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TV Antenna Buying Guide

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Are you ready to stop paying for cable and start getting free TV? Buying a TV antenna is a great way to receive local channels for free in HD quality. In this TV antenna buying guide, we will go over the basics of TV antennas and how to choose the right one for you.

Do people still use TV antennas? Yes! according to Nielsen,*(1) who measured TV antenna use between 2010 to 2018. They reported that TV antenna use grew by approximately 1 million new users yearly, growing from 11 million to 16 million. So as long as people can save on monthly cable and streaming services, TV antennas will continue to sell.

What to Look for when Buying a TV Antenna 

When buying a TV antenna, one thing to look for is durable construction. Quality antennas are typically made of weather-resistant materials, such as aluminum or plastic. This helps protect the antenna from the elements and ensures that it will last for years.

Next, make sure that the antenna has a wide range of signal strength. It should process both UHF and VHF broadcast frequencies. Channels 2 through 13 generally use VHF and 14 through 36 use UHF. Quality antennas are designed to receive signals from a variety of sources, allowing you to receive more channels and better picture quality.

The third thing to look for is an adjustable design. Quality antennas are designed to be adjusted for optimal signal reception, allowing you to get the best signal possible no matter where you live.

The fourth thing to look for is an amplifier. An amplifier can boost the signal strength of your antenna, allowing you to receive more channels and better picture quality.

Next, you should look for a warranty. Quality antennas typically come with a warranty, allowing you to get a replacement if your antenna fails. 

By following these tips, you should be able to find a quality TV antenna that will provide years of reliable service. With the right antenna and a bit of patience, you can enjoy free, high-quality television for years to come.

Now that you have these generalities nailed down let’s move on to something a little more specific when it comes to picking out a good TV antenna. Let us look at the pros and cons of using a digital TV antenna.

pros-vs-cons

The Pros and Cons of Using a Digital TV Antenna

Digital TV antennas are becoming increasingly popular as more people turn away from subscription cable and dish services for their television needs. What is a digital antenna? These antennas offer a number of advantages over traditional antennas, including better reception, more channels, and improved signal quality. However, there are also some drawbacks to using a digital TV antenna. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a digital TV antenna.

The first pro is that digital antennas are more powerful and can receive a wider range of signals. This can allow you to receive more channels and better picture quality.

Secondly, digital antennas are less susceptible to interference from other signals. Digital antennas are exposed to the elements, which can help filter out interference from other signals such as cell phones and Wi-Fi. This can lead to a better picture and fewer dropped channels.

The third pro is that digital antennas are less likely to be affected by obstructions. This can allow you to receive a stronger signal and better picture quality. Now let us look at some of the cons.

The first con is that digital antennas are more expensive than traditional antennas. This can be a barrier to entry for some people, especially those on a tight budget.

The second con is that digital antennas require more effort to install and adjust. Digital antennas are typically mounted to the roof or wall, making them more difficult to adjust and move around.

By weighing the pros and cons, you should be able to decide if a digital TV antenna is right for you. With the right antenna and a bit of patience, you can get the most out of your television viewing experience.  

If you’re undecided about whether to install an indoor or an outdoor TV antenna, let us next look at some of the benefits that you may enjoy by installing an outdoor TV antenna.

outdoor tv antenna

outdoor tv antenna

The Benefits of Using an Outdoor TV Antenna

Outdoor TV antennas are becoming increasingly popular as more people turn to cord cutting services for their television needs. These antennas offer a number of benefits over indoor antennas, including better reception, more channels, and improved signal quality. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using an outdoor TV antenna.

Outdoor TV antennas can be a good choice for those who live in the suburbs or slightly more rural areas. You’ll get a stronger signal compared to indoor TV antennas because outdoor antennas have better line-of-sight to the transmitter, which gives better signal strength and quality.

Outdoor antennas give you a better chance at good performance even if you’re many miles from the broadcast towers. 

By using an outdoor TV antenna, you can enjoy free, high-quality television with minimal fuss. With the right antenna and a bit of patience, you can get the most out of your television viewing experience. 

Now at this point you should be getting close to narrowing down what you would need in a TV antenna. So whether you live in a rural area or if you just desire to be able to raise your TV antenna capabilities to the next level, we will next look at how to choose the right amplifier for your TV antenna.

We have reviewed these 2 ClearSteam antennas and they can be either mounted indoor or outdoor.

How to Choose the Right Amplifier for Your TV Antenna

If you’re looking to get the most out of your TV antenna, an amplifier can be a great investment. An amplifier can boost the signal strength of your antenna, allowing you to receive more channels and better picture quality. Here we’ll take a look at how to choose the right amplifier for your TV antenna.

The first step is to identify the type of signal you’re trying to receive. Different amplifiers are designed to work with different types of signals, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the right one.

The next step is to determine the size of the amplifier you need. Amplifiers come in a variety of sizes, from small indoor models to large outdoor models. The size you need will depend on the type of antenna you have and the size of your home.

The third step is to consider the features you want. Some amplifiers come with features such as noise reduction, signal boost, or adjustable gain. These features can be helpful in certain situations, but they also add to the cost.

Finally, you should consider the price. Amplifiers can range from relatively inexpensive models to expensive models with all the bells and whistles. When choosing an amplifier, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the features you need at a price you can afford.

By following these steps, you should be able to find the right amplifier for your TV antenna. With the right amplifier, you can enjoy free, high-quality television for years to come. 

Hopefully by now you have learned a little bit more about the ins and outs of choosing the right TV antenna for your needs. But in the next section we will take a look at the different types of antennas and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

interior tv antenna

interior tv antenna

The Different Types of Antennas and their Advantages and Disadvantages

TV antennas come in a variety of types, shapes and sizes. Because of that it can be difficult to determine which one is best for you. To help you decide, let’s take a look at the different types of antennas and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Indoor antennas are the most common type of antenna and are typically used for receiving local broadcasts. These antennas are relatively inexpensive, but they are limited in their range.

Outdoor antennas are larger and more powerful than indoor antennas, allowing you to receive a wider range of channels. However, they can be more expensive and require more effort to install.

Directional antennas are designed to receive signals from a specific direction, allowing you to receive more distant channels. They too are also more expensive and require more effort to install.

Multi-directional antennas are similar to directional antennas, but they are designed to receive signals from multiple directions. This allows you to receive even more channels, but they are a little more expensive.. 

Finally, there are amplified antennas, which are designed to boost the signal strength of your antenna. These antennas are typically more expensive, but they can be useful if you’re in an area with weak signals.

When choosing a TV antenna, it’s important to consider your needs and budget before making a purchase. Indoor antennas are generally the least expensive option, but they may not be able to receive all the channels you want. Outdoor, directional, and multi-directional antennas all offer more powerful signals, but they can be more expensive and require more effort to install. Amplified antennas are the most expensive option, but they may be necessary if you’re in an area with weak signals.

No matter what type of antenna you choose, you should be able to enjoy free, high-quality television with minimal fuss. With a bit of research and the right antenna, you can get the most out of your television viewing experience.

 


FAQs

Yes, digital TV antennas are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to pick up digital signals without the need for an additional converter box. However, it is important to note that some digital signals may be too weak for a digital TV antenna to pick up, so you may need to opt for an amplified antenna in order to get the best reception.

When choosing a TV antenna, you should look for models that have a good range and can pick up both UHF and VHF signals. Additionally, you should look for antennas with durable construction and weatherproof features in order to ensure that your antenna will be able to withstand the elements.

 


References

  1. Nielsen. The Nielsen Local Watch Report. Accessed February 22, 2023