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  1. 10th October 2007, 11:51 AM #1
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    Default Indoor antenna w/ Elgato DTT

    Hello. I'm looking at getting the Elgato DTT to watch TV in the bedroom which doesn't have an antenna jack. From everyone's experience, is there any chance that indoor antennas will work? I know it depends on the area you live in, but if anyone's had any success it would give a bit of hope Thanks.
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  2. 10th October 2007, 11:52 AM #2
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    Seriously depends... get it but don't expect much and you might be surprised.

    External antenna is highly preferred.
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  3. 10th October 2007, 11:57 AM #3
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    It's really a buy it and try it situation. In some suburbs I've had excellent reception in others I only get a couple of channels. I'm aiming to experiment with a booster style antenna for my spare room later this month. As there is no aerial outlet in that room. Otherwise an external aerial is the best option. I don't want to pour too much cold water on the included antenna as when it's good -it's very very good.

    Good Luck.
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  4. 10th October 2007, 12:40 PM #4
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    Do you guys reckon its a better idea to go with the hybrid just in case digital is crap?
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  5. 10th October 2007, 12:48 PM #5
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    I have never had any success with an indoor antenna and digital TV. The only way to really go would be an outdoor on the roof one.

    Is there any reason (such as renting, cost, CBF'd) why you can't put an outdoor antenna socket in your room?
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  6. 10th October 2007, 12:50 PM #6
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    I got a indoor digital antenna from Dick Smith it wasnt cheap $50 but has worked the best out of all I tried with my set top box.
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  7. 10th October 2007, 12:56 PM #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Comet View Post
    Do you guys reckon its a better idea to go with the hybrid just in case digital is crap?
    The hybrid would at least give you more options, but I wouldn't hold out too much hope with the included antenna. It did nothing for me here, and from what I've read, you'll need a hellova strong signal to get any reception with the thing, which looks really just like an included free toy.

    But its always going to be better to get a splitter and run in a decent (exterior) antenna feed. Even if it might require a small additional signal booster, at least it will give you a better chance of getting ALL the free-to-air channels. It worked for me here (previously, without the amp, I couldn't get channel 10) but the instillation worked so well I immediately went out and replaced my Elgato Analog with a Hybrid...

    PS:
    "Here" = Rosanna, Melbourne
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  8. 10th October 2007, 01:03 PM #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by wilco440 View Post
    It did nothing for me here
    Ditto here, eastern Melbourne with direct line of sight to the transmission towers at Mt Dandenong. This was with the Pinnacle Hybrid stick.
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  9. 10th October 2007, 01:29 PM #9
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    It will work - just not very well. You probably won't get all channels at the same time. Reception will not be stable (with digital, its all or nothing). Indoor antennas are also very prone to electrical interference. Forget about trying to watching TV if the washing machine is on.

    I'd say external is a must have if you plan to do any recording at all. In most cases, getting an extra antenna point installed isn't much more expensive than a good indoor antenna.
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  10. 10th October 2007, 01:34 PM #10
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    It may be a line of sight issue but I get great reception on my digital TV and set-top box with the same $20 Digitor dick smith internal aerial.

    Find out where the nearest transmitter is and if its less that 20km internal should be fine
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  11. 10th October 2007, 01:53 PM #11
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    Speaking as a communications engineer, I can almost guarantee that if you can see the TV tower from your bed room (ie direct line-of-sight) you'll be right. Also if you live within about 15-20km of the tower, have no huge buildings or mountains in the way, you'll also have a good chance. But apart from that you'll have to suck it and see. I was recently in Darwin, Townsville and the Cairns Q Club with my pinnacle hybrid and only had problems in the Q Club in Cairns - it's called terrain or building signal shielding and atenuates the transmitted signal.
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  12. 10th October 2007, 08:42 PM #12
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    I bought the DTT today and just tried out the included antenna. Result... I only am able to receive all the 6 SBS channels including the radio. I'll check out dick smiths tomorrow for their antenna. Might take my mbp with the tuner to see what sort of performance difference there is between the included antenna and what they sell.
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  13. 10th October 2007, 09:07 PM #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Comet View Post
    I bought the DTT today and just tried out the included antenna. Result... I only am able to receive all the 6 SBS channels including the radio. I'll check out dick smiths tomorrow for their antenna. Might take my mbp with the tuner to see what sort of performance difference there is between the included antenna and what they sell.
    That was my experience too.. I went to DSE, brought an antenna amplifier and a few metres of cable, split my TV antenna and it's been sweet since... cost me about $70 all up..
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  14. 10th October 2007, 09:50 PM #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by W9cae View Post
    I got a indoor digital antenna from Dick Smith it wasnt cheap $50 but has worked the best out of all I tried with my set top box.
    Model number?

    As I am using rabbits ears that need moving between channel changes.

    Thanks,

    Tom.
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  15. 14th October 2007, 10:56 PM #15
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    Tried indoor antenna. Can only get SBS and channel 7. I guess it's time to look into amplifier and 20 metres of cable.
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  16. 14th October 2007, 11:24 PM #16
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    I had no luck with internal antennas in North Fitzroy, or here in Canterbury.
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  17. 14th October 2007, 11:53 PM #17
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    You can always get some bunny ears if you dont want to use the ext antenna. It works OK that way. you just need to hook it somewhere.
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  18. 15th October 2007, 12:01 AM #18
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    I'm using an internal antenna with a Pinnacle DTT and receive perfect reception on all channels. To say this is a surprise would be an understatement as I was forced to sell my analogue TV due to zero reception a year ago. I am not using the included antenna, however.
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