Antennas may be needed for digital switch

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Some people using converters for the conversion from analog to digital TV signals next month will also have to buy more powerful antennas, an analyst says.

The federally mandated switch from analog to digital broadcasting, slated to take place Feb. 17, means millions of Americans have to purchase converter boxers for older televisions with antennas in order to get a picture -- either that or sign up for cable or satellite service, or buy new television sets with digital tuners. Several groups are lobbying for a postponement of the switch to give people more time to prepare.

Barry Goodstadt, an independent analyst who studies digital reception issues, told The Washington Post getting good reception might not be as easy as simply installing a converter box. Goodstadt said he thinks about 70 percent of households with indoor "rabbit-ear" antennas will have to buy and install other, more powerful, equipment, in addition to the converter box.

"People are very surprised when they realize they can't get (their usual channels,)" Goodstadt told the newspaper

Joyce Powell, a 72-year-old Washington resident, said she was able to get a dozen analog channels with her seven-year-old TV set before she installed the converter box. However, now she can't get any local channels, despite the fact the stations' transmission towers are near her home.

"I thought all I had to do was buy a box and hook it up," Powell told the newspaper. "That's what you're led to believe by all the ads."