Analog converter box?

Question

will i need digital(hd) antanaa or will the one i have work fine in 2009

Answer 1

Any old antenna will still work with a converter box.  I think you mean a Digital Converter Box, rather than an Analog Converter Box.  The box converts Digital to Analog for older sets.  Also, Digital does not necessarily mean HD (High Definition).  Only the higher resolutions are HD, the lower resolutions (which is the signal that the converter box converts for analog sets) are digital, but not HD.  HD is Digital, but Digital is not necessarily HD.  Sorry for the lengthy explanation.  I get a little compulsive about details, but I hope this helped.  Anyway, Stephen P. is right on about the antenna issue.  It's just marketing.  I know from experience with my own converter box.  I got a better signal with my old rabbit ears than with an amplified, indoor, directional antenna that I paid $50 bucks for.

Answer 2

If you want to get HD channels over the air then you will need a digital antenna and a digital receiver. Your regular antenna will not pick up the digital channels. There are a lot from PBS out there already. Even CBS, ABC, NBC and other networks will have to do this also by Feb '09, so you are doing good to stay on top of it. Some people will not know what to do until everyone is doing it. The government is giving out digital converter box coupons for the analog receivers. This way you can get $40 off a digital receiver box from Radio Shack or Wal-Mart or wherever. Enjoy the free HD channels before everyone else trys to get the same equipment.

Answer 3

(This answer assumes you are located in North America)

Analog & digital TV broadcasts use the same antennas. If you currently get good analog reception your old antenna should be fine.

In other words, all TV antennas are "digital", even 30 year old ones.

If you do find that you need a better antenna, the things that are important are technicalities like frequencies used and what's located between you and the your local TV transmitters. Marketing BS like "digital antenna" or "HD antenna" are absolutely useless in regards to selecting a TV antenna.