About antennas

Reception of over-the-air Digital TV will require the same type of equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. You do not need to purchase an antenna marketed as "digital ready" or "HD ready."

It is recommended that you begin by connecting the antenna you use now to your new TV converter box or digital television. You may need to scan the channels several times and adjust the location of the antenna in order to pick up the over-the-air digital signals. You should receive all the stations in digital that you were watching in analog.

Need an upgrade?

If you are having reception difficulties with your TV converter box or Digital TV, you may need to upgrade your antenna. For example, if you currently use rabbit ears and cannot pick up a digital signal, a roof-top antenna may be required.

After the transition, each television station will broadcast on one of two different frequency bands - VHF or UHF. Most stations will broadcast on UHF, but some will use VHF, so a combination VHF/UHF antenna may be needed to receive all the digital channels available in your area. For more information on types of antennas and which model may work best in your circumstance, visit AntennaWeb.org or inquire at your local consumer electronics retailer.