Best HD Antenna

Do you live within 20-30 miles of a TV transmitter tower? Then, you are able to use an indoor HDTV antenna rather than a live TV service to get most networks and local channels. You will never be able to predict the ability of an antenna to pick up a given over-the-air TV channel in an area. That’s why antennas are tested in different places in order to gauge average performance. As antenna technology has advanced, the “rabbit-ear” style antennas that were used in previous centuries are getting replaced by HD antennas. Let’s dig into the article to learn more about the best HD Antenna.

What is an HD Antenna?

HD antenna is a type of antenna that is able to pick up local channels, including ABC, NBC, CW, and others in HD broadcast. It helps to stream the channels to the TV directly. These antennas are small in size and come in a sleek design. Also, you can place these antennas inside homes. In order to access channels, you have to plug this into an input on the TV.

How Does an HD Antenna Work?

These antennas can deliver the full signal for high-quality pictures and sound. If your TV uses an HD antenna, it will never have compression-quality issues. These antennas pick up the signals that local and regional television stations broadcast. Based on your location, you can get dozens of stations.

Why Should You Buy an HD Antenna?

HD antennas are able to connect to your TV. These enable you to watch news, sports, etc, on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and other major networks. In addition, you can see PBS and other local channels in your area. An HD antenna provides you with an improved image quality on your TV compared to cable, satellite, and streaming. It is not possible for broadcast channels to compress their signals. Signal compression is essential for cable, satellite, and streaming services. Because of many shows that are pushed through cable, satellite, and Wi-Fi, signal compression is essential.

The full signal is delivered for high-end image and sound quality by the HD antenna. If a TV uses an HD antenna, it will not have any compression-quality problems. Local and regional television stations broadcast signals, and an antenna picks the signals up to work. The number of stations you get depends on where you live. Compared to people living in rural areas, people living in cities get more stations.

In most cases, subchannels are carried by TV stations in their frequency range. Suppose, you get channel 2. Then, it could add programming on channels 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. Shows on the subchannels indicate that you have more things to watch.

You need to choose an antenna, which should receive VHF and UHF signals. These two signals refer to the frequencies used by the stations to broadcast their signals. Suppose a show you prefer is available on a network that is only on cable or satellite. In such cases, you can’t watch them with an antenna. Cable channels mostly do not broadcast over the airwaves.

How To Connect One HDTV Antenna To multiple TVs:

In this section, you get to learn how to get digital TV channels in every room using a splitter.

• Using A Coaxial Splitter With An Antenna:

Hence, you need to use a Coaxial Cable Splitter to split the signal from your TV antenna. After that, you have to feed the data to multiple TVs. When it splits a signal from a TV antenna, watching different channels is possible on every TV, unlike splitting a cable box. It’s one of the reasons you should cut your cable and then switch over to the TV antenna. It is easy to connect a coaxial splitter to the TV antenna. In this case, your task is to attach the splitter to the coaxial cable from the TV antenna you have. After that, you need to attach such cables to the splitter. Next, you should route the cables to TVs throughout your house. Thus, you will be able to watch TV on any of the TVs in your home.

What you need to consider is whether a powered splitter or a passive splitter is required. Signals can be amplified by a powered splitter to the TVs from the TV antenna. On the other hand, a passive splitter works as a straight pass-through. If your antenna is far away from your connected TVs, you need to use powered splitters. However, both types of splitters are available at a low price.

You may experience signal loss when the cable that you have connected to your second TV is longer than 50 feet. Do you need to go farther than 50 feet with the wire? Then, it is necessary to buy a cable splitter or an amplified booster. It lets you achieve a longer distance of quality output. Are you willing to optimize your received signal while using a cable splitter? Then, ensure that you buy a splitter that has the exact number of outputs you need. For example, if you want to hook up an extra TV to your HDTV antenna, you must not purchase a three-output splitter.

What Should I Use: An Outdoor Antenna Or An Indoor Antenna?

The amount of signal lost by you relies on the length and quality of your cable. However, you are always going to lose some signals. Whenever the signal of TV distribution has been split, signal strength is likely to be lost. In order to resolve such issues, you have to use the signal booster splitter amplifier.

It is recommended to use an outdoor antenna. Usually, outdoor antennas are mounted higher off the ground. Thus, it could have a better reception. If you are unable to use an outdoor antenna, ensure that you use a powerful indoor antenna.

Top 3 Best HD Antennas:

1. ClearStream 1MAX UHF/VHF Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna:

Description:

If it comes to talking about channel strength, the antenna is capable of picking up good channels. But sometimes, you may need to put effort into setting up the antenna, compared to other models in the list.

