Selecting an Antenna: Types of HDTV Outdoor Antennas

The HDTV outdoor antenna you choose can be based on recommendations from the AntennaWeb.org list. The recommended antenna type for each location is color coded, based on six different categories: small multi-directional, medium multi-directional, large multi-directional or small directional with pre-amp, medium directional, medium directional with pre-amp, and large directional with pre-amp. Use these guidelines to help you find the best category when selecting the best HDTV outdoor antenna.

Selecting an Antenna: Find the Best DTV Stations

The list of digital TV stations that AntennaWeb.org provides is listed in order of ease of reception from your location, from easiest to most difficult. It is best to concentrate on the majority of stations that are listed first, and focus on receiving a solid signal from them. If your stations with best reception are coming from a wide range of compass headings, you may want to install a rotor for your outdoor HDTV antenna. In most situations, however, you will be able to identify a “cluster” of broadcast towers that cover the major networks.

Selecting an Antenna: Find Digital TV Stations

When you enter your address at AntennaWeb.org, you will get a list of nearby TV stations, or more specifically, where their broadcast towers are located. Each station is identified by their call sign, channel number, network, location, compass heading, distance, and the frequency of their true broadcast channel (which may be different from their DTV channel number). Click the radio button to select “Digital Stations Only”, as these are our main concern when finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna.

Selecting an Antenna: Getting Started

Once you decide that an HDTV outdoor antenna is right for you, you will need to research your local broadcast situation. Go to AntennaWeb.org and enter your address. You do not need to enter your email address or phone number - just enter your street address and ZIP code for the most accurate assessment. Answer the questions about tall structures nearby, and the number of levels in your house as well.