TV stations are one of the most important and used media channels of broadcasting. As a result of the essential services they render, we can get information about various things. This can be commercials explaining why we should patronize goods or service providers, public service announcements, live feeds of important events, and many other things that we need to keep tabs on.

The world is certainly better with TV stations around us. For more on their importance, you can visit http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/. However, we cannot gain access to this media channel without a TV set, but this is not even all there is to gaining access. The television set has to be able to access the UHF or VHF of local (and possibly international) stations.

Travelling along urban areas or when you are RV camping, access to the weather’s broadcast or to the latest news in town is essential. Considering the importance of TV antennas, this article aims at helping you figure out the kind you should buy.

Types of Over-the-Air TV Antennas

The TV antenna is designed to help the TV set gain access to the frequency of TV stations. This is very important as the average television set does not have sufficient ability to access frequencies at a long range. So, there is a need for television antennas.  However, you should know there are 2 major types of OTA (over the air) antennas and knowing them will help make the right choice. The major difference between both is how signals are picked up. The 2 major types are Omni-Directional and Directional.

Omni-Directional

By using this type, people can access the UHF and/or VHF frequency of TV stations from all directions. This is as opposed to accessing from one direction. This means that users do not have to manually set up the equipment to face the direction of the TV station’s signal. The ability of the equipment to cover many directions makes up for this.

Directional

The guess is that you already know about this type having read the explanation of the last one but let us just explain it for the record.

Directional antennas access UHF and/or VHF TV channels from only one direction. As a result, you have to properly set up the equipment to gain access to the signals that will enable you to view the broadcast of TV stations.

Which Is Better; Omni-Directional or Directional OTA Antennas?

Directional OTA antennas are a lot better at covering larger distances in search of signals than omnidirectional ones. So, people that want something that can cover a large distance in search of signals should seriously consider it. This type is known to have a better search range because of its energy directed towards one spot rather than many. This is unlike the omnidirectional search from so many directions.

You should also know that an omni-directional antenna is better than a Directional option in terms of convenience. Setting up the latter can be very stressful. You have a lot of monitoring to do so that the equipment will face the right direction.

You should also know that signals from stations can come from various directions, making it very difficult to access all at the same time. This is one area an omnidirectional option might be better.

Features of a Good OTA Antenna

We have explained the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of OTA antennas above. After deciding which one you want, you still need to check out certain features that indicate it is a good product. These features include the following:

Durability

We have decided to pay attention to Over-the-Air antennas here. However, some options can be used from right inside the house. However, we prefer OTA options. Whichever OTA product you buy has to be durable regardless of its type, brand, or model. The materials used in making it should be able to deal with harsh weather elements.

Easy to Set Up

Even good products do not have to be hard to set up. The manufacturer should add a manual that guides users on how to install the equipment. Other helpful details also need to be in the manual. By and large, the process of setting up the antenna should be easy.

Wide Coverage

The whole point of using an antenna is to make up for the TV’s inability to access the UHF or VHF frequency of local stations. Well, a good product needs to do a good job at this. This is whether it is a directional or Omnidirectional product. The signal of stations from a large distance should be covered by a good product.

Helpful Accessories

A good product is expected to come with helpful accessories. These items should make using this equipment as easy as possible. A remote control is one such. This will help tune the antenna towards the direction of the TV station’s signal without touching the equipment.

Indicators

Frankly, not every product has this. However, we strongly recommend that you go for products that offer this. A product with indicators will help you monitor the activities of the equipment. As a result, you can tell how successful it is at accessing a UHF or VHF frequency.

Conclusion

We have explained some of the important features of a good TV antenna above. For more on this subject, you can read this.

It is very important that you have access to the media broadcast of local TV stations whether you are at home or travelling with your RV, and you need a good TV antenna to do this. We have discussed important things on this subject and advice that you make good use of the information shared here when the need arises.