Can new TVs use rabbit ears?

[raccoon]

Anyone know?

[NYCGirl]

1. Why would you need rabbit ears? NT

[hlthe2b]

4. Not everyone wants to pay outrageous fees to cable or satellite

companies. I, for one, do not, having been ripped off for years and increasingly less interested in tv.

[ChazII]

25. Speaking for myself

I don't want cable.

[Duckhunter935]

2. Yes

You are better off with an indoor digital antenna than with older rabbit ears.

[pl259]

7. There's no such thing as a 'digital antenna.'

Someone who uses that term is trying to sell you something...that you probably don't need.

[DemoTex]

66. Ever see a formation of PL259 connectors?

Strike up the band! The 20-meter band.

:hi:

[pl259]

69. LOL! Oh, waitaminnit...there's some sex discrimination here, no SO239s

:rofl:
:hi:

[Lorien]

75. I can't find anything better than my old rabbit ears

All the indoor digital antennas that I've tried for my new Sharp LCD TV don't work as well as a crappy old pair of rabbit ears. :shrug:

[hlthe2b]

3. You mean those digitally ready for digital (nonanalog)HD signals?

Yes, but you won't see a high def picture and even the basic signal will not necessarily be the higher quality promised, depending on where you live and types of structures surrounding.

[pl259]

10. Wow, there is a LOT of misinformation floating around here.

Whether you see a HD picture depends ONLY on the television, it has nothing whatsoever to do with the antenna. A coat hangar will work fine if you are close enough to receive the signal. Digital signals do need a little higher gain antenna but unlike analog, they are either 100% or zero. Digital programming can be HD or 'regular' (480p). It doesn't work the other way around though...you cannot transmit HD over an analog system.

[Statistical]

16. Actually it is even worse.

Most "HD" or "Digital" antennas are exactly (down to the scres) the same as the analog version.

A company makes both. They are exactly the same. They put one in a an analog box and one in a digital box and charge and extra $2-$10 for the DIGITAL one.

[hlthe2b]

18. THat is what I was expressing.

We do not disagree.... But, knowing that the analog to digital change is all confused with HD, I just used the terms together, knowing "new tvs" do so in their advertising. The point remains the same... You can pick up the new digital signal using only a rabbit ear antenna once the switchover is complete and you have a digital ready tv, but you may not get a great signal, as promised. On the separate issue, even with the best antennae (or cable or satellite), you will not get HD quality unless you are using a tv that is equipped to DELIVER an HD-quality signal.

[pl259]

31. I believe you are still just a tad confused. All HD broadcasts are digital but not all

digital transmissions are HD. If the television has an ATSC tuner it will receive digital broadcasts but it is not -necessarily- HD capable (although I believe they all are if manufactured in the last year or so.) Maybe you are using the phrase "great signal" to mean high definition which is a little confusing to the uninitiated. :-)

[hlthe2b]

34. I am fully aware of that...

See my post above to a confused DUer who replied to me...

There is a damned difference between receiving and rendering a HD signal. Perhaps it is you, who are confused. I'll wink back, but it seems frustratingly as though you are trying to misinterpret what I am saying... ;)

[pl259]

39. Yes there is a difference but it's a linguistic technicality. I can receive a satellite signal

on my chain-link fence but that doesn't mean I can see it (as in when it's 'rendered') without additional gadegtry. I'm sure you know what you are talking about, I'm just quibbling about how you have made the explanation a little overly opaque.
:-)

[hlthe2b]

41. Look up the term "render"

The quality of picture delivered from a received HD digital signal depends on the tv hardware and its ability to RENDER a HD quality picture.

I don't know how to make it any more clear, but we are saying the same thing and have been through multiple posts. Why don't you go explain this to the posters who really are confused instead of splitting hairs with me?

[pl259]

44. I wasn't trying to be shitty. And I know what render means--to melt the fat off a pig.

:D

[hlthe2b]

46. close enough...

back at ya... ;)

[TexasProgresive]

20. Why wouldn't you receive a hd signal?

That is just plain misinformation. The HD signals can be received on standard UHF/VHF antennas and if the TV is HD then the picture is HD. I know because I'm doing it as I type.

[hlthe2b]

28. You can receive an HD digital signal, but your tv may not

be able to render HD quality. That is an aspect of the tv hardware. You just changed the issue when you stated the tv is an HD. There is a difference between being able to receive digital signals, including HD and being able to RENDER in HD quality.

