Antenna Rules to Live By

1. Outdoor is better (generally). When mounted on the roof, outdoor antennas have a better view of the transmitting station, thus removing building-induced signal loss. They receive less interference from other household electronic or electrical appliances and are less likely to receive reflected ghost signals from the building structure.
    
2. Higher is better. The higher an antenna is raised, the easier it is to pick up more direct signals from the TV transmitter. This also reduces interference of signals emitted by other household electronic or electrical appliances and reflected ghost-causing signals from other nearby structures. At the very least, an antenna should be raised no less than four feet above the structure to which it is mounted, and ideally above the roofline.
    
3. Closer is better. If it is not possible to mount an antenna above the roofline, try putting it on the side of the building that faces the TV signal broadcast tower.
    
4. Bigger is better. An antenna’s size matters. Larger antennas are able to pick up more signal strength. This is especially important on channels 2-6, which have a longer wavelength and require a larger antenna in order to be efficiently received. Larger antennas also become directional, which reduces ghosting caused by reflected signals coming from the side and the rear of the receiving antenna.
    
5. Not all antennas are created equal. All TV antennas do not pick up all stations. There are several different types of antennas. The right type of antenna for you depends on which signals are available in your area and which ones you want to receive. Visit www.antennaweb.org to find suggestions for outdoor antennas that can receive the stations broadcasting in your area.
    

Do I need a new antenna?