How to Pick a TV Antenna

Whether you're looking to add local channels to your satellite television programming or to pick up free high-definition programs, over-the-air (OTA) TV antennas remain one of the best options for receiving free television programming in your home. And when you're ready to purchase a new OTA antenna, there are a few features you should check for to ensure you take home the best antenna for television. 

Instructions
1.Decide whether you need a directional or omnidirectional antenna. Go with an omnidirectional antenna to receive broadcast from stations positioned in differing locations. Or go with a directional antenna if you want to focus your antenna's power in a single direction.

2.Determine the necessary range your antenna will need to receive broadcast from nearby television stations. Use an online TV broadcast tower locator to find out how far you are from local television stations and what range your antenna will need to have in order to receive television broadcast. For example, if you are 35 miles away from a tower, you'll need an antenna with a range larger than 35 miles. However, if you are out of the 70-mile radius most broadcast towers offer, you'll need to look elsewhere for OTA broadcasts.

3.Check the broadcast bands used by television stations in your area, such as UHF and VHF, while you have the TV broadcast tower locator results pulled up online. With the knowledge of what broadcast bands are being used in your area, you can narrow down your prospective TV antennas to the one that offers the bands you'll need to receive OTA broadcasts in your area.

Tips & Warnings

Deciding between an indoor and outdoor antenna will depend of the range you need. While indoor antennas are often more discrete than their outdoor counterparts, outdoor antennas generally offer the best range and can receive broadcasts without the walls of your home degrading the signal.

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