"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 HDTV antennas. 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 many of 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 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 starting in 2006 they are also required to broadcast their new HDTV 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 broadcast on the UHF(14-69) 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, use the same guide lines used for selecting a traditional antenna. Consider the antennas 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 Duplessis is an TV antenna retailer and installer. He has installed over 10,000 antennas in the past twenty years. To learn more about TV antennas and HDTV go to www.dennysantennaservice.com |
