As viewers begin to install converter boxes, some are experiencing trouble pulling in all of the digital channels. Because the new UHF signal is subject to more interference than analog’s VHF signal, the type of antenna you have matters more than ever.
Here are some tips issued by PBS and the National Association of Broadcasters for both indoor and outdoor antenna users to best receive DTV:
Indoor Antennas/”Rabbit Ears”:
Generally, indoor antennas are not the best choice for maximum digital signal pick-up. The walls of your house, movement of people in the room and inaqedequate height of the antenna work against good reception. However, an outdoor antenna is not always practical for some. If you plan to stay with your indoor antenna, here are some recommendations from the National Association of Broadcasters:
- Make sure your indoor antenna has UHF capability. This usually comes in the form of a loop or bowtie structure attached to the antenna.
Examples of UHF capable indoor antennas
- If you can’t upgrade to an outdoor antenna, the Zenith ZHDTV1Z antenna is recommended for indoor use.
Outdoor Antennas:
- Choose the type of outdoor antenna based upon the TV station farthest away from your home that you want to be able to watch.
- Depending upon where you live, TV stations could be located far apart from each other and in different directions. Use an antenna rotator; a remote controlled deAvice used to turn the TV antenna toward your desired station.
- Always use coaxial cable for connecting the antenna to the converter box or TV. Twinlead, a less expensive alternative to coaxial cable, does not protect against signal strength loss like coaxial cable does.
Twinlead vs coaxial cable
To read the full publication, which includes more helpful advice about UHF signals, please visit
0 Responses to “More about antennas”