How to choose an antenna

There are many antennas to choose from, but according to our experience, we have obtained the best results with the Mohu, Clearstream and Channel Master models. We suggest you read this article to get the perfect idea for antenna installation and choosing the best one.

Here are some basic tips to guide you in your search.

Receiving address
One of the most important things is the reception address. In general, most of the antennas on the market are omnidirectional, which means that they can pick up signals regardless of how they are oriented. That said, some only receive signals from one or two directions. Keep in mind in which direction is the transmission towers near your home, and look for antennas that can be easily mounted to get the best possible reception.

Receiving range
While the receiving address is important, don't forget to pay attention to the reception range. It is likely that most antennas pick up channels if you live in metropolitan or suburban areas, but things become less secure as you move away from signal towers. You can find the distance to your nearest transmission point (s) using this web tool.

In general, you will find antennas with reception rates of 20, 30, 40 or 50 miles, but keep in mind that the ranges listed by the manufacturers are only estimates and may not be completely accurate, since there are no universal test criteria, for Not to mention that environmental factors will impact reception. As long as you are within the operating range of an antenna you should not have problems, but if you are at the limit, it is better to opt for something with a wider reception.

Receiving Amplification
Amplified antennas can help, but the term "amplification" can be misleading. Essentially, the amplifiers built into these antennas make weak signals stronger for your TV tuner to recognize more accurately. However, amplifiers do not improve reception quality.

In fact, it is not recommended to use an amplifier when it is not necessary, as it can degrade the signal it sends to your TV, which means worse picture quality. In general, amplifiers are only a good idea if you live 50 miles or more from the transmission towers, or if you are sending the signal from a single antenna to multiple televisions.

Outdoor antennas
Outdoor antennas are generally larger and more durable than their indoor counterparts, and although they are mounted on a ceiling, they can provide a better reception, they are priced higher. In some cases an outdoor antenna may be the right choice, especially if you live in rural areas, but generally an indoor model will work well.