TV antenna installation is the surest way of accessing free over-the-air channels on your television.
However, before anything, you should deeply understand the signal strength and antenna types to optimize positioning for optimal reception.
Moreover, you should understand how to use the best equipment, like coaxial cables, mounting brackets, signal boosters, and TV tuners.
The process starts by buying a reliable antenna and identifying a suitable installation location. You then mount the antenna facing your target transmission tower.
But how do you choose the right TV antenna, and which locations will serve you best? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
- Equipment You Need To Install A TV Antenna
- Choosing The Right TV Antenna
- Best Locations To Install A TV Antenna
- Steps To Install Your TV Antenna
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Equipment You Need To Install A TV Antenna
(An electrician handling a television antenna)
Installing a television antenna will be easy if you have the following equipment.
- A reliable antenna to support your location and signal requirement
- High-quality coaxial cable to connect the TV/tuner to the antenna
- Mounting hardware like screws, clamps, and brackets to attach an outdoor antenna to a pole/mast
- A pole/mast for the case of an outdoor installation
- Coaxial surge protector, signal amplifier, antenna rotator, signal strength meter, and antenna coupler (optional)
- Safety gear like eyeglasses, gloves, and ladder
- Standard tools like cable strippers, drills, screwdrivers, and wrench
Choosing The Right TV Antenna
(TV antenna installed high on a roof)
Your entertaining television viewing experience begins when you choose the right television antenna.
However, finding the best option could be overwhelming unless you consider the following guidelines.
Signal Strength
The first step is determining how close you are to the broadcasting tower.
You can use different online tools that provide signal strength maps to help you identify the tower’s distance and location from your location.
With such information, you can determine whether you need an indoor or outdoor antenna and the exact range that suits your application.
The Antenna Type
You can use an indoor antenna if your location has fewer interference cases and a strong signal presence.
These antennas are more compact and function well in urban settings where the antenna is closer to the transmitting tower.
However, outdoor antennas offer the best solution in remote areas where the transmitting tower is far from the antenna.
Interestingly, their materials are sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather.
The Antenna Range & Directionality
The range informs how far your antenna can receive clear signals from the broadcasting tower.
Therefore, an antenna with a higher range means it can receive signals traveling from far towers.
Always choose an antenna with a range compatible with the distance between the broadcasting tower and your home.
Remember, directional antennas can only capture signals from specific directions, while omnidirectional antennas capture from multiple directions.
If, from your assessment, you realize the broadcasting towers are spread all over, settle for an omnidirectional antenna.
UHF and VHF Support
The antenna you settle for should broadcast on either Ultra High Frequency (UHF) or Very High Frequency (VHF).
Some television channels get broadcasted on either frequency band.
Amplified vs. Non-Amplified Antennas
Buying an amplified antenna means accessing signal boosting features (amplifier) to improve the signal quality.
These antennas are useful, especially for those who reside in remote areas with poor signal strength.
However, non-amplified antennas are good enough if your area has strong signals. Using the amplified
Best Locations To Install A TV Antenna
(An indoor antenna near a window)
How effective your television antenna is largely depends on where you install it. Here are some worthwhile locations to consider.
- For outdoor antennas, the best position would be near the windows. However, avoid windows with UV coatings or metallic screens due to their high signal interference.
- The attic area is the perfect location for attic-mounted antennas as it protects them from harsh weather. Moreover, signals can easily penetrate through the roof to reach the attic, thus facilitating optimal reception.
- An outdoor pole or roof offers the best line-of-sight installation for any broadcasting tower. The more elevated the pole or roof is, the better the signal reception.
- The eave or chimney are other effective areas that offer the transmitter a clear line of sight.
- Having the device closer to the television for the indoor antenna minimizes losses because of a shorter coaxial cable.
Steps To Install Your TV Antenna
(A television antenna is already on the roof)
Upon installing a television antenna, you will have access to free-to-air channels without a satellite or cable subscription.
Here are the steps to follow:
Choose A Perfect Antenna
The first step is to select an appropriate antenna that fits your needs.
Consider whether an indoor or outdoor antenna is what you need depending on the location and closeness to the broadcasting tower.
Moreover, decide whether to buy a directional or omnidirectional antenna depending on your application.
Assemble The Antenna
If your antenna is unassembled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble it. Ensure you have every component in place, with the connection being secure.
Find The Perfect Location
Start by finding the direction of the broadcasting (the direction of optimal signal reception).
Here, you can use different applications or online tools to help identify as many broadcasting towers as possible.
An ideal outdoor installation location would be at the highest point on the roof, with a clear line of sight to the transmitter.
However, most indoor antennas will work better if you place them near the window or on the wall in the transmitter’s direction.
Mount Your Antenna
When the time for installing the antenna comes, start by installing the mounting bracket.
This applies to outdoor antennas that should be above the roof as high as possible.
An indoor antenna doesn’t require a mounting bracket (you just position it next to a window).
After mounting your outdoor mounting bracket, install the antenna while ensuring it is secure and firm enough.
Finally, connect a high-quality coaxial cable from your antenna to the TV.
Scan Channels and Fine-Tune Antenna
After finishing the connection, you can switch on the TV and scan the channels.
All the available channels will be automatically stored in the TV system.
If the scan results don’t impress you, fine-tune your antenna for better signal reception.
You can even check the quality of the pictures to see whether the quality is to expectation.
FAQs
TV Antenna Installation: How much does it cost to install an antenna?
The antenna installation cost varies depending on the antenna type, whether you opt for a professional or DIY, and installation complexity.
Most indoor antenna installations are basic and will cost less than outdoor ones.
Generally, an outdoor installation is complex and might involve climbing on poles or roofs, requiring experts.
Therefore, expect the outdoor antenna installation to cost about $100-$300, depending on the project complexity and the extra equipment you need.
TV Antenna Installation: Why is the antenna not finding channels after installation?
There are many reasons why your antenna might fail to find channels, including an incorrect antenna placement.
Normally, failing to orient the antenna in the direction of the broadcasting tower causes poor signal reception.
Moreover, the antenna might face obstruction from tall buildings or interference from electronics in the case of indoor options.
Sometimes, the equipment, like the tuner or the antenna itself, might be faulty, thus failing to channel signals to your television.
Conclusion
The antenna installation (indoor and outdoor) is a straightforward process, especially if you understand the procedure.
However, an outdoor antenna installation makes more sense of the two options due to its clear line of sight to the transmission tower.
When installing an outdoor antenna, start with a mounting brack and install the antenna as high as possible.
But should you settle for an indoor option, just position it near your window?
