What are my economical HD TV options?

Question

I have a HD-Ready LCD Monitor (Westinghouse 1080p 42") and want to know my options but don't want to spend too much. I live in San Diego, CA 92131 (Scripps Ranch).

I can't have cable in my condo complex, so that leaves me with Satellite Dish and DirecTV. What would be the better option at a good price?

Also I hear about over-the-air HD signals which I believe is free right? How many channels, how reliable and good of reception can I get from that? What would I need and the costs involved (An antenna and a TV tuner video card)?

I mainly got this monitor so I can use my PC with it, watch DVDs, and plan to get a PS3 or/and xbox360. But it would be nice to have a few channels to watch some TV.

Please help me or at least point me in the right direction. Thanks.

I actually have one of these antenna's my bro gave me a year ago. Would this help?

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ZHDTV1

Answer 1

http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages/board-topics.html

Local Market: San Diego, CA
DMA Ranking: 26 out of 210 *
This page is designed to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information about Digital Television and High Definition in your local area. All information presented below has been contributed by HDTVPub's members and we would really appreciate if you could add to the information on this page.
DTV Channels in Your Area: ( Add Information )

Station Info DTV Information Other Info
KFMB-DT ( CBS )
DTV Ch(s): 55
More Information
KGTV-DT ( ABC )
DTV Ch(s): 25
More Information
KNSD-DT ( NBC )
DTV Ch(s): 40
More Information
KPBS ( PBS )
DTV Ch(s): 30
More Information
KSWB-DT ( WB )
DTV Ch(s): 19
More Information
KUSI-DT ( Ind. )
DTV Ch(s): 18
More Information
XETV-DT ( FOX )
DTV Ch(s): 23
Main Format: 480p NY Times / Fox HDTV Article">More Information
*** Please note that the above are only the Stations in your Designated Market Area. You might be able to receive broadcasts from neighboring DMAs, depending on your location.

Answer 2

You may not be able to get all stations in your area with an indoor antenna. Antennaweb.org is a good general guide, but much depends on your surroudings and reflections from nearby buildings. You can only find out by trying it, which means getting a HDTV tuner ($300 about). I assume your condo will not let you put up an outdoor antenna (even though FCC rules say they can't legally prevent you). Both DirecTV and Dish have HD programming, and carry some of the local stations in HD. But condos can give you a hassle with a satellite dish also. Be sure to check on the rules before you sign up. Right now, as far as HDTV programming and image quality is concerned, DIsh Network has the edge over DirecTV, but the latter is improving.

Answer 3

If you're looking for cheap, over the air HDTV is the cheapest route. Try using this website to figure out which stations are available for your address.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

It'll tell you which direction the signals are coming from. You can get a decent antenna here

http://www.solidsignal.com/

If you don't mind paying a little more, you could look into Voom.

http://www.voom.tv/

HD is awesome, good luck!