TVs capture signals from the air using antennas that are specially designed to receive broadcast TV signals which are transmitted in different frequency bands. The construction of an antenna is quite simple. The most basic design involves metal conductors that have been so arranged to capture these signals in the most efficient possible manner. The proper installation of antennas is required to receive good quality analog signals to see and hear good quality video and audio streams. The performance of a TV antenna also depends largely on the line of sight with the broadcasting terminal. This article delves into the various aspects of a TV antenna.
Choosing the right antenna
It is important to get the tool right and the fact is there are too many tools that one could use. The TV antenna comes in two types: indoor and outdoor. The choice of these antennas is based on the existing signal strength and wall insulation. While the indoor TV antenna does not have to suffer the outdoor conditions of weather and the elements, it has to have good signal strength within the enclosed space for delivering satisfactory performance. The outdoor antennas on the other hand do capture signals more efficiently but one has to ask themselves whether they really want a fishbone on the roof. For HDTV users digital signals can be captured by antennas that are in the form of a dish.
Installing the antenna
The installation should be done carefully. In case of TV signals, a small change in the antenna position can cause a huge difference in the quality of the signal received. In case of analog antennas, the spine of the antenna should be so turned so as to face the source of the TV signal that is the broadcaster. The elements are already placed either horizontally or vertically which is based upon how the incoming TV signal is polarized. In case of indoor antennas, the device must be placed at a location where the signal strength is reasonably good. Often, these devices are accompanied by a booster. Dish antennas are relatively easier to install and this can be done quickly with a few tweaks to their position.
Antenna cables
Simply choosing and installing a TV antenna is not enough to ensure good reception. The cable connections from these devices to the TV are just as important. This will allow for good quality signal transmission from the antenna to the TV. Using low loss coaxial feeder cables that are suitable for VHF and UHF signals is recommended in cable connections. The shortest possible cable will cause minimal loss of signals.
Safety concern
A TV antenna does not come without a few concerns on safety. Being metallic and thereby good conductors, these attract lightning similar to a lightning rod. To guard against this, lightning arrestors are used in addition to these antennas. A common method to protect the home from lightning then would be to use a grounding rod as a separate connection from the antenna and a mast set up to the ground. One should always remember to remove any connection from the TV antenna to the TV in case of lightning storms. These were some of the major points on TV antennas. TV antennas come in many shapes and sizes and offer something different in terms of gain, which is an important feature in antenna specifications.