Features:

Setup:

This product comes with strips that are formulated exceptionally in order to peel & stick the antenna to any smooth surface. You will not see any hook, so it will not cause any kind of damage to your walls. So, you can use this model for dorm rooms, RVs, etc. You are able to port this TV antenna at any place. It comes with a 12 ft. detachable coaxial cable.

Not Too Much Assembly Is Required:

As you do not need to assemble the model too much, people living in town areas prefer to use it. Generally, this product is perfect for compact living spaces. A built-in keyhole is there for the wall mount.

Crystal-clear Signal:

Once you start using the antenna, you will have a crystal-clear HD signal. This product is perfect for suburban and rural areas. Other antennas are unable to match its performance in such a compact form.

Whole-home Ready:

You can get plenty of benefits by installing the antenna in the attic or outdoors. Try to install it as high as you can so that it faces less interference or noise from any electronic device in your home. Remember that a single attic/outdoor antenna is able to service many TVs at a time. If you previously used satellite or paid cable services in your home, the coaxial cable must be installed already. The cable has to send the signal from the antenna.

Antenna Point:

It helps the antenna to aim easily. With the help of this point, you can see all the TV-transmitting towers in your area. It lets you see the distance to every tower and a TV channel list. While this app offers a TV coverage zone, it also identifies your location. Thus, you can check if your selected antenna is powerful enough to receive all available TV channels.

Accessories:

It comes with an adjustable mast clamp, a lifetime manufacturer warranty, a keyhole to hang on a wall indoors or outdoors, and all-weather mounting hardware.

Pros:

• Excellent picture quality
• Adjustable mast clamp is available
• A keyhole to hang on walls

Cons:

• It is big and clunky, so it is not suitable for indoors.
• The coaxial cable is absent.

1. Winegard FL-5000 FlatWave Digital Indoor HDTV Antenna:

 

Description:

This antenna comes in a square shape, providing a look like an ultra-thin mouse pad. It comes in a compact design. While you are able to lay this antenna flat beside the TV, you can also hang it on a window or wall. If you are willing to use the available Command Strips, you must identify the ideal place to hang the antenna. Keep in mind that it is never going to be simple to adjust wall hangers after adhering them to a surface.

Features:

Accessories: The package includes a FlatWave FL-5000 non-amplified indoor TV antenna, two 3M Command brand strips, a 15′ mini coax cable attached to an antenna, online instructions, technical manuals & videos, and offers complimentary email & telephone support. If you wish to keep the channel line-up updated, running a channel scan is essential monthly.

Pair With A Streaming Device For More Content:

You can connect this antenna to streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV or Chromecast in order to get maximum programming. It allows you to see multiple TV shows and movies with minimal cost.

Watch Top Rated Shows In HD For Free:

Using this Best HD Antenna, you can now enjoy watching local news, shows, weather, live sports, etc, for free in HD with Dolby Digital Surround Sound. This model can deliver the maximum content that is available in your area. It can receive signals from both VHF and UHF frequencies from up to 60 miles away. In addition, these antennas are equipped with Clear Circuit technology, delivering the best signal quality. While you can watch live sports, weather, news, etc., you can also enjoy popular shows. You can also watch free movie channels offered by new mult-cast channels.

Save Your Money:

For cable per year, the average home spends more than $750. 189 channels are offered with cable, but the average household uses only 17 of them. So, cut the cord, and you will be able to watch what you want without a big monthly bill.

Pros:

• Quick and simple set-up
• Two Command Strips are available
• A 15-inch long cord to tuck behind a TV stand.
• Weighs less than a pound
• Easy to hang on a wall or window.
• Less expensive than others.

Cons:

• Signal strength can get weaker.

1. RCA Ultra-Thin, Multi-Directional, Indoor Amplified HDTV Antenna:

Description:

This HDTV antenna is able to offer local and network television in full 1080p HD quality. It is available in a sleek, paper-thin design that includes an in-line amplifier. This design complements flat panel TVs in recent times. In addition, SmartBoost amplification with the patented technology outperforms traditional and thin film antennas, which you can get from other manufacturers.

Features:

SmartBoost Advanced Digital Technology:

With the help of the unique SmartBoost technology that is available with the amplified RCA Air, you can get precise amplification. Thus, TV tuners are able to pick up and amplify proper TV signals. It is not like the amplifiers of other models, which amplify background broadcast noise. In order to preserve purity, this technology helps to amplify weak signals. Additionally, it can reduce signal noise with precision circuitry.

UHF And VHF Channels In HD:

Several antennas in the market receive UHF broadcasts only, not the VHF. However, every RCA antenna is precision-tuned. Therefore, these can receive both frequencies. Also, these offer you the most HD content available in your area. The HD content includes news, popular over-the-air TV shows, sports, etc. Compared to cable or satellite, these can deliver far better live signals.

