More and more individuals outfit their homes with high
definition TVs. Many of them subscribe for a paid HDTV
programming delivered by their cables or satellite
television provider. Due to cables and satellite TV
bandwidth limitations very strong video compression is
often used and, as a result, the video quality is degraded.
Surprisingly, an alternative option of over the air (OTA)
HDTV broadcasts reception is not only free of charge, but
also frequently offers better video quality. OTA HDTV
broadcasts can be received with a simple off-air TV antenna.
Which HDTV antenna to choose? Most of all it depends on the
area you live in. Depending on the broadcasts available in
your location and a distance from the transmitting towers,
you will have to decide on the frequency band you need,
antenna directivity, amplification and placement.
In most cases an outdoor antenna is the way to go. Indoor
antenna reception quality is always inferior to the quality
obtained with an outdoor antenna, especially in remote
areas. However, of you live in a HD signal saturated area
in the immediate proximity to the towers, then an indoor
HDTV antenna may work great for you.
There are many reasons for using indoors antennas, most of
which have to do with the inability of installing an
outdoor television antenna. Indoor HDTV antennas are
especially popular with individuals living in apartments.
Your home may simply not have the space to mount an outdoor
antenna, and there are several indoor models that serve as
space savers while providing you with reception.
Another reason for indoor television antenna selection has
to do with aesthetics. Some neighborhoods forbid
installation of outdoor rooftop antennas. In principle,
according to FCC regulations you have the right to install
a rooftop antenna and nobody can stop you from doing this.
Indoor television antennas are also encouraged for anyone
who may not feel comfortable with accessing their roof and
installing the actual antenna. Furthermore, indoor
antennas do not take the environmental punishments that
outdoor antennas take, so the indoor versions generally
last longer.
The main disadvantage of an indoor HDTV antenna is of
course the reception quality. For an indoor antenna the
line of sight is almost always blocked and the incoming
wall-bounced signals are weak. Physical location with
respect to the broadcasting towers is the key to success.
The impact of construction materials of your house is also
significant. The less metal is there, the better.
Although the reception quality of outdoor antennas is
usually far superior to that of the indoor antennas, the
other factors - including size, cost, ease of installation,
and appearance - may be the deciding factor in your choice
between the two.
Audiovox, RCA, Samsung these are just a few of many indoor
HDTV antenna manufacturers. All of them offer similar
products. For VHF TV channels 2 to 13 all you have is the
well known rabbit ears antenna. Anything more
sophisticated than that in VHF band would be simply too
large to place indoors. UHF antennas are smaller and a
consumer has many antenna types to choose from. The most
basic (and poorly performing) is the UHF loop antenna. More
sophisticated UHF antenna types are directional
log-periodic and scatter plane antennas.
There are numerous pros and cons with the particular
antenna types and brands, so be sure to research a specific
model before you buy. Consider looking at customer reviews,
to see how owners of the model in question rate the antenna
in a variety of arenas.
definition TVs. Many of them subscribe for a paid HDTV
programming delivered by their cables or satellite
television provider. Due to cables and satellite TV
bandwidth limitations very strong video compression is
often used and, as a result, the video quality is degraded.
Surprisingly, an alternative option of over the air (OTA)
HDTV broadcasts reception is not only free of charge, but
also frequently offers better video quality. OTA HDTV
broadcasts can be received with a simple off-air TV antenna.
Which HDTV antenna to choose? Most of all it depends on the
area you live in. Depending on the broadcasts available in
your location and a distance from the transmitting towers,
you will have to decide on the frequency band you need,
antenna directivity, amplification and placement.
In most cases an outdoor antenna is the way to go. Indoor
antenna reception quality is always inferior to the quality
obtained with an outdoor antenna, especially in remote
areas. However, of you live in a HD signal saturated area
in the immediate proximity to the towers, then an indoor
HDTV antenna may work great for you.
There are many reasons for using indoors antennas, most of
which have to do with the inability of installing an
outdoor television antenna. Indoor HDTV antennas are
especially popular with individuals living in apartments.
Your home may simply not have the space to mount an outdoor
antenna, and there are several indoor models that serve as
space savers while providing you with reception.
Another reason for indoor television antenna selection has
to do with aesthetics. Some neighborhoods forbid
installation of outdoor rooftop antennas. In principle,
according to FCC regulations you have the right to install
a rooftop antenna and nobody can stop you from doing this.
Indoor television antennas are also encouraged for anyone
who may not feel comfortable with accessing their roof and
installing the actual antenna. Furthermore, indoor
antennas do not take the environmental punishments that
outdoor antennas take, so the indoor versions generally
last longer.
The main disadvantage of an indoor HDTV antenna is of
course the reception quality. For an indoor antenna the
line of sight is almost always blocked and the incoming
wall-bounced signals are weak. Physical location with
respect to the broadcasting towers is the key to success.
The impact of construction materials of your house is also
significant. The less metal is there, the better.
Although the reception quality of outdoor antennas is
usually far superior to that of the indoor antennas, the
other factors - including size, cost, ease of installation,
and appearance - may be the deciding factor in your choice
between the two.
Audiovox, RCA, Samsung these are just a few of many indoor
HDTV antenna manufacturers. All of them offer similar
products. For VHF TV channels 2 to 13 all you have is the
well known rabbit ears antenna. Anything more
sophisticated than that in VHF band would be simply too
large to place indoors. UHF antennas are smaller and a
consumer has many antenna types to choose from. The most
basic (and poorly performing) is the UHF loop antenna. More
sophisticated UHF antenna types are directional
log-periodic and scatter plane antennas.
There are numerous pros and cons with the particular
antenna types and brands, so be sure to research a specific
model before you buy. Consider looking at customer reviews,
to see how owners of the model in question rate the antenna
in a variety of arenas.
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