I have used that in the past. Pull out the tv, unattach the cable from the tv in input, attach the rabbit ears to the input, play around with them to get a signal...or just pull out the b/w and turn it on, while my kids continuing watching pre-recorded shows on the DVR.

I see your point, and I have a pair...just in case, but it also makes me keep the little b/w functioning at all times.