Archive for the ‘HDTV Outdoor Antennas’ category

Channel Master 4228HD Long-Range Rooftop HDTV Outdoor Antenna

June 29th, 2009

Channel Master 4228HD Long-Range Outdoor Rooftop HDTV Antenna

Channel Master’s 4228HD HDTV outdoor antenna can receive digital and analog over-the-air TV signals in the UHF band and high VHF band. The 4228HD is optimized for “deep-fringe” reception of HDTV and receives digital and analog UHF and high-band VHF TV signals; range is 60 miles for UHF (ch. 14-69), 45 miles for VHF (ch. 7-13); 8-bay bowtie dipole design; 41″W x 5-1/2″D x 33″H.

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Antennas Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna

June 26th, 2009

Antennas Direct DB2 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna

Although the DB2 was originally designed for outdoor use, it has quickly become one of the most popular indoor antennas due to its small size and extraordinary gain. The bowtie design provides strong gain across the entire UHF spectrum and it functions incredibly well in areas where a low profile antenna is required.

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Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Outdoor Antenna

June 23rd, 2009

Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna

Intended for people at great distances from the transmitters, the DB8 is our most powerful multi-directional HDTV outdoor antenna. In fact, its 15.8 dB gain make it one of the most powerful multi-directional antennas available. The bow tie design of the DB8 uses triangular elements instead of rods to greatly increase the bandwidth allowing it to cover the entire UHF band. Additionally, the mesh reflector of the bowtie is more efficient than a rod reflector, is lower in weight, and provi (more…)

Antennas Direct DB4 Multidirectional HDTV Outdoor Antenna

June 17th, 2009

Antennas Direct DB4 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna

The DB4 has become our most popular model because it is simply the best HDTV outdoor antenna on the market for mid-range reception. With an approximate 13.7 dB gain, it is one of the strongest multi-directional antennas available and performs consistently across the entire UHF spectrum. It even works well in areas where HD transmitters are in multiple directions.

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VHF, UHF, and the Digital Switchover

June 15th, 2009

Some people who had been using UHF-only antennas to receive digital TV signals have been reporting problems since the Digital TV switchover on June 12, 2009.

For example, in the Detroit market, all major networks had been broadcasting on UHF frequencies prior to June 12. A TV viewer would have been able to receive all major network stations using a UHF-only antenna, such as the Antennas Direct DB4 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna. However, on June 12, WJBK (known as FOX 2 Detroit), switched their RF broadcast frequency from 63 to 7, placing them squarely in the VHF band. Now people with UHF-only antennas will need to buy a new HDTV outdoor or indoor antenna simply to receive this one station.

If this has happened to you in your market area, you will need a VHF/UHF combination antenna, such as the Winegard GS-2200 Sensar III Amplified VHF/UHF Antenna System or the Channel Master 3671 VHF/UHF/FM Crossfire Antenna.

UPDATE: some viewers have reported that UHF antennas such as the Antennas Direct DB4 can receive higher VHF frequencies in their area. Some problems blamed on the antennas were actually caused by Windows Media Center not updating the RF channel information until a few days after the digital switchover. Be sure to install all updates and re-scan your channels, whether you are using Media Center or another solution.

Types of HDTV Outdoor Antennas

June 5th, 2009

There are many different kinds of HDTV outdoor antennas.  If you are thinking about installing one, it is important to make sure you have the kind that’s best for you.  Various factors come into play, such as the location of TV station broadcast towers relative to your home, and your distance from the towers.

Finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna depends on taking into account the factors mentioned above, and selecting the appropriate type of antenna for your area.  In a nutshell, there are six basic categories of HDTV outdoor antennas:

  • Small multi-directional antennas
  • Medium multi-directional antennas
  • Large multi-directional antennas
  • Small directional antennas
  • Medium directional antennas
  • Large directional antennas

Digital TV Switchover – June 12, 2009

June 3rd, 2009

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By law, full-power television stations across the United States must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format by June 12, 2009. The U.S. Congress approved an extension of the deadline, which was originally set for February 17, 2009. » Read more: Digital TV Switchover – June 12, 2009

Finding the Best HDTV Outdoor Antenna

May 25th, 2009

Finding the best HDTV outdoor antenna for your situation may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.  We will review some resources, tips, and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your HDTV outdoor antenna purchase.  Keep in mind that the right antenna for you is highly dependent on your geographic location and viewing needs.

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» Read more: Finding the Best HDTV Outdoor Antenna