Outdoor antennas for tvs: Outdoor TV Antennas for Digital HDTV

Outdoor TV Antennas for Digital HDTV

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  ClearStream 1MAX UHF VHF Indoor Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 40+ Miles

  The ClearStream 1MAX indoor/outdoor antenna has a 40+ mile range and provides crystal-clear TV signal reception in HD right out of the box. With virtually no assembly required, this antenna has a unique, integrated diplexer for reliable,…

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• ClearStream 1MAX UHF VHF Indoor Outdoor HDTV Antenna with 20-inch Mast

  Range: 40+ Miles

  The ClearStream 1MAX indoor/outdoor antenna has a 40+ mile range and includes a 20-inch mast for easy installation. Enjoy crystal-clear TV signal reception in HD right out of the box thanks to this antenna’s unique, integrated diplexer for reliable,…

• ClearStream MAX-V UHF VHF Indoor Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 60+ Miles

  With our quick-connect assembly, the ClearStream MAX-V antenna is easy to install and customize to your own antenna experience. Our new, exclusive steel wall bracket allows for mounting on a wall both indoors and outdoors. The included adjustable…

• ClearStream MAX-XR UHF VHF Indoor Outdoor HDTV Antenna with 20-inch Mast

  Range: 60+ Miles

  The ClearStream MAX-XR indoor / outdoor HDTV antenna is powerful, versatile, and uses two of our patented loops to receive TV signals 60+ miles from broadcast towers. This antenna requires minimal assembly and includes a 20-inch mast for easy…

• ClearStream 4MAX UHF VHF Indoor Outdoor HDTV Antenna with 20-inch Mast

  Range: 70+ Miles

  Crystal-clear, long-range high-definition TV signals right out of the box! With quick-connect assembly, this antenna receives multi-directional UHF and Hi-VHF reception from the front and back of the antenna. Powerful performance to receive more TV…

• ClearStream MAX-V PRO Indoor Outdoor UHF VHF HDTV Antenna

  Range: 70+ Miles

  With our quick-connect assembly, the new ClearStream MAX-V PRO antenna is easy to install and customize to your own antenna experience. Our new, exclusive steel wall bracket allows for mounting on a wall both indoors and outdoors. The included adjustable…

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  ClearStream 5 Hi-VHF UHF Attic Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 65+ Miles

  This antenna represents a breakthrough in Hi-VHF antenna performance. With its uniquely tuned element and integrated diplexer, it takes on the challenge of reliable long-range, multi-directional Hi-VHF signal reception in suburban and rural areas with…

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• Antennas Direct DB8e 8-Element Bowtie UHF Attic Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 70+ Miles

  This multi-directional UHF antenna features patented elements and specially designed brackets which allow the two panels to turn in different directions to target widely-spaced broadcast towers. The reflector focuses the antenna’s power for added range…

• Antennas Direct 91XG Unidirectional Long-Range UHF Attic Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 70+ Miles

  The 91XG Uni-directional HDTV antenna receives UHF broadcast TV signals 70+ miles away from transmitter towers. Uni-directional antennas are ideal for use in areas where the TV towers are clustered in one general direction. The unique design provides…

• On Sale!

  Antennas Direct Element Unidirectional UHF VHF Attic Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 60+ Miles

  The Antennas Direct ELEMENT TV antenna receives UHF and Hi-VHF broadcast signals from 60+ miles away, a step ahead of our traditional Yagis which offer UHF-only reception. Uni-directional antennas are ideal for use in areas where the TV towers are…

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  Antennas Direct SR15 Unidirectional UHF Attic Outdoor HDTV Antenna

  Range: 50+ Miles

  The Antennas Direct SR15 Uni-directional TV antenna receives UHF broadcast signals from 50+ miles away. Uni-directional antennas are ideal for use in areas where the TV towers are clustered in one general direction. This antenna style provides a more…

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The Best Outdoor TV Antennas of 2023

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Photo: istockphoto.com

Instead of subscribing to streaming services, you could be pulling in free TV channels from the airwaves around your home. The best outdoor TV antennas require only a small investment of time and money, so in little time, you could be saving money on cable and subscription services while watching your favorite TV channels in HD quality.

Outdoor antennas can pull in a range of channels, including local, national, and public broadcasting. They’re also relatively easy to install, either by enlisting the help of a handyman or doing it yourself—provided you don’t have a fear of heights. This guide explores all of the factors and features to consider when shopping for an outdoor antenna, including a list of some of the best ones available.

