Digital TV antennas have progressed far. Here are the top ten things you should know.
1. Broadcast Signals Beat Satellite and Cable
You don’t pay for over-the-air television, and the definition and quality of sound are top-notch.
2. Discover New Local Channels
Most broadcasters offer extra free regional programming, including news, sports and kids’ programmes.
3. Signals Are Free from Major Networks Over the Air
Some cable and satellite broadcasters are funded by advertisers. So your regional news, sitcoms, sports and movies are free if you have an antenna.
4. Digital Antennas Are Typically Known as HD or HDTV
Digital antennas receive identical sound quality and pictures. Broadcasts may be in HD or standard definition.
5. Channels and Sub-Channels
Broadcast stations transmit a signal providing numerous ‘sub-channels’: for example, channel 8 has sub-channels 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and so on. Each channel can broadcast on one to four sub-channels.
6. Antennas Go Hand in Hand with Cable and Satellite TV
When your cable or satellite disappears due to emergencies or poor weather, getting over-the-air signals with a digital antenna will provide you with the latest information.
For more on digital TV see https://www.independent.co.uk/money/broadband/what-is-digital-tv-8205780.html.
7. Before Getting an Antenna, Locate Broadcast Towers
Antenna arrangements are tailored to the neighbourhood where you live. For Welsh expertise see TV Aerial Installation in Swansea from
https://www.onevisionltd.co.uk/tv-aerial-installation-swansea.
8. Trees, Hills and Buildings Interrupt Signals
Digital TV signals are ‘line of sight’. The higher your antenna, the better the reception. Signals go through walls and other materials, but otherwise can weaken. Overlooking the broadcast towers is best.
9. No Antenna Is Perfect
Antennas come in all many different shapes. Narrow-focused ones are directional, while multi-directional ones are also available. Superior antennas, like the Tapered Loop, are specially tuned for particular frequency ranges and issues of geography.
10. Tips for Successful Installation
– Installing outdoors is superior, but antennas can also be located inside or in attics.
– Straightforward connections are best – the more junctions, the greater the loss of signal.
– Whenever the signal is split (to serve another TV), its strength is diminished, so an amplifier low on noise may compensate for this.
– The antenna should be installed where the signal is present. Try out different locations to find signals: often one corner of a room will be better.