REMFISH
Palmdale, Ca
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Joined: 08/22/2003
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Not sure if this is the correct forum...but here goes.
Are there any antennas available for RV's that are digital ready? In Feb 2009, my "batwing" antenna will be useless without a converter. However, we mostly stay at campgrounds without hookups and I don't want to run the generator just to watch an occasional TV show. I plan to purchase and AC/DC LCD TV/DVD that is digital ready, but need to upgrade my antenna. Please do not suggest a satellite system...we aren't that desperate!
R.E. May
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dons2346
Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA
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Joined: 11/21/2001
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It is not the antenna that has to be digital ready, it is your TV. An antenna is an antenna. It does not know the difference between analog and digital signals. Lots of reports on the forum from people stating their batwing works great for digital TV.
This should have been in Technology
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2oldman
WA
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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Once again..
batwing/digital post in Technology
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HedoTravelers
Rochester, New York & Jamaica, W.I.
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I have a WInguard "bat wing" style antenna... works great with our HDTV. Better than ever actually. 
There is no need to get a new one.
Respect,
Brent
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fncampn
Gardnerville, NV
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Yup. Mine too. Just make sure your TV has an HD tuner in it and you will be fine. Otherwise, you will need another TV and/or converter box.
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Oakman
MO
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As mentioned your antenna doesn't need to be replaced. In Feb 2009 your analog TV will be useless without the converter. Since you're planning on buying a new TV make sure it has a built-in ATSC tuner, without it you will still need the converter box.
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Enjoying the Lagniappe
Destin,FL,US
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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Your current antenna will work fine. It is your TV that may need the converter. If your Tv does not have a digital tuner (you can't tune to channel 77.1 or 77-1), you will need a converter.
It is not the antenna requirements that are changing, but the tuner requirements.
Enjoying the Lagniappe
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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It is not the antenna, but the television, that will be "Useless without a converter" Odds are that your Batwing is a VHF/UHF model (NOTE: the original batwing was VHF only and is NOT digital ready, but that is only the original,later models are VHF/UHF and any VHF/UHF antenna is digital ready)
how to tell.. VHF-High band is channels 7-13.. UHF is 14-69 (Currently) at one time it went all the way to 83
Digital in most markets will be on UHF channels 14-59 only
In a few markets they plan on using 7-13 (VHF-High)
So if your existing antenna works well for analog on those channels
Then it will work for digital too.
I spend a few hours a day watching digital TV on an analog antenna, works great
I also do 2-way digital work using the same antenna, IN FACT THE SAME RADIO, I do 2-way analog voice work with... NO difference in the antenna at all.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Rev.
Troy, TX
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My dad just recently got the converter for his TV at home and one for his trailer. He didn't get a "HD" antenna for the house TV. So, I just hooked up his 25 year old rabbit ears (no UHF loop) and it picked up all the HD channels with no problem. In fact he picks them up better than I do with my HD antenna! On the trailer again no problem with the batwing antenna. So, don't worry about the antenna.
Blessed Camping,
Rev. (aka: Preacher)
2003 Ford Expedition 5.4L, 3.73 tranny
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Wadcutter
IL
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Joined: 05/25/2004
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Point of order...
Unless you have an HD TV it doesn't matter what kind of digital converter you buy, you won't get an HD picture. Too many people think digital is the same as HD. It isn't. All the digital converter does is change the digital signal coming in from your antenna to an analog signal to your TV. The digital converter cannot change your non-HD TV to HD TV no more than it can change your black and white TV to color. You'll no doubt get a clearer picture with digital but it's not HD.
Camped in every state but Alaska
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