Ever since the transition to digital television, most consumers have had more choices in free over-the-air broadcasting. This guide provides information on TV antennas and tips for obtaining good quality reception of digital broadcasts.
Scanning for DTV Channels
Scanning for DTV Channels
Before making any changes to your current antenna or antenna system, you should perform a channel scan to see if your antenna receives the digital signals being broadcast in your area.
To run a channel scan, find the "set-up" or "menu" button on your remote control, then select the option that allows you to search for available digital broadcast channels. Once the scan is complete, you should be receiving all available digital channels in your area. In many cases, this is all you need to do to watch DTV broadcasts.
You should rescan periodically to ensure your TV has the current channel lineup for your area.
If you have any difficulty completing the channel scan, consult the owner's manual of your digital-to-analog converter box or DTV for detailed instructions. More information can be found at fcc.gov/rescan
Antennas for Receiving DTV
Antennas for Receiving DTV
(Note: An auction of spectrum that had been licensed to broadcast television stations operating on UHF TV Channels 38-51 resulted in many TV stations on these channels transitioning to other channels. Almost all of the TV stations affected finished transitioning in July 2020.)
To receive DTV signals from all stations in the area, your antenna needs to be able to receive both VHF channels (channels 2-13) and UHF channels (channels 14-36). Some antennas only provide good reception of VHF or UHF channels, but not both. For example, indoor "rabbit ears" usually need to be augmented with an additional "wire loop" or "bowtie" antenna (see images in next tab) in order to pick up signals on UHF channels. Many of the antennas being sold as "HDTV Antennas" perform best at receiving UHF signals, but perform less well receiving VHF channels. Check with retail consultants and consumer websites to make sure that any antenna you choose provides good reception of both VHF and UHF channels.
Even if you use a digital-to-analog converter box, you will still need to use an antenna to receive DTV signals. Digital-to-analog converter boxes do not contain additional antennas or signal amplification.
Antennas for Different Conditions
Antennas for Different Conditions
The antennas shown below will work for the indicated signal strength in most instances, but may not work in all cases. The type of antenna needed at a specific location may vary depending on geographic location, the height at which the antenna is used and other local factors such as nearby buildings, trees, terrain or home construction. Generally, outdoor antennas will get better reception than indoor antennas and are strongly recommended for the most reliable reception.
Strong TV Signals | | | | |
VHF | + | UHF | or | Combined VHF/UHF |
 | | | | |
Simple indoor antennas maybe sufficient for locations having strong TV signals. |
Moderate TV Signals | | |
High quality indoor antenna (check the box for information)
or an outdoor antenna may be appropriate. |
|
|
|
Weak TV Signals | | |
| Outdoor antenna
is appropriate. | |
See www.antennaweb.org for guidance on the type of outdoor antenna you may need. |
Reception Tips
Reception Tips
- Antennas typically need to be oriented or "aimed" to get the best signal from the desired station. DTV reception can often be improved just by changing the location of your current antenna, even as little as a few inches. For example, moving it away from other objects or placing it higher or lower can often improve reception.Be sure to move the antenna slowly to allow time for the signal received by the digital TV tuner to be displayed.
- While adjusting your antenna, it may be helpful to access the "signal strength meter" on your digital-to-analog converter box or DTV, if it has one, to determine whether your adjustments are improving the signals' strength. The signal strength meter is usually accessed through the menu feature on your remote control; consult the owner's manual of your device for detailed instructions on how to access it.
- Remember to do another channel scan after you have adjusted your antenna. For outdoor antennas, a rotor that re-orients the antenna can improve performance, particularly when trying to receive stations that transmit from different locations.
- If you are near a station's broadcast tower, reception of that station, as well as other stations, can be impeded by strong signal "overload."If you suspect this to be the case, you may want to remove any signal amplifiers you may have or try to install an "attenuator" to reduce the amount of signal coming to your converter box or DTV.
- If you are not receiving certain DTV stations, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your antenna or receiver. Check with the TV station to find out whether they are planning changes that will improve reception. To check available signals where you live, use the FCC's DTV reception maps.
More Info
More Info
For more information on consumer issues, visit the FCC's Consumer Help Center.
Learn more about the DTV transition in the DTV Consumer Guide Archive.
FAQs
- ClearStream 2Max | Best TV antenna overall. ClearStream 2Max. ...
- Best Buy Essentials Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna | Best cheap TV antenna. ...
- Channel Master CM5020 | Best outdoor TV antenna. ...