[TexasProgresive]

36. OP's question

Can new TVs use rabbit ears? I assume new TV means HDTV set since that is all they are selling.

[hlthe2b]

38. All new tvs can receive a digital signal,

Some digital signals are HD some not. Not ALL new tvs are able to render the received any HD signals in HD quality. On those tvs, the picture will be not signficantly different from what you've had before on an analog signal.

[pl259]

40. Are there still any TVs being manufactured that can't display more than 480?

If so, I wasn't aware of it and perhaps that's why we are having some communication difficulty.

[hlthe2b]

43. Yes, there certainly are...

In fact there are no portable tvs yet available that I have been able to find that render beyond a 480 signal. (few portables at all, might I add)

Many of the low priced newer "HD-ready" can not render HD quality.

[pl259]

61. Okay, I stand corrected. We are Dish Network installers and haven't seen one in a long time.

Whoever's buying them apparently aren't interested in satellite tv. :-)

[hlthe2b]

67. I think people are being mislead by salespeople...

who suggest the bargain "HD-ready" (capable of receiving HD signal)tvs are TRUE high definition quality (rendering) tvs.

[Pab Sungenis]

45. Yes.

Most of them are listed as "SDTV," I saw one at Target just the other day. ATSC (digital) tuner, but 4:3 and 480p was maximum. $99.00.

[Statistical]

51. Yes. They push them to the back of the store.

They don't want you knowing they exist because they want you dropping 5 to 10 large on your new HDTV.

Even Best Buy carries SDTV
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8205952&type=product&id=1165610947263

No converter box needed. It is an "ole fashion" tube TV (480i) but it has an ASTC tuner.

BTW this is just an example and a crappy price if you shop around you can find much better deals.
I am not trying to send sales to BestBuy.

[pl259]

64. Wow...okay (see my #46) I figured CRT makers had pretty much shut the doors.

:silly:
(for consumer tv I mean)

[Statistical]

65. I give em about another 18 months or so.

When the cheapest LCD gets to about $249 there simply will be no market for tube SDTV anymore.

[Liberal In Texas]

71. Well, I have a Sharp 19" HD that displays 1080i/1080p.

Got it at a refurb depot place for under $300.

And I have it hooked up to old rabbit ears.

[supernova]

5. Old fashioned ears? No

You'll need an HD antenna.

They cost about the same as a UHF/VHF antenna

http://www.google.com/products?client=safari&rls=en&q=HD+antenna&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

[pl259]

6. Not true. The only difference between an "HD" antenna and a 'regular' one is

that the HD (or so the salesmen call them) probably has a higher gain. Rabbit ears will work perfectly well unless the transmitter is far away.

[RC]

62. B.S. I used a paper clip and a length of wire to check out a HDTV/Monitor at work.

Worked fine.

Like I can't use this under my 35mm Canon AE?
Same idea of preying on the ignorant.

[Buns_of_Fire]

68. A digital-ready tripod? ALRIGHT! I've been looking for one of those FOREVER!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I can take some pictures as soon as I figure out how to stuff the film in that little slot on the side!:hi:

[brooklynite]

8. In a word, yes...

Your TV doesn't care where its signal comes from, as long as its fed through whichever type of input ports the TV comes with. Most have a conventional coaxial port, which can be connected to an over-the-air antenna with a coaxial cable.

The key issue to consider is that, beginning in February, what is transmitted over the air and can be picked up by the antenna and fed into the coaxial port will change from analog to digital signal. Your "new" TV presumably is compatible with the DTV format and will work. If not, you will need to get a converter which will sit between the antenna and the TV.

[madokie]

9. of course as long as tv signals are broadcast over the air

the ones for digital are a little different from rabbit ears but just as cheap to buy or cheaper.

[pl259]

11. Yeah, they have a special HD label on them which allows the store to charge more.

...

