FM Antenna vs. VHF/UHF - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

SkipperBob · 2008-02-17, 07:48 PM

I have been using a Radio Shack FM antenna for radio reception for some years now. It is an Archer 15-8220 ... mounted in the attic. It is approx. 20 years old.
Can I use this FM antenna to receive OTA signals for my new Panasonic 32" LCD HDTV or, do I need purchase a VHF/UHF Antenna specifically for this purpose ???
I know very little about TV's. I've used a 20" Acer LCD for the past couple of years which worked ok, providing about 9 channels. However, this is the first HDTV I've owned.
I know very little about computers also. I did try searching for this information prior to posting, but was unsuccessful in finding an answer to my question.
I'm located in south Surrey, BC. if that is helpful in providing an answer.

ell383 · 2008-02-17, 09:01 PM

Won't work very will FM is 88 Mhz to 108 Mhz and FM antennas are made to work for that Frequency only and reject all others. Most HD channels are UHF
and UHF frequency's are from 470 Mhz to 806 Mhz. So you will need new a Antenna.

SkipperBob · 2008-02-18, 02:15 AM

Thank you ELL383 for your fast response.
How does one go about determining which antenna might be the best for my equipment?

The only info I've read so far is sales literature which must surely be prejudiced.

Can you direct me to a web-site that is more educational please?

Thanks again for your help.

stampeder · 2008-02-18, 03:18 AM

SkipperBob, most commercial VHF or VHF/UHF combo antennas are also great FM Radio antennas. The opposite is not true, like ell383 said: an FM Radio antenna is not very useful for any TV channels. For TV antenna info just read through these links:

2008-02-17, 07:48 PM	#1
SkipperBob Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cloverdale (Surrey) BC Posts: 6	FM Antenna vs. VHF/UHF I have been using a Radio Shack FM antenna for radio reception for some years now. It is an Archer 15-8220 ... mounted in the attic. It is approx. 20 years old. Can I use this FM antenna to receive OTA signals for my new Panasonic 32" LCD HDTV or, do I need purchase a VHF/UHF Antenna specifically for this purpose ??? I know very little about TV's. I've used a 20" Acer LCD for the past couple of years which worked ok, providing about 9 channels. However, this is the first HDTV I've owned. I know very little about computers also. I did try searching for this information prior to posting, but was unsuccessful in finding an answer to my question. I'm located in south Surrey, BC. if that is helpful in providing an answer.

2008-02-18, 03:18 AM	#4
stampeder OTA Forum Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Delta, BC (96Av x 116St) Posts: 23,338	SkipperBob, most commercial VHF or VHF/UHF combo antennas are also great FM Radio antennas. The opposite is not true, like ell383 said: an FM Radio antenna is not very useful for any TV channels. For TV antenna info just read through these links: __________________ New To OTA? OTA FAQ & Knowledge Base OTA Antenna Chart 8.2

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

2008-02-17, 09:01 PM	#2
ell383 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kingston, Ont Posts: 57	Won't work very will FM is 88 Mhz to 108 Mhz and FM antennas are made to work for that Frequency only and reject all others. Most HD channels are UHF and UHF frequency's are from 470 Mhz to 806 Mhz. So you will need new a Antenna.

2008-02-18, 02:15 AM	#3
SkipperBob Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cloverdale (Surrey) BC Posts: 6	Thank you ELL383 for your fast response. How does one go about determining which antenna might be the best for my equipment? The only info I've read so far is sales literature which must surely be prejudiced. Can you direct me to a web-site that is more educational please? Thanks again for your help.