Reclaiming Free TV: A Guide to Choosing and Using TV Antennas

The humble TV antenna is experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the United States. Fueled by rising cable and streaming costs, coupled with the expanded channel offerings made possible by digital television broadcasting, approximately one in five American households are now opting for antennas as their primary source of television entertainment. This shift reflects a growing desire for cost-effective viewing options and a return to over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting.

Beyond the initial expense of purchasing an antenna, the channels you receive are entirely free. In many cases, the picture quality achieved with an antenna can even surpass that offered by paid TV services. The market offers a wide array of antenna types, mirroring the diverse range of programming available. However, with a little research, you can confidently select an antenna that delivers a consistently clear picture.

This guide outlines the steps involved in determining the right type of antenna for your needs and the channels you can expect to receive. Once you have this information, you can leverage resources like TechHive’s buyers’ guide to narrow down your choices when you’re ready to make a purchase.

Determining Available Channels

The first step in selecting an antenna is understanding what TV programming is accessible in your area. The number and variety of channels depend heavily on your location. Generally, the closer you live to a major metropolitan area, where broadcast towers are concentrated, the more channels you can expect to receive. In rural areas, the opposite is typically true, with fewer available channels. If you reside near the Canadian or Mexican borders, you may even be able to pick up additional channels from those countries.

Most regions of the U.S. offer access to the four major commercial networks: ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, as well as a local PBS station. Many of these stations also broadcast additional digital networks dedicated to specific genres, such as children’s programming on PBS Kids or classic TV on channels like MeTV, Cozi, and Antenna TV.

For viewers confined to indoor antennas, a model with a built-in signal amplifier is highly recommended. These amplifiers draw power from a USB adapter or a spare USB port on your television.

To accurately assess your channel availability, the Rabbit Ears website is a valuable tool. This website simulates TV reception based on antenna location and TV transmitter data sourced from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Signal Search Map page is the primary resource for this purpose.

The site will generate a prediction of the TV channels available at your location, along with an estimated signal strength for each channel. Higher signal strength numbers indicate better reception. Review the channels and networks listed and identify those you want to receive, noting their predicted signal levels.

Use the RabbitEars website to pinpoint the locations of TV broadcast towers in your vicinity. The reported signal strength will help you assess whether an indoor antenna will suffice to pull in your desired channels, or whether you’ll need an attic-mounted or roof-mounted model.

Generally, an indoor antenna is suitable for channels with good signal strength. Stations marked as "fair" may require an attic or outdoor antenna. For stations marked as "poor," a larger outdoor antenna with an amplifier is typically necessary. Channels labeled as "bad" are unlikely to be receivable without implementing extreme measures.

Finally, examine the directions of the transmitters relative to your location. If they are clustered in roughly the same direction, a single antenna should work well. However, if the transmitters are widely dispersed, an antenna equipped with a rotator – a motor that turns the antenna mast to adjust its orientation – might be required, especially if signal strengths are weak.

Selecting the Right Antenna

Armed with this information, you can make a more informed antenna purchase. PCWorld’s antenna recommendations are categorized based on type, ranging from inexpensive indoor models to robust roof-mounted antennas. In general, an outdoor antenna offers the best performance, regardless of signal strength. Outdoor antennas provide more reliable reception than indoor antennas, which always involve compromises.

However, not everyone has the option to install an outdoor antenna. Therefore, there are several indoor antenna options available, from basic, thin models that can be placed in a window to amplified antennas offering improved reception.

A step up from indoor antennas are smaller outdoor antennas, many of which can be easily mounted on the side of a house, on a balcony, or inside an attic. Many of these models also incorporate amplifiers. Finally, roof-mounted antennas represent the gold standard in TV reception. A roof-mounted antenna provides the most reliable reception and is capable of pulling in the greatest number of channels. If you plan to install a roof-mounted antenna yourself, prioritize safety precautions and ensure the system complies with local building codes, particularly regarding grounding.

Avoiding Misleading Claims

When browsing online shopping sites or reviewing antenna advertisements, you’ll encounter a variety of claims, some of which are dubious.

The first rule is to disregard antenna range claims. Reception depends on numerous factors, including transmitter frequency and power, transmitter location, and the surrounding environment. No antenna can guarantee a specific reception range. Instead, use the method described above, which considers these factors.

Beware of exaggerated claims made by some TV antenna manufacturers. It is highly unlikely that any indoor antenna can receive signals from a broadcast tower 130 miles away. Similarly, no antenna can stream ESPN.

Remember that there is no such thing as an "HD," "4K," or "NextGen TV" antenna. An antenna simply receives signals and is not dependent on the broadcast format, so ignore those marketing claims.

Understanding Your Rights

If you rent a house or apartment or live under the terms of a Homeowners Association (HOA), do not be deterred from installing a TV antenna. U.S. federal law protects your right to do so under the FCC’s "OTARD" regulations. In essence, you have the right to install a TV antenna for receiving local broadcast signals in an area you rent or have exclusive access to. If you encounter resistance, consult the FCC page for details and cite the OTARD rule.

Coaxial Cable Considerations

Most indoor antennas include a short cord that connects directly to a TV or amplifier, if provided. Other antennas may come with a cable or require you to supply your own.

TV antenna cable is known as coaxial cable, or coax for short. It consists of a center wire that carries the signal, a plastic insulator, an outer braid that shields the center cable from interference, and an outer sheath that protects the cable from the elements. The standard for TV antennas is RG-6.

Using high-quality coax is important, as inferior cables can result in signal loss. Minimize signal loss by using a good cable and keeping the length as short as possible. If a long cable run is necessary, consider using an amplifier, ideally positioned at the antenna end of the connection.

Troubleshooting and Optimizing Reception

With this information, you should be well-equipped to choose and install a TV antenna. TV reception is primarily a science, but it can also involve some experimentation. If you’re not satisfied with the reception, review the steps again. Try repositioning the antenna to see if it improves picture quality. If you experience significant interference, consider adding an amplifier.

Most importantly, persevere. A good antenna can provide years of free entertainment. Investing the time and effort to get it right is worthwhile.