The most obvious benefit of having a TV antenna is the freedom from monthly cable TV fees. Despite the fact that cable TV provides many interesting channels, it still limits the user's choice. Having your own antenna allows you to view more free-to-air channels - news, music, educational, children's and sports. The TV antenna broadcasts your favorite channels even if the satellite or cable signal is weak or unavailable.
These antennas are especially useful in harsh climates where, for example, satellite and cable signals can be easily lost on cloudy days, and with a digital TV antenna you can enjoy your favorite shows no matter what. The only obstacle to use is the complexity of installation and configuration. That's whybefore setting up the antenna on the TV, the user needs to familiarize himself with all the "pitfalls" of the technology.
Quality signal transmission parameters
Digital television signal comes to the device with a finite amount of energy. In order to standardize and measure this figure, the term "noise margin", expressed in decibels (dB), is used, it represents the amount of noise at which the signal will no longer be received. Ideal space does not exist today, the signal always encounters an obstacle on the way from the tower. Any interference between it and the receiving antenna is noise subtracted from the headroom. That is, it affects the quality of the "picture". The indicator must be considered before setting up the antenna on the TV.
If the noise margin is greater than 0, it can be accepted by the tuner to display the channel on TV. In this case, the line between the antenna and the TV tuner has its own noise, which is caused by the coaxial cable, signal splitters and the tuner that receives the signal. Any component between antenna and receiver can generate noise.
If the noise is too high, it may result in a negative reading and no reception. Before you set up the antenna on your TV, you need to decide how to properly position it, which will require two important information. First, which channels have positive noise margin at the location. secondly, in which direction the tower generates a signal.
Using the signal analysis tool from TVFool.com will help to establishnoise margin (NM) and heading in degrees ("Magn" under azimuth) to fine-tune the antenna.
Indoor reception of television antennas
There is a pie chart that shows the direction of movement of TV towers. You need to familiarize yourself with it before setting up the antenna on the TV. Many smartphones have a free application installed or available to determine it. If all the channels of interest are in the same direction, then a directional antenna can be installed. A directional antenna receives signals from one direction, unlike an omnidirectional antenna, which can receive signals from multiple directions.
The advantage of a directional antenna is the higher "gain" of a TV antenna than an omnidirectional one. This gain, also specified in dB, is added to the noise headroom to counteract some of the noise loss. Essentially, the larger the directional antenna, the higher the TV gain.
An obvious disadvantage of a directional antenna is the need to remap the antenna when switching channels to a tower in the other direction. If enough noise margin remains after the antenna receives the signal, examine the line to the TV. This loss of signal is due to splitters, coaxial cable and TV tuner and others. Standard RG-6 coaxial cable has a loss of 5.65 dB per 100 feet of cable.
TV amplifier
There isloss of noise headroom associated with the amplifier. Since this loss is less than the loss generated by the TV tuner, in many cases it makes sense to use an amplifier before tuning the TV to a digital antenna.
For example, a TV tuner with 8 dB loss and a 2-way splitter could result in 11 dB loss (8 + 3 dB for the splitter). If you add a 2.9dB loss for an assumed 50-foot coax cable, and then another 1dB loss due to the connection at the receive end, the total loss is up to 14dB.
If the amplifier adds 15 dB to the line just after the antenna, then the loss will be 0.0 dB. The amplifier also carries noise, for example 3 dB will bring the total line noise loss to 2.0 dB.
If you add a 20dB gain amplifier with the same noise level, it will only guarantee an unobstructed signal from the antenna to the TV, in other words, the preamplifier will not help the TV antenna to pick up a signal that is already outside the interference. This circumstance must be taken into account. Only then do they learn how to tune the TV to a digital antenna.
There are situations when an amplifier is not needed or even harmful. If all stations to be received hit the antenna with less than 30 dB noise margin and only 3 dB is lost in the line, no gain is required. Also, if the signal is over-amplified, it may cause the tuner to not detect the station at all.
Selecting receiving devices
Toto determine which digital antenna provides the best TV reception, it is important to know the location as the distance from the nearest transmitter will determine the type of antenna you need.
There are three choices:
- Indoor antennas if the viewer lives within a radius of 15 km from the nearest transmitter. An antenna of this type is easier to install, since no additional metal structures are needed. Before buying, check the specifications to verify the reach of each indoor antenna, since there are antennas with different ranges. State-of-the-art indoor digital antennas provide the best possible reception with their innovative technology, even in weak signal areas.
