Electronic Comment Filing System

VIA ELECTRONIC FILING March 29, 2010 Ms. Marlene DOltch Secretary Federal Communications Commission 445 12'h Street, S. W. Washington, DC 20554 RE: Expatte Communication Gen Docket No. 09-47, 09-137, 09-51 Dear Ms. Dortch: On Friday, March 26, 2010, Richard Schneider, CEO, Antennas Direct; Scott Kolbe representing Antennas Direct; and David Donovan representing MSTV, met with the Brad Gillen, Sr. Legal Advisor to Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker. Mr. Schneider observed that since the DTV transition there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for TV antennas. As a result ofthis demand, major retail electronic stores are now stocking antennas and some have displays. Mr. Schneider attributed this demand increase to the fact that local broadcasters are now providing more programming options through multicasting and consumers like HDTV content provided by local broadcasters. The dramatic increase in demand for TV antennas conoborates studies which show that the total number oftelevision viewers relying on antelmas will increase dramatically. For example, one study demonstrated that the number ofhomes relying exclusively on over the-air television will increase by 36% between now and 2014. Moreover, the total number of homes that will have at least one TV set relying on an antenna for reception will increase from 32.3 million to 51.4 million homes by 2014. The attached materials were distributed at the meeting. ?e ey, l~ avid Donovan o ANTENNAS DIRECT' antennas reinvented The Growth Of Free TV As Presented by Richard Schneider President Antennas Direct 85) ANTENNAS DIRECT antel'lria~reInvented 8)) ANTENNAE DIREC- antennas reinvented Content What is Free TV? National and International Growth of Free TV Our Growth as a company Promotion of Free Local TV ? NAB ? Antennas Direct Need for Free Local TV ? Public service ? Economic interest Summary ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? wz:".,:rf:1!Miru:'Ak-::o!CW.2c~};ViI2.qa;'F,J;:"t:",·','7/<).~L}.'.'''+;+DF'7'.'.,~'};'2c","",·,'"·,.,.,?'~~t"'''}'>,}·:'.'eE: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? .' .- .. ? .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. ANTENNAS DIRECT' e'U ANTENNAS DIRE C T ilntennil~reInvented Company Profile Founded in 2003 7 years of consecutive profitability Dedicated Research and Development Portfolio of patented antenna designs "State of the Art" Laboratory 109% revenue CAGRsinc~inception Growing sales on-line and at retail ? ? ? ? ? ? ? t t ? t ? ............ ...... '_c g_,cg+n+c++HA'Cc"" ""'" " ""' " t t t D ~ D D D D ,. - - - ~ ~ ? ~ ? - - - - ? ? ? 1& ? ~ ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Free TV is very simply television as we new it in the past... broadcast over the air from your local television station. Unlike the past, broadcast television today is in HD, it delivers incredible quality of picture and it servers the viewers in more than ever before. -:D ANTENNAS DIRECT antennasTelnvent~d Free TV Lets look at how people get their TV... ? ? ? ? ?7ZiiiY~L__7...L_&j@3i&08:~:,17,'}hC>;,-,8""j'L'·'i····"·"···,,·,,····,-~··-'-'/}·:.~:·::;·,·.S"'Yi8.·"·'·,·,·,'··,-.'__·w··,·····"·'c,·,,,·.'>'.,·_,· ,-,.".-<; t t t D ? D ? ? ? ? " t ? ? ~ D D , ? D ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ? " " ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ & ~ ? t t t t ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ~ D t t ~ D ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ? ? ? ~ ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Why Over-the-Air TV? Relatively low one-time cost (Converter box $20 + Antenna as low as $10) No recurring monthly fees (Cable and Satellite average $87 per month, every month) More reliable than pay TV (weather, storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, etc.) Best HDTV picture quality - Uncompressed over-the-air (OTA) signal vs. compressed Cable/Satellite signal Customers are using antennas to supplement or replace Pay TV 8» ANTENNAS DIRECT' antennas reInvented Current Primary Viewing Means Source: General Accounting Office e)l f ANTENNAS DIRECT' antennas reinvented ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? t ~ ? ? ? ~ ? ~ ? ? ? ? ? ~ ? ~ ~ ? ~ ~ ? ? ? ? ~ ? ~ ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? Domestic OTA Antenna Market U.S. split between antenna, cable & satellite viewership - Antenna-only 21 Million TV households (20%) - Cable 64 Million TV households (60%) - Satellite 22 Million TV households (20%) - Plus 16% of cable & 58% of satellite subscribers use OTA as well 23 Million use OTA to complement cable/satellite for local broadcasts 65 Million requests for converter box coupons 2.1 to 2.7 TVs per household; in total 67 Million TV sets utilize antennas in the U.S. 4.4 Million antennas sold in U.S. in 2008; 2009 estimated at 5 7 Million Annual U.S. market of approximately $250 Million Source: General Accounting Office e» ANTENNAS DIRECT' antennas reInvented CurrentViewing Overlap Source: General Accounting Office 8» ANTENNAS DIRECT' antennas reinvented Projected US Antenna Growth 130,000 120,000 110,000 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 II TV Households III AU OTT Households Primary OTT Households 2014 Source: Global OTA Trends Informa UK Limited OJ ANTENNAS DIRECT antennas f(!lnvented 140 120 - 100 80 60 - 40 20 _. Global Growth (In Millions) Source: Global OTA Trends Informa UK Limited III Middle East III Latin America North America III Europe East III Asia Pacific III Europe West Total ? ANTENNAS DIRECT antennasreln~ented " " " ? Direct Annual SalesAntennas CD NTENNA~. ARE C o I Invented antennas te Inc. $50,000,000 $40,000,000 . $30,000,000 $20,000,000 $10,000,000 $0 .. It .. 1& 1& 1& , ? ?,. .. ? ,. ,. ,. ? ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ? ? ~ ? , , ? ? t It It It It It It ? ? ? It It It It It ? It ~ t ~ ~ ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ~ ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? Antennas Gaining in ' Popularity e) ANTENNAS DIRECT antennas reinvented ~ ? ~ ~ ? ? ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? ~ ~ ? ~ ~ ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ? ? ~ ~ ~ ? ? ? ? Grassroots Ground-Swell In dozens of communities across the US As we entered the purely digital age of television last year, Antennas Direct visited 40 markets to help make consumers aware that they have an option to expensive cable and satellite fees. We traveled thousands of miles across the US to raise awareness with a press tour including giving away free antennas. The response was incredible. As television new cameras capture the events, we offered thousands of antennas to people whQ got our message and lined up for hours for a chance to get theirs. Local broadcasters, our allies in this effort, provided air time in advance of the events, during the events and following the events to make sure the word got out. These people can now enjoy Free Local TV 0» ANTENNAS DIRECT antennas reinvented Gll ANTENNAS DIRECT' antennas reinvented D D D D D ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ? ? ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? 0)) ANTENNAS DIRECT ~ntenrlaSreinvented .)'1 ~f ANTENNAS DIRECT" ~ntennHreinvented Antennas Vs. Satellite Or Cable Quality ? Antennas receive pure, virtually un-compressed signals over the airwaves. These un-compressed signals result in a picture that is dramatically sharper when compared to the same programming from satellite and cable. ? Satellite and cable companies are delivering hundreds of channels to consumers through very finite means of delivery. To do this, they greatly compress the signals, to the point were even their HDTV signals are highly degraded. antenna$ reinvented 0» ANTENNAS DIRECT Close up of Antenna Signal Close up of Satellite/Cable Signal t t t t t t ? ~ ? ? ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~ r; ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I) ? I) I) ? D ~ I) D t t D t I) ~ ~ ~ ,. t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ~ ~ ~ ~ D ~ ~ ~ SATELLITE PROVIDER ? ANTENNAS DIRECT antennas reinvented - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ? ? I) I) ? ~ I) ~ ~ I) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CABLE PROVIDER e)} ANTENNAS DIRECT' ~l1tenna5reinvented HDTVANTENNA 0)) ANTENNAS DIRECT IInttnnas fell"1Yenled Advances in design has enables us to create antennas smaller than ever before New models 5X the power 35% the volume antennas reInvented .1) ANTENNAS DIRECT' Advantages Over The Old Rabbit Ears ? ? It ? I') I 1;- __'WE0_S0CC'H~J", ? ? ? ? t !) !& ~ ,. 8 r) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ f) !t ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Perfect Storm OJ ANTENNAS DIRECT antenl'lH reinvented Research & Development Antennas Direct leads the way in research and development ofOTA antennas Future initiatives include: Expansion on Micron line antl:1l'lnal lelnvented e») ANTENNAS DIRECT Improvement in performance of existing designs "Smart" antenna development Adaptation to international markets Suite of smart antennas ? Significant patented IP ? Staff of engineers ? RF laboratory ? Peer reviewed ? Rapid prototyping capability ? ? ? ? ? -- SHOP ANTENNAS BY: Same Oar StuPPl09 On MOH Urdel\l "\ e)1 ANTENNAS DIRECT antennas reInvented ~·--I I I ) ----------.-fi Ii ·-i··· r~""s anAC mCTtAI AbQUt Antel1llu Direct I WholMale I NewsRoom I Help a Info I OrderStltw~View Cut G How We Go To Market PAee SHIPPInG on eVeAY CAceA (:;<H~meAn~ennas.i Ac.cessories 8undles;-P'(9~'ti<~,qt~'-lA&f~:n~'a_Se{ea~t- Only at AntennasDirect.com... Buy DIRECT and Save a Bundle-! Exclusive Savings from Antennas Direct ....ntll[Jn'a fer thl! HOra\/t>I\ltIDn~ ? .. \ "'.! j N ./E' ANTENNAS o IRE C T" ~ ~ ? ? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ELECTROniCS rlt's 4) )! " ANTENNAS DIRECT aotennas reinvented amazon.com~ ' ..,#~ Sealrs ""....::''--iliiiilli_a . One Of The Hottest "New" Products At Retail TARGET~ Consumer demand has all of these retailers expanding their offering of antennas. o8 8 _T Uye Pallet Displays .) ANTENNAS o IRE C TO anunnas reinvented , , Public Need for a Free Alternative Ct)) ANTENNAS DIRECT antennas reInvented antennas relnvenled ell / ANTENNAS DIRECT' .,. , Up-Grading to Free TV Public Need ? In these tough economic times, the public needs a way to access TV without being forced to pay the high cost of Cable and Satellite. ? The programming that is currently being broadcast over the air is full of important information, vital to the community. ? Without Free TV, we'd live in communities where those who couldn't afford to pay, would not get news information, weather or national disaster alerts, and programs that represent various religious viewpoints and cultural diversity. ? Local broadcasters are also a part of the effort to provide broad community-interest content free over the air.. In many instances, broadcasters are offering HDTV free to the community. ? This is a well established system of providing for the public need... free... and with exceptional quality of both technology and programming. ? ? ? ? ? Allocation of Bandwidth As the FCC discusses the allocation of bandwidth in respect to our national system of free, over the air broadcasts should be protected as tens of millions of Americans rely on this vital source of communications. Our sense (and our sales) indicate that the market is exploding, not stagnant or shrinking. Rabbit ears, as we've reinvented them, are alive and well. Please know the facts about the size, the growth trends, and the importance of OTA to all Americans, particularly lower income and minorities. There is a lot of misleading data and information being put out that seeks to diminish and discount the vital role this unique asset provides to tens of millions of Americans. There are numerous opportunities to provide greater capacity to mobile carriers by encouraging more efficient use and higher capacity utilization ofthe bandwidth currently allocated to them. An inventory assessment of current bandwidth utilization would be a key learning in future discussions about additional allocations. 8)) / ANTENNAS DIRECT antennal reInvented ?, ?, ? ? ? ? Conclusion We're excited about the future of over the air TV. We're very committed to keeping Free TV available arid growing. We're grateful to the NAB & MSTV for arranging this important meeting. We hope that as you consider the importance of Free TV for communities all across America, you'll take into consideration the responsibility to the public that broadcasters have always taken to heart. We thank you for your time and hope that you'll continue to support a system that allows average Americans the free alternative to television that they've traditionally enjoyed. 