1. BEST OVERALL: Channel Master Multidirectional ExtremeTenna 80
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pingbingding Digital Amplified Yagi HDTV Antenna
3. BEST COMPACT: Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V Long-Range TV Antenna
4. BEST LONG-RANGE: Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
5. BEST MOTORIZED: Pingbingding Digital Outdoor TV Antenna
6. BEST FOR ATTIC INSTALLS: GE Outdoor HD Long-Range TV Antenna
7. BEST APP SUPPORT: RCA Compact Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna
8. BEST FOR RURAL AREAS: Antennas Direct Multidirectional Bowtie HDTV Antenna

Photo: amazon. com

How We Chose the Best Outdoor TV Antennas

The best outdoor TV antenna should provide a clear picture and offer ample channel options. Our top choices were based on size, mile range, frequencies provided, durable construction, and special features.

The above picks prioritize medium- and large-size options for better connection. For those who live close to broadcasting towers, small options are also featured. Though our picks vary in size, they offer a range of 70 to 200 miles for maximum coverage. All of these offerings also provide VHF and UHF signals, increasing the number of channels available, as well as HDTV 1808i, FM, and 4K and 8K resolution.

Many selections are made from durable materials and mounting hardware to withstand all-season weather. For added convenience, some also include built-in amplifiers, smartphone connectivity, remote controls, and 180- to 360-degree fields of vision. A few of these models can be used as indoor antennas for attic spaces.

Our Top Picks

The best outdoor TV antennas are reliable and deliver solid reception. Some have incredibly long ranges, which are great at picking up TV signals for residents of remote areas. Others are compact and less obtrusive. Here are some of the best ones on the market.

Photo: amazon.com

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Channel Master has been around since the beginning of TV antenna technology. The ExtremeTenna 80 is a product of all those years of research and innovation. This HD outdoor TV antenna has a 180-degree field of view and can pick up channels within 80 miles of a broadcast tower—including VHF, UHF, FM, and HD signals—so homeowners cutting the cord for the first time don’t have to sacrifice their favorite channels.

This antenna requires additional parts for installation. The kit doesn’t include a pole (more appropriately referred to as the mast) or the brackets required to mount it on the side of a house.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Large (33 inches wide by 41 inches high)
• Range: 80 miles
• Ease of installation: Moderate

Pros

• Capable of providing HD-quality picture; ideal for most TV watchers
• Covers a wide range with a 180-degree field of view
• Includes multiple signals such as FM, VHF, and UHF, covering multiple channels

Cons

• Some parts sold separately, making it more complicated to install

Get the Channel Master outdoor TV antenna at Amazon or Channel Master.

Photo: amazon.com

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Anyone who wants to try over-the-air television without a large investment will want to check out the Pingbingding amplified yagi HDTV antenna. When calibrated toward a broadcast tower, this outdoor antenna has a 120-mile range, which is ideal for HD channels and for residents of remote locations. The antenna picks up VHF, UHF, and HD broadcasts, with a built-in amplifier that helps to provide the best possible audio and video quality. It ships mostly assembled and ready to install.

This outdoor HDTV antenna includes the brackets required to secure it to a pole, though the pole will need to be self-installed. It’s also worth noting that the higher this antenna is mounted, the more channels it receives. While this is true for all antennas, lower-end antennas, in particular, need to be installed as high as possible for the best reception.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Medium
• Range: 120 miles
• Ease of installation: Moderate

Pros

• Flexible use; works as a VHF, UHF, and HDTV antenna
• Built-in amplifier helps boost the signal; can help in dense or remote areas
• Includes brackets for mounting, making installation a little easier than other options

Cons

• Installation still may be difficult as it must be placed as high as possible

Get the Pingbingding amplified outdoor TV antenna at Amazon or Pingbingding.

Photo: amazon.com

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When it comes to providing the most capability in a small package, the Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V TV antenna delivers. This compact antenna measures less than 30 inches wide and about 20 inches tall, and the kit includes the mounting pole and brackets for easy installation outdoors. A great choice for rural areas, the ClearStream 4V has a 70-mile range and picks up both UHF and VHF frequencies. This antenna will also pick up HD 1080i channels where they are readily available, without an extra amplifier.

