Are you thinking of switching from your regular cable service to using an indoor TV antenna because you think it will be a better option for your budget? This decision makes sense, but it is necessary to consider a few things first. Probably the first question that will come to your mind is: what kind of TV reception can I expect with an indoor TV antenna? Will I have to risk the phenomenal reception I have had so far in order to save money?
Well, this doesn’t really have to be the case, but it is very important where you will place your indoor antenna. Below we talk in more detail about whether it is necessary for your indoor antenna to be placed next to a window in order to work well.
What is the main factor that determines the quality of TV reception with an indoor antenna?
The thing to be aware of when you are in the process of deciding whether you want to replace your regular cable service with an indoor antenna is that TV reception in this case primarily depends on the location. And when we say location, we mean both the location of your house, and the spot in your home where you will place the antenna.
Logically, you can’t move your house, although this might be a more effective solution.
Luckily, in most cases this is not necessary. You just need to figure out which location in your home would be perfect for your new indoor antenna. When you find this sweet spot, you will be able to enjoy the great TV reception you always wanted to have. And sometimes this reception can be even better than the one offered by an outdoor antenna.
Does an indoor antenna have to be by a window?
One of the most common questions is: do I have to place my indoor antenna by the window in order for my TV reception to be decent? The answer to this question is yes and no. The fact is that the furniture, decoration, and other items that are lying around in your home can interfere with the signals. Therefore, the best choice is to place the indoor antenna right next to the window in order to avoid interference with objects in the home and fix the signal.
However, if you notice that your TV reception is excellent despite that your antenna is not standing right next to the window, then there is no need to move it just because it is a better option in most cases. Decide yourself which location is perfect for your new indoor antenna based on the quality of TV reception.
How else can I improve my TV reception with an indoor antenna?
Place it higher
The height at which the antenna is placed is one of the most important factors that determines how good the signal quality will be. This is why an outdoor antenna is often a better option, simply as it is placed at a bigger height. However, this does not mean that you cannot achieve the same results with an indoor alternative. If possible, position the antenna as high as possible and remove any objects around it so as not to interfere with signal traffic.
In case this is an option for you, locate it in the attic, instead of on the lower floors or in the basement. The lower it is set, the less chance you have of getting a TV reception that suits you.
If you are not skilled in this, we suggest that you seek professional help and consult with professionals in this field. At tvaerialinstaller.co.uk you can find more information about TV aerial installation services and get free quotation for your specific needs.
Direct it to the broadcast towers
Another piece of information you need to have in order to get the most out of your TV aerial is to know exactly where the broadcast towers are located in your area.
You can find an antenna map online that will clearly show you where the signals are coming from.
This will help you find out where to point your indoor antenna and succeed to achieve optimal TV reception. While this is not the case with all models, most of them are directional, which means that they need to be properly oriented in order to show their best work.
Test your indoor antenna and find out if it makes any difference when you point it at the broadcast tower, or you don’t really notice any significant signal improvement.
If you are doing this process yourself, it will probably be necessary to take some time to do your research and find out what works best for your TV aerial.
Check if there is an amplifier option
Another option that can potentially be helpful is to use an amplifier. Many models have this feature, so it is possible to improve the signal strength, which can be especially useful if you use one antenna to cover more than one TV. However, sometimes amplifiers can cause deterioration of TV reception, so it is important to test them and conclude whether this option is useful for you or not. For starters, check out what TV channels look like when you’re not using an amplifier. Then turn it on and repeat the process. You will be able to clearly see if your amplifier enhances your TV reception, or the picture looks better when you turn it off.
Conclusion: Replacing your regular cable service with an indoor antenna can be a good choice for your budget, but it can also adversely affect the quality of your TV reception if you do not know how to operate it. The indoor antenna does not always have to be placed right next to the window, but it is also often the best option. Place your TV aerial as high as possible to boost the signal strength, point it towards the broadcast towers and try using the amplifier to see if it works for you. In case you are confused and lack skill in this field, we suggest contacting professionals to help you install your indoor antenna and locate it in the best possible place in your home.
