TV Antennas

Check your distance to broadcast towers and terrain using an online TV signal map; choose an indoor/compact amplified antenna for short-range urban reception (within ~20–30 miles) and an outdoor or attic directional antenna for longer distances or obstructed paths

Look for antennas that list VHF and UHF reception and an estimated range that matches your location; omnidirectional antennas receive signals from multiple directions without aiming, while directional antennas offer longer range and better performance when towers are clustered in one direction

An amplified antenna can improve weak signals and compensate for long cable runs, but amplification also increases noise and can overload strong local signals; choose an amplifier when signal maps show weak reception or when using long coaxial cable runs, and ensure it has adjustable gain or a bypass option

Most TVs use a 75-ohm coaxial (F-type) connection; confirm the antenna includes an F-type connector or an adapter, and use RG6 coaxial cable for longer runs to minimize signal loss

Yes, over-the-air antennas receive free local broadcast channels including HDTV (ATSC/ATSC 3.0 where available); channel availability depends on broadcast coverage, your antenna type, placement, and signal strength

Place indoor antennas near a window and as high as possible, away from large metal objects and Wi‑Fi routers; for outdoor or attic mounts, aim directional antennas toward the broadcast towers and secure mounting hardware to reduce movement

Periodically check connectors and cable integrity, reseal outdoor connections against moisture, rescan channels on your TV after storms or transmitter changes, and try reorientation or a different antenna if reception degrades