0)) J ANTENNAS DIRECT ~ntennasrelnvent(!d February 27, 2010 The family also gets the additional digital channels offered by their commercial network affiliates too - which gives them about 12 channels to choose from, depending on where they point their antenna. Phillip Humphrey climbs up into the attic, pushing past boxes of Christmas junk to where he mounted his new antenna. "Basically it looks like a 2 1/2-by-2 1/2 square piece of welded wire fabric," Humphrey says. The antenna is attached to the rafters and connected to the Humphreys' brand new high definition television set downstairs. For the one time cost of the set and the $75 antenna, the Humphreys have found an alternative to monthly cable bills. Viewers with old-fashioned TVs can alsd receive the same plethora of channels, as long as they have a digital converter box. After Transition, Many Stick To Basic Stations There are times that you may miss out on some cultural conversations about a particular show. But we've found if it's something that continues to pique our interest, that now you can watch it on the Internet, you can rent it on Nelflix. - Elizabeth Humphrey, on not having cable "And what happened on the way to the [TV] graveyard is people started realizing they're extremely surprised at the picture quality you· can get oV?lr the air," says Richard Schneider, ? After Digital Switch, Basic TV Offers Cable Alternative By Catherine Welch Thanks to the digital signals, Elizabeth and Philip Humphrey's three children can watch Elmo, Arthur and other favorites on one of three digital channels broadcast by North Carolina's PBS station. Trapped inside on a cold, gray morning, the Humphreys' three children stand perfectly still in front of the TV, all eyes glued on Elmo. Mac, left, Veronica and Petra Humphrey watch the PBS children's channel on their parents' high definition television. Just before summer 2009's switch from analog to digital cable, TV viewers were inundated with commercials from cable companies. They urged viewers to subscribe to cable in order to get a clear picture and plenty of channels. But it turns out that - for the price of an antenna - over-the-air television offers plenty of different programs. The Secret In The Attic II. " ~ , ? " t , , , who owns Antennas Direct in St. Louis. "And in many cases the resolution is intact significantly higher than you can get off of satellite or cable." Digital television also boosted the number of over-the-air choices. "I think the broadcast-only environment is much richer than it was two years ago," says Pat McDonough, senior vice president of planning policy and analysis at Nielsen Media Research. Some critics say local affiliates are squandering the extra channels they got as they began to adapt to HDTV. But McDonough says the ways they're repeating shows is, in some cases, kind of creative. "We are seeing some of them time-shifting their programming," she says, "So that I air my news at 6 o'clock and I can put it on again at 8 o'clock on my second digital channel while I'm airing my network prime programs." McDonough says that without cable or satellite" the average national viewer can pick up around 30 channels. In Los Angeles, they can get a whopping 70 channels. McDonough says the number of homes getting only over the-air television didn't change much between 2008 and 2009. It's roughly 11, million households. And she says it's not just viewers who can't afford cable. "Five percent of the broadcast-only homes have income of over $100,000," McDonough says. "So clearly they have the means to afford cable and satellite but they've elected not to purchase it." 'You Can Watch It On The Internet' The Humphreys, for example, use their computers and television to catch their favorite shows. Elizabeth Humphrey admits that while they might miss some of the hot new cable shows, they're getting most of what they want. "There are times that you may miss out on some cultural conversations about a particular show," she says. "But we've found if it's something that continues to pique our interest, that now you can watch it on the Internet, you can rent it on Netflix. You can find other ways to get into the conversation." This sounds like it could be a problem for cable providers. "We don't really view it as a threat," says Maureen Huff, senior director of public relations for Time Warner Cable. Huff says subscription numbers for cable television, Internet and phone services have stayed strong in the face of more over-the-air channels and the crummy economy. "Traditionally cable tends to be sort of recession-resistant," Huff says, "People spend more time at home with their families in a recession; they're spending less money going out. And so cable companies such as ours tend to do okay." Huff acknowledges that families who've made the choice to go without cable, such as the Humphreys, are out there. But young Veronica and Mac have seen what they're missing at their friends' houses. "I wish I had SpongeBob," Mac says. Even their father has some cable cravings. "Well, okay, The Daily Show would be nice to see," he says. But that, too, Is available online. www.antennasdirect.com 1.877.82.5.5572. .\ntIlUH, ,; Ouecl, 16388 \','<',(.,.,olle',I, CoO , ,', 1'0,;, Ell. .. ,,1, \'0.,:0.'1 I Rabbit ears make comeback in digital TV era :£0$Angelt.$ mime$ BUSINESS ~ ~ ~ " In Los Angeles, more than 30 over the-air channels are available in English, including stations featuring movies, dramas and children's programs. Major networks including ABC, CBS and NBC beam out daytime and prime-time shows -- and professional sports -- in resolution with clarity that may shock viewers expecting the hazy broadcast signals they remember from childhood. Many ofthe new channels are aimed at the region's ethnic communities, giving rise to a growing selection of news, entertainment and educational progranuning for Latino, Asian and Eastern European viewers. With antennas that can cost as little as a dollar, most Los Angeles viewers can now pick up close to 70 channels, up from around 26 before the federally mandated digital switch-over last summer. Nearly-a dozen ofthe digital channels are broadcast in high defmition. Having upgraded to the more sophisticated digital technology, stations are able to slice their broadcast spectrum into a number of subchannels, such as KNBC-TV Channel4's 4.1, 4.2 and 4.4. "Everyone who does it says the picture quality is actually better than what you're getting through cable," said Patricia McDonough, a senior vice president at Nielsen. . As more viewers tune in to the newly reenergized possibilities ofbroadcast Nearly a quarter ofLatino households with televisions, or about 440,000 homes, already tune in with an antenna -- the most ofany demographic group in the area. About 11% ofU.S. households -- or about 13 million homes -- watch over the-air broadcasts. Although the number ofhouseholds with antennas in the U.S. fell slightly in the last year, nearly 20,000 Asian American homes in the region began using rabbit ears, and 8,000 African Americans switched to over-the-air TV, according to the media research firm Nielsen Co. "I've saved a lot ofmoney by getting rid ofcable," Lam said. "We only had to purchase the antenna one time, and now we have it forever, instead of paying every single month." Inthese penny-pinching times, watching TV over the airwaves is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many households, particularly among the Los Angeles region's minority communities. But watching TV over the airwaves has begun to appeal