This model includes the parts needed to mount it to a house, but a coaxial cable must be purchased separately.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Medium
• Range: 70 miles
• Ease of installation: Easy

Pros

• Smaller size still able to provide both UHF and VHF connections
• Receives HD 1080i channels without needing an additional amplifier
• Mounting hardware included with clear installation instructions; good for novice installers

Cons

• Smaller size and more limited range may not be suitable in some remote locations

Get the Antennas Direct ClearStream outdoor TV antenna at Amazon.

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Five Star’s outdoor digital amplified HDTV antenna is equipped with the wiring and hardware to hook up to five TVs—a nice feature for larger homes. A J-pole is included, allowing the buyer to mount the antenna to the roof of their home. This outdoor TV antenna provides a 200-mile range when installed within a relatively clear line of sight to the broadcast tower and picks up UHF, VHF, and HD frequencies where available. It also has a built-in 360-degree motor to help find the best signal direction.

This kit is fairly comprehensive and includes quite a few parts and hardware. It requires a bit of assembly, so anyone looking for a kit that’s ready to go out of the box may want to consider another option.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Large
• Range: 200 miles
• Ease of installation: Moderate

Pros

• Huge range; ideal for picking up multiple UHF, VHF, and HD frequencies
• 360-degree motor included; great for easily finding the best signal
• Mounting hardware and pole included, all at an affordable price point compared to other options

Cons

• Some users report difficulties with range and durability; may struggle in more rugged environments

Get the Five Star outdoor TV antenna at Amazon or Newegg.

Photo: amazon.com

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This digital outdoor TV antenna from Pingbingding features easy-to-assemble parts that snap onto the antenna body for a relatively quick setup. It also offers a 360-degree motor, making reception adjustments at the touch of a button possible, either on the control box or with the paired remote controller. The antenna provides a 150-mile range and includes both a J-pole for easy mounting and a coaxial cable.

One issue of concern is that the wireless remote controller for the motor could potentially use the same frequencies as your television remote. If that’s the case, you’ll have to find a way to block the controller’s remote sensor.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Small
• Range: 150 miles
• Ease of installation: Easy

Pros

• 360-degree motor included can maneuver itself to find stronger signals
• Comes with a remote controller; reduces need for manual adjustments
• Includes coaxial cable and J-pole, which makes this quite affordable compared to other options

Cons

• May have connectivity issues with the included remote when used over long distances

Get the Pingbingding digital outdoor TV antenna at Amazon, Newegg, or Pingbingding.

Photo: amazon.com

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This antenna from GE is powerful enough to install in an attic, keeping it out of sight. It’s a great option for heritage homes that have historical societies overseeing any modifications. The antenna offers a 70-mile range and includes the necessary parts to install in an attic or on a roof. It picks up HD broadcasts, working with both UHF and VHF frequencies.

While the kit includes the parts required to install this antenna in an attic, the buyer will need to purchase extra gear to hook up to several TVs, including an amplifier-splitter combination and coaxial cables.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Medium
• Range: 70 miles
• Ease of installation: Easy

Pros

• Interior installation minimizes eyesores on the roof; provides better curb appeal
• Most mounting hardware is included with this outdoor antenna, making installation relatively easy
• Suitable for older or heritage homes; can be installed inside the attic

Cons

• For certain install requirements, additional parts may need to be purchased
• Limited range is likely not suitable for those located in remote areas

Get the GE outdoor TV antenna at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Photo: amazon.com

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One of the most challenging aspects of cord-cutting is the proper alignment of an outdoor TV antenna. RCA’s outdoor antenna uses a free smartphone app, the RCA Signal Finder, to help locate the best signal within a 70-mile radius. The kit includes the mounting brackets, power transformer, and snap-lock elements for easy installation. This antenna also has a relatively small footprint, so attic installations are not out of the question.

This model works as a 4K, 8K, and 1080 HDTV antenna, providing high-quality picture and sound with both UHF and VHF reception. While this RCA antenna includes almost everything one would need to get started, it doesn’t come with a coaxial cable; it will have to be purchased separately to connect it to a TV set.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Small
• Range: 75 miles
• Ease of installation: Moderate

Pros

• Adjustable through smartphone connection; much more convenient than manual adjustments
• Smaller size is easier to manage and safe to install in some attics
• Affordable price point compared to similar models offering the same features

Cons

• Some installation hardware not included; may require more for certain configurations

Get the RCA outdoor TV antenna at Amazon, Newegg, or RCA.

