High definition digital television (HDTV) is here today. After many years of waiting, it is
now possible to watch the sharp clear pictures that we could only dream about
previously. At the present time there are two delivery options for HDTV signals. One
is via satellite, DirecTV, Dish Network, and C-band, and the other option is over the air
(OTA) broadcasts. A high definition digital television system can produce a picture
and/or sound only as good as the signal supplied to it. This means, in most cases, a
high performance antenna is necessary for full enjoyment of over-the-air television
broadcasts. The following information should prove helpful in understanding the basics
of TV reception. 
Antenna Height, Location and Good TV Reception
In most cases, the higher the antenna, the better your TV reception is going
to be. This is the case because the higher the antenna, the stronger the signal
you will receive. In general, doubling the height of the antenna off the ground
roughly doubles the strength of the signal. Greater antenna height also
improves the chances of clearing any surrounding obstructions such as trees,
hills or buildings. The important thing to remember is if possible mount the
antenna on a location of the house as high as possible. Everyone is concerned
with aesthetics and want their home to look as good as possible so sometimes
a compromise is necessary. 
Location is equally important. Antenna reception patterns vary at different
locations of the roof or attic. Surprising as it may sound, signal levels can vary
greatly from one location to the next. It is not uncommon that signal level
differences of 6 db can be detected in different locations of six feet. This is a
substantial difference. Many ghosting or multipath problems can be cured by
probing the roof or attic for the best possible location. Unforunately, to
correctly measure signal strength a VHF/UHF field strength meter is required.
A competent TV antenna installer should have a field strength meter.
Not all TV antennas pick up all stations. There are several different types of
antennas. There are VHF antennas, UHF antennas and combination antennas.
Which type of antenna is right for you will depend on what signals are available
in your area and which ones you want to receive. Local TV stations can
broadcast digital high definition signals on either the VHF or the UHF band.
Depending on your location it may be possible to install a UHF only antenna to
receive the high definition digital channels. Since most UHF antennas are
smaller than UHF/VHF antennas this would lessen the impact on the outside
appearance of the house. A UHF antenna can also recieve independent
networks (PBS, UPN, and WB) that are not high definition and are not available
from DirecTV.Installing Antennas in Attics
There are several installation and reception issues that you will need to
consider if you decide to install an antenna in your attic. First, be aware that
installing an antenna in an attic means an automatic reduction of signal
strength by at least 45 to 50%. This means you may need to purchase an
amplifier to compensate for the decreased signal strength. The most important
thing to remember is not to install too large an antenna. When installing an
antenna it is critcal that the antenna be pointed in the right direction. A
common mistake is for DIYers is to buy a very large antenna that is nearly
impossible to unfold and can not be aimed in the right direction. In most cases
an antenna no larger that 7 feet is recommended in attics. This will insure that
the antenna can be installed in the proper direction. Also, keep in mind the the
higher in the attic the better and to probe the attic for the best signal quality.
Depending on the number of sets that you want to hook up, you will need to
buy the appropriate number of splitters and possibly an amplifier. In general,
the preamplifier is necessary to compensate for the signal loss of your
distribution system. The more TV outlets, and cable that are in the system the
greater the loss will be to the TV set. In most cases, by installing a
preamplifier all TV sets connected to the antenna system will get the best
possible reception. Care must be given in metropolitan areas where signal
levels can be high. In such locations, high signal levels can overload the
circuitry of the preamplifier causing a degradation in the signal quality. Always
install the antenna with the preamplifier to see whether it is necessary or is
worth the cost necessary for a high quality low noise preamplifier.
Obstructions and TV Reception
Pure and Uncompressed, Strait from the Transmitter Tower, Highest Quality HDTV Signal you will get, No Cable or Satellite Company can offer (they down-convert the signal), and its FREE!
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