The TV antenna is making a comeback.
Wait a minute, hold on, isn’t that obsolete technology? With everything digital nowadays, what’s the reason for the sudden surge in popularity?
The answer, ironically, is also because everything is digital today. Most people pay for streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, or Hulu. What streaming offers and what cable offers overlap and with the rising costs of cable TV, there are plenty of reasons to cut the cord.
On the other hand, over-the-air TV is the perfect complement to streaming services. With the right antenna placement, you can access free local channels that you won’t find on Netflix.
Yet, even with new tech in antenna, such as signal amplifiers, you still need to find the right spot for your antenna. Here are some tips to help you position your antenna to pick up the best signal possible.
Map It Out
Before buying a new TV antenna, you should begin by knowing the locations of the TV broadcast towers in your area. This will give you an idea about the type of antenna you need. Your distance to the tower will determine whether you should buy an indoor, outdoor, amplified, or non-amplified antenna.
You can check out this handy TV coverage map to help you get started.
Also, some antennas are directional or unidirectional. This means that they have to be oriented toward the local transmitting tower to receive a signal. Identifying the location of the tower can guide you in pointing the antenna in the right direction.
“Take Me Higher”
If there’s one rule that’s true about finding the optimum placement of your antenna, it’s that higher is better.
Even if you have an indoor antenna, you should try to put it as high as you can in the room. In some cases, you might have to use a long coaxial cable to install the antenna in a different, higher-level room, like the attic.
If you have an outdoor antenna, the ideal site is on top of the roof. This will give you the best reception and access to more channels.
Three Important Words About Antenna Placement: Line of Sight
TV signals are like a sniper’s bullet. They need a clear path to reach the target. If there are fewer obstructions between the tower and your antenna, you’ll have a clearer reception.
So what counts as obstruction? Thick walls, ceilings, trees, and buildings will interfere with the broadcast signal. Some electronic devices, such as consoles and computers, may also sabotage the transmission.
This is why placing the antenna near the window, away from electronics, will often give you the best results. There are also antenna models that are flat and square-shaped. You can mount this type of antenna on the window by securing the four corners with adhesive.
You might have to try a few different windows or external walls to figure out the sweet spot. Just remember to keep the pathway from the tower to the antenna unhindered and you should be good to go.
Picture Perfect
As a cord-cutter, you can only enjoy your freedom from the shackles of cable companies if you’re getting high-quality TV signals. These tips about antenna placement should provide endless hours of entertainment and keep you from going back to cable.
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