Picking the right antenna and finding the best place to put it is still one part science, and two parts Voodoo. The key to success is to manage your expectations, and prepare yourself for a little trial an error. In the end, a little effort goes a long way, and we think it’s totally worth it. Here are some tips we think you’ll find helpful as you hunt down a new HD antenna and get it up and running in your home.
If you’ve done any research at all, you know there are a lot of antennas to choose from. We’ve had the best results using antennas from Mohu, Winegard, and HD Frequency. In our testing, the antennas from HD Frequency consistently came out on top. However, we prefer the style and durability of Mohu’s antennas — you’ll pay a little more, but we think it’s worth it in the end.
Amplified antennas are only a good idea if you live 50 miles or more away from broadcast towers. The amplifiers built into these antennas are great for taking weak signals and making them stronger so your TV’s tuner will recognize them and lock them in. Amplifiers will not help pull in a signal any better, though. So if you are just barely getting a signal, an amplifier isn’t going to make that signal more stable. In fact, using an amplifier when it is not necessary can actually degrade the signal you are sending your television.
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