How was an HD antenna not included in the original setup? Or even built in? Also, don't most modern TVs have the HD antenna built in already? Guess I need to get my learning on about set top boxes.

Some TVs lack the coaxial input, so this is nice. Boxee is still too expensive tho... I can build a Windows PC for that price.

The problem is, you still need an HD antenna. This just a OTA ATSC tuner.

The problem with OTA ATSC signals, is in most areas, the networks have their towers in different locations, so to change from NBC to CBS, you might have to manually re-orient your antenna, if you can get a signal at all with an indoor antenna at all.

For example, in my area, NBC is located somewhere around 321 degrees, but Fox and CBS are located around 160 degrees.

You can input your information to find out here: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

(off topic, i know...)
Anyone know where to get discover/science channel stuff through an online service?

Or just skip Boxee altogether and watch broadcast TV.

that's also antenna dependent. i have two indoor OTA ATSC antennas, and one of them, like you said, will require you to turn the antenna to watch different channels, while the other antenna is good enough to pick up all the channels.

i would definitely look into a better antenna.

Netflix streaming has a nice list of learning channel content, I frequently watch NatGeo, Discovery and History channel shows. Believe they even have some NOVA from PBS.

It's not my antenna, as it's a high quality indoor omni. The problem is once you get beyond 10-15 miles (best case) from the broadcasting antenna, you need directional antennas or you need an antenna that can reposition itself (like mine can).

A quick read a dbstalk.com will illuminate this.