How to Convert a Rooftop Antenna to Digital Reception
By Amanda C. Kooser
Digital television has replaced analog, but many households are still working out the best way to receive over-the-air broadcasts. For homes that already have a rooftop antenna in place, that same antenna can usually be used for digital reception with just a few adjustments. This works for televisions with built-in HD tuners as well as for older analog sets that require a converter box to receive digital signals.
Step 1
Install a twin-lead adapter if needed. Check whether the end of the antenna cable has two flat u-shaped connectors. Place the u-shaped connectors under the screws on the adapter side-by-side and then tighten the screws for a snug fit. If your antenna already has a round coaxial connector at the end of the cable, you can skip this step.
Step 2
Locate the antenna "in" coaxial port on the back of your HDTV or on your digital-to-analog converter box. Plug the antenna cable into this port. You may need to screw it into place in a clockwise direction.
Step 3
Turn on the television and the converter box (if needed) and scan for available channels.
References
Tips
- You may need to adjust the antenna on the rooftop for best reception if the channels you desire are not showing up,
Writer Bio
Amanda C. Kooser is a freelance writer with a decade of experience covering technology, business, travel and music topics for national magazines, trade journals, websites and regional publications. She has contributed to "Entrepreneur Magazine," "New Mexico Business Weekly," "Restaurant Business Magazine" and "eBay Magazine."