|
| I have a satellite dish and
don't want the eyesore of
an antenna. Do I have to have an antenna to get local broadcast channels?
In many cases,
no. |
| In the past, Federal law required that you be in an area that
does not or cannot receive a good, reliable broadcast signal. Congressional action has allowed direct
broadcast (DB) of local channels if they pay the local stations. However,
DB companies are not required to retransmit the local stations. If you
are in a major market where the DB companies are retransmitting your
local stations - you will have to pay extra and not all of the local
stations may be available. DB systems are subject to loss of signal due to "rain-out" or lightning ionizing the atmosphere. If you depend on DB for your local stations, you will lose them until the atmosphere steadies down. If you depend on your local stations for severe weather reports, you won't be able to get them unless you also have a standard antenna to switch over to. Off-air-antenna manufacturers such as Winegard Company and retailers such as Radio Shack have seen sales skyrocket. According to Winegard's Hans Rabong, "Off-air antenna sales have increased significantly because consumers are realizing that the combination of a direct broadcast system and an off-air antenna is unbeatable. You get more programming networks than most cable systems with great digital picture and sound from the mini-satellite dish service, as well as free local programming from the TV antenna." However, while cable has less features (at this time) than DirectTV, the Dish Network and others, they operate at a psychological disadvantage as most housholds like "cable" but seem to have a real antipathy towards their "cable provider". |
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