Selecting An HD Television Antenna
Millions of Americans are firing their cable and satellite TV providers. Monthly fees keep going up and customer satisfaction keeps declining. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon’s Prime Video are good alternatives but don’t provide live sports and local news.
Many people don’t realize that you can you can receive FREE high definition television programming using a low cost and easy to install antenna. Thankfully, The Federal Communications Commission’s OTARD Rules protect homeowners from overbearing homeowner’s associations who try to prevent homeowners from installing outdoor TV antennas.
What Features To Look For
An amplified antenna will normally provide better reception. A non-amplified antenna might be all you need depending on your location. Every situation is different though. Distance from the broadcast towers, variation in terrain and ground clutter can affect signal strength. Non-amplified antennas work well for those living within 15 miles of the broadcast towers. Amplified antennas can generally pull in broadcast signals up to 50 miles from the broadcast towers.
Antenna Costs
Indoor television antennas normally sell for $20 to $70 depending on the various features included. versions. There are certainly cheaper alternatives available but be wary of extremely inexpensive antennas. They tend to offer poor performance. Outdoor antennas can cost anywhere between $30 and $150. An outdoor antenna normally offers the best overall performance.
Choosing An Antenna
There are some resources available to make choosing an antenna easier. One of the best is AntennaWeb.org. This website allows you to generate a custom report showing all the broadcast channels you can receive based upon your location. The report also offer suggestions for the type of antenna you will likely need to receive signals.
Indoor Antennas
If you live within 15 miles of the broadcast towers, an inexpensive indoor antenna might work well for you. We’ve selective a few options based upon actual user experiences.
The 1byone 50 – 85 Mile Range Amplified HDTV Antenna features a detachable amplifier signal booster for the highest performance and 10 Foot long coaxial cable. The antenna’s High Performing Slim Design is lightweight so you can hide it behind the TV, lay it flat on the table or stick it high on a window. The long cable makes it easy to place the TV antenna for the best reception. This TV Antenna can be powered by an AC outlet or a TV’s USB port.
Mohu has long been a popular indoor TV antenna brand. The Mohu Curve 50 Indoor TV Antenna is Mohu’s latest offering. It’s multi-directional design doesn’t require pointing to receive optimum signal strength. We like that this antenna is 4K ready and paintable to match any decor. The Curve also comes with a nice stand and a 16 foot long high performance cable.
Outdoor Antennas
Vilso’s 150 Mile Outdoor Antenna is extremely popular. It comes with a remote control that allows users to rotate the antenna a full 360 degrees for optimal reception. This antenna features a built-in super high gain and low noise amplifier for interference free reception. We like that this antenna comes with 40 feet of cable and a strong mounting pole. The superior construction and weather resistant design ensures long lasting and trouble free performance. Vilso even offers a 45 day warranty.
Channel Master CM-4228HD Antenna is an 8-Bay, phased array, multi-directional outdoor antenna that receives high definition and digital signals from a span of 180 degrees. This antenna has a reception range of up to 80 miles. This antenna is ideal for installing on a mast, roof, attic, mast, eave, or chimney. It comes with a 90 day warranty.
Installation
Installation of an indoor antenna is fairly straightforward. Setting up an indoor antenna should take less than 15 minutes. Installing an outdoor antenna will take longer and requires good planning. The main concerns are line of sight towards the broadcast towers and install height. Use the information gained from the Antennaweb.org website to help you chose a location to mount your antenna. There are free cell phone apps that can assist you in accurately pointing your antenna. You’ll need some basic hand tools and possibly a drill to properly mount your antenna or mast. Check the section below for additional supplies you may need to install your antenna and achieving good results.
Additional Supplies
When installing an antenna you might need extra items to complete the installation. A high quality coaxial cable helps to ensure good signal transmission. If you have to cut and splice cables the proper crimping tools are essential in making reliable connections. If your installation requires drilling holes for mounting screws you will need an inexpensive cordless drill. If you are not completely comfortable working at heights on a ladder ask someone to help you with the installation.