Other Benefits:

This product can be mounted discreetly on walls, windows, and other surfaces. The paper-thin design makes it special. Also, the two-sided antenna is reversible as it has two facing options — black and white. It includes double-sided mounting tape and a 12-foot coaxial cable. Besides, the product comes with pre-drilled mounting holes, making it more versatile.

Pros:

• Compatible with up to 1080i HDTV broadcasts
• 360º multi-directional design
• Advanced SmartBoost technology

Cons:

• No clear, consistent signal

How To Choose The Best HD Antenna:

Are you planning to choose between cable and streaming services? Then, you must remember about over-the-air TV broadcasts. An indoor or outdoor antenna helps people to watch TV without a subscription. Generally, free TV comes with some major networks, like ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Channels that people get rely on where they stay. For instance, if you live in a town or the suburbs, you will likely get more channels than living in a rural area. Let’s learn how to choose the best HD antenna for your TV.

Indoor Antennas vs. Outdoor Antennas:

Indoor TV antennas are mounted inside homes, and these hook up to the TV. In most cases, indoor antennas include a coaxial cable used to attach to the TV. Usually, these come with a wide, flat surface, about the size of a magazine. You can mount such antennas on a wall or window. Compared to outdoor antennas, the cost of indoor antennas is lower. It is simple to install these antennas.

The design of outdoor HDTV antennas allows them to be placed in attics or on rooftops. These come in larger sizes than the indoor ones. Also, these are more sensitive. Antennas can receive more channels when they have a larger surface area. The outdoor antennas are up high, allowing them to get long-distance signals. Such antennas receive broadcasts with less interference. In addition, their cost is more than that of indoor antennas. While installing an outdoor antenna, you have to access the attic or the roof.

Before you buy the best antenna, you need to know the distance between your TV and the antenna.

Ensure that you have enough wire to connect the antenna to your TV when you install this.

Amplified Antennas:

These antennas help to increase signal strength. If you live far away from a TV station, it becomes harder to pick up a broadcast signal. So, people living in rural areas or suburbs should use amplified antennas. Because of bad weather, amplifiers can compensate for signal interference.

Directional vs. Multi-Directional Antennas:

People call standard HD antenna models directional TV antennas. These are built in order to receive signals from a direction. Suppose your antenna is facing the north. If so, then you are likely to get signals from that direction. Keep in mind that directional antennas come with a fixed position. These do not move in any direction.

The design of multi-directional antennas allows you to get signals from more than a single direction. You can move their positions in order to get improved signals. Suppose such an antenna is facing north. Hence, you can turn the direction to the West to see what will come in.

HD Antenna Location:

Before purchasing an antenna, you need to search online for the nearest TV stations. You have to put in your address via different sites like antennaweb.org. When you use this type of website, you get to see the transmitter location with the number of stations available in your area. If you put your address on this site, it will let you know how many miles the transmitters are away. The broadcasting of TV signals is done over the air. Therefore, your home can be closer to the transmitters than the distance you imagine.

Indoor HD antennas are beneficial for those who live in a town or close to it. Remember that the range of these antennas varies. A few are able to pick up signals even from a distance of 70 miles. Others may be able to receive the broadcasts from 40 miles away.

If the TV tower is further away, you will need a more powerful antenna. Do you live a long way from TV stations? In such a case, you will require an outdoor or amplified antenna. The range is one of the factors that classify antennas. If you use a 50-mile antenna, you will get signals from 50 miles away. There are a few long-range antennas that receive signals from 125 miles away. Generally, you need to invest more money for the longer range antennas.

Trees, huge buildings, etc can affect the reception of an antenna. You should also know that the height of the transmitting tower of a TV station can affect the strength of the signal. Does your house have an old rooftop antenna? If so, then you should hook up this to your TV. Also, see if any TV station comes in. Analog antennas are able to receive digital TV signals.

The Bottom Line:

Now, you have learned how to choose the best HD antenna for your TV. Once you invest your initial cost to purchase the antenna, you can easily enjoy the free broadcast TV. You will get more options when you live closer to the stations from where the signal is coming. Outdoor antennas boost the signal range that you are able to pick up. To help you to choose the best HD TV antenna, in this article we have mentioned top 3 models. According to your needs and requirements, you can choose your required one from the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which type of antenna is best?

People mostly prefer directional or Yagi antennas.

• What makes a good HD antenna?

If an antenna’s surface area is large, it can receive more channels.

• Do HD antennas really work?

You can get top-quality local channels from HDTV antennas. These are useful for those who are willing to watch only some specific channels and do not require plenty of additional content.