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An antenna is the single best gift you can give to your HDTV, and yourself! (Hang on to your wallet...you may already have one!) If you currently have a VHF/UHF antenna at home, DON'T buy a new one until you try the old one! "Do I need a 'digital' antenna?" OTA antennas were first used in 1888 by Heinrich Hertz, the namesake of the electrical unit of measure, the Hertz. Since then, there has been little change in antennae. Do these High Definition antennas look familiar?
The truth is that many antennas that you have used in the past to receive TV (Standard Definition analog TV that you've been watching) may still work for you today! If you have good reception on all of the UHF channels, and you currently watch TV using an antenna that needs no adjustment to get all channels, it is likely that you'll get the digital programming. The best advice here is to try your existing antenna before you consider purchasing a new antenna. Truly, many new "High Definition" antennas are simply renamed and repackaged versions of existing UHF antennas and rabbit ears. Period. Until recently, it was true to say that there are no new Digital/HDTV antennas, so don't be fooled by all of the "Digital Ready" and "HD Antenna" labeling! This was all marketing and more of the digital deceptions in this age. There is still much industry hype and little advance in technology, so buyer beware and...read on. "What is a 'digital' antenna?" Antenna technology has just begun to change. There is a new class of antennas emerging for this transition. The new breed of HDTV antennas receive high VHF and UHF channels. The new digital antennae that are actually different, are made to receive high VHF (7-14) AND UHF (14-69) channels (frequency). This is what you want to see on an antenna label to be sure that you will receive all of the channels that broadcast in your area now and in the future. Here in the STL, we only need a UHF antenna (14-69) but the majority of markets around the country need to receive one or more of the high VHF stations (7-14). How do I get the best signal from my current antenna? First properly align your current antenna. Once you get an HD signal, the picture should be crystal clear. Unlike analog TV signals, digital receivers are designed to "cut-out" before you would see ghosting, so unless there is a serious problem, you won't see anymore ghosts. They can, however, have artifacts and pixilation, as well as drop in and out if your local HD signals are weak, and in some cases, when your signal is too high. Will rabbit ears work for digital/HDTV? or How do I know if my rabbit ears will work? Yes, rabbit ears will work If: the signal is strong (no movement needed when changing channels) and it receives UHF channels (has a loop or rectangle along with the rabbit ears), you should be o.k. How do I get the most out of my rabbit ears? Here are some rabbit ear tips and tricks to make the most of your indoor antenna. 1. Move the antenna as far away from the TV as you can. (Buy longer cable...) 2. Use plastic tongs to reposition your antenna. 3. Place it in the window that has the best exposure toward the broadcast towers. 4. If your rabbit ears don't work anymore, make Grabbit Ears. If rabbit ears used to work, Grabbit Ears will work! How do I point an OTA antenna? How do I get digital reception for my old TV? Digital Conversion Box
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You have a right to an antenna! The rule prohibits most
restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance
or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use;
or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal. Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule Send questions or comments about this web site.Copyright © 2009 WOWVision! Ministries Last modified: 01/16/10
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