Choosing from Indoor and Outdoor Antennas | How to Install TV Antenna

Name: Colour and Grey
Address: 47-49 Park Royal Rd, London NW10 7LQ, 47-49 Park Royal Rd, England, NW10 7LQ, GB
Telephone: 0207 760 7658
Rating: 5

cgadmin

July 3, 2023

Blog

How to Choose from Outdoor and Indoor Antennas?

There are many types of antennas available in the market based on their specifications, such as shapes, sizes, durability and frequency ranges. Selecting the right antenna depends upon the intended use and the compatibility of the antenna. However, there are some factors that may help you in making an informed decision, which are explained below:

Compatibility with the Device
Gain of the Antenna (ability to transmit in a specific direction)
Directional and Omnidirectional Antennas
Frequency Range of the Antenna
Environmental Conditions
Intended Placement

Advantages and Disadvantages of Indoor Antennas

Advantages

Cost-effective alternative to outdoor antennas.
Easy installation without complex mounting procedures.
Convenient and portable, allowing for flexibility in placement.
Reduced susceptibility to weather-related issues.
Compatible with modern TVs with built-in digital tuners.
Option for signal amplification to improve reception.

Disadvantages

Limited range compared to outdoor antennas.
Susceptible to interference from electronic devices and obstacles.
Limited channel selection compared to cable or satellite services.
Signal obstruction from walls or structures.
Aesthetically less appealing and can take up space.
Less suitable for rural or remote areas with limited broadcast coverage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Outdoor Antennas

Advantages

Extended range and improved signal reception compared to indoor antennas.
Reduced interference from indoor obstacles and electronic devices.
More consistent signal quality and stability.
Wide selection of channels and access to specialised or premium programming.
Better performance in rural or remote areas with weaker signals.
Potential for higher gain and signal amplification options for improved reception.

Disadvantages

Higher installation and maintenance costs compared to indoor antennas.
More complex installation process, including mounting and alignment.
Subject to weather-related wear and tear, such as wind, rain, or snow.
Limited portability and flexibility, as outdoor antennas are fixed in one location.
Possible need for additional equipment, such as mast, brackets, or grounding.

Steps to Install an Indoor Antenna

Select the Right Antenna

Indoor antennas come in a variety of sizes, shapes and technical specifications. You can select the best antenna according to your specific requirements. Make sure to consider all the parameters before selecting an indoor antenna/aerial.

Gather Your Supplies

Gather all the supplies and tools before commencing the installation. Following is a list of supplies that you may need:

Your selected indoor antenna
Digital tuner (if needed)
A connecting cable
A 75-ohm coaxial cable
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Nuts, screws
Connect with the Device

Connect your antenna to your device and set it up. In more modern TVs, indoor antennas are plug-and-play, which means all you have to do is connect the coaxial cable to the back of your TV, and you are ready to go. However, in older televisions, you will need a digital tuner such as a VCR or DVD player to set up your device. Some antennas also require a power source, either from the main power line or USB.

Position Your Antenna

The location of the antenna is very important to achieve the desired result. Make sure to place the antenna at a place where you can direct it to your local broadcast towers. Moreover, it should be placed at a spot with minimum interference and obstructions to make the transmission flawless.

You can move your antenna around or rotate it in different directions to analyse the optimum position and placement.

Steps to Install an Outdoor Antenna

Select your Antenna

Select the best-suited antenna/aerial according to the intended use. You can select from different sizes, shapes, frequency ranges and other technical aspects.

Gather Your Supplies

First and foremost, make sure you have gathered everything you need to install an outdoor antenna. Following is a list of all the tools and supplies that you may need:

Antenna mast, wall bracket, or chimney mount strap
Guy wires and U-bolts (to secure the antenna to the base or mast)
Coaxial cable and fittings
Sealant
Ladder
Power drill
Level tool
Screwdriver
Roofing screws
Adjustable wrench
Set-up Your Antenna

Unbox your antenna and assemble it if it doesn’t come assembled. Connect it to the TV using a coaxial cable and make sure you are getting reception. You can use a digital tuner if you need it. You can search for channels to make sure that your antenna is working perfectly before taking it out for installation.

Position and Install the Antenna

The position and location of an outdoor antenna are very important. Make sure you select the optimal location for your antenna before fixing it. Keep it 10-20 feet high from the roof and point it towards the closest broadcast tower and make sure you are getting a good reception. Choosing a location where you don’t have to bend the cable much is better.

Secure the antenna to its place using drill holes and screws and make sure it is fixed properly and firmly. You can seal the drill holes using a sealant so that the water does not penetrate inside them.