Antennas Advance Into The Digital Age.

This article focuses on new trends in digital antennas, as of August 2005. With the new U.S. Federal Communications Commission mandate to include digital TV tuners in 50 percent of all televisions measuring 25 inches to 35 inches, and 100 percent in sets 36 inches and up, the demand for antennas to access digital signals is becoming a critical part of the TV environment. Also, the only way consumers can receive free off-air broadcast TV continues to be through the antenna. Factor in a retailer's add-on benefits for an antenna sold to a consumer who has just purchased a digital TV (DTV), and the importance of the antenna accessories category at retail takes on additional importance. Jasco offers two new indoor high definition TV (HDTV) antennas, said by the company to deliver outstanding performance and incorporate contemporary design elements that are consistent with the high-tech look of TV hardware. Also, available from the broadline-based product company is the GE Contempo digital antenna, which receives HDTV signals for the most sophisticated televisions on the market. The other market opportunity for DTV/HDTV antennas is the outdoor market. And in the outdoor market, new technology with smaller antenna systems that are easy to install and can be mounted practically anywhere is going to be the driving force behind new consumer purchases for outdoor antennas.