4 Things to Know Before You Buy a TV Antenna

  • Because more ‘signal’ is usually better than less…

When shopping for a television antenna, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These include indoor or outdoor antennas, signal strength, and installation. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid making a mistake. You can also save money by purchasing more than one antenna.

1.    Indoor vs. outdoor

When deciding between an indoor TV antenna and an outdoor TV antenna, you need to consider the range of the signal. Most indoor TV antennas are only capable of picking up signals at a range of about 70 miles. For areas where broadcast towers are far away, you will need a larger antenna with a range of between 150 and 200 miles. The range will depend on the type of signal that you need to receive, as well as your distance from the tower. A Novawave TV antenna will provide a better reception and offer a wider range of channels. You can also find outdoor TV antennas that are capable of receiving signals at higher resolutions, including 4K resolution.

The most common location for an indoor antenna is on the wall in the same room as the television. However, if you have limited space, you can try mounting it higher up on the wall near the ceiling. Choosing the right location for your antenna is important because the direction will affect how well you can pick up the signal. You can ask your neighbors which direction works best for their homes.

2.    Amplified vs. non-amplified

If you want to receive the best reception, you should know the difference between an amplified and a non-amplified TV antenna. Amplified antennas will get the best signals, but they may not work well if your signal is weak. In such a case, a non-amplified antenna will do the trick.

When choosing the right type of antenna, you should first consider the frequency for your location. There are two common frequencies: 47 and 250 MHz. In some countries, those frequencies are higher. If you have a higher frequency, it is recommended to choose an amplified one. Both options may work for you, and the decision is ultimately up to you.

An amplified TV antenna is usually a small plastic box that attaches to the TV antenna pole. It improves the signal that the TV receives, resulting in a higher-quality image and clearer sound. In addition to that, some of the best TV antenna amplifiers can distribute a signal to multiple televisions, which can significantly increase the quality of reception.

3.    Signal strength

When choosing a TV antenna, signal strength is an important consideration. An antenna’s reception is dependent on a variety of factors, including your location, type of building, and distance to the broadcast tower. You can use reception maps to see the different types of channels available in your area.

Signal strength predictions are based on a terrain-sensitive propagation model used to calculate service contours for licensed broadcast television stations. This means that actual signal strength can vary, particularly in hilly areas. In this case, it is best to choose a TV antenna that can accommodate your area.

4.    Installation

Before buying a TV antenna, it’s vital to consider its installation. Whether you have a wall-mounted or free-standing antenna, you need to plug it into something. It can either be your TV, another TV, or both. You’ll also need to place your TV in a location where the antenna cable can reach it easily. You can’t use multiple TV antennas in the same room, though.

An antenna can be connected directly to your TV or an external tuner box. If you buy an external tuner box, you may need some home networking skills. You should also find a good spot on your roof for the antenna. Remember that the antenna must face the direction of the TV broadcast.

A good idea is to ask for an estimate before you purchase a TV antenna. Most people choose to place the antenna in the same room as the TV. However, you may want to consider placing it higher in your room. Many of today’s flat antennas are painted non-metallic, so they will blend in with your decor.

 

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