Digital antennas, like analog ones, depend on the signal transmitted by the ground tower. The weaker it is, the worse the broadcast is, so you have to take into account the proximity of the repeater and purchase amplifiers. Satellite devices do not depend on TV stations, but they are also sensitive to various interference and demanding on the weather. How to choose something suitable, we will tell you below.
Air TV antenna: what to choose for a summer residence
In order not to be mistaken, an antenna for digital TV before going to the country is chosen based on the following rules:
- the device must operate in the range of received frequencies 300-3000 MHz (Ultra High Frequency);
- the size of the boom is proportional to the distance to the tower;
- the power must be sufficient to pick up the signal;
- different devices are purchased for forest or open areas.
Let’s consider the different types:
- An indoor antenna for digital TV is rarely used on country trips. You need to live in the immediate vicinity of the tower to get the expected result. If you believe that the signal will still go in sufficient quantity, first check it by asking a friend’s antenna or by constructing it yourself. Connect the device to the TV, move it to different places in the room.
- An outdoor one will suit you if the cottage is located far enough from the signal source, at a distance of several kilometers. Hesitating with the choice between indoor or outdoor, it is better to give preference to the latter – it will definitely not let you down.
- Broadband versus narrowband is also not an easy choice. The first one is quite heavy with a large number of working elements, it is more difficult to install, it is more expensive, but it catches signals of any frequency and demonstrates more channels. The second is tuned to receive either the decimeter or meter range – it is easy to make a mistake and get something inappropriate.
Narrow beam antenna
- Active or passive – the first is cheaper and more convenient, because it already has an amplifier, and you will have to buy it in addition to the second. But there is a problem: the active antenna quickly loses its quality, breaks down and is sensitive to weather phenomena. If you do not want to change it in a year or two, then it is better to take a closer look at the passive and equip it with a good amplifier.
- A satellite dish is a dish, the diameter of which directly depends on the ability to pick up a signal. It is purchased from a provider that provides satellite TV services along with a package of channels and other things. You just need to find the right supplier in your area. If there is one, then the choice of such an antenna for a summer residence will be optimal – you will not infringe on yourself in the number of channels.
- Terrestrial antennas differ from satellite antennas in form and principle of operation. They are installed higher on a pole or roof. They receive a signal not from a satellite, but from a repeater, which should be no further than 80 kilometers. But this type is cheaper and easier to repair. Previously, they were used to broadcast analog TV, but now there are similar antennas for digital TV.
Antennas for TVs also differ in other indicators:
- Wind load – this parameter should be taken into account so that the wind breaks the antenna and does not knock it down. If you live in a quiet place, then you can choose a device that can withstand an air flow rate of up to 40 m / s. Otherwise, it is better to choose something more stable up to 50 m / s.
- The number of metal parts – the more there are, the better they catch the signal, but the more expensive they are. An antenna consisting of 8-20 active fragments will suffice in the immediate vicinity of the repeater (up to 10 kilometers). A distance of 20-30 kilometers requires a receiver with 30-50 parts, and from 60 km. and then – 62.
- Gain is a measure of the ability to amplify a signal. It is measured in isotropic decibels. A high ratio indicates that the antenna will provide excellent image quality at a great distance from the tower. It doesn’t matter whether you buy an active antenna or a passive one, you still need to take into account the distance: if it is no more than 30 km, then the amplifier should have a power of 20 dBi, if 60 km. – 30 dBi, if more – 60 dBi. Before choosing an antenna for a summer residence with a built-in amplifier, you need to find out in what radius it is capable of working.
- Installation type – depends not only on the distance to the broadcasting tower, but also on natural conditions, weather, terrain. If the room in which the TV is located overlooks a nearby tower, then you can buy an indoor antenna. She is not afraid of wind, thunderstorms and other troubles. In a house surrounded by tall trees or buildings, it is customary to buy an outdoor antenna on a mast to avoid interference. Satellite antennas are placed on the roof and tuned – usually installation is included in the general package of services and is carried out by the provider company, so there should be no problems.
- The diameter of the reflector is the size of the dish, a parameter for satellite dishes. It is especially important in bad weather, when the image deteriorates due to a bad signal. Also, the size of the dish affects the number of channels. It is best to choose a reflector with a diameter of 80-120 cm, a smaller one will not work well in snow and heavy rain. The best option can be offered to you by the provider itself, when you name the desired set of channels.
- Coating type – metal signal catchers, unless the antenna is indoor, they are covered with a protective compound so that they do not rust from rain and snow. There are two options here: galvanizing – suitable for a temperate climate with low precipitation, gas-dynamic spraying – for wet areas.
It is also doubtful whether the terrestrial antenna should be grounded or not. The installers insist that grounding for this kind of device is dangerous because it attracts lightning. A fire can break out as a result of the impact, so it is not worth the risk.
Some antennas have the ability to pick up radio. If you want just this, pay attention to the marking – VHF or FM should be indicated there.
Which antennas are better
Undoubtedly, the best antenna for your summer cottage will be the one that meets the weather conditions, terrain features, etc. But the manufacturer also plays an important role, since some brands have already proven themselves from the best side.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the most popular devices:
- Locus – passive and active antennas of domestic production at a reasonable price (approximately from 500 to 1700 rubles). There are many variations in parameters.
- “Harpoon” – passive domestic antennas. There are both narrow-beam and broadband views. Created specifically for rural outback, where traditionally badly picking up the signal and there is no tower.
- Gold Master – also specialize in signal detection where it does not go well.
- Delta – broadband and narrow beam antennas from the St. Petersburg company. Convenient to connect.
If you choose a suitable amplifier for any of them, then you will not have any problems with watching TV, even in bad weather. Take a closer look at the products: LHA, TERRA and Breeze.