When it comes to picking a HDTV antenna it is easy to get lost in all the jargon that is used to sell antennas. This article will pinpoint the important considerations you have to make before you purchase an HDTV antenna.
First up, an antenna will be used to pick up high definition television broadcasts. You will still be able to watch HD discs without an antenna but unless you want to watch HD television you don't need an antenna.
Another important point is that unless your HDTV is quite new it will not have a built in high definition tuner or receiver. If your television does not have one of these you will not be able to view HDTV broadcasts no matter what type of antenna you are using. A tuner or receiver can be added to your television, and is commonly called a set top box. There are a whole range of these devices available at reasonable prices.
Once you have sorted out a tuner, you need to think about the HDTV antenna locations. There are two types of antennas : indoor and outdoor.
An indoor HDTV antenna is essentially used for convenience. People that live in apartments or accommodation where there is no private property to install an outdoor type antenna use indoor varieties. An indoor antenna is also easier to install. However the range of an indoor antenna is limited. If you are living in a metropolitan area and are fairly close to a broadcasting tower then it will be suitable otherwise you probably need an amplified or outdoor variety.
An amplified indoor HDTV antenna has an improved gain over the standard type. This simply means that it will have a more concentrated sweet spot where the picture reception is clear but will not have as wide a range of reception. This could mean that for one channel it will be fine but if you change channels you will probably have to fiddle with the antenna to re-establish a good reception.
Thus the best option is an HDTV outdoor antenna.
Outdoor antennas are effectively defined by their size and directivity. Omni-directional antennas will receive signals from all directions. Omni or multi-directional are good in areas close to a broadcasting station however they do not have the range of a directional antenna.
Directional antennas are like amplified antennas in that they have a greater range of reception in a definite direction. If a broadcasting tower is far away or the HD signal is weak then a directional device is best.
Therefore it is important to find out where the broadcasters of HDTV are in relation to you. In the US this can be done by checking out the Consumer Electronics Association antenna guide. This uses a color coded chart to specify the geographical locations ability to receive TV signals. A green color is the best reception and an omni directional antenna will suffice. The weakest signals are coded pink/violet and a directional antenna would be needed. The chart does not cover indoor antennas.
Outdoor antennas are best as they give you more control however they may not always be convenient. Indoor antennas are small and easy to install but the reception may not be good. If you go down the indoor route then consult a cable TV technician/salesperson or find out if people in your apartment block are using indoor antennas successfully.
Find reviews on the latest home theater components, including Home speaker systems and projectors for home theater systems at http://www.hometheaterreviewed.com . Adrian Whittle writes reviews and features on home theater equipment and accessories.
Source: www.articlecity.com
