What type of antenna is right for you?
The correct type of antenna is based on your viewing needs, and we want to make sure that you don't miss out on any of your favorite shows. Purchasing an antenna that isn't the right one for you could result in poor reception, a bad viewing experience, or ... missing your favorite show.
START HERE: How far away is your closest signal?
The first step in selecting the right antenna for your location, and viewing needs, is finding the nearest TV signal. And, it's easy because we are going to help you. Just follow this link to the free FCC site, all you need to do is put your address into the search bar and select go.
What will populate is a blue beacon that indicates your home, and color coded chart that will let you know how far away each signal is. You can click on the name of each channel carrier in the color coded chart to see exactly where they are transmitting their signal from. (A line to the station choosen will be drawn on the map.) Additional information is also available for the station like it's radius, and cardinal direction!
This information is extremely helpful for picking an antenna, as most antennas have a mile recommendation on them to work to best of their abilities.
NEXT: Choose if you'll need an indoor or outdoor antenna based on the criteria below:
- Less than 25 miles to the nearest tower
- Great for urban locations
- Easy set up in your home
- A great value if your home is close to a strong signal without interference from trees, hills or tall buildings
Sometimes an indoor option, is your only option, if that's your case you should check out our Indoor Amplifed Multi-Directional options here.
- 25 miles or more to the nearest tower
- Suburban/rural locations
- Offers greater range
- A good choice if your home is surrounded by obstacles like hills or buildings and trees
NEXT: Decide if a directional or multi-directional antenna is best based on the criteria below:
Directional
- 25 miles or more to the nearest tower
- Rural locations
- Allows you to direct the antenna precisely at the signal for a cleaner signal
- Be sure all the signals you want to pick up are coming from the same general direction
- Less than 25 miles to the nearest tower
- Urban/Suburban locations
- Perfect for picking up signals from multipule surrounding towers
NEXT: Choose between an amplified or a non-amplified antenna:
- More than 25 miles to the nearest tower
- Suburban/Rural locations
- A powered antenna receives weaker signals from a greater distance
- Great for picking up signals if your home is surrounded by obstacles like trees, hills or buildings
- 25 miles or less to the nearest tower
- Great for urban locations
- A better value if you are close to a strong signal without interference from hills, trees or tall buildings.
If the antenna only option isn't working for you, please check out this link to learn more about our Ready to Cut the Cord packages.They are perfect if you are wanting to supplement your basic channels with streaming.
