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You do not need a cable or satellite service in order to get High Definition
Television. And it’s FREE, all you need is an HDTV receiver and antenna… a fact that is not overly advertised.
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Digital Television (DTV) is a new broadcasting technology that is mandated by the FCC in an effort to free up scarce broadcast spectrum.
The technology is significantly more efficient and enables a broadcaster to pack more programming into the same bandwidth used by traditional analog systems. In other words, the same bandwidth used to transmit a channel of NBC programs can be used to transmit 3 to 4 channels of NBC "standard definition" Digital TV programming.
HDTV is a type of DTV service that provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. Broadcasters have the option to broadcast several "standard definition" channels or a single sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program.
The number of programs a station can send using the digital
spectrum depends on the level of picture detail, also known as the "Resolution",
desired in each programming stream. (HomeTrix: HDTV Resolution Made Simple )
DTV can provide Television, Interactive Video and Data Services; an improvement that is miles ahead of “analog” technology.
TV stations serving all markets in the United States are currently airing DTV programming today. As of February 17, 2009, full-power TV stations will cease to broadcast on their current analog channels, and the spectrum will be reclaimed by the FCC for other uses.
Check which of your local TV stations are broadcasting Digital Television in your viewing area
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What a Concept!
It's truly amazing; the advances in technology. You can pluck signals right out of the air that allows you to watch amazing
1080i resolution programs for free. Just as amazing is the fact that the quality is
often better than the service you receive through a paid
satellite or Cable Digital TV subscription. All you need is a high definition TV set
with a built-in HDTV tuner and an HDTV antenna.
First let's dispel a myth, there really isn't anything special about an
HD antenna. Over-the-Air Digital and High Definition Television can be received by using an ordinary TV antenna.
There is really nothing special about these antennas that make them HD.
Choosing an Antenna
Where possible an outdoor antenna should be chosen over an indoor
version. However, if you live an area that has good broadcast coverage, an
indoor antenna is sufficient.
The
typical cost of a high quality outdoor directional antenna is around $50-$100.
There are some residential developments that frown on the use of outdoor antennas, and even go
as far as to include it in the devlopment's deed restrictions. However, it is illegal to prohibit the installation and use of an outdoor per the GCC ruling. Granted, some battles are not worth fighting but you should know your rights.
Approximately 90% of Digital TV broadcasts are on the UHF
band. VHF antennas are comparatively much bigger in size to that of UHF antennas, so it may not be worth
the hassle for the additional 10% of broadcasts. A point worth noting is that, while
combination VHF/UHF antennas are available, they are generally a compromise.
You will be sacrificing function in both bands.
 Finally, when choosing an antenna another consideration is
directionality. Choose a Directional antenna (one that fouses in a single
direction) in remotes areas where the
signal is weak. If the signals are coming from multiple directions, the ideal
solution is multiple antennas (yep, also unsightly) or an antenna rotator.
In
areas where the signal is strong an Omni-Directional antenna can be used.
Find the Right Antenna for your Local Viewing Area
CEA Zones Help You Decide Antenna
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has adopted a color coding scheme for the classifying regions with different TV reception conditions.
These colors can help you decide the type of antenna.
| Yellow |
Best reception |
Requires Small Omni-Directional antenna |
| Green |
Slightly weaker signal |
Medium Omni-Directional antenna |
| Light Green |
Amplified rooftop mounted |
Large Omni-Directional antenna |
| Red |
Areas of high reflectivity |
Medium Directional antenna |
| Blue |
Weak signals or ghosting caused by nearby structures |
Medium Directional with pre-amplifier |
| Violet |
Weak signals. High rooftop installation, professional
installation recommended |
Large Directional antenna |
| Pink |
Even higher rooftop installation. Professional installation
recommended |
Large Directional antenna with power pre-amplifier |
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