Today TV antennas help to significantly improve the quality of the displayed channels, and sometimes to increase their range. The number of options and the level of quality directly depend on which antenna you choose. We read further about which antenna to buy for the TV and how to choose it correctly.
Selection options
There are several different criteria, based on which you can choose exactly which model is best for you. The highlights here are as follows:
- Broadcast frequency... The main criterion influenced by this indicator is the number of channels. Among the main frequencies, the following 3 can be distinguished:
- from 3 to 30 MHz (HF);
- 30 to 300 MHz (MV (VHF));
- from 300 to 900 (UHF).
- The names of these frequencies are given in brackets, which are usually used instead of numerical designations. It works like this: the larger the channel, the higher the frequency. Accordingly, a consumer with large demands is better off buying a more powerful model.
- Signal amplification capability... By this criterion, devices can be divided into active and passive.
- Intended location... The antenna can be indoor, outdoor or hybrid. Accordingly, the indoor antenna is most conveniently located in the house, the outdoor antenna - in the outer space, the location of the hybrid can vary.
- By range... As for which antennas are here, they are broadband and narrowband. The first of them are more preferable, as they can “catch” virtually all broadcast channels. It will be easier for you to work with narrowband if the frequency of the desired channels is known in advance.
Antenna types
The most common classification by which an antenna for a TV can be divided is the one that divides devices into outdoor and indoor. The main choice arises here, so let's consider the advantages and disadvantages:
- Indoor antenna. In terms of technical characteristics, such antennas are in many ways worse than outdoor ones. They usually catch fewer channels, and the quality of the caught often leaves much to be desired. Of course, modern models open up more opportunities, but still they are in many ways inferior to street ones.
The advantages include ease of connection. Whichever indoor antenna you choose, you can always connect it yourself, just by plugging the plug into a suitable socket on the TV.
The ideal installation location is a window opening to allow the antenna to operate at its maximum potential.
- Outdoor antenna... If you are still deciding which antenna to buy for your TV, then you can be sure that this is the best option. The fact is that the higher the antenna is located, the more and better its functions and capabilities, the more high-quality channels it will catch.
It is important to remember that not all street models are installed on the roof (remember, for example, satellite TV "dishes"). You can install some of them yourself, but in general it is best to use the help of professionals.
It is better not to install antennas intended for the roof by yourself.
For those who are deciding which antenna to buy for a TV, the following recommendations will come in handy. Based on them, you can choose the ideal model for you at a favorable cost:
- First of all, it is necessary to determine the requirements for television. If you want good, quality TV with many channels, then the street model is definitely the best choice. To watch standard channels, the home channel is suitable.
- If you want to install satellite TV, then the only option for you is a dish antenna. No other will pick up the signal sufficiently.
Outdoor antennas are most commonly used for cable TV.
- Frequency range. As mentioned earlier, the higher the frequency, the wider the range of channels.
- Active or passive antenna? In almost all situations, an active antenna is suitable for the home, with which you will always have the opportunity to adjust your capabilities.
- Price range. Like many other elements of home appliances, there are different manufacturers of TV antennas, in whose lines you will find a wide range of prices. Different in cost, but similar in characteristics, the models will differ little. Whatever your situation, even the cheapest antenna will always be better than a home-made option, which may turn out to be not only ineffective, but even dangerous.
Review of the best models
The following brief overview will help you decide which antenna to choose for your TV, as well as figure out which models are best for a particular occasion.
A budget option for an outdoor antenna, the price of which ranges from 1000 rubles. The compact model can capture up to 69 channels in good quality.
Indoor model of a sufficiently powerful antenna with HD TV support. Ideal for digital TV work. The cost is within 1600 rubles.
Another option for a street model with an amplifier for watching digital TV in good quality. If you have a limited budget, and you do not know which TV antenna to buy, then this option will come in handy: the price of this antenna varies within 600 rubles.
Stylish, compact, active model for the home, which is better suited for a small number of channels, but in good quality. The approximate cost of such a model is only 1000 rubles.
In the next video, the specialist will tell you in detail which antenna to buy, as well as share how to configure it:
To choose an antenna, it is important to determine the most important parameters for yourself and, in accordance with them, choose a suitable model. The choice is wide enough, and you can always find what suits your requirements.
In contact with
Do you want to set up T2 in your apartment or in a country house? To do this, you need to purchase the appropriate equipment. A super antenna is not a necessary condition, the power is determined in accordance with the distance of your house to the nearest TV tower.
Now we will study the most powerful TV antennas for digital television, which will be useful to users who are far from signal transmitters.
Types of antennas for digital TV
What is needed for reliable and high-quality digital signal reception? An antenna, of course, but which one? It does not matter where your house is located, the choice of equipment should be taken as responsibly as possible, because the complexity of setting up TV channels will depend on this.
