TV antennae dying?

[bpitt]

In the near future, isn't the local TV stations to stop broadcasting over traditional antennae methods and go to the digital format? Or something along those lines. I was thinking of purchasing an antenna to put up just to get local news (you don't get local channels on satellite), but remembered a thing a while back where you wouldn't be able to receive TV broadcasts with an antenna anymore sometime in the future. Anyone know anything about this? Should I have posted this in the Technology forum? I'm sorry.....

[58ford]

My mother had the same concerns.
Try this article: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/andrewkantor/2005-10-27-digital-tv_x.htm

[wilebill]

You'll be able to pick up HD broadcasts on an antenna, but it'll probably have to be a different kind of antenna since they'll be broadcasting in an entirely different spectrum.

One thing to remember with digital broadcasts - you'll either get them or you won't. There won't be any more marginal receptions with ghosts and static, you'll either get a good picture or none at all.

[bpitt]

So the answer is, rabbit ear's won't work after 2009, that answered my question. I now will NOT spend $150 on an antenna when it's going to last only 2 years, you'd figure they'd be giving them away.

[bpitt]

You'll be able to pick up HD broadcasts on an antenna, but it'll probably have to be a different kind of antenna since they'll be broadcasting in an entirely different spectrum.

One thing to remember with digital broadcasts - you'll either get them or you won't. There won't be any more marginal receptions with ghosts and static, you'll either get a good picture or none at all.
True dat. I understand the difference, I just wasn't sure when it took affect.

[carsalesguy]

you might be able to use it to pick up 97.9 on the coast

[bpitt]

Or maybe 106.5, The Martini, out of New Orleans!!!

[bpitt]

Of course, I could use it as a 2 meter beam in amateur radio.

[TheKing]

if memory serves...the physical antannae can pick up pretty much anything radiowave wise...the receiver just has to be tuned to the right frequency

i could be wrong though

[cubby 1]

The antenna will be able to pick up the signal. The only difference is that you will have to have a digital tuner to pick up the HD (digital) signal. My advice is to go ahead and get the outdoor antenna. I am looking into getting one myself. Check ebay.... you might be able to find a digital tuner pretty cheap there..... OR.... you could buy one of the tv's with the digital tuner built in already. Just a thought...

c1

[wilebill]

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html

[bpitt]

I understand the need for frequency space, but it kinda sounds like the TV manufactures and the converter box people got together and said, hey, let's push the FCC to change the reg's so we can make mo money. Let's face it, their avenue for growth has matured.

[bpitt]

As WDAM broadcasting on digital yet? Any other local's?

[bpitt]

Oh, wait, they are, one of the links above links to another link with stations, by state, who are broadcasting..............cool....

[cubby 1]

WDAM is actually putting out 3 channels on one digital transmitter. On a digital tuner you can find them on 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3.

c1

[bpitt]

Where can one purchase a digital tuner to connect to an antenna? Rat Shack? Walmart?

[cubby 1]

Where can one purchase a digital tuner to connect to an antenna? Rat Shack? Walmart?
Haven't seen one at the shack (mainly b/c I seldom go in there... they may have them), but I know you can get one at best buy or circut city.

c1

[SoMissTV]

McLelland's