Outdoor antennas are more expensive than indoor antennas due to their ability to hold a signal despite weather conditions.
A simple TV antenna typically costs between $20 and $70. Larger antenna that are designed to pick up signals farther away tend to be more expensive than a smaller antenna.
Type of TV antenna | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Basic indoor digital TV antenna | $30 |
Indoor digital TV antenna (power boosted) | $50 |
Indoor amplified digital TV/DAB antenna | $80 |
HD outdoor antenna (non-amplified) | $100 to $150 |
High gain and low noise variable gain amplifier | $130 |
There are indoor antennas and outdoor antennas. Indoor antennas are small and are generally placed near the television. Outdoor antennas are more extensive than indoor antennas and must be mounted outdoors. Indoor antennas typically plug directly into the back of the TV set just like a cable box or DVD player would. Outdoor antennas must be mounted on top of the house using an extended mast, pole, or chimney mount to avoid damages in case of a power surge. In addition to finding a good spot for the antenna, a cable runs from the antenna down to where you will have your TV.
Digital antennas can receive both digital and analog signals, while analog antennas can only receive analog signals. All major networks broadcast in digital, and most local stations also broadcast digitally.
Analog antennas are slowly being phased out since they are considered cheap and nasty antennas, and most broadcasters are now only transmitting in digital. An expert will be able to specify what you need and the installation cost.If you have an analog TV, you will need an analog antenna to receive any channels. However, you do not need a separate digital antenna if you have a newer TV that can decode both digital and analog signals (called a "digital tuner"). Your TV will be able to receive both types of movements with just one antenna.
There are a few things antenna installers need to keep in mind when installing antennas.
You may need an outdoor antenna for better signal quality.
Outdoor antennas work best if mounted with the extended mast in an open area with a clear view of the sky.
The further away you are from the broadcast towers, the larger the antenna you will need to enhance signal integrity.
The type of antenna system you need depends on the available channels in your area. An indoor antenna will be perfect if you only want to watch local channels. They are the cheapest antennas to install.
If you want to watch HDTV channels, you will need an HDTV antenna. HDTV antennas are designed to receive digital signals in HD quality.
Digital TV can be broadcast on either a UHF or VHF frequency. Most new digital tv antenna are designed to receive signals on both UHF and VHF frequencies.
You can use cables or satellite boxes with your new antenna, but you still need an antenna system to pick up the channels. The cable or satellite box will act as a receiver for the channels broadcast by the new TV antenna.
An amplifier is a device that can be used with a TV antenna to improve the signal strength for better reception. If you have difficulty a clear picture with your antenna, an amplifier may help. However, not all antennas require an amplifier and using an amplifier when you don't need it can worsen the signal.
Satellite TV signals are transmitted directly to your home from a satellite orbiting the Earth. Antennas are only used for terrestrial TV signals broadcast from towers on the ground. Satellite TV works by receiving these signals and then decoding them into a picture that can be displayed on your TV.
A signal booster is a device that can improve the signal strength of a TV antenna. If you are having trouble getting a clear picture with your antenna, a signal booster may help. However, not all antennas require a signal booster and using one when you don't need it can worsen the signal. So before purchasing a signal booster, make sure you test your new antenna without one.
If you want to watch HDTV channels, you will need an HDTV antenna. Most digital antennas are designed to receive alerts on UHF and VHF frequencies, so they will work regardless of what type of broadcast towers your home is closest to. If you need some help with your reception and interference, take a look at this troubleshoot from the Australian Communication and Media Authority.When you purchase an HD antenna, it comes with several "antenna points". An antenna point is simply a connector that allows you to connect multiple TV antennas. This is useful if you want to improve your antenna's signal strength and range and pick up more channels.
Getting an antenna outlet installed inside your home is an option but not a requirement. If you don't want to install an antenna outlet in your home, you can run the coaxial cable from your HDTV antenna out a window or door and hook it up to the TV points directly. However, suppose you decide to install an antenna outlet within your home. In that case, you will need extra labour from someone with technical expertise who has undergone industry training to complete this task. They might charge an hourly rate.
Most consider a cable with a solid copper core the best cable type for a TV antenna. However, many cheap antenna(s) now use co-axial cable, which also works well. In most cases, you will have the choice between solid copper-core and co-axial lines when buying your new TV antenna.
Coaxial cable is a type of cable that consists of a solid copper core surrounded by insulation and then covered with a metal shield. A cable with a solid copper core is generally considered the best cable type for a TV antenna.