In an age when television can be easily obtained by most people via cable, satellite dishes and fiber-optic connections, an estimated 10 percent of U.S. viewers still receive TV signals the old-fashioned way: over the air. Maybe they're onto something. Broadcast television is, of course, free, and some experts say over-the-air signals offer the best pictures via the recently implemented high-definition digital transmission format. But finding the right antenna for your situation could take a bit of research.
Getting Started
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are fine. Attic antennas and set-top antennas -- even those traditional "rabbit ear," "loop" and "bow-tie" antennas -- might be enough to catch a digital signal if conditions are right and you don't live too far from the transmission tower.
But, chances are, it won't be that easy. Your home's walls could block 30 percent or more of the incoming signal. And if you have aluminum siding, the signal could be blocked entirely. Add to that the interference from household appliances, and an indoor antenna might leave you looking at nothing but a blank screen.
That is when it is time to consider an outdoor antenna. An outdoor antenna is necessary if you are trying to receive distant stations. There will be less interference, and there will be fewer obstructions between your antenna and the tower.
The antenna should be mounted at least four feet above your roof's peak, or at least 10 feet up if you have a flat metal roof.
Right Choice
It's important you pick the right antenna for the job. If you're shopping for an outdoor antenna, you'll be able to choose among small, medium and large, and directional and multidirectional.
To help make your decision easier, the website antennaweb.org will give you a tailor-made recommendation for your location. Once you have entered your information, the website will return a list of stations in your area, tell you how far away their towers are, and tell you the best type of antenna for each channel. For instance, the website might tell you that a small multidirectional antenna will be fine for a station only a few miles away, but that a large directional antenna will be needed for a weak signal coming from the next county.
Television installation and repair technicians also are good sources of information for choosing the right antenna for your needs. Some websites that help you locate local TV experts are tvrepairman.com and techhome.com.
Helping Hand
You do, in fact, have one more option for capturing those distant signals: a signal amplifier. Many indoor antennas come with an amplifier already built in, and you can use an amplifier with an outdoor antenna. Amplifiers can also help if there is a long cable between your antenna and your TV set, or if you have signal splitters on your line. But remember, you don't want too much of a good thing. In certain circumstances, using an amplifier can result in signal overload, and that can harm your reception.
Installation
If you do select an outdoor antenna, your next decision will be on install it. Many people mount their antennas on their chimneys, but that's not always the ideal solution. Smoke from your chimney could damage your antenna. Plus, you could find out the hard way if your chimney is not in good shape. If your antenna mast is more than 10 feet tall and not properly guyed, a strong wind could knock down your antenna --- and your chimney.
If using your chimney isn't an option, you can always attach the antenna directly to your roof using a tripod or a base mount. Or you can erect a tower, either stand-alone or bracketed to the side of your home.
Be sure to take safety precautions, especially if you are on the roof, and don't install your antenna near a power line. The distance between your antenna and the power line should be at least double the combined length of your antenna and mast.
And if you'd rather not tackle the job yourself, professionals would be willing to install the antenna for you.
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