Here's a little more insight into TV's changing bandwidth - the frequencies at which television receives a broadcast signal. As of June 12, we all know, TV broadcasters will switch from analog signals to digital. When that TV conversion happens, it will be difficult, if not impossible to receive channels lower than 7. Why?
The most popular and most productive TV antennas are geared toward channels 7-51. Channels located below 7, like Chicago's CBS affiliate channel 2 or Fox 5 in New York, will change their frequencies to fit in that range.
Grant Whipple, TV guru at
Winegard Antenna Company, told me, "Focusing an antenna on a narrower bandwidth, in this case 7-51 instead of the old 2-69, creates a better performing antenna with more gain."
Gain is what gives you great reception. So, if you go to an antenna now, with an HDTV and no converter box, you will likely not stations like those mentioned above. After June 12, 99% of the U.S. will have them back on a new frequency. With today's new technologies, 85% of the U.S. can get a clear signal and HD programming from an antenna.
If you can afford pay TV, that's awesome and there are certainly a lot of services to choose from. But if you don't choose to put TV on your budget as a line item, an antenna is a one time cost of less than $100 and the reception is the best available. Programming will continue to evolve as the digital conversion takes place and antennas will become more compact and more attractive. Keep watching.
Learn how to install an antenna yourself in no time
Some background on the DTV/analog conversion
A bit more tech info from Maryan Pelland
Print | posted @ Tuesday, June 02, 2009 5:49 AM