- Outdoor antennas. If the viewer lives within a radius of 15-30 km from the nearest transmitter, then an outdoor antenna should be used for crystal clear reception. The most common Yagi models, easily recognizable due to their traditional design. Modern outdoor units are designed to work in the most severe weather conditions, which must be considered before setting up the TV through the antenna. Otherwise, you can make a mistake with the choice.
- Loft antennas are becoming more and more popular, especially in new builds, as most households don't want an antenna cluttering up a new modern home. Placing the antenna in the attic looks like a logical option and doesn't interfere with the interior, but it's important to make sure the antenna is positioned correctly and at the correct height.
Mobile telephone networks4G/LTE uses some of the same bandwidth as DVB-T and therefore can create interference that reduces signal clarity. The One For All antennas have a built-in LTE/4G filter to eliminate this interference for crystal clear reception. It is recommended to check the specifications beforehand to find out if the antenna has a built-in 4G/LTE filter.
Preparing for connection
Before connecting, determine the type of TV antenna connector, which is usually located on the back or side. There are two main versions of this input:
- Standard for most modern devices, a coaxial RF threaded cylinder with a hole in the center.
- Connection for old IEC TVs.
Before setting up the TV antenna on the TV, find out the location of the nearest radio station. There are dedicated signal analysis sites such as AntennaWeb.org and TVFool.com. They can tell exactly how strong an antenna is needed to pick up the available signals based on the address they live in. It is recommended to select an HDTV antenna that is strong enough to receive all signals. An overly powerful TV antenna may overwhelm the digital tuner if the user is in a strong signal area.
Basic external antenna settings
If a 300 ohm two-wire antenna is used, a 300-75 ohm adapter must be used to adapt the cable to a connection compatible with the TV's antenna input.
Setting algorithm:
- Before you tune the antenna to the Philips TV, connect the 75 ohm coaxial cable from the device to the ANT/CABLE input on the TV.
- Make sure the TV is plugged into an electrical outlet and the power button is turned on.
- From the main screen, select the TV antenna icon.
- Follow the simple on-screen instructions and select "Start Setup".
- When prompted, choose a time zone. This will only need to be done if the TV cannot determine the time zone from the internet connection.
- When prompted, select whether or not to add analog channels 3 and 4 so that old set-top boxes, VCRs or game consoles can be connected.
- Waiting while the TV scans the broadcast antennas of the TV station.
- When the channel scan is completed, the TV will show the number of added channels.
Before adjusting the antenna on the Samsung TV, repeat the channel scan from time to time to make sure that all are received. Broadcasters add and remove channels, move them to different parts of the spectrum, and periodically change power levels.
You will need to repeat the channel scan if the TV is reset to factory settings. To repeat the channel scan at any time, select "Settings" > "TV inputs" > "TV Antenna" > scan the channels again. Antenna reception and image quality depend on the position of the antenna and location relative to broadcaster antennas in the area.
DVB digital converter
The installation of the DTV converter is done before setting up the Samsung TV through the antenna for analog reception. TVs unable to receive DVB digital signals will not receive most channels without it
Setting algorithm:
- First, you need to determine if the TV can use a digital converter. If the TV has an HDTV or a TV with "SDTV" written on the front, it doesn't need it.
- Turn off the TV.
- Disconnect the TV antenna. To do this, disconnect the antenna coaxial cable from the back of the TV and connect it to the digitizer box. This step also applies if an external antenna is used. For example, a device located on the roof.
- How to tune a TV through an antenna? First, you need to purchase a device, such as "bunny ears", before using the digital converter. Place the digital converter box next to the TV. The front of the digitizer, i.e. the front side, must face in the same direction as the TV.
- Connect the antenna to the digitizer with the antenna coaxial cable to the "IN" port on the back of the digitizer box.
- Connect the digital converter to the TV.
- Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the "OUT" port on the back of the digitizer box, then connect the other end of the cable to "IN".
- Connect RCA cables red, whiteand yellow cables to the ports of the same color on the back of the digitizer box.
- Connect the digital converter to the network and turn it on.
- Connect TV.
- Most digital converters will scan digital channels when switching to channel 3 or channel 4, if that doesn't work you should refer to the manual of the digital converter to determine which channel to use.
