In the United States, most television stations changed broadcasting signals from analog to digital by June 12, 2009 (digital television, or DTV, transition deadline). Rabbit ear antennas can be used on new TVs to receive on-air signals from the television stations because broadcasts still fall within the VHF and UHF channels. Before discarding your rabbit ear antenna, it's worthwhile to explore reception and placement of digital TV signals. As long as channels are received, new or upgraded equipment is not required.
Digital to Analog Converter
A box that converts signals from digital to analog will allow you to receive over-the-air broadcast signals to use on older (analog) TVs. An analog television connected to a digital-to-analog converter box will display broadcasts but not in high-definition. Remember that a converter box is only needed for analog TVs, so purchase a converter box if your new television set is not digital.
Antenna Check
Most indoor rabbit ear-style antennas receive VHF channels (channels 2 to 13). Digital signals are broadcast between channels 2 to 51, covering both VHF and UHF bands. Check whether your antenna receives both VHF and UHF bands. Use the online reception check from Antenna Web to view the distance from the broadcasting facilities.
Install the antenna to your television (or to your converter box, which is connected to your television), turn the TV on and select the function to rescan the channels. Scroll through the channels to see whether any stations are being received. Unlike analog signals, digital broadcasts will either appear or the channel will be blank (no snowy or partial reception will appear). Any type of picture appearing on the television designates that a signal is received; the quality of the picture indicates signal strength or interference.
Antenna Placement
Check the placement of the antenna, and make sure it is away from potential interference. According to KYES.com, sources of household interference include the television set, computers, gaming consoles, fluorescent lamps, cordless phones, fish tank heaters and DVD or VHS players. Consider placing the antenna near a wall to take advantage of signals being absorbed by the wall.
Other Options
If no signal or a low signal is detected, the rabbit ears are not effective. Consider connecting an extension coaxial cable between the antenna and television and installing the antennae outside to determine placement. If no improvement is observed, consider purchasing an amplifier for your antenna or replacing your rabbit ears with a multidirectional antenna for improved reception.
Tags: signals from, your television, both bands, rabbit ears, television stations