HOW TO CHOOSE A POWERFUL TV ANTENNA

The TV distribution industry has greatly evolved over the past few years, among other reasons, thanks to the development of intelligent and high-gain antennas, as they have outgrown the efficiency of their predecessors.

Televes has provided end-to-end solutions in this field since 1958. The company is taking part in innovative projects, such as the recent adaptation to the second Digital Dividend, which aims at freeing up bands between 694 and 790 MHz.

Just as current telecommunications have advanced, technical features of the antennas are now more demanding.

That is why it is crucial to choose a powerful intelligent TV antenna in line with the features offered by today’s latest models.

At Televes, we offer customized guidance so the right solution for each type of client and project is adopted. It is vital to know the qualities that outdoor TV antennas must have, as each model can bring specific benefits.

What it takes to be a powerful TV antenna

Televes offers a wide range of antennas to satisfy different demands, so you can find the go-to model for every kind of installation.

Below you will find the most important features of a TV antenna:

• Directivity: when we talk about the directivity of an antenna, we refer to its ability to receive energy in one single direction. Directivity is normally shown in the shape of a lobe pointing the reception direction – radiation diagram. Antennas receiving energy from a specific direction are called “directional antennas” as opposed to the ones receiving energy from all directions, which are called “omnidirectional antennas”.
• Gain: gain is a parameter of an antenna that indicates the energy (signal power) that is able to receive at the highest point of its radiation diagram. If no other parameters are considered, gain shows the direction of maximum radiation. The ratio between gain and directivity determines the efficiency of an antenna.
• SWR (Standing Wave Ratio): this is the ratio between the energy emitted and reflected by the antenna. Average SWR values range from 1.5 to 2.5. 
• Efficiency: ratio between the antenna gain and directivity.

Other parameters of powerful TV antennas

There are other minor parameters that might also influence the choice of a powerful TV antenna and also condition the right model for a specific installation. Let’s take a look at the most important ones:

• Size: this can be a key factor in terms of obtained power, but it could be also limiting if we are looking for an indoor antenna – or even if a small outdoor TV antenna is required because there is not enough room for it.
• Location: our decision will be constrained by the place where the antenna is going to be installed: indoors or outdoors; height, etc.
• Budget: quality and efficiency come usually along with greater investment. That being said, you can still find powerful TV antennas at a very competitive price.
• Accessories: when conceiving a project for an antenna installation, it is essential to assess whether accessories need to be included or not, what our budget is and what models of amplifiers, coaxial cables, power sources, etc. we will choose.

Effective TV antennas by Televes: tailored solutions

Televes offers an extensive catalog of TV antennas that stand out for their power and advantages. Their main differences lie in the many functions they carry out, so one might be more suitable for a specific role than another, depending on the requirements of each project.

Intelligent TV antennas

Televes intelligent TV antennas take advantage of diverse technological advances to improve their final efficiency.

One of those is the BOSSTech system, which is used for automatic regulation of the signal output level. With this feature, you can always get optimal signal, even when the one received is poor.

Some models are also equipped with TForce technology. It has been developed by Televes and improves the features of radio-frequency and micro-wave systems.

This technology has contributed to the creation of small-sized chips (1 - 10 mm2), which are now available for bulk production.

In order to design these innovative circuits, semi-conductive compounds such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) are used. With its physical properties, the features of the radio-frequency and micro-wave systems can be enhanced – among other advantages.

Thanks to this kind of chips, the elements of every antenna can be utterly customized. They are therefore provided with intelligence and versatility, which will allow them to adapt to the needs of the most demanding technological industries.

Some of the most remarkable Televes intelligent antenna models are:

• Ellipse series: this is a groundbreaking antenna, as it can remove any interference, even at the TV band limit. It features a 100% stainless mechanical frame, an innovative design and a new generation of TForce electronics including a SAW filter.  
• DAT series: outdoor TV antennas that make the most of the TForce technology and the BOSSTech system to receive the best possible signal. 
• NOVA series: the alternative to other intelligent TV antennas. Combining an attractive design with extraordinary features, it is specially useful for installations in complex areas.
• Indoor series: this series includes intelligent TV antennas designed to be installed indoors while they get the best DTT reception.

Passive TV Antennas

Passive TV antennas integrate mechanical and electronic filtering for the band they have been designed for. Televes develops different models according to specific ranges:

• VHF and mixed: these TV antennas are suitable for reception over the whole VHF range, on a given band or mixed with UHF.
• UHF: high-directivity passive antennas to increase both UHF (DTT) reception and LTE band (cell phone) rejection.
• Telecommunication: passive telecommunication antennas are specifically designed for VHF radio communications.

Passive antenna for extended 4G coverage

LTE/4G reception is another feature included in antennas that can be installed nowadays. At Televes, specific models have been designed to obtain extended telephone coverage:

• Mobile data (LTE) 4G: LTE/4G transmission and reception antennas for extended coverage in shielded areas or in areas where propagation conditions are difficult. Just connect the antenna to a router or to an indoor antenna.

But then again, there are a whole lot of options out there. Televes offers countless antenna models and accessories for the TV antenna industry. You will find models with the suitable features and compatible with every project so they can adapt to any need.