Before cable and satellite existed, people relied on antennas to receive
analog signals from local TV stations' broadcasting towers. Stations
still send out analog signals, but most now transmit HD digital signals
as well. (Congress has ordered broadcasters to shut off old-style analog
TV broadcasts by Feb. 17, 2009.) Many people aren't aware that they can
get HD over the airwaves, Wilson said. He estimates there are 10 million
households with HDTVs and that fewer than 2 million of them use
antennas. Including homes with analog sets, 15 million of the 110
million households in the United States use antennas. HD antenna prices
range from $20 to $150 for indoor and outdoor versions. The many models
of available indoor antennas look more like a fleet of spaceships than
the rabbit ears of old. Brand names include Terk, Philips, Audiovox,
Jensen and Magnavox. Those really interested in saving a buck and who
have a little MacGyver in them could make their own antenna. Steve
Mezick of Portland, Ore., created one out of cardboard and tinfoil. "I
decided to build it because the design looked exceedingly simple. I
scrounged up stuff around the house and put one together," said Mezick,
a bowling alley mechanic who repairs pin spotters. The 30-year-old has
since upgraded his original design using a wire baking sheet, clothes
hanger and wood. He mounted it to the side of his house and gets all of
his local stations. "It works brilliantly," he said.

This caught my attention since people in rural areas either have to get
cable or a satellite dish. Both come at a monthly price. Mom told me to
put a set of mattress box springs in the tall oak tree in the yard
instead of chainsawing the tree down so that it didn't interfere with
the satellite dish reception. I have fond memories of my dad taking two
old window box fans and hooking them up to a matching coil like citizen
band radios have. I think it is cool that inventors are going back to
rethink some old technology.