Why pay for TV when you can install a digital antenna in your apartment without any subscription costs? Over the air broadcasting is still used in many countries to provide free TV. You can take advantage of the service. This guide will provide you with resources and websites to help you make informed decisions. You will also find recommendations for aerial antennas, set-top boxes and recorders that can help you connect to free TV.
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Find the Right TV Antenna
You can find online tools that will help you determine the size of aerial antennas you need. The distance between you and the broadcast towers will determine how big your antenna is. You can find out where your local tower is, and which channels are available to you in your area by using some websites and apps. This site will create a guide to help you choose an aerial.
Freeview– Tells you which channels you can get
Apps for Smart Phones
You can use these apps to help you point your antenna. These apps can be very accurate and useful when you’re trying to adjust the antenna in the attic, or on top of the roof. Use one of these apps and point your antenna the right way.
iPhone
Android
Aerial groups and Digital Transmitters
You can use these websites by simply typing in your postal code or address. The list will show you the broadcast towers located in your locality. The list will include their distance, bearing and type of antenna or aerial group you need to receive channels available at your location. The aerial guide will help you choose the antenna. Here is an example what the sites provide.
Aerial groups and Digital Transmitters
You can use these websites by simply typing in your postal code or address. The list will show you the broadcast towers located in your locality. The list will include their distance, bearing and type of antenna or aerial group you need to receive channels available at your location. The aerial guide will help you choose the antenna. Here is an example what the sites provide.
Aerial Color Guide
The guide below will tell you what type of antennas you need for your location. The color coded groups of aerial antennas indicate the number UHF channels that you can receive. The group W or the wide band aerials are generally best for receiving all channels, including any future channel expansions.
How to Choose an Aerial Antenna
There are a variety of different antennas available. We have sorted these antennas based on distance, which is how far you are away from the nearest digital transmitter tower. The higher your antenna is placed in your apartment, the better reception you’ll get. Use the option to re-scan your TV periodically with all these digital aerials. You will receive the most recent channels if you do this.
56 Kilometer (35 Mile) Range Aerial
1byone 0.7mm paper thin HDTV Aerial
The 1byone Paper Thin HDTV aerial are small and light. It can be installed in any window. Easy to install and quick. It does not require power for most applications. There is an optional signal booster that can be purchased to improve reception. This aerial is good if you live in an area with a strong signal. This aerial works well for distances of up to 56 km (35 miles) away from digital transmitters. This basic antenna is a good choice.
Specifications:
- Frequency Range: 47-230MHz and 470-790MHz
- Receiver range: FM/VHF/UHF
- Gain: 6-7dB
- Noise figure: <=4.5dB
- Output level: 100dBmV
What to buy:
These retailers sell the 1byone 0.7mm Paper Thin HDTV aerial:
Amazon
August DTA240 High Gain Freeview / HD TV Aerial
If you have limited space, the August DTA240 Aerial may be a good choice. The magnetic base allows it to be easily attached to metal surfaces. It can receive frequencies between VHF 174-230MHz, and UHF 470-860MHz. This device will work with Freeview broadcasting and DAB. The device is portable and small. It does not require power.
What to buy:
These retailers sell the August DTA240 Aerial:
80 Kilometer (50 Mile) Range Aerial
1Byone Amplified Digital TV Aerial Indoor
Amplified Digital Television Aerial has a nice design. This digital aerial comes with a low-noise amplifier that will give you a great reception. The tuning dial allows you to adjust your audio and channel selections. The device works on both VHF and UHF frequencies. The extending rods can be adjusted for a better reception. Simple to install and use. Well made and of good quality.
Specifications:
- Gain 30 dB
- Frequency ranges: 87.5-230MHz and 470-790MHz
- Receiver range: FM, VHF and UHF
- Noise figure: <=3dB
- Output level: 100dBmV
- Aerial with 1.25 meter cable, Power adapter and User Manual
- Size: 23 x 14. x 20 cm
What to buy:
These retailers sell the 1Byone Amplified Digital TV Aerial Indoor:
Amazon
100+ Kilometers (65+ Mile) Range Aerial
1byone Rectangle Digital Outdoor/Indoor TV Aerial
This 1byone Digital Outdoor/Indoor Television Aerial has a high-quality design and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The aerial is made from UV-resistant plastic. Watertight, it will stand up to the weather. This aerial can be mounted outdoors on a post or sat upright in your attic. This aerial can also be used inside. Mount it on your balcony for great Freeview reception. It comes with an easy-to-use mounting kit.
