Outdoor HDTV Antenna


       If you read the article on HDTV tuners, then you know that you need an HDTV antenna in order to receive the free over-the-air broadcasts.  This is true whether your HDTV is equipped with a built-in tuner or not.

Are there HD Broadcasts in Your Area?

    The free HD broadcasts are those from the major national television networks such as NBC.  These are not, however, the cable channels like the HD version of the Discovery Channel.  For those, you will have to go through a satellite or cable provider that offers HD programming.
    The first thing you need to do is find out if there are over-the-air HD broadcasts available in your area.  It would be pointless to go through the process of learning about antennas and choosing the outdoor HDTV antenna that would work for you only to find out that there are no signals for you to receive.  

Why an Outdoor HDTV Antenna

     Unless your HDTV came with an antenna, you will have to purchase one separately to get the HD versions of FOX, NBC, and the other national networks.  If you have a choice between an indoor HDTV antenna  and an outdoor HDTV antenna, choose the outdoor.  The reason for this is simple; reception.  You will achieve the best results in terms of picture quality and sound with an outdoor HDTV antenna compared to the indoor version.  Being outside, the antenna will have fewer obstructions between it and the HD signal broadcast.  The outdoor version also has an advantage when it comes to avoiding interference in the signal.  All electrical devices create an electromagnetic (EM) field around themselves; this includes the internal wiring of your home.  This EM field causes interference in the HD signal and diminishes the quality of the reception.  An outdoor antenna can avoid much of this interference just by the fact that it is outside of your home.

Outdoor HDTV Antenna Size

     The size of your antenna will also play a roll in the quality of your reception.  A larger HDTVoutdoor hdtv antenna antenna has more surface area and therefore is more likely to pick up signals.  You will want the largest antenna you can get without looking like you're trying to contact one of the Mars Rovers.

Is the HDTV Antenna VHF and UHF Compatible?

     The frequencies used for broadcasting television are divided into different categories; two of those are VHF and UHF.  VHF stands for the "Very High Frequency" broadcasts which are relegated to channels 2 through 13.  As you may have guessed, UHF stands for "Ultra High Frequency".  The channels devoted to UHF broadcasts are 14 through 83.  When selecting your outdoor HDTV antenna, make sure that it is capable of receiving both VHF and UHF broadcasts.  Keep in mind, this does not mean that all eighty-one channels will be in high-definition.  All this means is that your HDTV will be able to receive channels 2 though 83, which of those are in HD is determined by the broadcasting stations.

     Too many people purchase their HDTV and believe that they will automatically get channels in HD.  These individuals have a rude awakening ahead of them.  Not you, you've read this article and have educated yourself on what you need to get HD programming.
     The over-the-air HD channels are free.  All you have to do is make sure that you have the proper equipment and that the signals are available in your area.  From there, you are ready to watch true high-definition television.