When replacing TV antennas, a series of factors must be taken into account, as they will ensure good signal reception and the best possible quality of signal. For this reason and to solve any doubts you may have, at Televes we bring you some tips to ensure that the installation is performed smoothly.
Where should I install my TV antenna?
The first thing you need to figure out is the situation of the antenna to be installed. A good way to find the ideal spot is to observe where other antennas in the area are located and their orientation. Roofs are always believed to be the best place, but you can always install it in a terrace or even next to a window on the facade.
For the latter case, the antenna should be pointing the repeater, making sure that no obstacle keeps it from receiving signal. Besides, it must be confirmed that no regulation in force – such as your residents’ association or the city council – forbids the installation of TV antennas on the facade of the building.
Please note that every area has its own TV repeater. If you happen to be in-between two repeaters – and receive signal from both –, point the antenna toward the one offering the best signal.
Types of antennas
There are several options for you to replace your TV antenna. On the one hand, indoor antennas – which are the most cost-effective option and the easiest to install – are recommended for areas with excellent signal level. If you lean toward this type of antenna, we strongly recommend that you pick one model that is optimized to receive UHF signals, and that delivers both good gains (dB) and quality over noise (SNR).
On the other hand, you can pick small outdoor antennas. This is the ideal alternative if you prefer a more discrete option over multi-element antennas – when signal reception is not good enough for an indoor antenna. This kind of antenna is similar to indoor models, only the first one will receive better signal.
The last option is the classic multi-element antenna. Those to be installed in balconies or terraces feature less elements, whereas those for roofs and rooftops include 36 elements or more. Small antennas will bring you the same signal quality as big ones in plain areas with good reception level; in areas with many buildings or mountains, you should choose big antennas instead.
The latter type – such as the models offered by Televes – features a signal manager allowing you to avoid signal faults or overload.
Make sure that the antenna to be installed complies with the Electromagnetic Compatibility directive (EMC 50083-2) and RED (2014/53/EU), aiming for an efficient use of the radio spectrum and for the protection of the TV reception against interference of 4G/5G signals sharing UHF band with DTT signal.
Installing your new antenna
One of the advantages of replacing TV antennas is that the coaxial cable is already set and the F connector is ready to use. However, make sure that it is fit properly and that you have the necessary mechanical accessories.
If the cable needs replacing, coaxial cables in copper mesh are the best choice, as they are more durable in the long term and offer better signal quality and transmission.
The first step is fitting the antenna in the bracket or mast so you can connect the coaxial cable. Then, lead the cable to the TV receiver and connect it using the TV connection plug. Try to create the shortest possible routing on the surface when replacing TV antennas. In some cases – and depending on the building – you will be able to connect it to an existing connections box.
When it comes to buildings featuring many TV outlets, the cable connected to the antenna will arrive to a TV connections box, where you may have a programmable amplifier distributing the resulting signal through line amplifiers to the rest of the TV taps. Each cable distribution should have its own splitter.
Either way, when the coaxial cable reaches the TV receiver, just connect the plug to the receiver. If you have not changed the cable, the plug should be ready. In case there is a conventional plug and the signal experiences reception difficulties, you can replace it by a metallic plug that will deliver greater gain.
Lastly, you just have to tune into the channels through the TV menu so you can have access to every channel of the free TV.
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