Indoor models are an option for users in close proximity to TV towers. There are several types of digital antennas:
- active- are equipped with an additional signal amplifier and operate on a 220V network. This option is needed if you are in an area of poor reception;
- passive- do not contain additional devices, they receive a signal only due to their area and shape. They are used in the area of strong digital reception.
Special digital TV antennas are a marketing ploy, since they, in principle, do not exist, as well as cables, amplifiers intended for T2. This is an invention of manufacturers, which makes it possible to more efficiently sell ordinary products.
In other words, when connecting a "digital" you will use the most common antenna, as is the case with analog TV. A standard amplifier and coaxial cable are also purchased. All of this equipment will fit the new standard.
Naturally, you still need to take into account the technical characteristics of the television antenna. For example, if you are far from the signal transmitter, then be sure to buy an active broadband model so that all channels show quality.
For best results, buy a multi-head model, position it at the highest possible height and point it exactly towards the TV tower. Practice confirms that long TV antennas with an impressive number of crossbars show the most effective results.
TV signal parameters
The level displays the strength of the television signal in digital format. This metric is not user definable. To carry out the calculation, open the main menu of the receiver, and then use the corresponding option.
Quality is the most important indicator. To avoid all sorts of interference and disruptions, you have to work hard. As a result, the quality will show how suitable the TV signal is for decoding without any errors. The receiver will automatically calculate the value of the parameter in question, after which it will display all the necessary information on the screen.
When the frequency of the desired multiplex is tuned, the level and quality of the signal will be displayed on the TV screen. To improve reception, simply rotate the antenna or reposition the device. This is how the antenna is tuned - you just need to twist it and monitor the change in image clarity.
Natural factors, especially strong winds, significantly affect the signal quality. Therefore, if you managed to find the optimal location for the TV antenna, try to fix the device so that in the future it does not change the directionality and signal quality, and remains at the highest possible level.
Testing of television antennas shows that it is desirable to place them away from metal structures and as high as possible. How to get the best possible signal reception and what mistakes should be avoided?
Of course, you first need to find the optimal location for the antenna. Its direction should correspond to the point where the television tower is located. High obstacles, hills, trees are all potential obstacles that negatively affect the signal quality.
In the event that you live in a private house and you have a metal roof, place the antenna as far as possible, otherwise the signal will be constantly blocked, which negatively affects the quality of TV broadcasting.
To avoid aggravating the situation, route the cable correctly:
- in no case should you use a cable that is more than 5-10 years old;
- do not purchase the cheapest cord that does not have a braid;
- sharp creases and excessive shortening of the purchased cable must not be made;
- no need to twist the remaining wire into a coil.
If in the future, separate pieces of cable are connected with a special coaxial connector, this will still negatively affect the quality of the signal.
The most powerful indoor antennas
Indoor antennas operate in several ranges - meter or decimeter, providing signal reception at a distance of up to 30 kilometers. Of course, indoor antennas are characterized by the presence of certain restrictions on the quality of television waves, therefore, in order to obtain a normal picture, it is necessary to carefully tune each channel.
However, indoor antennas for receiving digital television have their own advantages. First, the compact size should be highlighted. Secondly, the relatively low cost is pleasantly pleasing. The undisputed leader in the TV antenna market is Remo.
Remo BAS-5310USB Horizon
If you have not yet made your choice of an antenna for DVB-T2, then it's time to pay attention to this model, because it is she who leads our rating. The original appearance is a significant, but by no means the only advantage of the device.
The compact size and the presence of a convenient mount will allow you to place it on the TV. Provided that the tuning is done correctly, it will receive waves of different channels in the range of 21-69. The amplifier is built-in, which has a positive effect on the quality of the received signal.
If you study the reviews of domestic consumers, you can find a lot of positive comments. Most often, users note the high quality of reception and convenient connection via the USB connector. The antenna is capable of working with a reflected signal.
The durable case is made of high-quality material, so the protection of hardware parts from mechanical damage is thought out to the smallest detail. There shouldn't be any difficulties with the connection. The weight is only 230 g. The equipment is equipped with a 5 Volt power adapter, which is also included in the kit. If we talk about the shortcomings, then there is only one - a short power supply cord.
Harper ADVB-2120
The second device goes to the model from the popular manufacturer Harper. It is not surprising, because it has a colossal amount of positive reviews from Russian consumers. First, the fact that the device picks up - 87.5-862 MHz should be highlighted. Secondly, you can configure not only "digital", but also analog TV.
It's hard not to notice the original design, which is also important. After all, this is an indoor TV antenna, which means that it will always be in sight. The amplifier is powered directly from a TV or set-top box, since it does not have a separate power adapter. Of course, this becomes the reason for the restrictions on the use of equipment. But the device boasts a compact size.
The ergonomics of Harper ADVB-2120 are also great - if necessary, the TV antenna can be placed on a flat surface. The shape of the closed ring allows you to easily hang the device on a bracket or hook. Considering all the technical advantages listed above, as well as the relatively low cost, it becomes clear why this model is included in the list of the best.
