Millions of Americans across the nation have “converted” are an experiencing the benefits firsthand of using an antenna. They may be considered by some consumers as a little too old-fashioned and outdated for their tastes, but their functionality and usefulness far surpasses their reputation for being “old”. In addition to being cost-effective and practical, which is especially helpful in today’s weakening economy, the latest antennas are capable of picking up HD channels from as far as 100 miles away from the broadcast towers. Depending on where you live, you can pick up signals from several towns over.

So assuming you have done your research and have decided to go with an outdoor antenna, there are some basic things you need to purchase before installing it. First, it won’t require expert skills that only a construction worker or someone really handy possesses. Most, if not all, of these outdoor antennas will come with instructions on how to mount it on your roof and how to position it correctly.

Second, your TV must have a built-in tuner or be HDTV ready with an external ATSC tuner to get the HD channels. If your TV was purchased before March 1, 2007, then you will need to purchase an additional digital converter box, which is about $40, because some major TV stations have gone ahead with the digital transition, despite the DTV Delay Act putting off the date of the transition until June 12, 2009.

You will need to purchase additional items if your antenna doesn’t already come with it. You will need a short cable that will connect your TV or your receiver to the cable from the antenna on the roof, and you will need an all-weather coaxial cable. Some basic tools, such as a wrench and screwdriver, will also come in handy, but it depends on the mounting tools that come with your outdoor antenna.

Your antenna needs a clear path line to the broadcast tower or towers, so it is important to find a place on your roof that is not next to tall structures, trees, or other obstructions. You will need to find where the channels you want are being broadcast. In a rural area, you will need to find the city closest to your home so your antenna can pick up signals from those broadcast towers. Some of the channels you want might be more than 30 degrees apart, so you will need to install an antenna rotator for that. It is important to allow some slight movement of the antenna should you need to go back later and make a few adjustments.

As always, purchase your antenna from a reputable place. Whether it is online or at an electronics store, make sure customer assistance is available in case you run into any problems.

Aydan Corkern is a writer, HD enthusiast, and promoter of plasma mounts and
channel master 4228hd antenna.

[tags]antenna, outdoor, high definition, hdtv, hd, roof, signal, reception, channels, tv[/tags]