Indoor Antennas for receiving DTV
(Note: An auction of spectrum that had been licensed to broadcast television stations operating on UHF
TV Channels 38-51 resulted in many TV stations on these channels transitioning to other channels.
Almost all of the TV stations affected finished transitioning in July 2020.)
To receive DTV signals from all stations in the area, your antenna needs to be able to receive both VHF
channels (channels 2-13) and UHF channels (channels 14-36).
Some antennas only provide good
reception of VHF or UHF channels, but not both. For example, indoor "rabbit ears" usually need to be
augmented with an additional "wire loop" or "bowtie" antenna (see images on the next page) in order to
pick up signals on UHF channels.
Many of the antennas being sold as "HDTV Antennas" perform best
at receiving UHF signals, but perform less well receiving VHF channels. Check with retail consultants
and consumer websites to make sure that any antenna you choose provides good reception of both
VHF and UHF channels.
Even if you use a digital-to-analog converter box, you will still need to use an antenna to receive DTV
signals. Digital-to-analog converter boxes do not contain additional antennas or signal amplification.
Antennas for reception in different signal conditions
The antennas on the next page will work for the indicated signal strength in most instances, but may
not work in all cases.
The type of antenna needed at a specific location may vary depending on
geographic location, the height at which the antenna is used and other local factors such as nearby
buildings, trees, terrain or home construction.
Generally, outdoor antennas will get better reception
than indoor antennas and are strongly recommended for the most reliable reception.
If your home near the TV Broadcasting Station and not much blocking obstacles such high building and the TV signals is Strong Use Circular Loop and Dipole Antenna such Rabbit Ears Antenna.
