Can an antenna from the 80s receive digital stations in 2009?

Question

Can an antenna from the 80s receive digital stations in 2009?

Answer 1

The house im in has a 70's aerial and i pick digital up fine (freeview in the UK).

If it picks up digital now cant see why it wont pick up in the future.

Answer 2

YES, a UHF antenna can still be used after 2009.

However, you will need a set-top box or a TV with a digital tuner to decode the channels. But the antenna itself is still OK.

Answer 3

Radio claims this will end in February 2009

Answer 4

(This answer assumes that you are located in North America)



Yes, digital and analog TV broadcasts use the same antennas.

You may hear a lot of BS about "HDTV antennas", but this is just marketing hype.  Other people may tell you that digital TV broadcasts are on UHF channels only. This is simply not true in many areas.

Some people will need better antennas for digital signals because digital TV can be somewhat fussy about signal quality. If you get good analog reception, you are probably OK.

If your TV doesn't have a digital (ATSC) tuner, you will need a converter box between your antenna and TV to receive digital broadcasts.

Most areas have digital broadcasts now, the 2/17/09 date is when most of the old analog channels are shut down.