Ever since the switch from analog to digital television, there has been confusion about what are the correct TV antennas to use. There was analog and now there is digital TV and there is HDTV which stands for high definition TV.
Cutting the Cord
By cutting the cord and using free local over-the-air television stations, you can watch many of your favorite TV shows and news. Plus most of your local televisions have several sub-channels with all kinds of programming.
Adding a service like Netflix for even more choices for about $10 per month added along with your local stations and your set for a fraction of the cost of satellite or cable TV.
Buying the Right HDTV Antenna
There is no difference between digital TV antennas and HDTV antennas. An antenna is built to operate at certain frequencies regardless if it is analog, digital or HDTV. For television, there is low VHF (channels 2-6), high VHF (channels 7-13) or UHF (channels 14-69).
Most digital TV stations are on frequencies in the UHF range, but there are still enough channels in the VHF range that some have to buy an antenna for both VHF and UHF. You can buy an antenna for low VHF, high VHF or a UHF antenna or you can buy an antenna that covers all ranges.
If you live in an area with many tall buildings around you, another problem is called multi-path. This is a TV signal bouncing off of buildings causing a pixilated picture. A directional antenna or preamp can help minimize this problem.
There are also situations where your local TV transmitters are in different directions from your house. For this, you can get an antenna that receives all directions (omnidirectional) or you can get a directional antenna that you can turn towards the TV transmitter for best reception.
What TV stations you want to receive and where they are located will help you decide which type of antenna you need. A directional antenna receives well in only one direction, the direction it is aimed.
Antennas are rated in dB gain (decibels) and the higher the dB figure, the more gain the antenna has and the further distance it should receive.
Getting to Know Your Local TV Channels
When deciding on which HDTV antenna is right for you, it might be helpful to know the RF (radio frequency) channel of your local TV stations. After the switch to digital, television stations were allowed to keep their old channel numbers, known as virtual channels, but most actually changed their RF channel frequencies.
For example, I have virtual channel 2, but it is actually RF channel 34, and where you live might have similar situations. When buying an antenna, you should not buy one for low VHF only or UHF only, you should look for a VHF/UHF antenna to receive all possible channels.
There are several good online tools that will show you which local TV stations you can expect to get. Most of these online tools will only show you the main channel, not their subchannels. An online over-the-air TV guide from your local newspaper website should show you all this information.
Online tools like the FCC and TV Fool will show you the local stations. You might get more or less when you scan for your stations.
Outdoor HDTV Antennas:
- Channel Master CM-5020 is a highly rated outdoor TV antenna that covers the VHF, UHF and the FM bands with good gain across all of these frequencies and a range of up to 100 miles. The CM-5020 is built sturdy with a double boom to withstand ice and wind storms.
- Winegard HD8200U is another highly rated outdoor HDTV antenna that covers the entire television spectrum with a range of 65+ miles. Antennas Direct 91XG is another highly rated outdoor or attic HDTV antenna with a range of 70 miles.
Small HDTV Antennas
If you live in close proximity to the local TV transmitters, you probably won’t need a large directional antenna. Or you might live in an area with restrictions against having an outdoor antenna. These small antennas can be mounted outside in inconspicuous places and still get very good HDTV reception.
Many of these small HDTV antennas can be used indoors near your TV or put in the attic with good results. It might take some time to find a spot in your home or apartment to get the best reception. Usually near the window is the best place to mount a small indoor TV antenna.
One of the most highly recommended TV antennas for putting outdoors or in the attic is the
RCA-ANT751E. it has a rated range of 70 miles and is pre-assembled. Another recommended indoor/outdoor TV antenna is the Clearstream 2V.
Indoor HDTV Antennas
You might be surprised; your old VHF/UHF rabbit ears antenna might just work fine for your location. Good indoor HDTV antennas include:
- Winegard Flat Wave Amped FL5500A with a 50 mile range
- Amazon Basics Ultra Thin indoor TV antenna with a 50 mile range
HDTV Antenna Accessories
Antenna Rotors: If you need an outdoor directional antenna and your TV stations are located at different directions from your home, you might need a rotor to turn the antenna. With the rotor, you will also need rotor cable to power it.
Coax: Most coax is known as 75-ohm coax. There are several types, RG-59U, RG-6, and RG-11. The longer the length of coax, the better quality coax you should buy. RG-59U can be used for 100 feet or less. RG-6 or RG-11 is best for longer lengths.
Matching Transformers are sometimes needed for an HDTV antenna. They are small and cheap little devices that connect between the antenna and coax line. A matching transformer is also called a 3-to-1 (3:1) balun.
Preamplifiers or preamps can be useful if you are trying to receive TV stations from a long distance or your reception is still not good. One popular preamp is the Winegard LNA-200.
Antenna Safety
Do not try and put up the outdoor TV antenna by yourself, unless you know what you are doing.
The antenna can be heavier than you think when you try to get them up with a mast, and even heavier and more awkward when you add in the coax and especially a rotor.
And you have to be aware of where the power lines are and make sure to stay away from them.
Copyright © May 2011-2018 Sam Montana
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