Remo Inter 2.0
The third place goes to a model that stands out for its impressive functionality and relatively low price. Therefore, it is not surprising that this device holds its positions in this segment.
The receiver is designed to connect 20 digital, 10 analog channels. An intuitive control system allows you to set the required level of signal gain to achieve the highest possible quality.
Customers also consider harmonious design and the easiest installation process to be among the main strengths. The body of the device is collapsible, assembly takes just a few minutes. Special attention should be paid to the power adapter cable - it has good insulation. Also, the wire of the unit and the TV antenna are about the same size, so they can be easily positioned in a convenient place.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then there are only two of them. The quality of the plastic from which the equipment complex is made leaves much to be desired. The second disadvantage is problems with signal reception, it is by no means always stable.
Most powerful outdoor antennas
Outdoor antennas for digital TV DVB-T2 have the maximum power, which can be achieved through a special design. As a result, the device receives the signal even when it is at a distance of up to 50 kilometers from the transmitter.
Of course, you should also take into account all kinds of obstacles that are in the signal path - naturally, they sometimes block television waves. Mostly experts recommend buying models with a built-in amplifier.
The TOP outdoor TV antennas will include only two models. Let's get to know them better.
Remo "Hummingbird-A-DX Deluxe"
The receiver is located on a special mast, which improves signal reception. In order to increase the effect, an amplifier is used, which helps to receive TV channels even at an impressive distance. The model has an extremely successful design, thanks to which it perceives signals even in those regions where the tower is not in the line of sight.
You can find a huge number of positive comments on the Internet. Consumers note a stable and high-quality reception, as well as the simplest possible setup and installation. The most powerful digital TV antenna is powder coated to provide adequate protection against corrosion.
The package includes a 6-meter cable and amplifier power adapter. There are certain weaknesses. For example, users note that it is very inconvenient to adjust the parameters of the amplifier. The reliability of the power supply also raises questions.
Remo "Dvina-DX"
Despite its relatively low cost, it demonstrates an impressive level of signal reception during operation. Experts note that the device can be used to receive a signal at a distance of up to 50 kilometers. To increase the quality of wave reception, the developers have equipped the model with a built-in amplifier. The package also includes a 12 Volt power adapter.
After studying consumer reviews, it becomes clear that among the main advantages of a TV antenna, users include excellent wave reception, low price and maximum ease of use. During the manufacturing process of the device, special attention was paid to the quality of materials. For example, the support bar is made of lightweight but very durable aluminum, and the receiving elements are powder coated to prevent premature damage to the receiver.
Strong fasteners will ensure reliable fixing of the structure to the bracket. There are also certain disadvantages. The fact is that users have certain difficulties in the installation process. You also have to modernize the separator yourself for maximum quality work.
The most powerful satellite dishes
Satellite dishes are perhaps the most modern and innovative solution. First, they differ in the maximum range of received signals. Secondly, they provide the highest level of quality. However, dishes are much more expensive than other types of antennas. Let's take a look at the best antennas for digital TV.
Lans-65 MS6506
The main distinguishing feature is an excellent signal regardless of weather conditions. Manufactured in China. The cost is 2500 rubles. The cymbal differs from its counterparts in a very non-standard design. The geometry of the parabola and special perforation allows you to significantly stand out from the rest.
As a result, the device cleans itself, of course, this has a positive effect on the quality of the received information. Moreover, perforation contributes to a significant reduction in the wind load of the structure, it becomes lighter.
In their reviews, users note a pleasant design, excellent reception quality and an intuitive system of settings. High quality powder coating of metal elements protects the plate from premature breakage. Reinforced mount allows you to adjust the angle of inclination. From time to time, the waves jump - this is the main drawback of this model.
AUM STV-0.6 DF-1.1
The Belarusian manufacturer managed to create a high-quality device with the best signal reception for NTV + and Tricolor. The cost is 1150 rubles. The undisputed leader is this dish antenna, which is ideal for the above providers. Therefore, if you are their subscriber, you can safely buy the device.
The TV antenna shows an excellent gain, which ensures efficient operation even in densely built-up areas, which is very important for an external receiver. A distinctive feature is the design. The plate is shaped like an egg, which noticeably improves the reception.
In the reviews, domestic consumers note the high quality of the material from which the popular TV antenna is made. It costs less than Chinese devices and has a simpler settings system. If necessary, you can safely change the standard mount for a longer rod to improve signal reception. Additional components are whipped up - this is the only drawback of the device.
So, imagine this situation: in the evening you decided to watch your favorite TV program, and suddenly the TV stopped showing. Or another case: you have arrived at the dacha, have already prepared for the rest and again the same situation - not a single channel is working. What to do in this case? The answer is simple - you need to make an antenna for the TV with your own hands, because most likely the cause of the breakdown is in this particular device. Next, we will consider the simplest options for creating, which will require a minimum of available tools and time.
Idea # 1 - Beer cans are in use!
