Digital TV antenna

[OldHippie]

The rabbit ears I used for my old analogue TV don't seem to provide enough signal for my new digital TV. I think I set it up right because when I move the rabbit ears around it changes the fuzz on the screen, but it still says "Weak or no signal". Does it make sense that I will need a new antenna and if so, will I need to look at a roof mounted antenna? Any information will help. Thanks.

 

[Ignatius]

You can try a step up from the rabbit ears, like one of those 'directional' settop antennas they sell at Fry's/BB with the ears and a 'loop' at the top; it all depends on where you live, it's kind of hit and miss, just try out a few until you get one you like, if you're looking for something relatively simple.

If you're not averse to climbing around in your attic a little, you can get a somewhat scaled down version of the old roof mount antenna and put it in your attic; we got crappy over-the-air reception until I put that up there, now it's rock solid. They sell them at Fry's (I'm sure other places too) for around $75 or so...

 

[brntorng]

Rabbit ears are designed for VHF frequencies which aren't being used for digital over-the-air transmission. You need a UHF antenna--typically a loop or
bowtie shape if you're close to the transmitters. If you're in the city and aren't behind a hill that's probably all you'll need. If you still don't get a signal you may need to put a higher gain antenna in your attic--if you don't have a radiant barrier installed. Otherwise it will need to go on the roof. If you're close to the transmitters, one of these or one of these should work. If you're further away you'll need one with more bays.

 

[Luke Duke]

Visit antennaweb.org

I have one of these in my attic and I get great reception. I'm 20-25 miles from the antennas.