Which antenna do I need?

lillieteel · ‎12-18-2008

I recently bought a HP laptop with a tv tuner installed already. All I need is an antenna. I am not sure which one to get.

scottmac · ‎12-18-2008

(for the US)

The short answer is "any antenna that supports 'UHF' (channels 14 and above)"

How well it'll work will depend on where you are located relative to the stations you are trying to watch.

The USA is moving to all digital TV in February, and all of the digital channels will exist in (what is now) the "UHF" band.

In some areas of the country (like Chicago) the station on Channel 2 was assigned temporarily Channel 3 for digital; once the change happens, they will also move to the UHF band.

You'll see some antennas marked "HDTV Ready" ... which is sort of like having "Y2K Compliant" cabling, but they should work jus' fine for your system, assuming you are within range of the station.

Good Luck, Happy Holidays

Scott

Rob Huffman · ‎12-18-2008

Hey Scott,

As always, your posts are both, informational and funny (+5 points). I love the reference to "Y2K Compliant" cabling, it brings back many varied memories of that era. We went to a huge effort to prepare for 2000 and even had a Y2K compliancy officer on board (go figure ;-)

Happy Holidays my friend!

Rob

scottmac · ‎12-18-2008

Thanks Rob.

We were part of the Y2K dance too; such memories!

Thank you PT Barnum for your guidance ....

Top O'the Holidays to you (and everyone else) as well!

Scott