Antenna Television/Indoor Antennas
Indoor antennas can be used for signal power over 35dB. Antennas marketed as less than 30 or 35 miles are generally unamplified, while those above this range tend to have amplifiers. Please note that real life results often do not match the mileage marketed by antenna manufacturers. Furthermore, hills and trees, as well as concrete used in buildings, can interfere with reception.
When buying an antenna, it is important to note whether it is designed for VHF, UHF, or both. Because results can be unpredictable, it is recommended to buy an antenna without an amplifier, and purchase a removable amplifier if you choose to purchase one. Choosing the right antenna is a process of trial and error, so buy from retailers with easy return prices.
Scanning for channels
[edit | edit source]Attach the antenna to the antenna connector on your television or tuner, then switch the television or tuner from "cable" to "air/antenna". Do a scan for channels. If you are unsatisfied, change the orientation of the antenna and repeat.
Common Indoor Antennas
[edit | edit source]Rabbit Ears
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The most common television antennas are rabbit ears antennas, used to receive VHF signals. For best reception, the dipoles should be adjusted to slightly less than 1/4 wavelength at the frequency of the channel being received. The measured gain of rabbit ears is low, approximately -2 dBi or -4 dB compared to a half wave dipole. This means it is not as focused and sensitive to distant TV stations as a larger rooftop antenna. However, its reception pattern covers a wide angle, allowing it to pick up signals from multiple stations in different directions without needing adjustment when changing channels.
Whip Antenna
[edit | edit source]Certain portable televisions utilize a whip antenna, which is a single telescoping rod about one meter (3.3 feet) long. This rod is attached to the television and can be retracted when not in use. The whip antenna operates as a quarter-wave monopole antenna. On the television's circuit board, the other end of the antenna is connected to the ground plane, serving as the ground. The whip antenna typically has an omnidirectional reception pattern, meaning it can receive signals from all directions equally. Its maximum sensitivity is along the directions perpendicular to the antenna axis. In terms of gain, the whip antenna performs similarly to rabbit ears.
Loop Antenna
[edit | edit source]UHF channels are often received by a loop antenna. These are often paired with rabbit ears, which only receive VHF bands, to access additional channels.
Flat Antenna
[edit | edit source]Following the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, there were advancements in indoor antenna marketing beyond the traditional "rabbit ears." One such development was the introduction of flat antennas, which are lightweight, thin, and typically square-shaped. These antennas claim to provide improved omnidirectional reception. They are connected to televisions using a coaxial cable and may also come with a signal amplifier that requires a power source. Inside the thin, flat square design, there is a loop antenna with circular metallic wiring embedded into conductive plastic.
Paperclip Antenna
[edit | edit source]In situations where you live within approximately 10 miles of the broadcasting source and have strong signals, it is possible to use a paperclip as an improvised antenna. To do this, straighten the paperclip and carefully insert it into the coax connector on your TV. However, it's important to note that this method may not provide optimal reception and may be less reliable compared to purpose-built antennas.