03-05-2011, 01:04 PM
You know this by now.
An amplified antenna can clean up a slightly poor signal. But it has to get the signal first. Unless you live in an area with a strong signal, amplified antennas are hit and miss, and more miss than hit.
Since most amplified antennas are small, the chance of getting a signal are much poorer, in the first place. When you see "long-range" outdoor antennas, the elements are larger, greater in number, and make for a more efficient signal catcher in the first place.
As deck points out, getting an antenna for the appropriate band is very important. Most rooftop antennas are strongest in VFH reception, because that was the most common signal. And since most of the new digital signals are in the UHF range, an antenna that gives strong UHF performance will serve you better.
Rooftop antennas are directional, so aiming them for the stations you want most is also very important.
A lot of antennas have some UFH elements, and even a VHF only antenna will probably give better performance than an indoor antenna of any flavor. If you can, check the connections and elements for corrosion, along with the lead-in cable.
Examine your outdoor antenna and cable.
Aim it for the stations most important.
If necessary replace it with one with better UHF performance, if that's where your channels are.
Last but not least, you can add signal amplifiers to outdoor antennas. Those can actually (but not always) make a big difference.
An amplified antenna can clean up a slightly poor signal. But it has to get the signal first. Unless you live in an area with a strong signal, amplified antennas are hit and miss, and more miss than hit.
Since most amplified antennas are small, the chance of getting a signal are much poorer, in the first place. When you see "long-range" outdoor antennas, the elements are larger, greater in number, and make for a more efficient signal catcher in the first place.
As deck points out, getting an antenna for the appropriate band is very important. Most rooftop antennas are strongest in VFH reception, because that was the most common signal. And since most of the new digital signals are in the UHF range, an antenna that gives strong UHF performance will serve you better.
Rooftop antennas are directional, so aiming them for the stations you want most is also very important.
A lot of antennas have some UFH elements, and even a VHF only antenna will probably give better performance than an indoor antenna of any flavor. If you can, check the connections and elements for corrosion, along with the lead-in cable.
Examine your outdoor antenna and cable.
Aim it for the stations most important.
If necessary replace it with one with better UHF performance, if that's where your channels are.
Last but not least, you can add signal amplifiers to outdoor antennas. Those can actually (but not always) make a big difference.