to a broader audience. "It's the best-kept secret around here," said Mike Mahan, who recently installed a pair ofantennas in the attic ofhis Ladera Ranch home and dropped his cable subscription. "I just got tired ofpaying for hundreds of channels I don't watch." Southland viewers are finding they can get nearly three times as many channels as they once could with an antenna. And best ofall, they're free. By David Sarno December 25, 2009 No, it's almost 2010, and the Lams are a modem Los Angeles family that, like many in the region, are rediscovering the convenience -- and economics -- ofthe old-fashioned TV antenna. In the wake ofthe transition to digital television, Southland viewers are fmding they can get nearly three times as many channels as they once could with an antenna. And rather than the erratic, fuzzy reception ofyesteryear, todays rabbit ears are capable of delivering a surprisingly clear high definition picture. On a recent winter night, while neighbors strung their Baldwin Park homes with Christmas lights, the Lams and their three children sat in front ofa television set with rabbit ears sprouting out ofthe top. Wait a second -- rabbit ears? Is this 1950? Best ofall, it's free, said Nancy Lam, the mother ofthe family. ? .. ? · ? ? ? , .. .. , .. ? .. ? .. ? .. , .. , .. , television. manufacturers say they can't make antennas fast enough: "Our sales are goingthrou~.~t~eroof," said Richard Schneider,ppl.sidellt of Ante,nnas Direct, aSt.1,2pi~ manufacturer ofthe devices. Schneider said that sales had nearly triple<i since the switch-over, and that he had to add a new assembly line in hisf~9t~rytp Ill.eettl)~d~D1alld.The company produces nearly 100,000 antennas every month, thousands of which are sold in the Los Angeles area, he said. Viewers are also fmding they can combine broadcast television with the growing array ofmovie and TV programming available online. Mahan ofLadera Ranch dropped his subscription to Cox Cable last year in favor ofa pair ofhigh-end antennas and an Internet connection that lets him watch movies through Netflix and TV shows through video websites such as Hulu .com. He even rigged up a device that can record shows directly offthe antenna. But cable companies contend that over-the-air broadcasts are less reliable and that the signal can be easily interrupted or weakened, depending on where a home is. Homes near hills, for instance, may have trouble receiving,all the channels available in a given area. "There are always risks involved with david.samo@latirnes.com Copyright © 2010, The Los Angeles Times going over the air or using an antenna to receive a digital picture, mainly because digital airwaves are not as forgiving as analog airwaves and are always subject to interference," said Darryl Ryan, a spokesman for Time Warner Cable Inc. In addition, many popular cable-only channels, including ESPN and CNN, are not yet available over the air. However, at least one Silicon Valley start-up has been experimenting with piping cable and satellite programs onto the airwaves in Los Angeles. Sezm! Corp. expects to roll out its service in mllior U.S. markets early next year. It plans to charge users about $25 a month for a service that offers a selection ofbroadcast, cable and Internet programming. To watch broadcast TV, viewers must have both an antenna and a television capable ofprocessing the digital signal. Those with pre-digital televisions can purchase a converter ,box for $30 to $50 that will enable the antenna to work with their TV set. The cost ofantennas varies according to their size and complexity, and can range from less than $5 for small, indoor rabbit ears to nearly $200 for a larger outdoor antenna that will receive more channels and clearer signals. Finding the right antenna, and the best location for it, may involve some trial and error. The best evidence that the broadcast audience is growing may be the flowering ofnew local channels, said Francis X. Wilkinson, general manager ofKJLA-TV, an L.A. station. KJLA has divided its broadcast spectrum into nine digital sub- channels, 57.1-57.9. It carries three channels in Spanish, three in Vietnamese, and one each in Korean and Armenian. (The remaining sub channel is a shopping network devoted ' to jewelry.) As with other broadcast stations, several ofKJLA's sub- channels are available via an antenna but not through cable. "Nobody really expected the plethora ofstations and choices that people would have over the air," Wilkinson said. "It's been a tremendous plus for everyone." In February, the Lams plan to watch local Chinese New Year festivities on Little Saigon TV (Channel 44.4). With their two swimmer sons practicing for the Junior Olympics and a daughter headed for college, the Lams haven't had as much family TV time as they once did. But when they do gather to watch the festivities, they'll be using rabbit ears that don't look any different from what viewers may have used six decades earlier, perhaps even in price. Instead ofshelling out $30 for a new antenna, the Lams got theirs at a 99-cents store. "The cheapest one was super clear," Lam said. \Nww.antenllasdilect.com 1.877.825.5572 f,iI"'" ,·.IJ,'""It,;,,,,',':, "',,, I., ' I',.!' ,',''''' 1 IN 'THE NEWS He and apparently growing numbers ofconsumers are convinced that antennas provide the best ofhigh def pictures. Because high-def signals are exceeding ly more plump than standard TV signals and hog the capacity oftheir pipelines,cable~and satellite-TV operators "compress," or squeeze, them (broadcasters don't have to). There's a wide belief that the forced dieting degrades picture quality, Naturally, someone must pay_ Enter Philip Cohen, a Los Angeles lawyer who filed a class-action lawsuit against DirecTV last September. "Let's just say the high-definition isn't what it's claimed to be," Cohen says. DirecTV says the suit is without merit. Cohen says he's aware that high-def can be had with a simple antenna, but be cause he lives in a hilly area, rabbit ears won't help. May we suggest a rabbit's foot? man ofSolidSignal.com, based in suburban Detroit. Another comes in the shape of a picture frame. But the basic mechanism ofthe antenna is still the same: it remains "one of the few fonns ofconsumer electronics where there's been little change since the 1960s designs," says Schneider. Anle""".nutct'. L;"cro", IIDTVAnWu'.a selling drugs," Schneider says. ''Nerds were showing up in my driveway." Winegard be lieves more consumers would embraceanten~ nas ifthey only knew high-def can be delivered via the anachronism. "Our biggest focus right now is on consumer education," says Aaron Engberg, manager of"off-air" sales. A corporate clash in televisionland has helped give antenna sales a boost. The dispute involves cable giant Charter Communications and broadcaster Bela