In the past, television sets came with a simple and free antenna in the box. Although these antennas weren’t as powerful as modern-day antennas, they did a good job. Over the years and as technology developed, high-definition TVs (HDTV) came into existence, offering sharp pictures and clarity. With HDTVs, all you need to get access to your local TV stations is a low-cost TV antenna. For some of the newer antennas, roof installation is not required. Below is a guide on TV Aerial Installation for your home.
Television Antenna: The Fundamentals
A television antenna is designed to boost over-the-air broadcast signals received by your television. Most television antennas pick signals that are between 41 to 250 MHz. However, not all antennas can pick the very high-frequency band. When purchasing an antenna, you should know that there are two types: indoor and outdoor.
The indoor antenna is one of the commonest options for many people because it offers installation convenience. You can install the indoor antenna directly on top of the television set. On the other hand, the outdoor antenna is installed in barrier-free areas, mostly on the roofs.
Installing an Outdoor Antenna
Installing an outdoor antenna can be tricky, especially if you have never done it before. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install it perfectly.
Step 1 – Select the Right Antenna
There are different kinds of antennas on the market nowadays. Before you think of installing your outdoor antenna, the very first step is to go out to purchase one. The process may be intimidating and tedious. However, be sure to choose a product that offers the technical advantage that you need. You should read online reviews before buying.
As part of the buying decision, you should also become familiar with various outdoor antennas.
Small Multi-Directional Antennas – These are the smallest kinds of outdoor antennas. They are designed to receive signals from all directions.
Medium Multi-Directional Antennas – These are a lot more powerful compared to the small multi-directional antennas. They are equipped with a wing-shaped long element and a novel stick.
Large Multi-Directional Antennas – These are larger than medium-sized antennas and offer an even more powerful signal trapping strength. With this type of antenna, you can enjoy a wider array of TV signals.
Small Directional Antennas – these are great antennas with the potential for high-quality pictures. However, they work best in the absence of signal reflecting structures.
Medium Directional Antennas – Average in size and offer an even higher picture resolution. This type of antenna has a grain-reducing characteristic, thus making it a more popular choice.
Large Directional Antennas – This is used in areas with poor signal strength. It helps to harness signal strength and deliver the best quality reception.
Step 2 – Prepare for Installation
You should know that different directions can give access to a wide range of signals. Some directions offer better signal strength than others. If you have found an optimized direction, make sure to secure the mounting bracket to your roof as contained in the product manual. Use screws or other tightening products provided by the installer to affix the mount to your roof. If you have to drill holes in your roof, make sure that you aren’t doing too much damage to it.
Step 3 – Assemble the Antenna and Pole
Some antennas are sold as solid pieces; others need to be assembled. Depending on the one you have purchased, follow the assembly information as contained in the instruction. Once the setup is complete, you can attach a pole to the antenna for more ground clearance. It is believed that the taller your antenna, the higher the chances of receiving signals. However, you should note that fixing it on your roof has given it some ground clearance already. If there is no pole supplied as part of the antenna kit, make sure to use a short and sturdy pole for mounting.
Step 4 – Connect the Antenna to your TV
After installing the antenna on your roof, the next step is to connect it to your television set. Once connected, tune your TV in search of frequencies and channels. If you find that your television is still unable to pick relevant channels, adjust the direction of the antenna. Some antennas come with remote controls that allow you to change the direction of the antenna from inside your home, while you may have to do it with others manually.
