Step 3: Using an antenna to watch DTV

Snapshot:

• DIGITAL TV channels can usually be received with the same TV ANTENNAS as ANALOG TV channels.

• DIGITAL TV received with an antenna has clear pictures and sound, including HDTV for viewers with HDTV sets, and it's free.

• A TV antenna is connected to a TV with a DIGITAL TUNER, or to a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX.

• You will need to experiment to receive DIGITAL TV with an ANTENNA.

• An INDOOR ANTENNA may work for DIGITAL TV channels that are closer than about 15 miles.

• An OUTDOOR ANTENNA may be needed for DIGITAL TV channels that are more than about 15 miles away.

DIGITAL TV uses the same radio waves as ANALOG TV to send TV signals from TV transmitters to TV sets. So ANTENNAS that receive ANALOG TV can be used to receive DIGITAL TV.  But thanks to digital technology, "OVER-THE-AIR" TV viewing using an ANTENNA has gotten even better.  Here's why:

• Digital TV keeps all its studio quality picture and sound even when it's received with an antenna.
  

• Digital TV doesn't suffer from some of the traditional problems of using a TV antenna for analog TV, such as weak, "snowy" pictures, or multiple pictures called "ghosts."
  

• Digital TV reception is either "on," with a perfect picture, or "off," with no picture or a frozen picture.  So it's easy to see if you're getting good antenna reception.

With these benefits, digital TV has eliminated most of the problems of watching TV using an antenna.  This means you have many choices for locating TVs around your home or business, while still receiving a quality digital picture.  But digital TVs still need the TV signal to be strong enough to create a picture.  The signal strength can be affected by distance and obstacles between the transmitter and the TV receiver, the location of the TV inside buildings, and the direction that a TV antenna is pointed to. 

Here's a brief outline on using a TV antenna.  For more detailed information on using a TV antenna, choose "Using a TV Antenna" or click here. 

To receive digital TV with an antenna, you need a TV with a DIGITAL TUNER, or a TV connected to a DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX. 

Then get list of stations in your area that are broadcasting digital channels.  There's a list on this website - choose "U.S. TV Stations Broadcasting in Digital" or click here.  

Try an INDOOR ANTENNA first if you know that an indoor antenna works for some of the local analog TV channels, or has in the past.  Indoor antennas usually have two sections - a large "rabbit ears" section with extendable arms, and a smaller round section.  Each section is made for one of the two TV broadcast bands.  Get an antenna with both sections.

Connect the antenna to the TV antenna connection, marked "ANT" or "ANTENNA," on the TV or the digital converter. Then try to tune in digital stations on the TV.   Some TVs or converters have an "auto-tune" feature where they will automatically look for TV stations themselves and memorize the channels.  If you don't get most of the stations you're looking for, turn the antenna slightly in different directions and pull out the antenna arms.  Some antennas have a "fine tuning" control that you can adjust.  Make a list of the stations you can receive.

If you're not getting pictures for most of your local digital stations, or you get pictures that freeze, you may need to try an OUTDOOR ANTENNA.   These antennas can be mounted on the sides or roofs of homes and buildings, or on chimneys.  They are much more sensitive than indoor antennas, and there are "directional" models that are very sensitive to the direction they are pointed at, so they can be aimed in the direction of TV transmitters. 

But installing an outdoor antenna has special requirements for lightning and static electricity protection; it must be done away from power line hazards; and it can be dangerous due to the heights involved.  Only knowledgeable individuals who know the risks and requirements should install outdoor antennas. 

If you live in a location that has a COMMUNITY TV ANTENNA system, you need to find out if the community antenna provides you with an antenna (OVER-THE-AIR) signal, or a signal from a CABLE TV or a SATELLITE TV service.  If your system gives you an "over-the-air" signal, you can use the same antenna connection to watch digital TV because the antenna should receive digital TV signals as well as analog signals.

With some experimentation, you should be able to find a good antenna solution and enjoy free, digital quality TV anywhere you want to watch TV!

To review all of your options for watching DIGITAL TV, go to Step 4: The Digital TV Checklist or click here.

Click the "back" button on your browser to return to the home page. 

CAPITALIZED WORDS are defined in the Digital TV Glossary.