Now that you’ve got down the basics of digital TV antennas, it’s time to pick the best outdoor HDTV antenna. When it comes to picking out an HDTV antenna, it’s very easy to get lost in all the mumbo jumbo. Given that confusion, it’s important that you don’t simply for for the cheapest or most easily installed model as that could lead to a sub par HDTV experience. Unlike viewers watching traditional TV broadcasts, consumers who buy HDTV sets do so for the resolution and clarity of the HDTV signal. Choosing the wrong outdoor HDTV antenna can ruin this clarity and prevent you from getting the most out of your new set.
Outdoor HDTV antennas are often the largest and most difficult to install antennas a homeowner can choose. The picture and sound are well worth the effort though as the best outdoor HDTV antennas trump even the top of the line indoor units.
Clearstream4
One of the best outdoor HDTV antennas on the market today is the Antennas Direct CLEARSTREAM4. This model is the first of it’s kind to be specially designed and optimized for the frequencies associated with the upcoming digital television transition. Instead of claiming high peak gains like many models, the engineers went all out to make this model consistent across the entire spectrum. The Clearstream4 has a gain of 14.8dBi (range of up to 65 miles) and is sized to make mounting a breeze. At only 19″Hx20″Wx4.5″D, this unit would even be easy to mount in your attic.
This antenna would be perfect for those of you out in the country or in more rural areas. It’s also great for pulling in distant stations, so sports fans rejoice! No more blacked out games for you.
db8
If that isn’t enough gain for you, never fear. The guys at Antennas Direct have you covered with their DB8 Multi Directional HDTV Antenna. This is hands down one of the most powerful outdoor HDTV antennas available today. This unit has 15.8dBi of gain for a range of over 70 miles. The bow tie design of the DB8 uses triangular elements instead of rods to greatly increase the bandwidth allowing it to cover the entire UHF band. Additionally, the mesh reflector of the bowtie is more efficient than a rod reflector, is lower in weight, and provides less wind resistance for greater performance and durability.
This DB8 is the ideal antenna for use in locations that can pull long range signals from various directions and offers an attractive alternative to using a directional antenna mounted on a rotator.
Just in case these antennas were overkill for your situation, this next model should be right up your alley. Likes it’s big brother, the Antennas Direct DB4, uses triangular elements instead of rods to greatly increase the bandwidth allowing it to cover the entire UHF band. It’s also lower in weight and smaller as it uses only 2 mesh reflectors instead of 4 like the DB8. It fits great in attics, coming in at 29′Hx19″Wx4″D and weighs less than 5 pounds. Just like all these units, it’s super efficient across the entire broadcast spectrum packing in a tremendous 13.7dBi in gain for a range of up to 55 miles. These features bring it to the top of the heap for midrange HDTV antennas. Since it’s an omnidirectional antenna, it will even work great for those of you pulling in digital channels from multiple directions.
If that’s still more antenna than you need, consider a smaller model like the Winegard MS-1000. With a 25 mile range, this is still a pretty powerful antenna. It’s also a breeze to mount and very unobtrusive thanks to it’s small size this unit is only 24 inches across. No huge antenna mast required. You can put it up with simple hand tools; either on a lightweight antenna mount or a simple mast. It even comes with the mounting bracket. As an added bonus, our selected retailer for this model is even including 50 feet of free coax cable with your purchase. Supplies are limited though, so if you miss the sale it’s all on you.
terk hdtvs
Another great choice is the Terk HD-TVS (HDTVS). It has a great range and is super slim. Many people have even used this antenna as an indoor model! The HDTVs antenna has a compact and unusual rectangular design, and it comes with mounting hardware for easy installation on a roof, balcony railing, or outdoor wall. A mounting pipe and foot are provided, and the included clamp assembly can be swiveled to adjust the antenna’s position for optimal reception. The plastic housing for the HDTVs can even be painted to blend in with a building’s or house’s siding or facade.
The HDTVs is an ideal unit for city dwellers, as it can receive signals reflected off neighboring buildings. It is designed for pulling in UHF and VHF channels, with a digital range of up to 15 miles for channels 2 to 6, 40 miles for 7 to 13, and 50 miles for 14 to 69.
This rounds up our list of the best outdoor HDTV antennas, hopefully it shed some light onto the subject for you. While not as difficult as choosing the right HDTV, a little time spent here is sure to pay dividends with the crystal clear sound and picture you’ll receive with the proper HDTV antenna.
