FICTION Special TV antennas are necessary to receive the new HDTV/Digital signal.
FACT HDTV/Digital signal is and will broadcast on many of the same channel frequencies that traditional analog television has been broadcasting on for years.
FICTION all HDTV signals will be broadcast on the UHF(Ch.14-69) frequency band.
FACT Nearly every television broadcasting market in the U.S. will have at least one or more VHF(Ch.2-13) and UHF(Ch.14-69) HDTV channels.
FICTION I will need to replace my current TV antenna to receive HDTV.
FACT If your current TV antenna can receive both VHF(Ch.2-13) and UHF(Ch.14-69) TV signals, and is in proper working order, it is unlikely a change will be necessary.
Because of widespread misunderstanding many people will purchase two TV antennas. The first TV antenna will be purchased as an HDTV antenna. This TV antenna will be a UHF TV antenna. The well meaning dealer who sold the antenna thought all HDTV signals would be broadcast on the UHF band. After the digital transition date of February 17, 2009 many channels currently broadcasting on the UHF band will move to the VHF band channels.
I believe for the most part this is an honest mistake. All broadcasters are required to broadcast their traditional analog signal until February 2009. At the same time broadcasters are currently broadcasting their new digital signal. Because of the limited channel space allotted for television broadcasting, most HDTV/Digital channels are temporarily assigned to UHF channels, and will permanently be assigned in February 2009. At this time many of the digital channels currently broadcasting on the UHF(Ch.14-69) will return to the VHF(Ch.2-13) frequency.
The fact of the matter is, there is no difference between a traditional TV antenna and a HDTV antenna. Although some people would like you to think there is, this simply isn't true.
When choosing your antenna for HDTV, use the same guide lines used for selecting a traditional antenna. Consider the antennas quality, size, range, and how much money you are willing to spend and in most cases be sure the TV antenna is VHF/UHF capable. Remember if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