This version of a homemade television antenna is the simplest and fastest to manufacture. The maximum number of channels that will be at your disposal is 7, but this figure may vary slightly depending on the region.
To make an antenna for a TV from beer cans, you will need the following materials:
- 2 small screws, also called "bugs";
- 2 prepared beer cans (empty, washed and dried);
- from 3 to 5 meters of television cable (can be taken from a failed device);
- soldering iron and tin (for better fixing of contacts), the presence is optional;
- screwdriver;
- wooden tremp;
- electrical tape or tape.
It will not be a problem to find all the materials in the house, therefore, having prepared them, we immediately get down to business.
In order to make a homemade antenna from cans, you need to follow these steps:
- We are preparing the cable. First, at a distance of 10 cm from the edge, you need to make an incision and remove part of the top layer of insulation. Having opened access to the screen, we fold it into one turn. After that, we cut off the middle insulating layer, exposing the thin copper core of the cable. As for the other end of the conductor, there should be a regular plug.
- We prepare banks. There will also be no difficulties with capacities that act as a signal receiver. First, you need to find the optimal size of the beer cans. It is better to use liter, but if there are none, containers with a volume of 0.5 and 0.75 liters will do a good job.
- We summarize contacts. At this stage, the twisted cable shield is attached to one jar, and the copper core itself to the other. Fixation is carried out with bedbugs using a screwdriver. In order to make the quality of the picture on the TV screen higher (signal transmission quality), it is recommended to fix the wire not only with bugs, but also with a soldering iron (grab a little). The result should look like this:
- Putting together a homemade TV antenna. The signal receiver is ready, now we are making a supporting structure, which we have a trempel. Using electrical tape, we fix the containers to the trempel (as shown in the photo). We draw your attention to the fact that banks must be strictly on one straight line, otherwise the homemade product will not work as we would like.
- We set up the antenna for the TV. Now you need to experiment with the optimal distance between the banks, as well as the place for hanging the device, so that the homemade product catches many channels. We turn on the TV and determine exactly how the receivers should be located and where is the most suitable place to work. This is where the creation technology ends.
As you can see, the whole process is pretty simple and not complicated. The optimal distance is 75 mm between the ends of the cans, and the best installation location is near the window. In individual cases, the distance between the banks can be made more or less.
Idea # 2 - Using wire
Another equally good option that is advisable to use in the village is a homemade copper wire antenna with an amplifier.
All you need for manufacturing is:
- amplifier (fit from an old device);
- two pieces of wire 180 cm each;
- a piece of metal (or wooden) plate 15 * 15 cm;
- an electric drill with a set of drills (or a welding machine);
- small bolts;
- hammer;
- iron pipe;
- TV cable of suitable length.
So, in order to make a copper wire antenna for a TV yourself, you need to follow these steps:
Pay attention - in the photo examples, both the amplifier, and the reflector, and the wire are covered with paint. Painting protects the structure from corrosion and other adverse factors, significantly extending the life of a homemade TV antenna.
Idea # 3 - Home HDTV Device
If the first 2 options worked at a frequency of no more than 270 MHz, then the next manufacturing method will allow you to enjoy a better picture, because the signal range can reach up to 490 MHz. The only detail that is unlikely to be found among the household trivia is the 300 to 75 ohm matching transformer. You will need to buy it in advance if you decide to make an antenna for your TV yourself as an experiment and improve your skills. Although there are instructions for making a homemade transformer, you can find and use it.
From the materials you will need:
- Scotch
- Cardboard
- Stationery knife
- Foil
- Stapler
- Scissors
- Marker
- Roulette
Having prepared this entire school set, let's get down to business!
First you need to sketch (or print on a computer) this diagram:
Now, according to the scheme, we cut out all the parts, including the necessary pieces of foil:
After that, you need to make a reflector measuring 35 * 32.5 cm (height and width). We glue one of the sides with foil.
In the middle we cut out two identical rectangles, which are necessary in order to completely assemble the homemade antenna signal trap for the TV. The rectangle should be 3.5 cm long, its purpose is to maintain the distance between the reflector and the auxiliary parts.
We glue the parts on a rectangle, and when the cardboard homemade product hardens, we drill holes for the TV cable.
We connect the transformer and insert the cable into the plug. More powerful TV antenna is ready to use! It should also be noted that this homemade option is suitable only for indoor use, because the paper quickly deteriorates on the street.
Another option for a powerful home-made device:
Idea number 4 - Apartment option
There is another way to make a powerful antenna for a TV from improvised means, which is suitable for both street and apartment use.
To manufacture the device, you will need the following materials and tools:
- 4-meter copper wire with a cross section of 4 mm square;
- board of any thickness, 55 cm long and 7 cm wide;
- wood screws;
- ruler or tape measure;
- simple pencil;
- screwdriver;
- soldering iron;
- plug.
So, first, according to the drawing, we drill holes in the board: 
Then we transfer the drawing data to the board and drill into the corresponding attachment points. 