- Complete the setting on the screen.
Samsung autosave feature
You can use the TV's autostore function to tune in to both digital and analogue channels. Before setting up a digital antenna on a Samsung TV, search for and store available digital channels:
- Press the MENU button on the remote control.
- Use up arrow buttons for navigation.
- Scroll down to autosave and press the ENTER button.
- Select the type of antenna - aerial or cable, press the ENTER button.
- Select a channel source and press the ENTER button.
- Select Numeric, press the ENTER button.
- Select Search, press the ENTER button.
- This starts the scanning process for available analogue channels.
Sony Auto Program
To change the tuning range, press the HOME button>> Settings >> Digital tuning >> Auto tuning range >> Normal.
Where:
- normal - search availablechannels in the region;
- full - search for available channels regardless of region.
Before you adjust the Sony TV antenna, you can start the digital search again. For example, after moving to a new place of residence, changing service providers or searching for new channels. Sony has an automatic tuning program that scans and stores available channels through a service provider. Updating this list is useful when moving or starting new channels. TV also makes it easier to find specific channels by adding your favorite channels to the list for quick access.
Setting algorithm:
- Press the "HOME" button and then select "Settings" with the buttons.
- Select "Digital tuning" with the buttons, and then press the button.
- Select "Digital Auto Tuning" with the buttons.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to tune in to all available digital channels and save the settings to your TV.
- To return to the last viewed source, press the HOME button twice.
- Press the "Auto program" button, then "+" to open the dialog box, and then "+" to select "OK" on the screen. She will start searching for digital channels.
- Display the channel to be added to the favorite list.
- Press the Home button on the remote to view device settings.
- Press the arrow button to move to the Heart symbol and then press the + button to confirm.
- The displayed channel will be added to the list on the screen.
Advanced viewer tips
You have to be frank: to get the best TV "picture" quality, you will need to experiment a lot with antenna placement. Since there may be a big difference in the number of channels depending on the orientation of the device, location, height and brand of TV. In order not to "reinvent the wheel", it is better to take the advice of experts. This will help you to adjust the antenna on your TV LG, Samsung, Sony and others.
Recommendations from experts:
- Most antennas currently on the market are bi-directional, meaning they can receive signals no matter which side they are mounted on. However, some receive signals from only one or two directions.
- When choosing, keep in mind which direction nearby broadcast towers are facing and choose antennas for the best reception.
- It is important to pay attention to the reception range. Most antennas will likely pick up channels if the user lives in a metro area or city, but the farther away they live from signal towers, the less certain they are.
- The term "enhanced" can be misleading. Essentially, the amplifiers built into the antennas amplify weak signals so the TV tuner will accurately recognize them. However, amplifiers do not improve reception quality. In fact, it is not recommended to use an amplifier, it is better to try to adjust the antenna on an LG TV or another. Maybe there will be no need for an additional device.
- outdoorAntennas tend to be larger and more durable than their indoor counterparts, and when mounted on a roof, they can get better reception than the most amplified indoor model.
- You need to strive to capture the direct signal, and not reflected from the neighbor's house.
- For private homes, you need to raise the antenna, which means buying a mast and a long coaxial cable.
- Most TVs allow you to manually add or remove channels from the list, discarding those you don't need.
- TV tuner setup scans for active channels and adds them to the broadcast list. Before setting up a digital antenna on an LG TV or other, the tuner performs the function of scanning the input signals for channels with a good signal and adds them to the list. At the same time, passing dead channels and those with a very weak signal.
- If the antenna is installed incorrectly, it is best to have qualified personnel fix the problem. Then the quality of the "picture" will be excellent.
- If the signal strength for the channel is weak and the picture is distorted, before tuning the LG TV through the antenna, it is recommended to use a directional outdoor structure with a built-in amplifier.
- If the picture quality is good on some channels and poor on others, the problem may be caused by a weak signal from the TV provider.
- If all the setup actions taken have not been successful and there is no reception, it is recommended to check the operation of the TV without additional devices. Perhaps the reason is a malfunction of the TV. Beforehow to set up a TV without an antenna, you need to apply a cable signal to it or check the operation via the Internet. It is better to turn to professionals.
Digital television has become one of the most important services in the modern age, but it will be of no use without a fully functional digital television antenna. This reception system gives viewers a wide choice of popular channels and provides the best reception quality.
