Finding the best outdoor HDTV antenna for your situation may seem like a daunting task, but it doesnt have to be. We will review some resources, tips, and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your outdoor HDTV antenna purchase. Keep in mind that the right antenna for you depends on your geographic location and viewing needs.
First, why an outdoor antenna? You may have attempted to use an indoor HDTV antenna, only to be frustrated by signal dropouts. While there are some good indoor antennas, they do not work well for everyone. You can get much more bang for your buck by mounting your antenna in an outdoor location. You will also get a more reliable signal from an outdoor HDTV antenna.
Your outdoor HDTV antenna does not need to be an obtrusive eyesore. While it is true that a large antenna on a large tower will give you better results, most people, especially in major metropolitan areas, will require something much smaller. A small antenna mounted on a simple rooftop bracket works well for many people. Another option for outdoor antennas is to mount them in an attic, if you have the space. There is some degradation in signal quality, but for some people, attic mounting is the preferred option.
If you live in an apartment or condo complex, your landlord or condo association may try to discourage you from installing an HDTV outdoor antenna. According to the FCC, you are protected and have a right to install a small antenna. According to regulations passed, apartment managers must allow requests to install a traditional stick-type antenna, or a satellite dish of 1 meter or less in size, on a balcony, balcony railing, or patio that is part of your property. These guidelines are subject to reasonable restrictions, so in practice, there may be some room for debate as to what is reasonable.
Go to AntennaWeb.org to start your research into local TV stations broadcasting digital signals. This is the first step in picking out the best HDTV outdoor antenna for your location. Enter your home address, ZIP code, and fill out the extra info about tall trees and the number of stories in your home. You can skip filling out your email address and phone number.
When you enter your address at AntennaWeb.org, you will get a list of nearby TV stations, or more specifically, where their broadcast towers are located. Each station is identified by their call sign, channel number, network, location, compass heading, distance, and the frequency of their true broadcast channel (which may be different from their DTV channel number). Click the radio button to select Digital Stations Only, as these are our main concern when finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna.
You should now have a list of local TV stations broadcasting in digital, listed in order from easiest to most difficult reception. Focus on the first stations listed, and see which ones are most important for you to receive. Your HDTV outdoor antenna will probably be pointing at a cluster of stations near a major city. If the stations are too spread apart, each at different compass headings, you may need to install a rotator to help a more directional antenna lock onto a signal better.
Finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna can be as easy as following the recommended antenna type from your results at AntennaWeb.org. Each antenna type has one of six color codes: small multidirectional, medium directional, medium directional with pre-amp, large multi-directional or small directional with preamp, and large directional with pre-amp. Pick an antenna from the appropriate color-coded category for the best results. - 23812
First, why an outdoor antenna? You may have attempted to use an indoor HDTV antenna, only to be frustrated by signal dropouts. While there are some good indoor antennas, they do not work well for everyone. You can get much more bang for your buck by mounting your antenna in an outdoor location. You will also get a more reliable signal from an outdoor HDTV antenna.
Your outdoor HDTV antenna does not need to be an obtrusive eyesore. While it is true that a large antenna on a large tower will give you better results, most people, especially in major metropolitan areas, will require something much smaller. A small antenna mounted on a simple rooftop bracket works well for many people. Another option for outdoor antennas is to mount them in an attic, if you have the space. There is some degradation in signal quality, but for some people, attic mounting is the preferred option.
If you live in an apartment or condo complex, your landlord or condo association may try to discourage you from installing an HDTV outdoor antenna. According to the FCC, you are protected and have a right to install a small antenna. According to regulations passed, apartment managers must allow requests to install a traditional stick-type antenna, or a satellite dish of 1 meter or less in size, on a balcony, balcony railing, or patio that is part of your property. These guidelines are subject to reasonable restrictions, so in practice, there may be some room for debate as to what is reasonable.
Go to AntennaWeb.org to start your research into local TV stations broadcasting digital signals. This is the first step in picking out the best HDTV outdoor antenna for your location. Enter your home address, ZIP code, and fill out the extra info about tall trees and the number of stories in your home. You can skip filling out your email address and phone number.
When you enter your address at AntennaWeb.org, you will get a list of nearby TV stations, or more specifically, where their broadcast towers are located. Each station is identified by their call sign, channel number, network, location, compass heading, distance, and the frequency of their true broadcast channel (which may be different from their DTV channel number). Click the radio button to select Digital Stations Only, as these are our main concern when finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna.
You should now have a list of local TV stations broadcasting in digital, listed in order from easiest to most difficult reception. Focus on the first stations listed, and see which ones are most important for you to receive. Your HDTV outdoor antenna will probably be pointing at a cluster of stations near a major city. If the stations are too spread apart, each at different compass headings, you may need to install a rotator to help a more directional antenna lock onto a signal better.
Finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna can be as easy as following the recommended antenna type from your results at AntennaWeb.org. Each antenna type has one of six color codes: small multidirectional, medium directional, medium directional with pre-amp, large multi-directional or small directional with preamp, and large directional with pre-amp. Pick an antenna from the appropriate color-coded category for the best results. - 23812
About the Author:
Tomas Lindstrom is a hobbyist who enjoys watching free over-the-air HDTV and finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna. He is continually researching different outdoor antenna options to find the best products available.
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