Next, the copper wire must be cut into 8 pieces of 37.5 cm each. 
The insulation must be removed in the middle of each of the 37.5 cm lines (as shown in the picture). 
We cut off 2 more copper wire pieces 22 cm long and conditionally divide them into 3 equal parts, while at the points of inflection, again, we remove the insulation. 
We bend the prepared wire in bare places. We draw your attention to the fact that for those segments that are bent in half, the distance between the ends must be made 7.5 cm (the optimal value for receiving the signal of a homemade television antenna). 
Next, we attach the plug to the finished homemade product, and we already connect the TV cable to it. 
This completes the manufacturing process. We choose a suitable place and install the device. 
Here we have provided the most simple instructions. We hope that now you know how to make a home TV antenna with your own hands! We draw your attention to the fact that today on the Internet you can find many other options in which inventors do without cans and wires. Of the rest of the available tools, copper tubes, aluminum discs and electrodes are often used. The advantage of the options we have listed is that you can quickly make such TV antennas with your own hands, without spending the whole evening on it.
Related materials:
Visual video instructions for creating a simple antenna from cans
Assembling a digital antenna from a TV cable and a cardboard box
HDTV antenna from available tools
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Which antenna to choose for digital TV? What is the difference between antennas? How do I apply power to an active antenna? Which antenna is better? These and other questions on the site
Hello everyone! By the nature of my activity, I have to deal very closely with the connection and tuning of antennas for digital terrestrial television.
Therefore, based on the experience gained, I have the opportunity to share how to choose an antenna for digital television and set up dvb-t2 - 20 free channels.
Fast navigation through the article
Which antenna is suitable for digital television DVB-T2
With the advent of digital terrestrial television, many have questions related to the choice of an antenna for DVB-T2. For instance!
- Can I use my old antenna, if there was one?
- Is the "Lattice" type antenna suitable for this?
- Do I need an antenna with or without an amplifier?
- if there is a question about purchasing a new one?
- Do I need an advertised antenna "Key to Free TV"
Let's first figure out what kind of antennas there are.
To receive television signals, antennas of the meter (MV) and decimeter (UHF) ranges are used. There are broadband antennas, this is a "hybrid" when the elements of the MV and UHF bands are used in the antenna design.
These antennas are easy to distinguish from each other by their size.
The MV range has longer elements. Everything is according to the name.
So in MV antennas, the elements are approximately from half a meter to one and a half meters in length.
And the elements of the UHF antenna are only about 15 to 40 cm long.
It is the UHF range antenna that is needed for digital terrestrial television.
VHF antenna 
An example of an antenna of the decimeter range (UHF) 
Broadband antenna, MV and UHF bands. 
Lattice antenna 
Broadband antenna "Kolibri" So - To receive digital terrestrial television, you need an antenna of the decimeter range, i.e. antenna with short elements. Or broadband.
Now you can assess whether your old antenna is suitable for receiving television in the DVB-T2 format. The only open question is its serviceability and efficiency in your area.
In addition to being divided according to the received bands, antennas are also divided into ...
Indoor and outdoor (External) - I think everything is clear with the application here.
And also active and passive - more on that later.
Well, a brief excursion into the difficult topic of terrestrial antennas is carried out. Let's continue ...
Features of the distribution of a television signal
The distance over which the signal is transmitted in the UHF range does not differ in a large coverage area. It is much less than in the meter range.
For example:
If you used a radio receiver, you might have noticed that you cannot catch distant foreign radio stations in the FM or VHF bands, but only those that are nearby are local.
But on the other hand, you can catch a whole bunch of foreign products in the MF or HF bands.
This is because medium and short waves, like meter ones, propagate over long distances, and ultrashort ones, like UHF, to small ones.
This disadvantage of the UHF range for digital TV is compensated by the location and number of television transmitters - by analogy with cell towers, there are many of them.
Also keep in mind that the TV signal is perfectly reflected from the objects encountered on the way.
This allows you to receive transmissions when it is not possible to direct the antenna towards the TV tower. Or there are obstacles to the direct signal flow.
Take a look around! Is it possible to receive the reflected signal?
So with the right antenna selection and proper installation, you will surely succeed.
What else to consider when choosing an antenna
The conditions for receiving a television signal are very different in different places and these conditions must be taken into account when choosing an antenna.
Here are some factors that determine which antenna you need to purchase and how to install it.
- TV transmitter power and
- Terrain relief - mountains, lowlands, plains.
- Standing nearby and blocking the antenna towards the tower, there are tall, dense trees.
- The development of high-rise buildings and your location in relation to these buildings and the tower.
- The floor on which you live - the higher, the easier it is to need an antenna.
- Possibility or inability to rotate the antenna towards the transmitting tower.
Active and passive antennas - what's the difference?
Antennas of any kind can be either active or passive.
Passive antennas are those that amplify the signal only due to their design, without the use of electronic amplifiers, such antennas are used in areas of a confident signal.