Photo: amazon.com

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This antenna array from Antennas Direct boasts a unique feature. The panels can be turned in different directions to pick up signals from broadcast towers across a wide space. Heavy foliage or roofing materials in rural areas can greatly decrease signal strength. Thankfully, the reflector technology in this antenna provides protection against multipath interference.

Its 70-mile range and adjustable configuration make it an ideal choice for users living outside of the city. While this antenna is not small, it may be the optimal choice for shoppers looking to maximize their TV viewing capabilities in remote locations. Note that this model may need additional hardware to mount and connect.

Product Specs

• Antenna size: Large
• Range: 70 miles
• Ease of installation: Moderate

Pros

• Adjustable to either boost signal from 1 direction or pick up from multiple towers
• Able to protect against multipath interference; ideal for remote areas with foliage
• Users report excellent customer service when dealing with product issues

Cons

• Additional features to combat rural areas makes this a little pricier compared to other options
• Mount and coaxial cable required for installation is not included; needs additional purchases

Get the Antennas Direct multidirectional outdoor TV antenna at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Antennas Direct.

 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor TV Antenna

Several factors need to be taken into consideration before buying an outdoor TV antenna. Where the house is located relative to area broadcast towers, for example, is an important one—the farther those towers are, the harder it’ll be for an antenna to pick up the broadcast signal. Here’s a closer look at what shoppers need to consider ahead of buying an outdoor TV antenna.

Location and Building Structure

A home’s location and construction can have a lot to do with choosing the right outdoor TV antenna. Someone who lives in a city, for example, will have different factors to contend with than someone living in a suburb or rural area.

With broadcast towers nearby, a city dweller might not have to worry much about their antenna’s reception. HOA restrictions or historical society rules on outdoor antennas may pose a problem, though. Many of these organizations don’t want outdoor TV antennas to be visible, so choosing a model that can be installed inside an attic might be a good choice.

Reception quality is a bigger concern for those who live in suburban, rural, or remote areas, far from broadcast towers. An outdoor TV antenna has to be affixed to a tall pole that lifts it as high above the house as possible to pick up a signal.

Antenna Size and Height

When shoppers are on the hunt for the best outdoor TV antenna, size and height can be important factors in how well the device will work. The signal waves that antennas pick up can be blocked by large obstructions like tall buildings, mountains, and even large depressions in the ground. If a homeowner gets poor reception, it might be due to a blockage between the house and the broadcast tower.

In this case, they can purchase a larger antenna or increase the height of the existing one. A taller antenna is more likely to pick up a quality signal and improve reception. This is especially true in a valley. However, larger antennas can pick up weaker TV signals, so they also have their benefits.

Signal Range

If a standard cable isn’t available in the immediate area, the signal range is, by far, the most important factor when choosing the best outdoor TV antenna. For those located a short distance from a broadcast tower, an antenna with a 70-mile range is more than sufficient. Those who are nowhere near the closest broadcast tower will likely find a short-range antenna useless. Instead, they should look for an antenna with a 150- to 200-mile range for optimal broadcast TV quality.

While a signal amplifier can be purchased, too, they usually don’t improve the antenna’s reception. They simply make up for the quality and signal loss that occurs between the antenna and the TV. That said, signal loss could be the actual problem—not the reception the antenna is receiving. In that case, a signal amplifier may be a potential solution.

HD Capability

Whether HD capability actually matters much to the quality of TV programming is a controversial point. Most outdoor TV antenna manufacturers claim their products offer HD capability. For this reason, it might be worth considering if only as an indication of capability.

In today’s TV broadcasting, antennas receive a digital signal, which means the device picks up a channel or it doesn’t. Someone experiencing poor reception likely won’t see a fuzzy picture. Instead, the TV screen will display a “no signal” message. So, if an outdoor HD antenna truly has HD capability, the TV screen should—in most cases—display crystal clear signal quality.

Omnidirectional Reception

Those who aren’t interested in dialing in the perfect reception but would rather purchase a set-and-forget type should consider an omnidirectional antenna. These antennas don’t need to be pointed directly at a broadcast tower for the best possible reception. Instead, these round, disc-like outdoor TV antennas can draw reception from any direction.

