Is my old roof antenna worth anything?

[TheFantod]

I recently had had my roof replaced (after Irene dropped a tree through it).

I had forgotten that old school, 40+ years old antenna was even still up on my roof. When they replaced the roof, they left if off and it's laying in my backyard.

I was thinking of putting it in the "Free" section of Craigslist, but then I got to wondering if it's worth anything.

I assume antennas still work for those without cable TV? I think that's what those converter boxes were for a couple of years back?

So should I try to sell it, or just give it away? If it's only worth $20, I'll give it away, but if it's like, $50 or even more, I might want the cash.

Opinions?

[Demon_Hunter]

I'd give it away. You can buy a new one for about $50 at Lowes.

[Spinal Tapper]

I didn't think those even function anymore. I know "rabbit ears" supposedly don't work on televisions, so not sure why the old antenna would either.

Maybe you can sell it as art...?

[Demon_Hunter]

They work great actually. If you don't have/want cable or satellite hook up this thing and you'll get a great picture as long as you have a digital convertor box or your TV is digital ready

[OldDog52]

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

I didn't think those even function anymore. I know "rabbit ears" supposedly don't work on televisions, so not sure why the old antenna would either.

Maybe you can sell it as art...?

Local stations are still required by the FCC to broadcast over-the-air. What's changed is they're broadcasting a digital signal now, not analog. The antenna is very likely still usable for receiving digital signals. The only issue might be if you have a VHF-only antenna and all the digital broadcasts are on UHF. If you have a strong signal it might still work though.

[Spinal Tapper]

Originally Posted by OldDog52

Local stations are still required by the FCC to broadcast over-the-air. What's changed is they're broadcasting a digital signal now, not analog. The antenna is very likely still usable for receiving digital signals. The only issue might be if you have a VHF-only antenna and all the digital broadcasts are on UHF. If you have a strong signal it might still work though.

Originally Posted by Demon_Hunter

They work great actually. If you don't have/want cable or satellite hook up this thing and you'll get a great picture as long as you have a digital convertor box or your TV is digital ready

I see...

Good to know my cable company conned me into buying cable. Especially because they mainly said the price of my internet would go up without purchasing their cable service

I don't even watch tv, except football....

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Originally Posted by OldDog52

Local stations are still required by the FCC to broadcast over-the-air. What's changed is they're broadcasting a digital signal now, not analog. The antenna is very likely still usable for receiving digital signals. The only issue might be if you have a VHF-only antenna and all the digital broadcasts are on UHF. If you have a strong signal it might still work though.

Outdoor antennas have gotten popular again for DTV reception among people who don't want to pay to have cable or satellite TV.

That doesn't necessarily mean that any particular antenna is worth much, since there's no real shortage. Someone might be willing to pay $20 for yours, to save a trip to Radio Shack or Best Buy.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

I didn't think those even function anymore. I know "rabbit ears" supposedly don't work on televisions, so not sure why the old antenna would either.

Maybe you can sell it as art...?

Actually, rabbit ears are still necessary for those w/o cable, using digital converter boxes. I know, because my upstairs TV gets no signal without them!

But, I like the sell it for use in art idea.

[Roscoe East]

What's it made of? If it's just generic pot metal you probably can't get much for it...but some old rooftop antennas were made of solid copper, and copper prices are through the roof! (pun intended)

[MJ5150]

You can use rabbit ear antennas to pick up HD channels too.

-Mike

[SkiFor3]

Supposedly you are able to get a better HD signal over the air than what a lot of cable companies offer. That's if you're in range of the tower. I used an antenna for about a year. when it was a clear day had great HD reception from the local stations but i am far enough away that when the weather was bad I would get frozen frames etc.

[MJ5150]

That is true. I know two guys who get HD over the air. Great quality signal.

-Mike