If you are tired of paying monthly bills for your cable and want to add variety to the channels you watch, you can try a TV antenna. Whether it is the best attic antenna or outdoors option, it is up to you. To make the right choice, you have to make sure you are aware of the benefits and downsides of both products. Read this article before you order anything.
Outdoor Antenna
Outdoor antennas receive signals clearly and fast. Usually, they are mounted on the highest spot at your house. It can be a rooftop, a nearby tree, or outside the window. It must not meet any obstacles to receiving the signal from broadcast towers. Having fewer buildings, walls, or trees between such an antenna and the tower is vital. Without these obstacles on the way, an outdoor antenna is a top priority when it comes to the clarity of the signal. Unlike an attic antenna, the signal must not go through the roof.
If a broadcast tower is far from your house, you should pick an antenna with the long-range radius of the signal received. It may be slightly more expensive, but it provides the important services you need. You can mount this antenna on:
- The roof of the private house;
- Deck;
- A specific tripod that stands on the ground if you don’t have access to the roof;
- Tree trunk near the window if there are no branches or leaves to mess with the signal;
- Outside the window, if you are living in several storage buildings.
Before you start drilling the holes in the building, check the signal. You may call a professional to help you set up the model. You may want to figure out the direction to the broadcast towers in advance.
Pros:
- High-quality signal;
- Does not require empty space in the house;
- Can be connected to any broadcast tower in the neighborhood;
- Fair price.
Cons:
- You can have problems with the installation of antennae by yourself.
Attic Antenna
The attic antenna must be located close to the roof at the highest point of the attic. You should fix it in the broadcast towers’ direction. This type of antenna is most suitable for houses with strict recommendations about the aesthetic views of the neighborhood. If you don’t want or can’t install the antenna on the roof, the attic is your choice.
Yet, you need to understand that the signal transmitted by such an antenna will be weaker than from the outdoor one. It will be lowered by all the building materials surrounding it. Keep in mind that the average influence of the materials on the clarity and quality of sound is 30 percent. It can come up to 50 percent. You can receive a better or worse signal based on the distance from the broadcast tower. Yet, in 10-15 miles difference, the quality can still be cut up to 50 percent compared to the outdoor antenna. Your lifesaver is a preamp in this situation. It will increase the power of the antenna.
Another thing you should remember is the place you can mount the antenna. Don’t put it on the floor! Instead, the higher you put it, the better picture and sound you receive.
Pros:
- You don’t have to mount it on the roof;
- The weather conditions will not influence the broadcast quality;
- Attic antenna is cheaper than outdoors;
- You can place it by yourself, without any extra help.
Cons:
- The quality of performance is lower than the quality of the outdoor antenna.
Why Do You Need an Attic Antenna?
It’s your perfect choice if you have extra space in your attic and don’t want anyone to see the antenna outside the house. It provides a stronger signal than an indoor antenna you keep closer to your TV, and it is not that hard to install as an outdoor antenna. It is a great option for those who don’t like to climb high ladders or trees just to fix the antenna on the roof.
The antenna provides you with more opportunities and cuts your bills for cable TV. Instead, you will need to buy a solid TV antenna to install in your attic, which will transmit the shows you like connected to the broadcast tower. It offers a wide range of free channels. However, you have to keep in mind that there will be no Netflix for you.
The choice of the antenna depends on the number of channels you want to watch. For example, you may be happy with less than two dozen free channels. In this case, the indoor antenna on the first floor near the TV set will suit you. If you want to increase the number up to 60 or more, you have to climb higher and try an attic antenna. To install it there, you will need an attic, a hammer, nails, and they stand to hold everything tight.
Moreover, you should stay within the radius of the tower. Sometimes it is hard to get inside, especially if you live significantly lower or higher than the tower. You also have to find the tower’s location first and fix the antenna so it would face the tower to receive a better signal.
Obstacles for Antenna
No matter where you put it, some minor obstacles may still mess with the signal and create numerous problems. Even the material that your house is made of can block the signal. You need to mount the antenna only when you are sure it catches the signal there.
Enjoy Free TV
It is better to pay once for a reliable antenna than constantly pay for cable TV. If you want to expand your possibilities, you may consider an outdoor or attic antenna. Check out their pros and cons, and decide which one you really need.
If you have tried watching TV via antenna, share your thoughts about it in the comments below. Which antenna do you have? Was it easy to install it in the first place?
