In 2009, the Analog airwaves will no longer be in service. The FCC is requiring that all stations currently broadcasting in an analog format to switch entirel yot digital. The reason for this is because the amount of information that can be broadcast in digital format over a certain wavelength is far more than what can be broadcast over the same wavelength in an analog format. Its sort’ve like the difference between a .wav and a .mp3 file - the .wav takes up 10x the space for essentially the same sound. The FCC wants to free up that space in the spectrum so it can be used for other things, so they’re mandating a switch to exclusively digital.

If you have rabbit ears, you’re not on a digital signal right now. To get one, you need to purchase a set top box - these vary in price considerably, from over 100 dollars to less than half that. Fortunately, the government is offering up to a $40 coupon to get a hdtv converter. There’s hundreds of different antennas that qualify ofr this discount, so look around. One of the things to check out is this site on TV antenna, which reviews the various digital and HD antenna you can buy. They focus on the HD antennas, which as the name suggests allow you to pick up HD signals over the air. See a list of various UHF HDTV Antenna and reviews here.

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