Corp., which owns TV~ stations in several cities. In January, Belo said that unless Charter agreed to pay extra for the high-defsignals Bela provides, it would bar the cable operator from redistributing any HD programming that originates from its stations. In cities like St. Louis, where Bela owns the CBS affiliate, that meant viewers wouldn't get the Super Bowl in high-def-as horrifying a prospect to many Bears and Colts fans as running out ofbeer and chips. Enter Terrestrial Digital's Schneider, announcing an antenna giveaway in St. Louis. ''The best lID for no montf11.y fee," Terrestrial Digital declared in lo cal raqio ads, touting a free antenna for the first 200 customers. ''It was bedlam," Schneider told NEWSWEEK. "We had lines stretched around the block." The Super Bowl was-believe it-saved by rabbit ears. In tnUh, today's antennas don't much resemble rabbit ears anymore: they're smaller, and much more powerful. One model, called the Bowtie, "almost looks like chicken wire," says Chap- Monday, Febmary 19,2007 Theirony is marvelous. Pushed into obso lescence by the technological advances of cable and satellite, antennas are re-emerging thanks to one ofthe most promising high-tech services ofthe digital age. High-clefchannels can be plucked out ofthin air by antennas just like regular broadcast signals-no cable, no satellite dish, no monthly bill, no waiting for the cable man. It's like the old days, except this time antennas (which cost between $18 and $150) may offer the clearest picture. ''l\fore than 90percent ofour customers say they want the antennas for high-def," says Jerry Chapman, owner ofonline dealer SolidSignal. com, which ships "thousands ofantennas." The downside-and it's a big one-is that antennas can only pick up the broadcast networks, not cable channels likeESPN or HBO. Prick Up Your Rabbit Ears The antenna, that relic of the pre-cable age, gets an afterlife thanks to high definition TV. Johnnie L. Roberts OfNewsweek Feb. 19,2007 issue - When cable TV arrived in the <70s, rabbit ears seemed destined to go the way ofthe polyester pantsuit. So, too, the clunky outdoor antenna, a rooftop fixture that once upon a time signaled the rise oftelevision in American life, But a funny thing happened on the way to the analog dust heap: it turns out that a new gen.eration ofrabbit ears and antennas can receive high-definition television broadcasts, And it's free, Still, antenna makers are enjoying a warm reception. Companies like Terrestrial Digital of St. Louis, Winegard ofBurlington, Iowa, and Audiovox ofHauppauge, N.Y., are watch- ing sales soar. Terrestrial Digital's sales have doubled annually since its launch in 2003, to $1.4 million last year, says founder Richard Schneider. The companyis "a hobby spiraled out ofcontrol," he says, noting that he got his start essentially selling homemade antennas out of the back ofhis truck. "People thought I was ?; , , , , , , , W\N.TERRESTRIAL-DIGITAL.COM ? , .877.825.5572 , IN THE MEDIA. Ant e n n a s for the H 0 rev 0 Jut ion'" e~ ANTENNAS DIRECT' .. ...1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ? ,I ? " ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? , ? ? ? , ? , , CNBC TV FEATURE Regular segment "On The Money" described the education of the consumer on high definition anten nas as a viable way of getting true HD. Specifically, how the PF7 Picture Frame antenna is revolution izing how easy and inexpensive it can be to get bet ter high definition programming. . NBC TODAY SHOW FEATURE Antennas Direct's PF7 Picture Frame antenna was recently featured prominently on the Today Show with Matt Lauer. The segment, titled "Gadgets for Guys", focused on what to by men for the Christ mas holiday season. The Senior Editor of CIN ET demonstrated many products to Matt including a 50" plasma TV, but described the picture frame an tenna as the "coolest thing J've ever seen." · - ~d' (tJ 2008 Antennas Dllcd 2008 o www.antcnnas Irccl.colll ? 1.877.825.5572 .,, '". .. J IN THE NEWS Schneider said he sold 300 antennas in the fIrst few hours after the show aired, selling out his stock of500 shortly thereafter. "An order of3,000 is due Jan. IS, and he has additional frame antennas scheduled to arriye every two weeks through March. The cherry-wood-frame antenna sells for $39. RJ<Mt4 SdutdJu ;'11" drirlngf.,,, Wdnd AntenrtJ. Di,fd. (K"';,.Jf<UJ.ll1ngfP.Dj This month, Target is adding thea~tenna to its website, and several other websites also offer it, Schneider said. The picturc-frame antemia also seems to appeal to women. Typically, Schneider said, 90 percent ofhis customers.are male. But on Dec.. 8, the day ofthe llToday" segment, about three quarters ofthe callers were female. Wednesday, Janu.ury 3, 2007 But DeMuro insisted, and -Schneider decided he needed to fit the antenna into a better-looking wood frame. He bought one at a frame shop, then ,vorked with his manufacturer in Taiwan to find frames they could use to make the antenna. The frames hold an 8-hy-l0 photograph or other picture. ? "The aesthetic (ofthe frame antenna) never caught me," -Schneider said. "1 tried to steer (DeMuro) away from it." Schneider said he designed it for people with limited space or those ,vithout access to a roof or attic. It also works well for a tele"vision in a spare bedroom. DeMuro said he thought the picture frame antenna fit well with a trend among electronics manufacturers to offer custom colors and styles in HDTVs that hang on walls, as well as gear built into occasional furniture. The frame antenna can hang on a wall or sit on top ofthe teleyision or another piece offurruture. It scrcws into a standard TV connector, so installation takes only a couple ofminutes. Picture frame antenna sales soar Antcnnas Direct markets antcnnas that allow customers to pick up HDTV signals broadcast bylocal stations. Schneider hires contract engineers to design the antennas and has the dev.ices manufactured inTaiwan. He sells them by phone and through his website as well as through electronics dealers. Now Schneider can't keep up with demand for the product. Richard Schneider nearly had forgotten about a pictmc frame-shaped television antenna he designed when a CNET editor decided to include it on NBC's "Today" show last month. Jerri Stroud Oftke Post-Dispatch The "Today"sho~'/'mention didn't come by accident. -Schneider, the president of Antennas Direct ofEureka, had his publicist contact a CNET editor, Rich DeMuro, after he earlier saw a segment on "Today" about high-definition televisions earlier. The show implied that home-owners needed cable orsatellite service to get high-definition pictures on their TVs. CNETis an online publisher of computer and technology news. after 'Today' segment ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH ~, ? ? ? ? ? ? ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? ?, ? ? ? ? ? , ? ? ? ? DeMuro, who does a rcgular segment on electronics and gadgets on tlToday,t' said that when Antennas Direct contacted him, he wasn't interested in showing large, roof-mounted antennas. When he saw picture-frame antennas listed among the company's products, he asked -Schneider to send one to him to test fora "Today" segment on gadget gifts for guys. Schneider was reluctant. In fact, he had almost decided to discontinue the frame antenna, which was made ofplastic and Plexiglas. The antenna is disguised in the backingfor the picture. DeMuro said he tried the antenna at home before putting it on "Today," "and it worked well. Then I took it to the oftlce andit worked great." He tested it on both HDTV as well as regular off:'air broadcasts. During the "Today" segment, which also featured the new Playstation 3 and Nintendo WH, DeMuro referred to the picture-~rameantenna as "the coolest thing rye seen." He said it's ideal for a bedroom or.kitchen, where there maynot he room for a cable or satellite receiver. Lee Goehring, a senior merchant at Target, said the frame antenna fit with Target's desire to offer "the latcst and greatest cool gadgcts" on its site. Schneider said sales ofhis ED antennas haye really taken offin the last year. He expects his sales for 2006 would be·nearly double his 2005 sales of$800,000. He had to move the business out ofhis home inWildwood, and he recently increased the size of his office in Eureka. "We're growing like a weed," Schneider said. R,printtJ ",w. pum;"i,,, oftlu Sl. uu;.Pou·lrnp,>ld>. Copyright 20&7 'f.-om" fr,m"on"nu> ..k'lQ",ftrr'Tnhy'f,"?""nl J,"U'Y a. 2M1,Jorri Stroud. ,~ " WWW.TERRESTRIAL-DIGITAL.CDM ? 1.877.825.5572 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Page: D6 In my own case, there's an added bonus besides the great picture - my cable company doesn't carry the HDTV feed for at least one station in my area. But the HDTV version is available using my home antenna. Truth is, as great.as the pictures are, I won't be giving up my HDTV cable service. It offers premium movies and o the r programming that isn't available over the airwaves. So let's talk about some ways to get better pictures when you're using a satellite receiver or an HDTV cable box. The cable you use to connect your satellite receiver or cable box to the TV is really important. Don't scrimp when you buy the cable. The cheap stuff produces a cheap signal. There's a simple rule that holds true: The larger in diameter the wi re, the more capacity for the signal. And the type of connector is a big deal, too. If your HDTV offers a your or TV looksdiffer~ntfrom what you get if you didn't tamper with the signal. BroadcastTV doesn't compress the signal. I live in town, so I can get away with a simple indoor· antenna. Jf you want an even better setup, or if you live a long distance from a broadcaster, you may need an antenna in attic even on your roof. You won't have any trouble finding old fashioned antennas - anything from rabbit ears to the big roof-mounted jobs. In fact, HDTV has created a resurgence for the antenna: Here's a quick way to find out the specifics of what you need to do from your own home: The Web site www.antennaweb.orglawlwelcom e.aspx will tell you which stations are broadcasting in your area and what kind of an antenna you'll need. Business Main; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution TECHNOBUDDY Section: Edition: Column: ~ ~ t ~ ~March 12, 2006 ~ ~ "I ? ~, ? Personal Tech: SPARKLING HOTV RECEPTION IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE ~IBill Husted ~, ? ., ? I get great HDTV reception - ~ibetter than from my HDTV cable ~.box, better than from satellite. : And unlike the other choices, it's " free. ~,The technology I use isn't secret " or new. In fact, it's older than the ? " most ancient TV set in your ~basement. Yet the picture is likely ? crisper than any you've seen ? .' before. It puts HDTV from cable ? and satellite in the shade. ,I ~I'll tell you about it ina moment. Today we'll talk about several " ? ways to get more enjoyment from ~your HDTV set. :' We'll start with my recipe for free, ? crisp pictures. I don't want to keep " ? you in suspense unless it is ? absolutely necessary. : The best possible HDTV pictures : - no exceptions, no quibbles - ? come from those you get using an : antenna. Here's why: When cable ? or satellite companies broadcast : HDTV programming, they use : compression techniques to get all ? that data into their comparatively : narrow pipeline. ? Compressing the data is good for ~the folks who deliver the signal - ? it lets them cram more ? ? programming into the bandwidth : available. It's bad for you. Hey, , condensed milk tastes different ~from fresh milk, and cpndensed ~ 1699 West Fifth Street Eureka, MO 63025 877-825-5572 (toll free) www.terrestrial-digital.com info@antennasdirect.com TERRESTRIAL DIGITAL izv Copyright 2006 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ? ? connection type called HDMI, use it. HDMI will give you the best possible way to transfer the signal from the ? receiver to your set. HDMI was once was an upscale option found only on top-of-the-line HDTV sets. But it's common now. Use it if you can, instead of component connection. And avoid S-video connections, since that ? technology just doesn't do a good job compared to what is available now. ? -,The nexfthing to consider is a tune-up for your HDTV. ? 'Even brand-new HDTV sets, fresh from the box, need some adjusting to get the best picture, There are two ways j to do this. You can simply spend some time with the set and adjust it to best suit your eyes, or you can use a 'III DVb made for that purpose. ? If you decide to go the DVD route, look for the Avia Guide to Home Theater or Digital Video Essentials: ? Optimize Your Home Entertainment System. These are the two discs that are most commonly used. But there's ? another called the Ultimate DVD -- Home Theater Fine Tuning Made Simple that is a little newer. All three of these DVDs are available at Amazon.com. Or, if you live near a large consumer electronics store, you will be 4 able to find them there. 4 The experts universally recommend using some sort of a disc like this, or even an outside consultant who comes ? to your home and adjusts the set in a much more precise manner than you could do with a DVD. ? In my case, after trying a DVD, I decided to do the adjusting to suit my own preferences. Hey, you're the one~ who will be watching the set, so even if you favor a picture with warmer or cooler colors than are accurate, go 'III fur it. 4 The whole notion of HDTV is to get a picture with quality that rivals what you'd see out a window. My tips will 4 help you get there. 