HDTV Antenna Picks Up Local Digital Broadcasts
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 HDTV 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 HDTV 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 HDTV 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 HDTV 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 HDTV antenna. The most common complaint from antenna users about spurious interference is history with a HDTV 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, HDTV 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.
