What are UHF and VHF as applies to tv reception?

Question

I have a nearly 30 year old tv / radio combination which has UHF and VHF as choices for tv reception. I do not know what either means and cannot figure out how I can connect my tv to receive cable programs.

Answer 1

VHF are basically line of sight transmissions. They run from 30 Mhz to 300 Mhz and are used for TV broadcasts, Amatuer radio, marine communications and air traffic control.

UHF frequencies are the next higher band. They run from 300 Mhz to 3Ghz. They are used for TV broadcasts, 2 way radio transmissions and mobile phones.

To connect your cable to the screws on the back of the older TV's, I'd go and get a small, inexpensive adapter. You attach the cable at one end. At the other end are two wires with spade ends. Just connect these to the screws on the back of the TV.

Answer 2

VHF (Very High Frequency) covers channels 2 to 13.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) covers channels 14 to 69.

Actually, UHF is the more line-of-sight mode. VHF is pretty good about dealing with obstructions.

Older TVs often had rabbit ears for VHF and a circular loop antenna for UHF.