Alleviating antenna anxiety: How to choose the appropriate antenna

 

Like so many things to do with the modern world, choosing a new antenna can be a difficult and confusing process, there are so many different products and companies promising you the world, so much so, you’re lucky if you don’t just give up at the thought of it. But of course, it is worth persisting with because once you get that crystalline picture to relax in front of at the end of the day, you’ll thank yourself for your perseverance.

 

Good Signals

 

You need to know what kind of signal is available in the area you live. There are a few websites out there that will provide this kind of information, simply put in your postal address and they’ll show you what sort of signal you get in your area, and will often offer a specific type of antenna based on your preferences. Some sites will also ask for extra details such as whether or not you want pay TV.

 

However, this is an imperfect system and if you are serious about getting the best quality product that matches your desire, then the only option is really to get a technician to do an on-site signal test to recommend the most appropriate type of antenna. They will recommend not just the type of antenna but also be able to offer advice regarding where to place the antenna itself, which is not always in the most obvious spot, especially if you have a large roof with multi-directional placement options.

 

What We Talk About When We Talk About Antennas

 

Once you have had someone check the signal, then you will have a range of options and it’s really up to you to decide what you need and how much you want to spend. If you live in the city and don’t need to pick up signals from more than 25km, then you should be able to get a model for under $50 that will do the job perfectly. It’s when you start looking at picking up longer-range signals then the size of the antenna itself and the price tag, starts to go up. It is also possible to get a signal amplifier, this sits in between the antenna and the TV and will give a boost to the signals you are receiving, these are relatively inexpensive and highly recommended if you live in a remote area. Another good tip is to keep your antenna away from any other electronic gear, such as a Wi-Fi router, this will ensure they don’t interfere with each other.

 

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Don’t Do It Yourself

 

A lot of people try to install their own antennas but when it comes down to it, unless you really know what you are doing, this is a seriously bad idea. There are so many things that can go wrong that it really isn’t worth the minimal amount of money you are going to save. There are a lot of cases of unqualified people seriously injuring themselves trying to do what they think is a simple task but is actually quite dangerous.

 

Have a professional come round to do the job, and do it well. The upshot of this is that most companies will come around and fix any problems with the antenna if they were the ones to install it originally, if you live in the city this will almost certainly be a same day service, so antenna repair in Melbourne, for example, is always going to be a speedy process.

 

Getting a technician to do an on-site signal test and then install the antenna is really the best way to avoid any potential reception issues in the future. You don’t want the signal to suddenly drop out in the middle of a crucial footy game!

 

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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