Looking for ways to cut your monthly expenses? Getting rid of cable is a great place to start. Use these tips to find the best external TV antenna.
Cable and satellite TV aren’t cheap.
That’s if you hadn’t already noticed!
Indeed, you can expect to pay an average of $107 every month. That’s a lot of money by anyone’s standards.
For this reason, many people are resorting back to digital antennas. Far from being a relic of a bygone era, these antennas offer a huge array of channels, with great quality, all for free. You can see the appeal!
But not all antennas are made equal. There are certain things to consider when buying one that’s right for your home. Keep reading to find out how to choose the best external TV antenna possible.
Top Tips for Your External TV Antenna Selection
A TV antenna is a good bet for anyone hoping to save some money. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to install it either. You can hire professional aerial installers to do it for you.
First, though, you need the antenna itself. Here’s how to choose it.
Find the Transmitters
TV antennas require a line of sight to the transmitter.
Without it, you’ll struggle to get the reception you desire. That’s bad news if you have particular channels you want and all manner of obstacles (and a significant distance) between you and the station itself.
You don’t want to buy the antenna only to find it won’t provide the channels you need. Be sure to check where the transmitters are for your local stations beforehand. Do this by heading to this website and entering your address.
Choose the Right Type
There are two main types of antenna: VHF and UHF.
These acronyms stand for very-high-frequency and ultra-high frequency, respectively. The different frequencies cater to different channels. The majority of TV stations (1,300 of 1,800) are UHF.
If you want to receive all channels, including low-band VHF channels, then you’ll require a VHF/UHF antenna that covers the whole range of frequencies. You’ll be up to speed with all your TV entertainment in no time!
Likewise, be sure to choose an antenna that can actually receive the transmission. Directional antennas only pick up signals from a set direction. If you aren’t sufficiently in line with the station, then you won’t get the channel. An omnidirectional antenna may be required.
Keep Size in Mind
In practical terms, the main difference between UHF and VHF antennas is the size.
VHF frequencies require larger antennas to receive the signals properly. Be sure to take that into consideration when deciding what’s right for your home. That channel you’re determined to watch may mean you have a much larger antenna on the side of your house.
Is it worth it? That’s for you to decide.
Buy With the Right Dealer
There’s room for error with an antenna.
It’s easy to get the antenna home and find there’s no reception. You may have an obstruction that stops the signal or be too far away from the transmitter. Your neighbor may have perfect reception with theirs. But that’s no guarantee that you’ll enjoy the same.
That’s why it’s a good idea to buy from dealers that offer a money-back guarantee and no-hassle returns.
Time to Wrap Up
There you have it: how to choose the best external TV antenna for your needs.
Cable and satellite TV aren’t cheap. If you’re getting tired of paying the monthly bills and don’t want to stop watching TV, then a digital antenna may be an ideal alternative solution.
Hopefully, the advice above will help you choose the one that’s right for you.
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