Specifications:
- 12dB Gain
- Receiver range: VHF 87.5 – 230MHz and UHF 470-790MHz
- Covers all digital TV and DAB/FM transmissions
- Filter 4G LTE built-in – Blocks 3G and 4G from mobile phones, tablets and wireless networks to ensure noise-free reception of digital TV
What to buy:
This retailer offers the 1byone Rectangle Digital Outdoor/Indoor TV Aerial:
Amazon
High Gain/Long range Aerials
These aerials are all capable of working for a range greater than 100 kilometers (65 miles). These aerials are perfect for mounting in lofts or outdoors.
Labgear LAB450T Very High Gain Tri Boom TV Aerial
This Labgear Tri Boom Aerial works well for reception areas on the fringe. It is easy to assemble. This aerial will optimize signal reception and minimize potential interference from 4G cell phones. The reflector bracket is included for a quick and easy assembly. Efficient X dipole design with secure F-type connector.
Specifications:
- Frequency range: 470-790MHz
- TV channels 21-60
- Forward gain dBd 11.3
- Forward gain dBi 13.5
- Front / back ratio dB >16.0
- Beam width +/- deg +/- 16
- PCB balun Yes
- Connector F type
- Width: Length 1110mm, Depth: Width 535mm
- New design minimizes interference with LTE800.
- Easy assembly new reflector
- Tri-boom elements deliver a powerful performance
- A massive reflector offers great directivity
- Ideal for solving problems
What to buy:
These retailers sell the Labgear LAB450T High Gain Tri-Boom TV Aerial:
SLx 27884K4 4G 48 Element Aerial Kit
This high gain aerial is perfect for loft or outdoor mounting. The kit is easy to install and offers excellent performance. The high gain design is perfect for areas with weak signals. The 4G filter removes any interference that may be present in a mobile 4G signal.
Specification:
- Anodized 48-element wideband digital antenna with mounting kit
- Ideal for areas with weak signals
- All local digital TV channels are received
- Outdoor or loft installation suitable
- The integrated 4G filter eliminates interference from mobile phones and the loss of channels on your TV.
- Gain: 13dB
What to buy:
These retailers sell the SLx 27884K4 48-Element 4G Aerial Kit:
Splitting an Aerial Antenna for Multiple TVs
You can use a splitter (or DA) if you have multiple TVs in your apartment. Plug the aerial into the splitter’s input and output your TVs.
Splitter/Combiner
This basic splitter will work in most situations:
Mercury BX38 Bulk Aerial Combiner/Splitter
Cabling
If you add a splitter, it could require extra cabling in order to reach the destination.
Mast digital 20 m fully assembled digital TV aerial cable extension kit
Freeview Set Top Box with DVR Recorder
You can use your aerial with a Freeview box. You can record Freeview channels for later viewing. These set-top-boxes can pause and time-shift live TV. The electronic program guide will tell you what’s on up to seven days in advance.
Panasonic Smart 500 GB Hard Drive Recorder with Freeview
Panasonic Smart HDD Recorder 500 GB with Freeview Play
Specifications:
- Panasonic’s Long Record function doubles your recording capacity
- Record up to 341 hrs in HD mode vs. 129 hours in normal mode
- Catch Up TV – BBC iPlayer (ITV Player), All 4 and BBC iPlayer
- With the series link feature, you will never miss anything.
- Programme guide for 8-day forward and 7-day reverse.
What to buy:
These retailers sell the Panasonic Smart 500 GB HDD recorder:
Amazon
Saving money by not paying a monthly subscription fee for television viewing is an excellent way to save. You can get Freeview TV by simply plugging in an aerial digital. Re-scan the TV or set-top-box when you adjust your aerial. Re-scanning your television or set-top box will keep you up to date with the latest channels added to Freeview.
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