"No Signal" after connect TV antenna

[EuroFascination]

I have a Panasonic (don't laugh) HDTV. I hooked up the TV antenna (standard, not newfangled HDTV) and checked and double-checked connections were made. I tune around and the screen is just BLUE and says "no signal." Shouldn't I see tons of snow and interference? Or is that the deal with digital TV... that if the signal is all or nothing? If there is not enough (perhaps???) it's just a blue screen. I'm expecting to see SOMETHING before I shell out 50 bucks for a real antenna.

BTW, I see in these forums folks say what their strength (in bars) and SN ratio, etc. How do they know that? Does the TV tell them that or do they have fancy Radio Shack meters or something?

Pete
Charlotte, NC

[tigerbangs]

scan-scan-and-rescan-read-before-posting-t646.html?sid=95729c9bd108a9181003c4335c395fe4#p2383