This product is unique in the sense that it uses a flat-bed design. I’m sure you can picture rabbit ear antennas but according to RCA this new design picks up more channels than the old design. This antenna support all digital and analog frequencies (VHF and UHF) giving you the best chance to find a station that you like. It also uses extremely low noise circuitry to preserve the purity of your feed.

The 1450b, rated between excellent and superior by RCA, includes a removable amplifier as well. But what does this amplifier do and is it necessary? To being, the included amplifier “enhances performance of passive antennas and optimizes signal for the best possible reception.” In essence, it enhances the antenna to get the best possible content for the viewer. Now the short answer is no you don’t need the amplifier. If you live in a densely populated area you should be fine receiving all the ota content you want. If you live in a more suburban area the amplifier will allow you to view more stations and experiences better quality on the stations you do receive. In my opinion though, just screw on the amplifier and forget about it.

With the amplifier attached and the antenna placed without obstructions, I was able to pick up around 36 channels [including several in HD]. I was lucky to have a feed from all the major networks, in HD, allowing me to record any programs, with the elgato, I wasn’t able to watch live. Of course some channels looked better than others but for basically no money I’m able to watch any program I want.

In conclusion the 1450b antenna is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. With it’s unique design and included amplifier you are not going to get better results from any other indoor antenna. Of course if you don’t have any signals coming your way this device will be useless so use antennaweb to check the OTA content available to you. For under $50 I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this product and recommend it to anyone in the market for an indoor antenna.

• Joost. Joost is an online video website that allows you to watch all types of media from films, to music videos and TV shows. Categories are broad ranging from tech and gaming to animation or action. After watching a short ad, you are greeted by the standard definition video of your choice. Joost even has a free iphone application for watching all of their content on your iPhone or iPod touch. The only downside to joost is that it is more of an aggregator of free video content then a place to find a new TV show.
• Hulu. Hulu has become my favorite online method for watching television shows. Supported by all the major companies, this legal online video site can supply you with all the latest TV shows you want for nothing more then a few thirty second ads. Hulu even offers several movies to wet your whistle. At 480p, shows look fine and are easily enjoyable. In fact, Hulu even offers a few episodes in 720p for everyone who wants the extra resolution.
• External TV Antenna. A TV antenna is a great way to get free, high or standard definition video as soon as it is available. Many companies, like NBC or Fox News, broadcast their programs live over the air just waiting for you to watch them. Many new HDTV’s have built in antenna’s for picking up this OTA content so check your current model first. Otherwise, you can buy an external antenna. From their, you can watch the content live on your tv or connect the antenna to your computer and record these broadcasts. For more information on TV antenna’s, check out antenna web, they have everything you need to know.
• The iTunes Store. Apple’s itunes is most widely known for it’s mp3 selection. However, apple has expanded their offerings and now sells standard and high definition TV shows and movies. (You can even rent movies from the store.) Older movies cost $9.99 while new releases cost around $15. Not all movies are available for rent though, but those that are cost around $4. TV shows cost $2.99 an episode or you can buy a season pass saving a little per episode.
• Netflix. With plans starting at $4.99 a month, it’s never been easier to rent DVD’s. While it does take a day or two to ship to your home, netflix is a great service for anyone who wants content delivered straight to their door. In fact, netflix has a huge library of blu-ray movies too so you can enjoy full 1080p content right on your television set. Furthermore, a small portion of their content can be watched instantly on your computer to compensate for shipping times.

With internet media booming it has never been a better time to cancel your cable subscription. Of course having cable is the easiest and most consistent method for obtaining this media when you consider how easy it is to loose OTA signals or for your internet to go out but is having your media as soon as it is released as important as the money it costs? That depends on you and how much money you can save.