4 These aren't radical changes. But they m,ake a difference. So the next time you feel like blowing up yourTV, try my tips instead. 4 - tecbud@ajc.com 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 I I I I I Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington DC 20554 In the Matter of Spectrum for Broadband A National Broadband Plan for Our Future To: The Commission ) ) ) GN Docket Nos. 09-47, 09-137 ) ) GN Docket No. 09-51 BROADCASTING AND THE BROADBAND FUTURE: A PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR DISCUSSION THE ASSOCIATION FOR MAXIMUM SERVICE TELEVISION, INC. AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS Jane E. Mago Jerianne Timmerman Ann Bobeck Erin Dozier Scott Goodwin Lynn Claudy THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS 1771 N StreetN.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 429-5430 December 22, 2009 David L. Donovan Victor Tawil Bruce Franca ASSOCIATION FOR MAXIMUM SERVICE TELEVISION, INC. 4100 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20016 (202) 966- t956 Jonathan D. Blake Jennifer A. Johnson Eve R. Pogoriler COVINGTON & BURLING LLP 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20004-240 I (202) 662-6000 COllnselfor MSTV andNAB number ofexclusively over-the-air television viewers between 1998 and 2009.2 7 These data present a flawed picture ofconsumer demand for broadcast television. First, local stations provide the most popular programming carried by MVPD operators 28 Second, the Task Force's analysis assumes that no over-the-air viewing occurs in homes that subscribe to an MVPD. To the contrary, over-the-air viewing in MVPD homes is significant and is an important service to these subscribers 29 Third, the period covered in the Task Force's "snap shot" does not reflect the future. It represents the waning days ofa single channel, fixed analog TV service. Contrary to the Task Force's dated snap shot, recent estimates indicate that over-the-air viewing in the United States will increase substantially over the next few years. A recent study showed that the number ofover-the-air only homes is expected to increase by 36 percent, from 10.7 million in 20 I0 to 14.7 million in 2014. 30 Also, the overall number ofhomes that will have at least one over-the-air television receiver will increase from 32.3 to 51.4 million during the same period, an increase of59 percent. 31 These data show that, with the completion ofthe digital transition, consumer interest in over-the-air reception is growing. 21 Public Notice, FCC, FCC Identifies Critical Gaps in Path to Future Broadband Plans (Nov. 18,2009) at 2. 28 According to TVB, "Broadcast television dominates subscription TV in delivery ofthe top 200 programs on a national level- it's the same story with local broadcast. In the top 10 people-metered markets, broadcast takes the lion's share ofthe top-rated programs-whether Adults 18-49 or Adults 25-54-when compared with subscription TV." Television Bureau ofAdvertising, Local Market Top 200 Report, http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/viewertrack/trendsITop_200.asp (last visited Dec. 18,2009). 29 See n.20, supra. Also, the so-called 56 percent decline must be taken in context. For example, a decline in over-the-air homes by 5 percentage points, !Tom 15 percent ofhouseholds to 10 percent, could be represented statistically as a 50 percent decline. The Broadband Taskforce provides no context for its data. 30 Informa Telecoms and Media, UK LTD, Global Digital TV: 9'· Edition, Oct. 2009, at 378. We recognize these figures may reflect lower over-the-air viewership today than is reported by Nielsen. Nonetheless, the data are significant, for they show an increasing trend in the overall use ofover-the-air service. 31 Id. 10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Over-The-Air TV Viewership Continues to Grow in 2010 Antennas Direct president provides outlook on industry nine months after conversion March 15,2010: ST.lOUIS - The hype ofthe digital conversion has long passed, however nine months after the long-awaited, frequently talked about digital transition, sales ofover-the-air antennas continue to climb, reflecting not only the continued growth of over-the-air television, but a trend developing among the American people. "From current economic conditions, increases in cable and satellite TV rates to the expansion ofover-the air channels and new technologies, there is a bright future for digital television; said Richard Schneider, president ofAntennas Direct, one ofthe leading antenna manufacturers in the country. Schneider, who passionately follows the industry, believes the facts are hard to ignore and ofters the following insights on the growth of over-the-air television. Over-the-air television is a cost effective alternative: ? The current economic conditions are causing viewers to question the cost and value ofcable and satellite TV. The elimination of paid TV from the household budget leads to significant cost savings. ? The expansion of multicast in local markets gives audiences more viewing options. In markets that broadcast 40 plus digital and HD channels for free, over-the-air television is becoming the new basic cable. ? With services like Huiu, Apple TV and Netflix readily available, consumers can switch to over-the-air teievision without missing favorite shows and movies, traditionally found on cable channels. Investment in digital television conversion strengthens over-the-air viewership: ? Billions ofdollars have been invested by the government, broadcasters and American consumers in the DTV conversion, an investment that only supports the popularity of digital television. ? Original reports estimated that no more than 20 million DTV conversion coupons would be requested, however more than 34 million coupons were redeemed, and a total of more than 64 million requests for coupons were received. Digital television is a growing trend and increasing in popularity: ? FCC reports that only 10 percent ofAmerican homes rely solely on over-the-airTV signals, however these numbers don't take into consideration the 35-50% of households that use an antenna as a supplement to pay TV. Close to 50 percent of the 114 million TV-watching households are using an antenna. ? Big box retailers have added or expanded their selection of antenna products. A leading electronics retailer has doubled both the number ofSKUs they carry, and doubled their monthly orders from Antennas Direct. While a major wholesale club ran a digital TV antenna trial, selling out pallets of product in 72 hours. Based on this success, the retailer has subsequently begun rolling out Antennas Direct products nation-wide. ? Europe, who had an earlier digital transition than the U.s., has seen its over-the-air audiences explode in the three years since its conversion, almost 50% ofall