Question. Do you need both the aerial antenna AND the channel master? If not, which is better?
@XenaLee Yes,and no.
The Channel Master isn't really necessary unless you want to record shows and want TIVO ability. Given all the quality programming we all have to choose from these days,I can't picture anyone that doesn't need to record some shows for later viewing.
The Channel Master also has a connection for Wi-Fi,so you can also use it to record some streaming channels it gets. The Direct TV Streaming channel will soon be one of them.
The streaming of course is dependent on you having a ethernet or a Wi-Fi connection. The Channel Master is a tuner and recorder. It can and will tune in and record broadcast channels over your antenna,and it will also record streaming channels coming from your internet connection.
If your money happens to be a little tight at this time,just go with the RCA antenna. You can always add the Channel Master later for the recording and TIVO ability.
BTW,you can stream Direct TV NOW (
https://directvnow.com/watch/live/29003 ) on your computer using IE 7 or higher. Works well with IE7 or above,but doesn't work with Firefox yet. Probably by the end of March,but not yet. Hook a ethernet cable from your computer to your tv,and watch it on your big screen.
If you are a Amazon Prime customer,there are a BUNCH of shows you can stream for free,and others you can buy/rent.
Sorry for rambling and maybe confusing you more. It is not that the antenna and the Channel Master compete with each other. They don't. The compliment each other. Without the antenna or streaming videos,the Channel Master is useless. Without a Channel Master or similar tuner,you don't have TIVO or the ability to record when you are not home and your computer is turned off.
In other words,the HD antenna is essential for broadcast tv. The Channel Master is a tuner and recorder. Without an antenna or/and a internet connection,it's useless.