HDTV ANTENNA Fact or Fiction ???
Many unscrupulous or uninformed, TV antenna dealers are touting UHF TV antennas as an HDTV antenna. The truth is, there is no difference between a traditional TV antenna and a HDTV antenna. As long as the antenna covers the entire TV broadcast bandwidth, including VHF (channels 2 - 13). Most stations are currently broadcasting HDTV/Digital signals on the UHF (14 - 69) Frequencies. On February 19th 2009 many of these channels will begin broadcasting on the VHF (2 -13) frequencies
To insure the reception of all the HDTV/Digital channels in your area after this transition, make sure the antenna you select is suitable for both VHF and UHF TV reception.
F.C.C. TV Channel Number Destinations Are available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-1743A2.pdf
Below is an article written by Denny. You will find his article published throughout the internet.
Denny Duplessis
TV Antenna Source
Ithaca, Mi.
HDTV ANTENNA "Fact or Fiction"
"Buyer Beware" We all have heard this a thousand times, yet many consumers continue to purchase products with false or misleading information. One case in point is the HDTV antenna. Lets separate the facts from the fiction.
FICTION; Special antennas are necessary to receive the new HDTV signal.
FACT; HDTV is and will broadcast on the same channel
frequencies that traditional television has been broadcasting
on for years.
FICTION; All HDTV signals will be broadcast on the
UHF(14-69) frequency band.
FACT; Nearly every television broadcasting market in the U.S. will
have at least one or more VHF(2-13) and UHF(14-69) HDTV channels.
FICTION; I will need to replace my current TV antenna to receive HDTV.
FACT; If your current antenna can receive both VHF(2-13) and
UHF(14-69) TV signals, and is in proper working order, it is unlikely
a change will be necessary.
Because of widespread misunderstanding many people will purchase two antennas. The first antenna will be purchased as an HDTV antenna. This antenna will be a UHF TV antenna. The well meaning dealer who sold the HDTV antenna thought all HDTV signals would be broadcast on the UHF band.
I believe for the most part this is an honest mistake. All broadcasters are required to broadcast their traditional analog signal until February 2009. At the same time they are also required to broadcast their new HDTV/Digital signal. Because of the limits in channel space allotted for television broadcasting, most HDTV channels are temporarily assigned to UHF channels, and will permanently be assigned in February 2009. At this time many of the HDTV channels currently broadcasting on the UHF(14-69) frequency will return to the VHF(2-13) frequency.
The fact of the matter is, there is no difference between a traditional TV antenna and a HDTV antenna. Although some people would like you to think there is, this simply isn't true.
When choosing your antenna for HDTV, use the same guide lines used for selecting a traditional antenna. Consider the antenna quality, size, range, and how much money you are willing to spend and in most cases be sure it's VHF/UHF capable. Remember if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
Denny is considered to be an expert in his field. He has been installing TV antennas for nearly twenty years. His website TV Antenna Source at http://www.dennysantennaservice.com is full of helpful tips and useful information for
the do-it-yourself TV antenna installer.
