How do I know which antenna is right for my location to pull in the best digital-TV signals?
Start at AntennaWeb. This site, cosponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters, gives you street-level information on the best antenna to buy for your specific location, depending on the location of the TV transmitters from which your TV set will receive signals. It's a very cool tool!
Then, give some thought to the installation of your antenna. These tips are from the AntennaWeb FAQ:
1. Outdoor is generally better. Outdoor antennas have a better view of the transmitting station, with no building-induced signal loss. They receive less interference from other household electronic/electrical appliances, and they are less likely to receive reflected ghost signals from the building structure.
2. Higher is better. The higher an antenna is, the more direct signal it can receive from the TV transmitter, while at the same time reducing the reception of interfering signals from other household electronic/electrical appliances and reflected ghost-causing signals from other nearby structures. The higher the better, but any antenna should be at least four feet above the structure to which it is mounted, and ideally above the roofline.
3. Closer is better. If a position above the roofline is not possible, the antenna should at least be on the side of your building facing the TV signal broadcast tower.
4. Bigger is better. The larger an antenna, the more signal it receives. This is especially important on channels 2-6, where the longer wavelength requires a larger antenna in order to be efficiently received. Larger antennas also become directional which reduces ghosting caused by reflected signals coming from the side and the rear of the receiving antenna. [But note: Too much signal is not such a good thing! If you live close to a TV transmitter, the signal can actually overwhelm your system, causing reception problems with that TV signal AND others. See this post I live in Falmouth and am having trouble receiving the Portland TV stations on my digital TV. I bought a bigger, stronger antenna but it didn't seem to help. What gives? for more info.]
Once the type of antenna you need is selected using the AntennaWeb guide, careful attention must be paid to its installation. While not difficult to install, antennas are sensitive to installation details. For wood-frame buildings where the antenna will be situated on the roof's peak, the antenna should be at least four feet above the peak. When installed above a flat metal roof, the antenna should be at least ten feet above the roof. For multidirectional antennas, allow for some mounting flexibility so that the antenna can be moved a few feet in each direction in order to obtain the best picture on all channels before a permanent mounting position is selected.
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