What is a HDTV Antenna?

If you already own a high definition television set, as well as a high definition receiver, you can pick up HDTV signals for free with an HDTV antenna. If you live in a metropolitan area or large suburb, you will probably be able to pick up the following HDTV channels with the help of a HDTV antenna; all network TV stations including ABC , NBC, CBS, Fox and PBS. In addition, depending on the area you are from, there may be a few other HDTV channels that are available for free and easily picked up with an HDTV antenna.

An HDTV antenna is a normal TV antenna, and it is important to note that with an HDTV antenna, you will also be able to pick up normal UHF and VHF channels, as well as FM signals. With innovations in technology, many of the newer TV antennas have advanced features such as signal amplifiers, antenna rotators and antenna cabling.

It is important to note that to get great HDTV reception you should have an antenna that can trap the highest gain. Other factors that are extremely important are the channel that you would like to view, where the channel is broadcasted from and where your location is.

Most HDTV antennas work best by being in the line of sight of HDTV signals being broadcasted. For instance, if you live in a valley, your reception may suffer, if you are on the top of the hill, high up or live in an apartment building near the top, you will probably have better reception that a lower level antennas.

HDTV antennas come in various models such as indoor, outdoor and roof installed. While most antennas are affordable, roof antennas are usually the most expensive, due to their size, installation gear that is necessary to secure them and possible installation costs. Most roof antennas will fit easily on either a flat or pitched roof, however you might need specific fastening equipment depending on the roof type.

An accessory that is normally used with roof HDTV antennas are antenna rotators. These devices are small motors that can rotate the roof antenna to find the best position for receiving specific HDTV channel broadcasts. Usually the HDTV rotator is controlled with an electric motor that is manually controlled from inside the home. Some HDTV antenna rotators are extremely convenient and can be controlled via remote control.

If you live in an apartment or home where a roof HDTV antenna is not an option, you can choose an indoor or terrestrial HDTV antenna. These HDTV antennas are very easy to install and usually much smaller in size than their roof counterparts. Many of these antennas have amplifiers to increase the signal. Amplifiers usually kill two birds with one stone, because they not only amplify the HDTV signal, but usually minimize any other signals that can distort the HDTV programming.