[madokie]

19. I don't know about that but the one we bought is nothing like the old ones

of which I still have, not in use though. We just purchased a digital antenna that you hang on the wall or where ever for our son and it was cheaper than the rabbit ears we have for emergency for analog and it was bought several years ago when the dollar was worth much more than it is today. Oh in case you don't, know broad brushes paints ugly pictures. trust me :hi:

[pl259]

33. I can virtually guarantee that your old antenna will work every bit as well

as the new-fangled "hang on the wall" gizmo which is probably just a gimmick. I only use a broad brush when the canvas is large. :D

[madokie]

49. Hell he was using a coat hanger before and it worked

albeit not as good

[liberalpress]

74. Tried the rabbit ears

whgen MIL got the digital convert for her old TV. Worked OK, but couldn't get one of the channels. Dropped 30 bucks on an amplified antenna at radio shack, worked fine. If you live close to transmitter, rabbit ears should work

[NutmegYankee]

12. It will work.

I have rabbit ears feeding a converter box, and it picks up lots of channels with crystal clarity (for an old tv).

[rurallib]

17. Works real well to about 30 miles from signal

I live @ 40 miles from signals in two different directions. So my reception with rabbit ears through the converter box is spotty. My kids live @ Indy and they get terrific reception.

[NutmegYankee]

21. I know what you mean.

I did the aforementioned hookup in the suburbs around Philadelphia, for a family member. Since I live in the BFE, I need cable at my place. I was amazed, as was my family member, at just how clear and how many channels came in versus the old snowy static of the old signals.

[Statistical]

13. Yes.

However you may receive a stronger more reliable signal with an antenna optimized for UHF. It really depends on how powerful the transmitter is and how far away it is. If it is close you could get a perfect signal with a coat hanger wrapped in foil attached to the TV.

There is no such thing as a digital or HD antenna. It is just marketing.

Antenna means a device to ATTENUATE (strengthen, reinforce) a radio wave.
The radio wave doesn't "know" is it is carrying an analog signal or digital signal.

You will see lots (and likely tons more in future) about DIGITAL or HIGH DEF antennas.
Those "digital" antennas are simply a UHF antenna in a new box.

Almost all digital channels are UHF so you need an antenna that works best with UHF signals.

This is a good resource:
http://www.antennaweb.org

Enter your full address, city, state (not just zipcode)

It will show you a map with the angle to every digital station within range.

My default the map/listings shows all broadcast towers.
Select DIGITAL ONLY (because after Feb 19th the analog ones go dark).

It will shows you the channels available, what type (UHF or VHF), and the direction.
If the channels are in every direction (North, South, East, West) you should be looking for an antenna that is OMNI directional.

If the channels are all in an arc (often happens when you live outside the city) you would have better luck with a DIRECTIONAL antenna.

[Duckhunter935]

24. Thanks

As I stated earlier they should work but was unsure if the broadcast frequency had changed affecting performance.

[CBGLuthier]

27. ATTENUATE?

Attenuate means the exact opposite of what you said and has very little if anything to do with antennas.

[Beausoleil]

29. I noticed that, too. n/t

[Obamanaut]

56. Did you mean "amplify?"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/attenuate

to weaken or reduce in force, intensity, effect, quantity, or value:

[Statistical]

60. Yeah. I had a brain fart.

Actually the word I was looking for is induce.

Even a passive antenna is designed to induce voltage from a specific frequency.

As long as the antenna is optimized for UHF frequency band it will work fine for DTV.

[Obamanaut]

63. I've had those. But I'm getting used to them as I age. nt

[Blue Diadem]

14. Yes, they can be used.

We use an older(10 yrs) amplified rabbit ear and it works fine for getting HD over the air channels.

We have cable but keep the rabbit ears hooked up because our cable sucks and goes out.

[Beausoleil]

15. Definitely

You do not need a special antenna.

I hooked up a cheap one-rod antenna from an old 13-inch tv to my HDTV and I get a perfect digital signal.

[ChazII]

30. Thank you for your information.

I do not want to go cable and appreciate what you have shared.

[Beausoleil]

32. Works remarkably well

If you are close enough to the transmitter. I get both VHF and UHF digital signals with this one little cheapo antenna.

[Deja Q]

22. Yes; I use them

I had to get the amplified type, which helps (albeit marginally), but I do get a clear signal when the ears are aligned properly

[high density]

23. It's good to add a UHF loop antenna

For the switch to digital, many stations have moved into the UHF spectrum. Some stations will annoyingly move their digital channels back to VHF after the 2/17 cutoff date.

