HDTV Antennas

HDTV reception only requires a decent UHF signal from a HD broadcaster. If you have one within 30 miles of your home without being in the shadow of a major obstruction, a $30 antenna will suffice. They are easy to install. You might not even need anything more than UHF version of the old fashion "rabbit ears." The beauty of digital UHF broadcasting is that you will either have enough signal strength for a perfect picture, or no picture at all. It's not unusual to have multiple channels available even in remote areas, as I have experienced with an RV rooftop UHF antenna when traveling in the boonies!
 
Thank you. Dumb question, but I see from one on sale that they have a cable. What does the cable connect to from the antenna?
 
Yes, you must run a coaxial cable from the antenna balun to the TV. If you purchase an antenna, it will usually come with both. Some choices: https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=uhf+antenna&ref=nb_sb_noss

A cheap inside/window antenna may suffice if your local broadcasters are nearby. Otherwise, a higher gain antenna may be necessary. Understanding radio wave propagation is an art as well as a science. Experimentation to find what works for you is key. As a Ham Radio operator, I find the challenges of antennas fascinating and rewarding.

BTW, Over the air HDTV delivers the sharpest picture possible, superior to Cable and Satellite.
 
I bought an antenna about 20 years ago when HDTV showed up in my area. Eventually I stopped using it when cable TV started doing HD. I just recently cut the cord and am considering YouTube TV. Going back to my old Antenna is still an option since I never got rid of it.
 
If one goes to a site like - https://www.antennaweb.org/ it can be helpful as to the type of antenna to use and the direction of stations. Not all HDTV is broadcast over UHF. Some are on high VHF frequencies (so going to a site like the one noted can help). There's also - http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66

I'm just not a cable or satellite person. Don't watch that much TV and between movies I own, Netflix and Amazon prime, I get more than enough TV. I have many music files as well and there are just so many hours.

Keep in mind if one is going to go to over-the-air there may be changes coming shortly - https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/atsc-3-0-ota-broadcast-standard-4k-dolby-atmos/

Basically in a nutshell - the top 40 markets in the US will get getting it (ATSC 3.0) in 2020 and once that starts the stations have to broadcast ATSC 1.0 (currently built into TVs and outboard tuners, either your own or your TV provider furnished ones) for 5 years. I'm holding out on upgrading my UHD TV to see when the new sets will be coming out with ATSC 3.0.
 
Phil A said:
If one goes to a site like - https://www.antennaweb.org/ it can be helpful as to the type of antenna to use and the direction of stations. Not all HDTV is broadcast over UHF. Some are on high VHF frequencies (so going to a site like the one noted can help). There's also - http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66

I'm just not a cable or satellite person. Don't watch that much TV and between movies I own, Netflix and Amazon prime, I get more than enough TV. I have many music files as well and there are just so many hours.

Keep in mind if one is going to go to over-the-air there may be changes coming shortly - https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/atsc-3-0-ota-broadcast-standard-4k-dolby-atmos/

Basically in a nutshell - the top 40 markets in the US will get getting it (ATSC 3.0) in 2020 and once that starts the stations have to broadcast ATSC 1.0 (currently built into TVs and outboard tuners, either your own or your TV provider furnished ones) for 5 years. I'm holding out on upgrading my UHD TV to see when the new sets will be coming out with ATSC 3.0.
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Phil, one thing about antennas is placement and your location. Some locations, (your home location in relationship to a broadcast signal) just don't work that well.
 
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