Digital TV Aerials

Aside from choosing your TV itself, selecting the right digital TV aerial is the most important decision to make in terms of watching digital or high definition TV (HDTV). High Definition Television is an advanced form of digital TV broadcasting. To get clear HDTV broadcasts, you need an HDTV antenna.

Digital TV signals are different from analog TV signals in that, you either get them or you don’t. There’s no middle-ground of ghosting pictures or snowy screens.

There are two types of antennas to choose from – the external type for outdoors and the internal type for indoors. If you can, opt for an outdoor digital TV antenna as they are much  better at picking up signals. In addition to an external antenna, an inline amplifier would increase signal quality and pickup further stations.

However, if this is not possible, for example if you live in an apartment block or have a landlord who won’t let you place an antenna on the roof, an indoor antenna will do a reasonable job. These are usually optimized and powerful to receive signals indoors and there are a wide variety, some amplified (increase the strength of the signal) to fit your living conditions.

If you are able to install a TV aerial on your roof, you then need to decide which one. Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rules or quick answers. It depends on where you live, the distance you are from the nearest transmitter and the frequency of the channels you want to receive

Here are just a few things you should know about HDTV antennas:

1. While it does the same job of receiving broadcast signals transmitted over-the-counter air by television stations as an analog antenna, with an HDTV antenna you will receive clearer and better picture display from your HDTV set.
2. You first need to hook them up to an HDTV set before you can watch HD broadcasts. While some HD TVs have an in-built tuner, an external Tuner box is installed when this is not available.
3. A better and clearer picture will be received from your cable and satellite services if you have an HDTV antenna installed.
4. There are different factors that will determine which HDTV antenna is best for you. The proximity of your house to a broadcast tower is the biggest one. The closer you live to a broadcast tower the stronger a signal and better reception you will receive. If you live in an urban area or are surrounded by high buildings you may get interference with your broadcasts.

Call Dr Antenna today on (02) 9011 5394 to help you select and install the most suitable TV antenna for you.