[IDemo]

26. Yes, but you will need to put digital tin-foil on them to get a good signal

[Nickster]

47. They came out with a digital RF spray that you can apply, much nicer than the digital tin foil.

[mitchum]

35. Most new TVs have very weak receivers

I started noticing that about 15 years ago

[NutmegYankee]

37. Well Yeah - They're cable ready!

Companies figured why put a strong receiver into a "cable ready" TV. Just another way your corporate overlords are keeping you in their grip.

[pl259]

42. Actually that's about when the air began to get thicker.

:D

[ReverendDeuce]

58. You mean weak internal antennas...

The tuners today are much better than they were twenty years ago.

The "problem" has always been the internal antennas. They are small and not designed for true reception because most people use cable television these days.

8VSB reception in today's ATSC tuners for digital signals are even more precise. They are tons better than they were even just four years ago. In 2003, I bought a set-top digital tuner for my old HDTV which did not have one built-in. It was a high-end Samsung unit (SRT-151 I believe). A year ago, I bought a new Samsung plasma screen that had an integrated tuner -- it picked up, with the same antenna with the same cables in the same spot, about 50% more digital stations.

So, it's not really the tuner's fault. It's the manufacturers reacting to consumer expectations of not seeing anything unsightly as a television antenna.

Put up a mast with a 36-56 inch antenna on your roof and you'd be surprised just how well those analog VHF/UHF stations come in with even a junky Chinese-made television from the swap meet.

[conscious evolution]

72. Those old school mast antennae

work great for hdtv.Much better than the rabbit ear style.
I found one in an attic of a client I was doing remodel work on.I convinced them to let me run new cable to it and hook it to their flat screen.We were all amazed at how good the picture clarity was.

[mitchum]

73. You are right...

it is the internal antennas rather than the contemporary tuners

[Pab Sungenis]

48. Where you are located affects what type of antenna you will need.

Just like analog signals, digital signals vary in power and quality depending upon distance from the transmitting antenna and obstructions in the path. The difference is that where analog signals get snowy and ghost from interference, digital signals just die; it's an all-or-nothing situation.

If you receive a clear, or mostly clear, picture with rabbit ears on your old tv, your digital tv will get a beautiful picture with the same rabbit ears, most likely.

Go to http://www.antennaweb.org and enter your address. They'll tell you what you can receive and what antenna you will need.

[KharmaTrain]

50. Yes...BUT....

The great thing about digital is it's a clear picture...only a clear picture. If your antenna isn't powerful enough or aimed properly you won't get a signal, even if you're sitting down the street from the station.

Two important deals in getting ready for digital:

Antenna is crucial...check to see which channels are being used in your area (the REAL Channels...most have moved to UHF and a VHF antenna won't do much good...and in some cases, a couple will remain on VHF, thus the need for big rabbit ears plus a UHF antenna). I would strongly suggest an antenna with a power amplifier...10db is good for within 20 miles of the station, add another 10db for each 20 miles beyond...thus a 30db is the best for most suburban or rural viewing. The TV amp could be very critical...the difference between a solid picture and one that breaks up...so note the db rating.

Then aiming the antenna. The higher the antenna the better...as well as a clean shot at the TV sttation. If you're stuck using an indoor antenna, I strongly suggest placing that antenna in a window facing toward the TV stations...the less obstacles in the signal's way the better. Most tuners have a built-in power meter or display that will let you fine tune the antenna to get the strongest signal.

The "flash-over" is less than 2 months away...and I'm already seeing a lot of problems and confusion. Such goes "progress"...

[Madison knows]

52. Yes, if your new T has a ATSC tuner.

[TahitiNut]

53. I think rabbits need them more than anyone's new TV.

:shrug:

[leeroysphitz]

57. You're such a nut.

:P

[TahitiNut]

59. (Shhhh... ) He's listening!

... in Hi-Def!

[SoCalDem]

70. and some need them even more

[madrchsod]

54. no...unless you live really close to the transmitter

[LeftHander]

55. Sort of it is the "loop" in the rabbit ears - UHF - and HDTV

UHF antennae will pick up local HD Digital broadcasts...Depending on location, clearer with better sound than cable.

You can buy them for $9.

Your TV must be a HDTV to display the broadcasts.

I have a 19" and a 32" flat panel LCD HDTVs....both receive numerous HD broadcasts via a simple UHF antennae attached via a coax cable.

[deaniac21]

76. Peta blocked that.