Active antenna - it has an amplifier in its design, such an antenna needs to be connected to a power source.
The amplifier helps to raise the received signal level in areas of poor reception.
How to connect power to an active antenna amplifier, several ways
The antenna amplifiers are powered by 12 or 5 volts. But recently, more and more, manufacturers are aiming at the production of antennas with a five-volt power supply.
And there is a reason for this! Such antennas are easier to connect to those who use a DVB-T2 set-top box.
Three ways to connect
A) Use a special power supply unit with a separator that produces a voltage corresponding to your amplifier.
The purpose of the separator is to separate. It passes voltage to the antenna, but does not pass it into the socket of the TV. However, this does not interfere with the signal from the antenna amplifier to the TV.
B) If the DVB-T2 prefix is used. The 5 volt voltage can be supplied directly from the console. Moreover, for any amplifiers for both 5 and 12 volts.
This does not require any additional wire, power supply, and so on. The voltage of 5 volts, from the antenna jack of the set-top box, directly through the antenna cable, will go to the amplifier.
You just need to turn on this power directly from the set-top box menu. Go to the settings section and find the item "Antenna power ON-OFF", select ON, and exit the menu (in different models of prefixes, the names of these items may differ)
C) If you have an LCD TV with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner, then, in addition to the method under the letter A), you can do the following.
You will have to purchase a special adapter for powering the amplifier from any USB port, first of all, the USB port of the LCD TV itself is considered. But you can connect to any charger with USB output
Which antenna to choose - consider examples
As you understood from all of the above, when choosing an antenna for yourself, you need to evaluate various factors.
A few examples:
Distance to the tower 5-15 km
You live in a city where there is a DVB-T2 signal transmitter. Or in a village, not far from the transmitter, 5-15 km.
Most likely, an indoor antenna, even the simplest one, is suitable for you. Especially if you live above the first floor.
And being not far from the tower, even a simple piece of wire instead of an antenna can be enough.
Considering the prevalence of towers and the rather large number of places with a reliable signal, scammers use this, offering various, in fact
Under the conditions described above, they will work pretty well.
But keep in mind that the number of channels will be no more than that broadcast by the TV tower in your area! And not 100 or 200 as the advertisement promises.
Therefore, the question arises, is it necessary to pay off several hundred, or even thousands, for an ordinary indoor antenna from advertising?!
Here are some inexpensive, compact antenna options for good signal conditions.
Indoor antenna for locations close to the tower. 
Indoor antenna for locations close to the tower. Another option 
This option can work in slightly more difficult conditions than the previous two, especially the version with an amplifier. Indoor antenna - application features
The right place for an indoor antenna is not where it will look good or stand comfortably, but where it will receive good signal. And these two circumstances - "look" and "accept" do not always coincide.
Because often the best, and sometimes the only place where you can catch a signal, this is the place at the window of the TV tower overlooking the direction. Take this into account!
To solve this problem, you can add a cable of the required length and for some antennas (for example, those in the photo above) it is not difficult.
But there are indoor antennas that have a built-in power supply in their case. They also have a power cord for plugging into an outlet. And of course a cable for connecting to a TV.
This may sound convenient, but alas, it is not always the case.
Often, the place where the antenna is able to receive a TV signal is not at all near the TV and the outlet, but for example by the window.
And in this case, a short power cord will become an obstacle to positioning the antenna in the right place. In addition to the cable, you also have to pull the extension cord. In general, a bunch of wires.
You live at a distance of about 25-30 km or more from the TV tower.
Of course, a lot depends on the power of the transmitter.
But in general, a small outdoor antenna is sufficient at a distance of 25 km. As for example, those that are shown at the very beginning of this post, I mean the UHF antenna or the broadband "Hummingbird".
In my area, from a distance of 25 km in line of sight, a passive UHF antenna with an arrow length of about 80 cm receives a confident reception without having to raise the antenna above two meters from the ground.
You can also receive a good active indoor antenna.
In some houses, even from the first floor, if there is a window towards the tower or the ability to receive reflected signals from neighboring buildings.
A floor above the second significantly increases the chance of success.
There is a simple principle of how to determine the antenna power - the longer the antenna boom, the greater the coefficient of its own gain, and not due to the amplifier.
Antenna for difficult reception conditions
For example, the active antenna of the photo below, in our area, pulls out a signal from a distance of 60 km or more. It is successfully used in the most difficult places, in houses located in a strong lowland, its length is about 1.7 meters, but there are antennas under 4 meters in length.
In addition to the length, in difficult conditions or at a great distance from the TV tower, the presence of an amplifier plays an important role, i.e. the antenna must be active.
There are options for powerful antennas, where instead of one boom, three are used at once, so the antenna's ability to amplify the signal due to the construction alone is greatly increased.
And in tandem with an amplifier, this antenna becomes a very powerful TV signal trap.
But impressed by this antenna, do not rush to run after it. It is only needed under really very, very difficult conditions of admission.
