I'm trying to buy a scanner for my grandfather who likes to sit at home and listen to his scanner most of the day to pick up police and fire frequencies.. so do anyone knows a good site i can look?? also i heard something about scanners going digital like tv signals should that impact my search also??

 

I've got a 100 channel Bearcat (Uniden) hand-held scanner. It's got side bands. (80 band up to 900 band) It's also got the weather band..
Uniden - Products - Scanners

Radio Shack makes decent scanners.


I don't know about your grandfather's local PD, Fire etc.. but scanners here are just about obsolete. Our Police and Fire dept have that new (whatever it's called) system. They no longer put out a frequency. Scanners can't pick them up anymore. The sheriff's dept still has the old system, so I can still hear them, as well as the surrounding counties. I sure miss hearing what all goes on in our city.

 

RadioReference.com is a great site for scanning and two way.

As for the lack of activity, it's likely that the traffic is now digital.

If you want something uncomplicated the Radio Shack Pro 107 is as easy as it gets.
RadioShack PRO-107 Police Scanner Radio

 

+1 on radioreference. I lurk there every now and then.
Scannermaster is a good place to actually buy the scanner, though.
The 107 does look neat, but there's no mention of trunking or P25 digital capability, which you'll need both to listen to the Virginia State Police shortly (if not already).

 

The 107 is trunking, but analog only.
Pro-107 - The RadioReference Wiki

If you have P25 systems in the area, you need to look for something else.

This website seems to be pretty good at recommending a unit based on your location.
Police Scanners