Q: I purchased a converter box and live in a high-rise where I can’t use an outdoor or attic antenna. The picture isn’t very good, and the box has a connection for a Smart antenna. What is this, and will it help me?— Sharon Costantino, Denver
A: It won’t help if you can’t mount it on a rooftop.
Smart antennas are those that rotate automatically to pick up the best signal for any channel you’re watching.
They only work on converter boxes that have the input for such a feature — and yours does. Others who want the antenna should check to ensure their converter box has the proper input; otherwise it’s a waste of money to buy the antenna — they run about $90.
Rabbit ears antennas really won’t be suitable for the new wave of digital television signals due to hit the airwaves exclusively on Feb. 17, 2009.
You actually have a right under Federal Communication Commission rules (known as OTARD rules) to install an antenna at your apartment to receive free broadcast signals, though the rules do place some restrictions, mainly on common areas such as rooftops.
Many apartment buildings were equipped with MATV (master antenna television systems), which allowed residents access to a single rooftop antenna via multiple hookups that went to each unit, not too different from how apartments are wired for cable or satellite today.
Ask your building owner about such a master hookup. If one doesn’t exist — surprising for any pre-1980s building — petition for one by having others in your complex sign on, though you might all have to bear the installation expense.
Keep in mind that Smart antennas, however, work best connected to a single converter box — the unit that changes a digital signal to one an analog television can use.
David Migoya
wants to get the answers to your consumer questions. E-mail consumertips@ denverpost.com or write to Consumer Shopping Bag, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave. Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202
