HDTV Antenna

The Antenna

There are many different types of antennae that can capture an HD signal. The type necessary is determined by the location in relation to the source of the HD signal, the terrain, and the distance to the broadcast tower. Antennae range from small "Rabbit Ear" antennas to large rooftop antennae.

For most users, a simple indoor multi-directional antenna, such as the silver sensor antenna shown at the right, will suffice.

To determine the necessary type of antenna, it is easiest to visit the Antenna Guide at checkhd.com, and follow these directions:

1.

Enter the location where the antenna will be.

2.

Use the color-coded chart to determine the type. For instance, if the stations are mostly "Light Green", a "Large Multidirectional Antenna" is appropriate. These colors are standardized for antennae approved by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and will be used to describe the antennae regardless of whence they are procured.

3.

Select a CEA-approved antenna with the appropriate color code. There are six color codes which denote different types of antennae:

Yellow Small Multidirectional Antenna Green Medium Multidirectional Antenna Light Green Large Multidirectional Antenna or Small Directional Antenna with pre-amp Red Medium Directional Antenna Blue Medium Directional Antenna with pre-amp Violet Large Directional Antenna with pre-amp

A multidirectional antenna allows reception of signals from towers that reside in different cardinal directions from its location, whereas a directional antenna will need to face the source of signal transmission. In some areas, the broadcast towers will all be located in one general direction, so a directional antenna is all that is necessary. However, in other configurations, there may be transmitters located both north and south of the antenna's location, so a multidirectional antenna will be required.

Some antennae have more than one color code designated. This means that they will receive the channels marked in either of those colors in the www.checkhd.com search results. Though all of this information refers to HDTV-dedicated antennae, an analog antenna may provide acceptable results. In all likelihood, better results will be achieved with an HDTV antenna.