James Delahunty
29 Apr 2007 19:13
For some people, the idea of using a $50 antenna along with an LCD or Plamsa HD display that cost thousands of dollars makes little or no sense. However, it appears that in some areas, it is the perfect solution. Some local TV channels broadcast in HD over-the-air. Depending on signal and other factors, sometimes cable and satellite companies offer lesser quality due to compression on the signals.
"Eighty-year-old technology is being redesigned and rejiggered to deliver the best picture quality," said Richard Schneider, president of Antennas Direct. "It's an interesting irony." Schneider started producing antennas in his garage some years back and sold them from the trunk of his car. Now his company employs 7 people and did $1.4 million in sales last year.
"People thought I was nuts. They were laughing at me when I told them I was starting an antenna company," Schneider said. TV stations still broadcast analog signals and most now transmit HD digital signals as well. Getting a proper digital signal from an antenna will result in excellent picture quality, according to Steve Wilson, principal analyst for consumer electronics at ABI Research.
"You either get it or you don't," said Dale Cripps, founder and co-publisher of HDTV Magazine. "Some people can receive it with rabbit ears, it depends where you are." Viewers within 25 miles of a station's broadcast tower can rely on indoor antennas according to Schneider, whereas outdoor antenna will grab a signal from up to 70 miles away depending on in-between interference.
Source:
Yahoo (AP)