There is no doubt that you have heard of a TV antenna. Unlike the analog TV antenna, the digital versions have improved the way signals are received over the air. In fact, they work so much better now. If you’re going to be buying a television and you want to avoid the cable subscription, you will definitely want to consider investing in a brand-new digital television antenna. It’ll make a world of difference and it’ll ensure that you’re able to get channels without having to pay a monthly fee. Just remember that not all of these antennas are equals. Therefore, you should do your research and make sure you get a good one.
Within this guide, you’re going to find shopping tips for ensuring you get a great digital TV antenna for your precise needs.
Indoor Or Outdoor
The first thing you must consider is what type of antenna you need and want. Most indoor versions are compact and extremely easy to install. Outdoor antennas, on the other hand, are large with a more complex installation. Indoor antennas are more suitable for apartments, condos and other rented properties. Of course, outdoor antennas are installed outside, which will not be permitted by permanent management companies.
Omnidirectional Or Directional
The next thing you must decide is whether you want an omnidirectional or directional antenna. Both of these versions work similarly. However, omnidirectional antennas are specifically created to pick up signals from all directions. Whereas, directional antennas pick up signals from only one direction. While omnidirectional antennas are capable of picking up signals from all directions, but the signals may be weaker. So, when you consider this major downside, you may want to consider investing in the directional antenna.
Consider Size
More importantly, you need to make sure that you focus heavily on the overall size of the dish or antenna. Depending on what type of housing you live in, a small, compact digital TV antenna may be right up your alley. Larger antennas are more suitable for homes with a lot of rooms because they take up more space. If you are contemplating buying an outdoor antenna, a lot of space will be needed for the installation. Keeping the size in mind, it is not difficult to rule out which antenna will not be suitable for your home.
Coaxial Cord Length
Almost all TV antennas come with a coaxial cable. The cable may or may not be built into the antenna. The coaxial cable can vary in length, depending on the manufacturer. While the length may seem unimportant, it will play a major role in the installation. Longer cables will offer more flexibility, as far as the installation goes. It will give you more options of where to install the antenna. Shorter coaxial cables will limit these options.
While it may be possible to extend the existing coaxial cable with an adapter, it will be an additional expense to purchase another coaxial cable. So, to keep your overall expenses to a minimum, it would be best to only consider brands that include a coaxial cord that is suitable for the installation you are looking for.
Price
If you are living on a budget, you know how important it is to do a price comparison of TV antennas. This task may be time-consuming, but it will allow you to get the best deal in the long run. At this point, you should know which type of antenna you need and want. So, it could be said that the outdoor antenna is way out of your budget range because they cost more. You can easily score an indoor antenna of good quality for under $30. Outdoor antennas, on the other hand, will cost anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the quality and brand.
Conclusion
All TV antennas are not created equal. Each brand offers unique features that play a role in determining the signal strength and how many channels are picked up. Do your research to find one that is suitable for your needs. And, it may be that you are not worried about the price because the antenna will end up paying for itself over time. Of course, this is only possible if you decide to cancel your existing cable subscription.
