The type of antenna you get for your TV will determine the number of channels you can receive and the quality of the picture. If you're getting a new HDTV, you might need a new antenna, but not because the technology is different: all HDTV broadcasts are in the UHF spectrum, so any UHF antenna will do an adequate job. The real reason to get a new antenna is that there will be many more channels available, clustered into narrower frequency widths, and you might simply need a bigger and higher quality antenna.
A good strategy for buying an antenna is simply to get the best and most capable antenna that is practical for your living situation. Let's start at the top, and work our way down:
Roof- or attic-mounted outdoor UHF/HDTV antenna.
The higher you can mount your antenna, the more stations you will pull in, and the stronger they will be. If you are able to mount one on the very top of your house, do it. If neighborhood codes, landlord issues or weather concerns prevent that, the next best spot is the attic. Make sure it receives UHF, for the HDTV channels, and VHF for local channels.
One decision you'll have to make here is whether to get a directional or omnidirectional TV antenna. Your choice will depend on the location and strength of the area TV transmitters. If they are all clustered in a small area, like a nearby mountaintop, a directional antenna can be pointed in that direction and will give you the best signals. If you live halfway between two urban areas, an omnidirectional antenna will be necessary to get signals from transmitters in different directions. The easiest way to make this decision is to visit antennaweb.org, type in your address, and you'll find out which type and size antenna will be necessary.
Amplified indoor antenna.
If you can't put an antenna of the roof, or you just can't afford the cost of an outdoor antenna, an amplified indoor antenna is the next best choice. It uses an electric current to strengthen the signal, enhancing weak channels that you might not get with a regular antenna. The only problem with an amplified antenna is that they sometimes amplify noise along with the signal, so they could make some channels worse.
Non-amplified indoor antenna.
A simple "rabbit ears" antenna is the least powerful option, but in many cases it is all you need. If you live in an urban area or near a transmitter, or you simply don't want to put a lot of money into an antenna, this is your best choice.
Another thing to consider is the switch from analog to digital broadcasts that the FCC has mandated for February, 2009. If you only have a VHF antenna, but you wish to receive digital broadcasts, you will need a new antenna. You can learn more about antennas and HDTV in general at helpful HDTV info websites.
About the Author
Tom Webster is a researcher and copywriter who writes for FlatHDTV.net, a guide to the HDTV revolution.
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