Antenna Selection Guide
Welcome! First, let's find out what channels you will get in your area and make sure that everything you want is available. You are mainly looking for the Big Six networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS and The CW. These six networks represent 80% of the English-language TV programming watched in the U.S. You can also look for Spanish-language networks such as Univision, Telemundo and UniMas.
Live in a Metropolitan Area?
Chances are, if you live in a metropolitan area, an indoor TV antenna will recieve several channels and allow you to evaluate antenna TV programming before purchasing a permanently installed outdoor TV antenna (Recommended). Simply purchase the Flatenna 35 by Channel Master with our no risk 30 day money back guarantee. Otherwise, continue through the following guide to find the perfect TV Antenna for your home.
Through the search tool, this is the information you will want to determine:
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How far away do you live from television broadcast towers in your area, at least for the channels you want to be able to get? Be sure to look for ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS and The CW at the very least. Search results will give you tower distance in miles from your home address.
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Are the television broadcast towers in your area located in the same general direction, or are some of them located in different directions? Search results will give you tower direction in degrees, clockwise from Due North. Are your desired channels within at least 90 degrees of each other, or are some outside of that range?
Single Tower Location (90 Degrees) Most Common ScenarioSingle Tower LocationIf towers are in a single location, both directional and omni-directional antennas will provide reception. For the best signal reception from a distance of more than 50 miles, a directional antenna is recommended.
Multiple Tower Location (180 Degrees)Multiple Tower LocationIf towers are grouped in two locations in the same general direction, such as living in a "border" area in which you want to get stations from two different cities, a multi-directional bay-type antenna is needed.
Scattered Tower Location (360 Degrees)Scattered Tower LocationIf towers are scattered in several locations, you will need an omni-directional antenna. The best use case for omni-directional antennas is within a signal range of 50 miles or less. If more than 50 miles, the best option would be a directional antenna with the use of a remote- controlled antenna rotator.
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The majority of television broadcast stations in the U.S., about 75%, utilize UHF frequencies (RF channels 14-36). 23% broadcast over high-VHF (RF channels 7-13), while a very small number of stations, about 2%, broadcast over low-VHF (RF channels 2-6). If you are in one of the rare areas that includes a channel broadcasting over low-VHF, you will need an outdoor antenna that receives low-VHF in addition to UHF and high-VHF. Search results will give identify the “RF Channel" of each channel in your area.
Got all of your information? Let's choose an antenna!
Important Note About Amplifiers
It is not always necessary to "boost" your antenna signal using an amplifier. In fact, using a signal amplifier when not needed can add "noise" to your otherwise stellar signals, causing pixelation or signal disruption. A signal amplifier is used in cases where one of your broadcast towers is located at a significantly further distance than the others, or you are having trouble getting reliable reception from one or two channels due to foliage, a mountain range, or splitting signals inside the home between two or more television sets. For these reasons (in addition to encouraging energy conservation!), all Channel Master antennas come "passive" without built-in amplification, and amplifiers are sold seperately.
Indoor Antennas
Channel Master's indoor antennas are designed to be ideal for metropolitan and suburban dwellers, providing simple installation, flexible placement, and reception of both UHF and high-VHF signals. (For the most reliable performance, Channel Master recommends an outdoor TV Antenna whenever possible.)
UHF/VHF
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UHF/VHF
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Outdoor Antennas
Channel Master's Outdoor antennas are designed for maximum performance and reliability.
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UHF/High VHF
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UHF
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UHF
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UHF
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Channel Master's antenna recommendation engine will analyze your address and recommend a TV antenna solution that is optimized for your location.
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