households in the United Kingdom are over-the-air only. The U.S. may easily follow the trend in Europe. "Over-the-air viewership is continuing to rise dramatically due to all ofthese reason; Schneider states. "This is not a dying industry, in fact new technologies are leading to more antenna innovation in the past 1B months than in the past 1Byears. We can't make antennas fast enough:' Antennas Direct has doubled its revenue every year since its founding in 2003. The company's revenue jumped from $3.4 million in 2008 to $7.5 million in 2009 alone, and is expected to reach $14 million in 2010 making it one ofthe fastest growing, privately-held companies in the nation. About Antennas Direct Antennas Direct is a St. Louis-based manufacturer ofover-the-air antennas specifically tuned for core DTV frequencies. Its C1earStream antenna series has been widely recognized by broadcast engineers and industry publications for its patented design and performance for DTY. Antennas Direct, a 2009 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, has invested major resources into the discovery and implementation of new antenna technology and continues to test and modify antenna designs, raising the bar by which antenna performance and appearance are measured. Visit www.antennasdirect.com for more information. ### Consumer Tips for DTV Reception on VHF TV Channels 2-13 Do I need a new Indoor or outdoor antenna? 4. Look under the Band column of the search results to find out whether you need a combined VHF/UHF Chances are, if you used an indoor antenna before the ON switch, the antenna used for analog signals may still work. Older model directional Indoor antenna Make surethe antenna Is capable ofreceivlng all the over-the-air DTV stations In your area, Basic: ?Even If an antenna Is labeled HON or OlY, it may not be designed to receive all dig/tal channels. ?Check the package to be sure It receives ALL VHF (2-13 or 7-13) and UHF(14~9)channels In your area. ~ .,.'" ?The Consumer Eledronics Association (CEA) 1/ ) has adopted performance specifications~ for indoor antennas. Antennas meeting or ? exceeding these specifications will display \ ; the following logo.~~I",#' .~_# Advanced: ? Directional antenna: receives weaker signals, but may require frequent adjustment. Continued on reverse ? Multi-directional antenna: minimal V adjustment, but will not receive as """--'0 many weak signals Avoid placing an indoor antenna on top of (or near) the TV set or In close Newer .mod.el, multl·dlrectlonal proximity to other electrical devices. indoor antenna Th/slncludes digital video recorders, T OVO players, computers, cable boxes, modems and even compact fluorescent light transformers (CFL). Electrical devices in ' " the home may cause interference to TV reception. antenna or /n a few selected markets a UHF-only antenna. It will also Indicate whether you need an antenna capable of receiving high VHF (channels 7-13), low VHF (channels 2-6), or both. 5. For Information on aiming your antenna, click a station's cal/sign to find the location of the broadcast tower relative to your home, 6. Visit www,antennaweb,org and click HChoose an Antenna" for an alternate method of determining signa/strength. Signal 5.1 outdoor pon-TtlnJllJoa DIIIAS Conn?? Ent~rlOCillon; O'rv R' 1IOf.IE tEARtIABOUT OTV GEl flf'.ll1( GETI 2. Enter your address and/or zip code into the box labeled Enter Location. Click "Go!" 1. Go to www.dtv.govlmaps/ Some stations are broadcasting on channels that are dif ferent from what you see on yourNsel. Call your 10caiN station(s) to get the correct channel(s) that they are using. This information is also available on the following websites: ? Federal Communications Commission: http://www.dtv.gov/ ?National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)I Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Antenna Web: www.antennaweb.orq. ·Ifyou still have questions, call1-B88-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY) for assistance. If you are having trouble receiving free, local over-the-alr television with an Indoor antenna for TV stations broad casting on channels 2-13, we recommend you take the following steps. Make sure you know the actual channels being broadcast In your area. 11'1!Ja I [MJ Addrtu. zip (0)<1... (;.t. ,tc 3. Acolor-coded Jist ofchannels appears below the box. If the signal is Strong (green), a simple Indoor antenna will most likely work. For Moderate (yellow) signals, an Indoor antenna may work. Otherwise, consider an outdoor antenna. Continued from front Try repositioning and moving the antenna to different locations In the room. ? Place the antenna In or near a window, ifpossible. Placing the antenna higher may also help. ?After each move, step back away from the antenna and wait a few seconds to allow the TV set or converter box to retune. In some cases, you may have to rescan your TV set or converter box after each move. You may need to add channels manually If they were not detected In the Initial scan. How do Iconnect an indoor antenna to a converter box and an analog TV? You will need: ?Converter Box ? 75-ohm coaxial cables (2) ?AnaloglV ?Antenna ? Composite ANcable (OPTIONAL) 1. Plug the ends of one coaxial cable Into the IN jack on the Converter Box and the OUT jack on the antenna. ? For antennas with telescoping ·rabbit ears,· experiment with various lengths and positions. Pull the antenna out all the way to receive VHF channel 2 and shorten It to receive VHF channel 13. The remaining channels are best received at antenna lengths somewhere in between. ? You may need to purchase a longer connecting wire to allow for optimal antenna placement. Note: Some antennas have a builHn coaxial cable. 2. Plug the ends ofthe other coaxial cable into the OUT jack on the Converter Box and the IN jack on the analog 1Y. OR If your analog lV has Composite Inputs, connect the red, white, and yellow ends of a Composite AN cable Into the OUT jacks on the Converter Box and the matching INJacks on the analog 1Y. The FCC believes consumers should consider these tips when purchasing an indoor antenna, but does not endorse specific products, brands or services. III - AUDIO·. Y\O(O ANTfNNAIN "...,.~0 AUDiO VlDfO .00 ~~~l:\~('~__ )) ANTENNAS' DIAEDI CIJaDDeIMM/er' 1m3 .....ur.ull.r?.?r' ·Ifyou live close to alVstation tower, but still cannot receive the station, try using a non-amplified VHF antenna. ?Try using an indoor antenna that does not receive FM signals. Amplified VHF antennas (channels 2-13) may harm reception. ?Amplified VHF antennas may amplify the interference from the electrical devices in your home. FM Interference may be an Issue for the reception of DTV channel 6. ·Ifyour antenna is able to receive FM signals, It may be receiving interfering FM signals COnWlltr lItWlllln Ithlltf1 C??Utfoli