Guide to Getting an HD TV Antenna

HD TV Antenna

By Anne Ahira

Modern HDTVs are not only meant for watching favorite movies and playing the latest games on full high definition formats, but are also meant for programs showed on TV to have the best quality as possible.

To witness the full quality of these TV programs, an HDTV service subscription is needed. For satellite TV users, a separate tuner is needed as well.

Those that do not wish to subscribe to these services or do not have satellite TV can still check out HD broadcasts through the use of an HD TV antenna.

Technically, HDTV antennas do not really exist, but instead take the form as standard antennas made of metal that have special properties that allow it to get HD signals from the network towers.

Types of HDTV Antennas

An HD TV antenna can be generally classified into two types according to where they are used – indoor and outdoor antennas. Indoor antennas are convenient since they can easily be adjusted to improve signal while outdoor antennas are much better in getting HD signals.

Some HDTV antennas can be directional while others are omni-directional. Omni-directional antennas are best for getting as many TV stations as possible which are best if the location of the transmitting towers are near.

Otherwise, directional antennas can be more powerful providing that they are faced in the direction to where the towers are. This could lead to just one station having the best signal, but additional directional antennas facing other directions can receive more broadcasts.

Checking HD TV Antenna Support

An HDTV-ready system isn’t enough to conclude that an HD TV antenna can be used. Even if DVD and cable sources are supported, over-the-air broadcasts may not unless an HDTV tuner is set up.

Before looking for an HDTV tuner, check the back of the HDTV to see if it has a built-in tuner by seeing if there is a connector where the off-air HD antenna will be plugged in.

Choosing the Best HD TV Antenna

With your set up already prepared for HD broadcasts, the next step must involve you discovering what HD broadcasts are in range and how far they are from your current location.

Knowing this information is crucial to getting the right HD TV antenna. Use an online tool like the TV Antenna GeoSelector tool to see how far certain HD networks are.

The results should be color-coded where yellow and green areas can be received by multi-directional antennas while blue and pink areas require larger directional antennas.

Strive to get the outdoor antennas and install them on rooftops to get the best signal possible. When shopping online for an HD TV antenna, don’t get the cheapest one even if it is said to be amplified as those antennas do not perform as well as the ones that cost above $30.

Reading the Amazon.com reviews for each antenna is a good habit in getting the perfect antenna for your location. After tinkering with the set up, you should be able to get HD signals without the need for cable.

Here's HD TV Antenna Selections:

RCA ANT1650 Flat Digital Amplified Indoor TV Anten...	Customer Review: This has saved me paying for cable. I didn't watch a lot of TV anyway and am perfectly happy getting just the regular channels. Thanks... Read More	(120)
Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenn...	Customer Review: I get channels that are 60 miles away with this amazing antenna. It's odd looking and somewhat large, but it works great. The amplification really makes a difference. My HDTV is located on the second floor, so elevation has something to do with it. W... Read More	(1129)
Channel Master 4228HD Long-Range Outdoor Rooftop H...	Customer Review: This is my fourth antenna I have tried over the years. The first was a medium range Yagi style I had used off and on for years, then got a great deal on a Philips MANT940 when I finally decided to dump Comcast. Even though the Philips was quoted as b... Read More	(52)
Winegard HD8200U Platinum Series High Definition V...	Customer Review: This unit helps pull in a very nice signal. My only concern is the size. It is HUGE. I don't think people can really fathom how large it is until you have is assembled and sort of in your hands. I would highly recommend installing some guide wire... Read More	(36)
Terk HDTVO Amplified HDTV Antenna...	Customer Review: 8-2-2010 I read other reviews and researched the Terk HDTVO antenna. Most reviews said it was a good one, so I ordered it. I am trying to help my parrents cut their bill so I really ordered it for them. I temporary hooked it up at my house on my back... Read More	(168)