Now the 'homemade' 4 bay or 'coat hanger' antenna video you posted a link to is actually a VERY good antenna. Looks like hell, isn't designed for outdoor use, has some multipath issues, but damn if it doesn't still work well. I built my first one about 2 years ago. I live 30+ miles from the closest transmitting towers, and on the floor of my living room (though it had to be by the sliding glass door), I got 11 channels. I mounted it outside and got 20+ channels. I built other 'better' antennas using #6 copper instead of coat hangers and experimented with deflectors and the channel line up just kept increasing. Yes, they are fun to experiment with just screwing around. They are horrible for VHF stations though if you have any. We have 2 VHF high stations here and at best I got stable reception for maybe 20 seconds once.
But that other antenna is Chinese junk. That one antenna, including shipping, costs as much as all 3 of my antennas shipped, combined. Does it work? Surprisingly yes. Does it work well? Not as surprisingly, no. If you are going to spend the money, at least buy quality. I'll take my setup that pulls in 43 channels with stability and reliability no matter the weather, every time.
And as for paying for cable, I still do. I have kids and a wife and they like the cooking channels, cartoon channels and so on. I myself primarily use OTA for 99% of my viewing (other than HD DVD) and I have more options for programming not available on my cable. I support the industry that supported my family and me for 27+ years. But actually, I pay LESS for cable programming AND internet than what I would be charged for just internet. Now someone explain that one to me. My phone is Vonage though. ALOT better than the cable co's plan and cheaper as well. So if anyone wants free phone for a couple of months, let me know and I'll send a referral to you. You get free phone and so do I. Another win-win. Disclaimer: If this isn't allowed (free isn't selling or making me any money Rick), then just delete this part ONLY like you did the eBay link. No biggie on the link BTW, I understand. And Rick, the offer is for you also if interested.
