In case of poor-quality reception of broadcasts or when installing a home TV, you need to determine which antenna for the TV is better in this case. Sometimes you need an active room, and sometimes you can do with a simple one, without a power source. It is required to understand and find answers in advance, avoiding mistakes. The choice of a TV antenna depends on which channels it is intended to receive. The digital encoding method is replacing the analog one. The frequency or wavelength of the received wave is also important.
Content
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Types of television signals
- Simple passive devices
- Amplified Devices
- Advantages and disadvantages
- The optimal choice
Types of television signals
Broadcasting is carried out in different wavelength ranges. The television signal by the encoding method can be:
- Analog.
- Digital.
Depending on the transmission range, the signal can be meter or decimeter length. Initially, analogue television used the meter band, digital television works with shorter decimeter waves. Satellite broadcasting further shortens the range.
When choosing a receiving device, the absence or presence of a direct line of sight of the transmitter, obstacles in the form of buildings, hills or trees matters. Electronic interference from power lines or the operation of any mechanisms or devices can also play an important role.
Simple passive devices
A signal receiving unit without a power source is called passive. With a sufficient signal level, an ordinary indoor TV antenna can cope with the reception of transmissions. You only need to select the type by wavelength:
- Decimeter or digital broadcast.
- Meter for analog.
Or just take a universal broadband antenna. Outwardly, meter-long ones usually consist of two telescopic antennae. By changing the length, tilt and distance between them, or the orientation and location of the device, the best picture and sound quality is achieved.
Decimetres look like a round or diamond-shaped frame. They can consist of two quadrangles or have the form of a dipole. Both types can be equipped with reflectors to enhance reception.
As a rule, it is necessary to orient the device towards the transmitter.. You may need to find a location: closer to the ceiling or on the window. Sometimes a few simple manipulations are enough to achieve a good reception. With digital coding, only the presence or absence of a signal is important, analogue makes demands on its intensity.
Amplified Devices
This type of indoor antenna for TV with amplifier is called active. Let's explain what an indoor active antenna is for. Even if placed in a room, a rather long coaxial cable may be required. The received signal strength may not be sufficient to overcome its resistance. And also it may be necessary to split the signal to several TVs, for example, to different rooms. Amplification will help to solve problems with picture quality when watching analogue channels in case of a great distance from the repeater. Amplification of the useful part of the signal minimizes the damage from interference and is sometimes simply necessary.
Advantages and disadvantages
Quite often, simply using an active device allows you to solve all problems and eliminate all quality claims. This can be an inexpensive and effective solution. But you should not especially count on the fact that if there is no television broadcasting, then an active antenna for TV will be able to solve the problem. You cannot strengthen what is not. Here you have to consider the option with outdoor placement, as a rule, this helps. But the outdoor location should be chosen when the operation of the indoor antenna for the TV is not possible.
Do not forget about the requirement for an additional power source for active antennas - you need either an additional cable or a battery. A simple calculation of device parameters based on the wavelength of the received channels, elimination of visible obstacles or sources of interference can solve the problem. Objects that seem to be completely unrelated to this can serve as sources of interference. For example, plastic windows and doors may contain a metal profile in their construction.
The metal frame is an excellent screen for electromagnetic radiation that will get in the way of watching TV.
Don't forget about devices with electric motors - all kinds of fans and compressors. Your own or a neighbor's refrigerator or air conditioner can create insurmountable obstacles to cultural activities.
The work of vacuum cleaners and electric shavers can and should be neglected - they can completely obscure the screen, but they constantly do not work.
The optimal choice
When choosing the type and type of antenna for home television, do not forget the popular wisdom: measure seven times - cut once. First, you need to decide what types and types of channels are possible and necessary for viewing, to determine the type of required receiving device. It is not out of place to get expert advice on this particular case. Surely someone has already successfully coped with a similar task. You just need to take advantage of someone else's experience and not learn from your mistakes, but use a ready-made solution.
