This is a subject we talk about with a lot of things, I guess. We love to say “they don’t make them like they used to.” It’s true that in the past, most things were built to last. They were also a lot more expensive. 100 years ago, a person in the middle class generally had just 1-2 pairs of shoes, and they got them repaired when they broke. 75-year-old cars are built with thick iron and steel parts, and they’re surprisingly repairable if you can get parts for them. We’re beginning to see that early computers from 50 years ago will still work if a few components can be replaced. Let’s also not forget the late 1990s-early 2000’s Toyota Camry, perhaps the most durable car still on the road.
A TV antenna put up on a roof in 1960 might still be up there, and in good shape. That’s what we’re talking about here. I think we all have some doubts about the durability of TV antennas made today, though. More importantly, should we really care if the antenna we buy today will still be out there in 65 years?
Why antennas were more durable in the past
The antennas your grandparents bought were tough. They were made largely of thick aluminum or steel. They were heavy and they were built to last. But, let’s look at the other side of the equation: cost.
This antenna, listed in the 1970 Radio Shack Catalog, is roughly equivalent to our HD8200XL in its capabilities. At $31.95 back then, that equates to about $250 today. If the antenna was in stock at your local store, that’s what you’d pay (plus sales tax, which was also lower back then.) If you had to have it shipped, you’d pay to ship a 10 pound box. Our antenna is frequently available with free shipping and we only charge tax in states where we’re forced to.
You have to consider cost, especially lately. The truth is that there aren’t many people who would pay that amount of money for an antenna. We sell some expensive antennas, but they generally include amplifiers and power supplies too.
Bulk doesn’t always mean durability
Just because something is heavier doesn’t mean it’s better. This video is from several years back but it makes the point. In it, a 1959 Chevy is crashed, head-on, into a 2009 Chevy. Both cars are decimated, but the 2009 car’s driver is still safe. Yet, the ’59 is bigger, heavier, and full of big, thick, chrome parts.
There’s a lesson to be learned in terms of durability. Don’t assume that the biggest, heaviest antenna is going to hold up the best. One of our least expensive antennas, the HD-Blade, is also one of the flimsiest. It’s so thin it can’t even stand up by itself. Yet, with double laminated plastic over silver, it’s also incredibly durable. It will stand up to a lot of punishment and still work.
If you’re looking for a durable antenna, they’re still out there. This DATBOSS MIX LR antenna uses laminated aluminum and UV-resistant plastics for maximum durability. Televes, the maker of this antenna, has similar antennas in Europe that have held up for 40-50 years. It’s more expensive, especially with shipping, but the point is that you can still get a lifetime antenna if you want one.
There’s never been a better time
The point is that there’s never been a better time to get a TV antenna. There are more stations and more programs available than ever. The quality is better than ever. A TV antenna will save you more money than ever compared to pay-TV or streaming. And I’m willing to say that the average family needs that savings as much or more than ever.
In the 1950s you had one choice: pay a lot and get something that lasts. Today you can choose how much money you want to spend and how long you need the thing to last. You can choose how committed you’d like to be.
When you’re ready to talk antennas, shop the great selection at Solid Signal! If you need help choosing the right antenna or if you have any questions at all, call us! We’re here for you during East Coast business hours at 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