In most cases, other, much cheaper options are sufficient. In addition, if the signal in your area is already strong, then the amplifier in the antenna will only interfere.
Here is just the case when butter porridge can be spoiled. An example of this is described below.
Polish antenna array for digital television
In some cases, the "Lattice" antenna can work quite successfully when receiving digital television. Especially if you are not very close to the transmission tower.
More than once, however, I came across a situation when, using their old antenna - Pole (Lattice), people could not get a digital broadcast signal from it.
Either in general, or the signal periodically "fell off", the picture fell into cubes, the image and sound were frozen. One of the digital TV packages could be missing, while the other worked fine.
The problem with these phenomena is signal over-amplification.
There is a way out, consider the options….
1) Sometimes it's just enough to disconnect the antenna power supply from the outlet and that's it. But this does not always help, and then more serious measures are needed.
2) Reduce the supply voltage of the amplifier using a regulated power supply. Or supply power directly from the set-top box bypassing the separator of the standard antenna power supply by installing a regular plug.
3) Get to the amplifier board, the one on the antenna itself, and connect everything without an amplifier.
4) Throw away this old dilapidated antenna and buy a normal, UHF range.
P.S. New, like a lattice.
I hope this article will be useful to someone, leave your feedback, comments, share your experience.
P.S. If you are purchasing a new antenna and are not sure if it will work for you, ask your local antenna vendor.
It happens that they are quite well aware of which antenna is better to take focusing on your place of residence.
And negotiate the possibility, if it suddenly does not fit, change to an antenna of a different type. At least in my store it is possible.
Digital terrestrial television broadcasting
Television broadcasting is called terrestrial broadcasting, in which a TV signal is broadcast by a transmitting TV station into the surrounding space using electromagnetic waves, and anyone can pick up this signal using a television receiving antenna. Broadcasting is carried out on meter (MV / VHF) and decimeter (UHF / UHF) waves. In connection with the transition of Russia to the digital broadcasting format, terrestrial television is becoming a convenient and free way to deliver a high-quality television signal. The DVB-T2 standard is adopted as the main format for digital terrestrial TV in Russia.
Antenna classification
Television antennas are conventionally divided according to the place of installation, the type of signal amplification, and the range of frequencies received.
- At the place of installation - indoor and outdoor.
Indoor antennas are installed indoors. Important: reception to an indoor antenna is possible only where the TV signal level is sufficiently high - such places are called zones of reliable reception. In reality, there are not so many such zones. There are not very many chances to get a high-quality "picture" with the help of a room antenna in the village, at the dacha and other places far from the repeater. Of course, you want to get by with a pretty graceful design, and not climb on roofs and balconies, but the laws of physics cannot be bypassed.
Attention: the statement that an indoor antenna will receive signals well in any room is fundamentally wrong! Each case should be considered separately and a suitable antenna should be selected.
Outdoor antennas have much better parameters and can be used in most places, including country houses and summer cottages. Installing an outdoor antenna requires considerable effort and some experience, but the effect will be more than worth the effort. Outdoor antennas can almost always provide better reception!
- By the type of signal amplification - passive and active.
Passive antennas receive and amplify the signal due to their design (geometry). They are not connected to the electrical network and do not have active amplification elements: transistors, microcircuits or other electronic components. Thus, the passive antenna does not introduce its own interference and noise (which are inevitably produced by various electronic components) into the received signal. At the same time, in some situations, its own capabilities are not enough for high-quality reception.
Active antennas amplify the received signal not only due to the design features, but also with the help of the electronic amplifier with which they are equipped. The amplifier can be mounted inside the antenna housing or separately from it. Power is supplied from a household power supply using an adapter (power supply). Remember that the amplifier is a noise source. In some cases, interference and distortion may occur in the received TV signal, for example:
- when using an active antenna in the area of already confident television reception,
- with the wrong choice of an amplifier with a very high gain (this is the case when everything is good in moderation!),
- when using low-quality amplifiers of unknown companies and manufacturers.
- By the received frequencies - channel, band and all-wave.
Channel antennas are designed to receive only individual frequency channels, they are used in special conditions - they are practically not needed for an ordinary TV viewer.
Band antennas are used where you need to receive only MV, or only UHF. In particular, for broadcasting digital terrestrial television in Russia, only the UHF band is used. If the antenna is purchased only for receiving digital TV, then an antenna operating only in the UHF range is sufficient.
All-wave antennas are capable of simultaneously receiving signals of both ranges: MV and UHF. Most often, viewers need just such antennas, because various TV channels in Russia are broadcast both in the MW band and in the UHF band.
