SD-TV antenna. I understand that Rabbit ears will no longer work. What do I need to get reception for SD-TV?

Answer 1

(This answer assumes that you are located in the US)

If you get good analog TV reception with a pair of rabbit ears, you can expect them to work with digital broadcasts as well.

Digital and analog broadcasts are done on the same frequencies and TV antennas treat them identically. The idea that there are special "HD antennas" is a marketing myth.

What is true is that a marginal analog TV signal will display a poor picture under conditions where a digital signal will break up or not be displayed at all. So some people will need better antennas.

In some areas all of the digital channels will end up on UHF (analog/RF channels 14-69). If you are in ones of these areas and need to upgrade your antenna, you would probably choose a UHF only antenna rather than the more common VHF/UHF antennas.

This applies regardless to whether you watch DTV on a HDTV, SDTV with digital tuner, or an old TV with a $20 converter box.

Answer 2

Is a new antenna required to receive digital television?

Most people will have excellent digital reception for their digital TV set or digital set top box from their existing antenna provided it is in good repair and is connected with good quality coaxial antenna cabling.

In developing Digital Channel Plans (known as "DCP") for areas of Australia, the Australian Media & Communications Authority (ACMA) has given particular attention to ensuring that, as far as possible, consumers would not be required to purchase an additional receive antenna. In some areas, however, this may not be possible.

Therefore it is very likely that when digital transmissions start in a particular area the viewer will be able to receive both the new digital services and their present analog television without the need to upgrade or replace their antenna.

Some very old VHF antennas in metropolitan areas may need to be re-tuned or even replaced to receive digital television on channels 11 and 12.

However, if the viewer currently receives good analog reception there should be no reason to rush out and buy a new antenna.

" I personally use a small caravan antenna to receive digital on my computer."

Answer 3

Are you talking about HDtv? (The "older" kind of tv we use is actually SD (Standard Definition) tv; the "new" kind is HD (High Definition) tv.

To be able to use your old SD analog tv with the new HD digital signals, you will need a High Definition compatible antenna, and a set-top box to convert the digital signal to the old analog standard. Your friends at your local Best Buy, Radio Shack, Circuit City, Fry's Electronics, or similar store should be able to help you out.

HD signals are also available on cable and satellite.