These antennas do have their limitations, though. Many omnidirectional antennas, for example, have shorter ranges than the directional types. This type of outdoor TV antenna might be a better option for someone who lives relatively close (less than 100 miles) to a broadcast tower, making it easier to receive a solid signal.

Connectivity

While it’s possible to connect more than one TV to an outdoor TV antenna, there are several factors to consider. It usually works well to use a splitter to divert an antenna’s signal to connect to two TVs; however, it can be difficult to divert the signal to more than two TVs if the antenna doesn’t support dual connectivity. If a coaxial splitter wasn’t included with the outdoor TV antenna purchase, it will have to be bought separately to take advantage of dual connectivity. Despite the word “dual,” it is typically possible to split the signal among three or more separate TVs using a coaxial splitter.

Cabling

If someone lives within range of broadcast towers and has their outdoor TV antenna pointed directly at them yet still gets bad reception, a cabling problem might be the cause.

A broadcast signal travels from the source to the TV through a coaxial cable. Not all coaxial cables are high quality, though. A coaxial cable is available in various grades, with RG-6 being sufficient for standard TV reception and RG-11 being the best for an HD signal. An HD-ready coaxial cable typically provides the best pathway for an antenna’s signal to travel to the TV.

It’s worth noting that a signal amplifier can be added but it won’t necessarily increase the antenna’s reception. It will only work to improve the quality of the signal from the antenna.

Ease of Installation

There’s a reason antenna installers are paid well: It’s not always easy work. Anyone who considers themselves particularly handy can likely install and set up an outdoor TV antenna, though. Most kits provide the necessary hardware to bolt the antenna to a pole, though few include the pole itself.

Choosing an antenna that can be self-installed can save quite a bit of money, even if the pole must be purchased separately. The antenna brackets should be installed on the house or roof first followed by the antenna and pole as a unit. Trying to secure the antenna to the end of a long pole while standing on a roof or ladder several feet above ground should never be attempted for safety reasons.

Tips for Using an Outdoor TV Antenna

Reception and broadcast quality tend to be the top issues outdoor TV antenna users face. If reception is the issue, installing the antenna to a taller pole or mast that lifts it higher above the house might help—the taller the antenna, the better the reception. The entire unit should be brought to the ground in one piece to swap the antenna onto the taller pole and then reinstall it as one piece.

If the TV has a signal gauge, this gauge can be used to determine the location of the best quality signal in the area. While repositioning the antenna, the TV’s signal gauge will adjust accordingly when the antenna’s pointed in the direction of the strongest signal.

Transmitter maps can also help determine the location of the closest broadcast towers in an area. The closest tower may not be the best one, however, if it’s blocked by mountains or other obstructions.

FAQs

Shoppers often wonder whether the outdoor TV antenna they’re considering will work properly once it’s installed. Some don’t know how to find the right spot to install it, while others worry about connection issues. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions shoppers have about outdoor TV antennas.

Q. How does an outdoor TV antenna work?

An outdoor TV antenna intercepts VHF and UHF signals that broadcast towers transmit and sends them to the connected TV. Those TV signals become onscreen images and audio.

Q. Can I put an indoor TV antenna outside?

Indoor antennas may work outside, but they’re rarely water- and weather-resistant enough to sustain outdoor conditions. An outdoor model is built to weather the elements.

Q. How do I get the best outdoor antenna reception?

Point the antenna toward the strongest broadcast tower in the area. Also, consider raising the antenna higher so it can capture the strongest signals. Nearby thick foliage or roofing material can often weaken the signal.

Q. Does aluminum foil boost antenna signal?

Aluminum foil does increase an antenna’s conductive surface area, boosting its signal. It’s unlikely that wrapping an antenna with aluminum foil will work past the first strong windstorm, though.

Q. Can I install an outdoor TV antenna myself?

An outdoor TV antenna can be self-installed as long as the person installing it is comfortable with heights. In most cases, climbing a tall ladder is necessary. Aside from this, mounting and installation itself is usually quite straightforward.

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rating of 2022 according to experts

Russia’s transition to mass digital broadcasting has posed many problems for TV owners. One of them is the design of terrestrial television antennas. Do I need a special digital antenna or is the usual one that was previously used to receive analog television sufficient?

Which model to choose for DVB-T2 reception in a city, country house or countryside? Here is a selection of the best digital TV antennas as of Q1 2022.

Contents

• Which antenna is right for you
• TOP 10 antennas for digital TV

Which antenna is right for you

To figure out which receiver you need, you need to remember the principle on which digital broadcasting is based.

