It’s a sensible choice.
You want to watch TV, but the cable bill is just too exorbitant. Instead, you’ve decided to opt for a TV antenna, so you can watch your favorite shows and save some money at the same time.
But before you shell out money on a new antenna, there are a few factors to consider. Keep reading to find out what you need to know when choosing a TV antenna.
1. Terrestrial or Satellite?
Before choosing a TV antenna, decide which of the two types of antennas you’ll need: “terrestrial” or “satellite.”
A terrestrial antenna used to be the only kind you could get, and it works by receiving radio frequencies. If you need one of these antennas, you can select between an indoor and an outdoor receiver.
On the other hand, satellite antennas are more common these days. If you use satellite TV, you’ll need a dish antenna. You’ll need to install this properly, with the dish oriented in the right direction. It might help to hire an antenna installation service to ensure the antenna is correctly positioned.
2. The Gain
The next thing to consider when deciding between TV antenna options is the antenna’s gain.
Gain represents the ability of an antenna to acquire signals. In other words, gain measures an antenna’s signal sensitivity. The higher an antenna’s gain, the better it will operate even when the television signal is of low strength or is degraded.
3. Frequency Range
Frequency coverage is one of those TV antennae features that’s easy to overlook. For the most part, TV signals are restricted to the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range, though this can vary depending on one’s country and region.
4. Location
When you’re choosing a TV antenna, don’t forget to consider the antenna’s actual placement. This will affect which kind of antenna is right for you.
It’s a good idea to research local stations, and determine which is the closest, and in which direction it’s located. Your options might be limited, since you’ll also need to position your antenna where it has an unobstructed line of sight.
A better option is to consider hiring installers. If you’re in the Sydney area, for instance, consider Nu-Life TV antenna installation to ensure your system is correctly configured.
5. Consider a Signal Booster
Finally, you might need to use a signal booster or amplifier to enhance your signal.
Signal boosters are more common in remote and rural areas. This is understandable since they’re intended to strengthen weak signals that have traveled long distances.
But even in more urban areas, amplifiers are useful. If you have multiple television sets, an amplifier can improve signal quality to each set. And signal strength can still be spotty, even in a city, resulting in annoying pixelation and time lag issues.
In short, most signal quality and reception issues can be resolved through the use of an amplifier.
Choosing a TV Antenna: Know Before You Buy
That’s really all there is to it. Before choosing a TV antenna, make sure you consider these five factors to find the right antenna for your situation.
And if you found this article useful, please take some time to check out the rest of our site for more tech and gadget news.
