HD TV
Antenna
Do not let the hype from cable and satellite television
providers fool you into thinking that unless you use their
services you cannot enjoy high definition television. Most
broadcasters are sending their signals in digital format and
while antenna users are able to pick up the signals with their
old metal signal grabbers in order to enjoy the programs in
their digital format a HD TV antenna has to be
used.
Viewers residing in areas that are 60 or more miles from a
broadcast antenna probably are not able to pick up the analog
or digital signals anyway. However, those living
within range of a digital broadcast tower can install a HD TV
antenna and enjoy the same quality program without the need of
a set top box, provided they have a high definition television.
Those with satellite and cable service are already receiving a
digital signal and using a box to convert the signal into
analog for viewing on a television that is not a high
definition unit.
Persons who have bought a high definition television set and
do not have digital service in the home, can enjoy the digital
programs being broadcast by many of the local stations by using
an HD TV antenna.
Some Confused Over Two Signal Types
Some folks are reluctant to connect their new high
definition to a standard antenna believing the picture quality
will suffer. The reality is they will probably not see any
difference as when they had their analog television receiver.
The big advantage to a HD TV antenna, in addition to the
picture quality is the absence of snow, as there will be less
degradation of the signal.
Interference from other electrical devices and even the
neighbor’s high power radios will not interfere with the
digital signal picked up by the HD TV antenna. The most common
complaint from antenna users about spurious interference is
history with a HD TV antenna during the times the broadcasters
are sending their signal in digital format.
Many stations, especially during the day with local
programming are still broadcasting in analog, but switch to
digital signals in the evening and when broadcasting
programming from the national networks. As more broadcasts are
beamed in digital and more people buy high definition
televisions, HD TV antenna use will also increase as users
realize they can have the same picture quality as their
neighbor without the monthly costs of many more channels than
they will ever watch.
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