School physics suggests: the shorter the signal, the shorter the wavelength required for its transmission. Therefore, all digital broadcasting takes place in the decimeter range (UHF) – this is the optimal ratio between the transmission rate and the features of signal propagation. Therefore, in order to receive digital television, you need an antenna that can receive the UHF band.

The most important thing when choosing a model is to determine the desired form factor. For a city apartment, a long-range design is not needed, and in the country a room is unlikely to help out. Therefore, before continuing reading this article, we recommend that you read the instructions for.

TOP-10 antennas for digital TV

Ratings like “Best outdoor individual TV antennas” have been compiled repeatedly. However, they are usually ordered by manufacturers or sellers of the relevant equipment and are designed for the fact that the user, after reading the reviews, will want to buy a specific outdoor or indoor model.

If you approach the features of the receiving devices objectively, study more than 500 customer reviews and compare them with the promises of manufacturers, then only a few models can be named unequivocally the best. Here they are:

Indoor passive

Location #

Name

Expert rating

Range

All-wave

#10

Selenga 100

up to 8 km

More details

#9

Delta K131

6.5

/

10

to 12 km

more V Mini Digital

7.4

/

10

to 15 km

more

#7

Locus L 941.10 Kaiman

7.6

9000/

10

up to 20 km

Details

External passive

Location #

Name

Expert rating

Range

All-wave

9000 2 #6

LUMAX DA2505P

7.8

/

10

up to 35 km

More details

#5

900 02 Locus Meridian-12F

up to 65 km

Details

External active

Location #

Name

Expert rating 9up to 100 km cus Meridian-07AF Turbo

9. 2

/

10

up to 80km

More details

Most Powerful Long Range Antennas

Location# 900 03

Name

Expert rating

Range

All-wave

#2

Locus Meridian-12AF Turbo

9.5

/

10

up to 120 km

More details

#1

Locus Meridian-60AF Turbo

9000 2 9.8

/

10

up to 130 km

Read more

Antenna Calculation and production of a log-periodic antenna for DVB-T2

TV antenna. Types and design. Work and application. Features

TV antenna is a device for improving the quality of TV channel reception. The signal received with its help is transmitted to the TV via a coaxial cable, which provides minimal distortion. Antennas can be used to receive an analog, digital or satellite signal, depending on their design features. At the moment, analog television antennas are the most common in Russia. It is broadcast by the Ostankino Tower, using meter and decimeter waves.

The TV antenna is a very common device, because almost no TV can work without an antenna, except for those connected to cable TV. Different settlements have different distances from the repeater. Some houses can be located hundreds of kilometers away, while others are just a few steps away. This factor directly affects the power of the antenna, which will allow you to receive a signal of acceptable quality, compensating for the distance.

All TV antennas can be divided into 3 categories:

• Indoor.
• Outdoor.
• Satellite.

Indoor TV Antenna

These devices are installed indoors. They are the cheapest, and besides this, they do not require complex installation. When choosing in their favor, you do not have to lay a coaxial cable outside, making a through hole in the facade wall or window frame. A huge disadvantage of this design is a weak signal. In this regard, they are installed only in areas with a distance of up to 30 km from a television center or repeater. At a longer distance, the received signal will have a strong distortion, which will not allow you to view a high-quality TV picture.

Indoor antennas can also be equipped with a signal booster. The farther from the repeater, the more powerful amplifier will be required. These devices are divided into two types by design:

• Rod.
• Frame.

Rod

These are the weakest room units. They have 2 or 4 telescopic mustache-vibrators, which pick up the signals. Their length usually does not exceed 1 m. They are connected to a special stand, which has a matching transformer inside, which transmits the signal to the coaxial cable and further to the TV. Using this design has its advantages. It is lightweight, and thanks to the telescopic mustache, it can be compactly folded for transportation.

If the signal repeater is close, the mustache can be made short so that it does not take up useful space. When the TV tower is far away, their height is set to the maximum, which allows you to compensate for the distance. Often, a rod TV antenna comes with a TV. To most, it is known by the popular name “horns”. Such antennas well receive waves in the meter range. To carry out their adjustment, it is necessary to change not only the height, but also the distance between the whiskers, for which their fastening with the help of hinges is provided. The big disadvantage of the rod antenna is the lack of universal tuning. Having set the position of the mustache for good reception of one channel, the second will begin to be broadcast on the screen with interference.