- Mohu Leaf 50 TV Antenna | Best portable TV antenna. ...
- Winegard FlatWave Amped FL5500A | Best indoor antenna.
Analog antennas can sometimes receive digital TV signals.
What type of antenna is best for digital TV? ›
The Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro indoor HDTV antenna is our pick for the best overall digital TV antenna. It delivers crisp, over-the-air TV signals, with an impressive 65-mile range. With its great picture and reliable functionality, it's established itself as one of the most powerful amplified indoor TV antennas available.
Do I need a new antenna for digital TV? ›
Your existing TV aerial or antenna should not need upgrading in order to receive digital transmission. In some cases, aerials more than ten years old may need to be replaced with a digital antenna.
Is there an indoor antenna that actually works? ›
The Best Indoor HDTV Antenna
He has been reviewing speakers and other audio products for more than 30 years. After a new round of testing, we have new picks. The Channel Master FLATenna is our top pick, the Best Buy Essentials antenna moves to runner-up, and the Mohu Curve is a tabletop-friendly alternative.
Do smart TVs have built-in antennas? ›
While smart TVs typically come with built-in antennas, they are used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity — not for picking up free-to-air channels. You can always try using a less sophisticated analog antenna, but there's a good chance you'll experience signal problems.
What is the #1 rated TV antenna? ›
Best TV antenna
For the best overall TV antenna, it's hard to beat the capable Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. It boasts a built-in amplifier for suburban areas that may need a boost to get the most channels and an integrated signal-strength meter that helps you find the optimal spot for pulling in channels.
What is the difference between a digital antenna and a regular antenna? ›
The main difference between them is that analogue antennas were designed to pick up analogue signals, whereas digital antennas are designed to receive and interpret digital signals. Let's break down the differences a little further…
Do you need Wi Fi for a digital antenna? ›
A TV antenna only uses the coaxial cable input at the back of your TV. Since over-the-air (OTA) television has nothing to do with your Internet connection, you could have several people streaming, gaming, or online chatting in different rooms in your house, and none of this will affect your crystal-clear OTA TV signal.
Why can't I get NBC and CBS on my antenna? ›
If hills, trees, buildings, or other geographic features are in between the broadcast towers and the antenna, the signals might not be able to reach your antenna. Elevating the antenna, either by placing it in a higher location or using a taller mast, will increase the signal reception.
The ideal location for your antenna within your home may not be near your TV, but instead on the roof, off of your garage, in your attic, in a bedroom window, or on a balcony. (See below for ways to get your antenna's signal to your TV, even if it's not in the same room.)
Are indoor digital TV antennas any good? ›
Indoor antennas are typically fine for all the strong local channels, but if you want channels that are weaker or further away, you might need to go larger and put an antenna in your attic space or on your roof.
Will an old antenna work for digital TV? ›
If there's a TV antenna sold in the United States, whether it was made in 1974 or 2024, it will pick up HD signals. Granted, some very very old antennas which aren't made to pick up UHF signals won't pick them up very well, but those would essentially be 70 year old antennas at this point.
How to watch digital TV without an antenna? ›
Internet Connectivity: Smart TVs can connect to the internet, allowing you to stream live TV or watch catch-up TV without the need for an aerial. Built-in Apps: Popular streaming services often come pre-installed, enabling viewers to access vast libraries of content without an aerial socket.
How do I know which antenna to buy? ›
So when you shop for antennas, look for ones that can get UHF and VHF frequencies so you can maximize the number of channels you pick up. You'll need VHF to pick up channels 2 through 13, explains Kleinle. One more thing: Don't assume that a more costly antenna is automatically a better one.
Which TV antenna gives you the most channels? ›
Top antennas compared
| Price | No. of channels (LA) |
|---|
| Antennas Direct Clearstream Eclipse | 40 | 70 |
| Btfdreem Smart TV Antenna -- Amplified | 29 | 104 |
| Channel Master Flatenna | 29 | 86 |
| Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna -- Low | 30 | 116 |
3 more rowsJul 22, 2024
Antennas might have a range from 35 to 150 miles. Depending on how close you are to TV towers, you may find an abundance of channels, including some Spanish stations. Antennas can receive all the major broadcast stations such as ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox, The CW and more. On top of that, many networks have subchannels.
How do I get free to air channels with my antenna? ›
Getting started with watching free, over-the-air TV using an antenna is fairly simple. In most cases, you can take the antenna out of the box, connect the cable to your TV, run a channel scan, adjust the antenna for optimum reception and you're good to go!
