TV antennas are making a comeback. Due to technical changes and advances in HDTVs, more and more people are looking to buy antennas. These are mainly required to receive OTA or over-the-air-digital signals and for this purpose, you may need over-the-roof antennas. People who have subscribed for satellite signals also need antennas to receive local channels.
Set-top antennas today, provide cutting edge designs-but they can also set you back by hundreds of dollars. Even the rooftop antennas have gone changes in designs. No longer are the antennas, monster-like and scary; you get many compact designs that fit easily under awnings and in the eaves of roofs. These antennas can also be amplified to boost signal receptions.
Over the air or OTA signals can be broadcast in two ways: the 8 bit vestigial sideband modulation and the other is Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. Each of these systems has pros and cons. The 8 VSB utilizes the broadcasting spectrum more efficiently so the US laws have made this as the broadcast standard for US digital TVs. The reason why antennas have become even more necessary is the fact that the 8VSB signals are difficult to receive in many areas.
An important consideration when choosing antennas for your HDTV is the distance from the broadcasting stations; if you live more than 10 miles away then adequate reception can be had using roof top or attic mounted antennas. On the contrary, the indoor antennas are sufficient for distances less than 10 miles. The other disadvantage of the 8 VSB signal is the fact that it is pretty much unidirectional. Hence you need to invest in good unidirectional UHF antenna. Such antennas are easily available in the electronic stores. Do remember to place the antenna at the highest point on your roof if you live more than 15 miles from the broadcasting station.
Another important factor you must not ignore when you purchase antennas for HDTV is the front-to-back ratio of the antenna. This directly translates to the fact that higher the ratio, better is the signal quality received by the antenna. That said, a highly directive antenna is an absolute necessity in an area with tall, interfering buildings, as it offers a large front-to-back ratio which can prevent this interference.
HDTVs come with HDTV receivers. Some TVs also come with built in HDTV tuners called ATSC. The HD signals can be phased in on some regular and cable channels and a rooftop antenna can receive these.
Experts recommend that best signals reception for HDTVs can be obtained using rooftop based aperiodic antennas. You should alos note that any poor-quality signals and dropped signals are usually due to antenna issues. Many electronic stores carry color coded maps to direct customers as to which antenna is best suited for the area they live in. Hence, if you are in the market for HDTV antennas, make sure you consult a representative in such stores. Most antenna prices cost from $80 to a little over $100. If you are wary of rooftop installation, you can go in for a dealer who sells the antenna and also gives free installation with it.
Set-top antennas today, provide cutting edge designs-but they can also set you back by hundreds of dollars. Even the rooftop antennas have gone changes in designs. No longer are the antennas, monster-like and scary; you get many compact designs that fit easily under awnings and in the eaves of roofs. These antennas can also be amplified to boost signal receptions.
Over the air or OTA signals can be broadcast in two ways: the 8 bit vestigial sideband modulation and the other is Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. Each of these systems has pros and cons. The 8 VSB utilizes the broadcasting spectrum more efficiently so the US laws have made this as the broadcast standard for US digital TVs. The reason why antennas have become even more necessary is the fact that the 8VSB signals are difficult to receive in many areas.
An important consideration when choosing antennas for your HDTV is the distance from the broadcasting stations; if you live more than 10 miles away then adequate reception can be had using roof top or attic mounted antennas. On the contrary, the indoor antennas are sufficient for distances less than 10 miles. The other disadvantage of the 8 VSB signal is the fact that it is pretty much unidirectional. Hence you need to invest in good unidirectional UHF antenna. Such antennas are easily available in the electronic stores. Do remember to place the antenna at the highest point on your roof if you live more than 15 miles from the broadcasting station.
Another important factor you must not ignore when you purchase antennas for HDTV is the front-to-back ratio of the antenna. This directly translates to the fact that higher the ratio, better is the signal quality received by the antenna. That said, a highly directive antenna is an absolute necessity in an area with tall, interfering buildings, as it offers a large front-to-back ratio which can prevent this interference.
HDTVs come with HDTV receivers. Some TVs also come with built in HDTV tuners called ATSC. The HD signals can be phased in on some regular and cable channels and a rooftop antenna can receive these.
Experts recommend that best signals reception for HDTVs can be obtained using rooftop based aperiodic antennas. You should alos note that any poor-quality signals and dropped signals are usually due to antenna issues. Many electronic stores carry color coded maps to direct customers as to which antenna is best suited for the area they live in. Hence, if you are in the market for HDTV antennas, make sure you consult a representative in such stores. Most antenna prices cost from $80 to a little over $100. If you are wary of rooftop installation, you can go in for a dealer who sells the antenna and also gives free installation with it.
About the Author:
Aside from the antenna, ensure you own good-value HDTV. Here's 2 of my top recommendation: L32HDF11TA Review for LCD and Samsung UN32D6000 Review for 32 inch LED.