Antenna Specifications
An antenna, like any electronic device, has a number of parameters and technical characteristics. Some of them are described in the product passport, some - only in technical conditions. It is unlikely that the average buyer needs all these numbers. Probably the only technical characteristic that a consumer should pay attention to is the antenna gain or gain. Measured in decibels (dB). The higher the value, the better the antenna's ability to amplify the TV signal. But as mentioned above, not always a large gain will lead to a better image. The gain must correspond to the installation site of the antenna! Sometimes unscrupulous manufacturers or sellers indicate sky-high gains on the packaging and in the product passport that have nothing to do with reality. If numbers above 40–45 dB are indicated on the antenna, this product should be treated very carefully. And if you see 80, 90, 120 dB - you are almost certainly misled. Do not buy!
Build, install and configure
The purchase of an antenna is not all that is needed for high-quality reception of television signals. The antenna must be properly assembled, correctly installed, connected and configured. The assembly is usually described in detail in the product passport or on the packaging. Read the instructions carefully before starting assembly, or better - before purchasing! Pay attention to the recommended location for the antenna, how to connect to your TV, and how to get the best reception. If in the instructions you see a clumsy machine translation, errors and inaccuracies, poor-quality and incomprehensible illustrations - refuse to purchase such an antenna!
The installed antenna must be connected to the TV. This is done using a coaxial cable, which is supplied with many antennas. But if the antenna is purchased without a cable (often, an outdoor antenna), or the length of the cable is not enough, you should take the issue of purchasing it seriously! For television antennas, use a cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms. This figure is indicated on the product itself. The quality of the cable is made up of the quality of the materials used and the quality of production. The denser the cable sheath and the thicker the central core, the better the cable and, usually, the more expensive it is. Do not chase cheapness, because a bad cable can negate all the advantages of a good antenna!
Setting up the antenna most often comes down to its correct orientation to the TV center. The technique is simple - slowly rotate the antenna in the horizontal plane, while observing the quality of the received image. When setting up an outdoor antenna, get the help of a second person.
For indoor antennas, when switching TV channels, situations are possible when you need to change the gain or adjust the position of the MV or UHF antenna parts. This is normal and is a price to pay for placing the antenna indoors. Antenna tuning should be written in detail in its passport.
Often the buyer finds it difficult to choose a suitable television antenna. Here, first of all, it is necessary to determine for what tasks the antenna is purchased, in what conditions it will work. Choosing an antenna based on its appearance can lead to dissatisfaction with poor picture quality on the TV screen.
- If we are talking about the reception of a small number of channels, then we can restrict ourselves to the choice of a room antenna in the budget segment. But it should be clearly understood that an indoor antenna often will not provide high-quality reception of all channels - this is a compromise option if other options are not suitable at all. Among indoor antennas, it is better to choose directional ones.
- Point the antenna towards the TV center or repeater.
- If the windows of the room where the TV is installed face towards the TV center, a window antenna may suit you - it is mounted on the glass, and due to this, although it is a room one, in some cases it can compete with the outdoor one.
Remember! At a short distance from the TV tower, the built-in amplifier will be overloaded with a powerful signal, which can lead to a sharp deterioration in the reception of all channels.
- If you plan to connect several TV receivers to the antenna, you should choose an outdoor antenna, and with the best parameters.
Remember! Your TV and receiver must support the DVB-T2 standard.
SITUATION 1
An apartment on the top floor of a high-rise building a short distance from the TV station (3-5 km). The TV center is visible from the place where the antenna is supposed to be installed. The best option here is an outdoor all-wave antenna without a built-in amplifier. An acceptable level of picture quality will be achieved with virtually any indoor antenna. If an indoor antenna with a built-in amplifier is selected, then there must be a gain adjustment to avoid overloading with a powerful signal. In the case of receiving a signal in digital format DVB-T2, the image quality should be excellent even with a room antenna.
SITUATION 2
Similar to the previous situation, but the apartment windows face the opposite side from the TV center. The best option is an outdoor all-wave antenna without an amplifier, installed on the roof and directed to the TV center. If for some reason this is not possible, you can use a directional indoor antenna. But reception of all channels in good quality is usually impossible. Again, in case of receiving a signal in digital format DVB-T2, the picture quality should be excellent.
SITUATION 3
Outskirts of the city, high-rise building, apartment on the ground floor. The distance to the TV center is 10-30 km. The most suitable option is an outdoor active all-wave antenna installed on the roof. In this case, you will need to additionally purchase a coaxial cable, since usually a small amount of cable (6–8 meters) is included with the antenna. The cable must be of high quality, with the lowest losses, with a dense braid of wires and aluminum foil as a screen. The most commonly used cable is RG6 or SAT-50. Old Soviet cables RK75 have significant attenuation in the UHF range and are practically unsuitable for modern use. The use of indoor antennas in this case is possible only in case of low requirements for the quality of the received signal. High-quality digital TV signal reception is possible when using a directional indoor antenna.
SITUATION 4
Dacha or country house at a considerable (more than 50 km) distance from the TV center. For high-quality reception of all channels, it is necessary to use a professional complex of several band antennas with signal amplification and filtering systems. If it is acceptable that a high-quality image will not be on all channels, then an external all-wave antenna with an amplifier can be used. Indoor antennas are absolutely useless in this case.
