LCD TV and DTV?

[JohnnyDaJackal]

Not sure where to put this thread, but this seemed my best bet. If it's in the wrong section, please move, thanks!

I have a fairly basic question regarding a new LCD TV and the new FCC DTV mandate. I have a second home in the deep woods of PA, where I have an older TV that uses the 'bunny ears' antenna to pick up channels. I've been considering getting a new TV for other reasons, but now with the DTV mandate, I'm thinking this might be a good time. From what I understand once February 17, 2009 comes along I won't pick up signals with my setup unless I got a new TV or got the converter box.

I'm looking to pick up a 26" LCD TV, preferably this Vizio
Costco - Vizio 26" Flat Panel LCD HDTV
It's pretty cheap at Costco, and I think it will fit my need nicely. My question is what do I have to do to get local channels? I already looked at the model in the store and all it has is A/V, S-Video and component jacks. I'm just wondering if it's possible or needed for a 'bunny ear' antenna to pick up the signals for the channel.

I don't subscribe to a satellite/cable service out there because I'm not up there enough, and I usually watch DVDs at night. I do like to pick up local channels for the news and weather during the day.

Any help would be greatly appreciated since I don't know too much about newer TVs, and what I would need to do to get this one working. I also don't want to buy something that won't work up there.

[LADNAR]

You may need an external anntenna on the roof, if you can receive signal now, you should be able to receive signal digitally witha digital set. Folks have 2 new DTVs and both are picking up signal through antenna signal. Its nice to see the weather at all times on the DTV set like 13-2 or 8-2. one local station has not yet gone digital but the PBS station has 2 above the normal station.

[Tripperfx3]

As I understand the new mandate it's not the TV that's the problem. For some MUCH older sets it may be, but the thing is is that your rabbit ears picks up an analog signal naturally, so when the switch to DTV the converter box is used to take that analog signal and make it digital. So you may still need the converter box unless the TV has a built in converter which I haven't seen in the add, so it may be a question to ask if you buy the TV.

[Bunky]

I had a analog set fairly remote area and could not pick up many stations clearly with a large external antenna. I bought a converter box using the coupon.

Interestingly, I could not pick up some stations before with stronger analog signals (maybe digital ones not as strong) but picked up other stations. The good news is the ones I get are perfect (no snow). During the summer the signals were not as strong (you can view signal strength). I assume the trees with leaves caused this. We verify again this fall.

I could not receive anything with the converter box and rabbit ears.