Frame

Frame type devices are more or less perfect. They pick up signals in the decimeter range. These devices have a metal outline, made in the form of a frame, which is fixed on a stand. Such equipment is still better than rod equipment, but still far from ideal. It cannot be used at a considerable distance from the repeater or TV tower.

Outdoor TV antenna

Outdoor antennas are more powerful for receiving a television signal. They are installed on a hill in areas of open visibility. Often such antennas can be seen on the roofs of multi-storey buildings. Residents of the private sector install them on top of a tall metal pipe fixed vertically. In this case, an elevation of 10-15 m is provided, which makes it possible to compensate for the distortion of waves by the walls of houses and tree branches. In fact, the more signal obstructions around, the higher the distance you need to raise the antenna.

These devices come in various external designs, but they are all divided into 2 types according to the principle of operation:

• Active.
• Passive.

Active design

This TV antenna has a power amplifier that allows you to receive signals much better and compensate for interference. Such devices are selected if the repeater is far away, and there are serious signal-scattering obstacles in front of the antenna, such as houses, forest areas and power lines. Also, an active device will be required if the installation is carried out on a lowland, when there is no direct line of sight between the broadcast source and the receiving point.

Active antennas can send signals to multiple TVs. To do this, you just need to use a special tee for coaxial cable. The amplifier they use requires a separate power supply. For this, a step-down block of 12 volts is provided. It connects to the coaxial cable at the TV and supplies voltage to the receiving point to the vibrator antennae, near which there is an amplifier board hidden in a sealed case.

Passive devices

These antennas are cheaper but can only be selected if there is a clear line of sight between the receiving point and the broadcast equipment. In such conditions, the use of an amplifier is not necessary. Residents of individual houses may live too close to the broadcast tower, so they need just such an antenna. But even she can receive a signal with distortion from the fact that it is too strong. In this case, you will need to install special equipment – an attenuator. It allows you to compensate for this shortcoming by reducing the signal strength to an acceptable level for the TV.

Satellite dish

By far the best equipment for receiving a TV signal is a satellite TV dish. It picks up the broadcast not from a TV tower located on the ground, but from a satellite. This is a massive structure, which is many times more expensive than outdoor and even more so indoor devices. The antenna consists of a large white painted metal dish that acts as a screen for focusing the satellite broadcast. The waves that hit it are captured by a converter, which is made in the form of a small head a little smaller than a fist. It tunes in to a specific satellite and receives all the TV channels that it transmits. The number of converters on the antenna differs depending on the region, but rarely exceeds 3 pieces.

The signals from conventional terrestrial and satellite broadcasters are different, so the TV cannot receive them. In this regard, a receiver is installed between the inverter and the television screen. It is a small device, the dimensions of which are slightly smaller than DVD set-top boxes. Its task is to transform the satellite signal into a standard TV signal.

Usually, if there are two TVs in the house, then each of them will need a separate TV antenna, due to the specifics of the converter. When receiving one channel from a satellite, it cannot process another channel at the same time. In other words, if you make such a connection, then all TVs will show one TV channel.

Relatively recently, this problem was solved. Universal converters have appeared that allow you to connect to two TVs, while maintaining the ability to view different channels. Their design provides two inputs for connecting a coaxial cable. Unfortunately the design is not perfect. When choosing such a converter, one TV antenna will be used, but you still need to connect a receiver to each TV.

Satellite devices transmit a much better signal to the TV than terrestrial stations, therefore they are very popular, especially in regions where broadcasters are very far away. Even with very difficult terrain, you will be able to watch TV programs with a perfect picture, which would be impossible with an outdoor antenna. Satellite broadcast interference may only occur in the event of a severe thunderstorm or heavy snowfall.

Satellite dishes have many advantages. They are certainly better than other types, but they also have a drawback. In addition to being more expensive, they require skilled maintenance. It is unlikely that you will be able to install them yourself, since you need to initially check the signal quality and set the dish in the right direction at the right angle. In addition, for the receiver to work correctly, it is necessary to record the frequencies of the broadcast channels, which change periodically. After the firmware, it will be possible to view all the channels for several months, after which some of them will begin to disappear until only a few of the hundreds remain. You will need to re-flash again. Doing it yourself is difficult because you need a special cable and software with channel codes.