Reasons to Install a TV Antenna

The most common reason to install a TV antenna in the home is to be able to watch over-the-air television. In contrast to satellite television or cable networks, this form of primarily local television broadcasting is free, which means that it can save homeowners quite a lot. In addition, over-the-air television can often be geared more to the local area, which might be beneficial to those living in a rural location or a small town. Rather than watching the news from a city several hundred miles away or trying to guess the weather based on what it might be in the nearest city over, local television may end up being more specific to a particular area. Believe it or not, over-the-air signals now come in HDTV, which can actually provide a much clearer picture than even satellite. In some cases, a TV antenna can be the cheapest option as well as the best for serious viewers who want the best possible picture on their screens.

Choosing the Right TV Antenna

There are three major decisions that need to be made when choosing the right kind of TV antenna. Homeowners will need to select between a uni-directional and a multi-directional antenna, an indoor and an outdoor antenna and an amplified or non-amplified antenna. A uni-directional antenna, as the name implies, is one that receives signal from one direction. This kind of TV antenna is best for getting signals that are further away. Being geared to just one direction increases the pull of the antenna and may work best for those who are getting signals from one city in particular. A multi-directional antenna, on the other hand, can seek out signals from most directions surrounding the home, but it is also more likely to pick up noise distortion or receive slightly less clear picture. Indoor antennas are very small, typically less than one foot in height, and can be placed right on top of the television unit. Although very affordable and requiring minimal installation, an indoor antenna simply can't compete with the range of quality of the much larger outdoor antennas, most of which come in around 8 feet in height or more. Normal weather conditions and the location of the television can also play a role in what antenna is the best choice for a home.

How Terrain and Location Can Affect TV Antennas

The taller a TV antenna, the better the signal will be on the screen. Although this has to do with the size and quality of the antenna itself, it also has to do with terrain. If a home is surrounded by tall trees in every direction, these trees will serve as an interference to the signal. The same goes for the home's elevation. Being located on the top of a large hill or mountain might mean impeccable reception and a clear signal, but a location in a valley can be the opposite.

DIY vs. Professional TV Antenna Installation

Many homeowners believe that installing a TV antenna is a relatively straightforward job that they can do on their own. However, anytime a person is dealing with electronics, particularly on a roof, there is a risk. Hiring a professional means minimizing that risk and relegating the job to someone with the tools and know-how to complete the installation quickly and securely. Plus, professional installation means that there will be fewer problems in the future. A heavy storm or strong winds, for example, could loosen the antenna. Professionals are more likely to install the TV antenna correctly the first time so that there are fewer complications.

Additional Features for a TV Antenna

Along with the TV antenna itself, additional items can help maximize the utility and reception in a home. In some areas, radio signals will interfere with the television broadcast, but a simple interference filter can eliminate that problem altogether. Similarly, an amplifier helps strengthen reception signals coming from many miles away. A rotor is a device that lets users control the direction of the antenna, which can be helpful if signals come from two opposing directions. Finally, some homeowners don't want to install their TV antenna to the roof, so they opt to invest in a dedicated pole, or mast, on which the antenna can be placed.

Factors That Affect the Total Project Cost

The quality and size of the TV antenna as well as the need for professional installation will be the biggest factors when it comes to cost. However, additional factors might also include the following:

• Interior attic installation
• Hidden wiring inside the home
• Remote control rotor for easy use