so i have DVR functionality.

And then pay $10/month more for internet. For me it makes more sense to get a basic TV plan and get more than what you get with an antenna. Especially if you have multiple TVs or get poor reception. You'll pay more than internet alone but it's mitigated by the $10 you'll save.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com