|
Types of Antennas
Following is a description of different types of TV antennas,
both indoor and outdoor. Information provided includes the type of antenna, a
general description of how the category of antenna performs, a general
description of the physical appearance of the antennas, and where they may
optimally perform in relation to the color code of the station you want to
receive.
|
Guide to Antenna Box Labeling
When purchasing an antenna, look for the CEA-certified antenna
mark for outdoor antennas (which corresponds to the colors on your stations
list). There is also a CEA-certified indoor antenna mark, which does not apply
to this mapping system, but certifies that your indoor antenna will work in
geographic areas that are appropriate for indoor antennas.
CEA-certified Antenna Mark for Outdoor Antennas
Antenna color codes are broken into six different zones. These
zones identify the different types of antennas that are required for a consumer
to receive optimal reception. Typically, the closer consumers live to the
signal tower, the better reception they will receive. They may also be able to
use an indoor antenna versus an outdoor. The farther away a consumer lives, the
opposite is true. However, there are many variables that impact exactly which
antenna a consumer will need.
|
|
|
Indoor Antennas
Due to multiple variables in determining good reception in a
specific location with indoor antennas, these antennas are not included in this
mapping system. This mark, however, assures that an indoor antenna meets or
exceeds CEA performance specifications for indoor antennas in households that
can use indoor antennas.
|
|
Outdoor Antennas
Look for the CEA-certified antenna mark on outdoor antennas, based on the colors of the stations you want to receive: |
|
Outdoor Antenna Types
| Small Multi-directional |
| DESCRIPTION |
|
The smallest of TV
antennas, they receive equally well from all directions. |
| APPEARANCE |
|
Good looking designs
including novel shaped disk and patch antennas, and antennas that attach to
satellite systems. |
| USE |
|
This is where signal
strength is highest and away from reflecting structures or low areas. |
| COLOR CODE |
|
Yellow |
| Medium Multi-directional |
| DESCRIPTION |
|
Somewhat larger and slightly more powerful |
| APPEARANCE |
|
These antennas include novel stick, wing shaped or disk antennas
with long elements. |
| USE |
|
An amplified antenna is recommended in
the green area anytime a long (20 feet or more) cable run from the antenna is
required, or when more than one device (TV or VCR) is to be used with an
antenna. They work best away from reflecting structures or low areas. |
| COLOR CODE |
|
Green |
| Large Multi-directional |
| DESCRIPTION |
|
Bigger in size, these antennas receive more signal power. Better
for greater distances from signal source and areas with low signal strength. |
| APPEARANCE |
|
Styles include element antennas. These antennas can be used to
reject simple ghost situations. |
| USE |
|
When mounted at rooftop heights (30 feet or higher) outdoors,
amplified antennas can be used in light green color code areas away from
reflecting structures or low areas |
| COLOR CODE |
|
Light Green |
| Small Directional |
| DESCRIPTION |
 |
Antennas that act like large multidirectional on channels 2-6
but on higher channels these antennas start to have useful ghost reducing
effects. Picture quality is excellent when no signal reflecting structures are
around. |
| APPEARANCE |
|
Multi-element rooftop antennas. |
| USE |
|
Suitable for far edge of light green color code areas.
Amplified antennas with rooftop mounting can be used in these areas if the area
is free of signal reflecting structures and is not in a low area. |
| COLOR CODE |
|
Light Green |
| Medium Directional |
| DESCRIPTION |
|
Most popular rooftop antenna because of its modest size and
ghost reducing characteristics. |
| APPEARANCE |
|
Multi-element rooftop antennas. |
| USE |
|
If there are ghost producing reflective structures near TV
receiver antenna location, this kind of antenna is best for yellow, green,
light green and red color code areas. Amplified antennas with rooftop mounting
can be used with the blue color code. |
| COLOR CODES |
|
Yellow
Green
Light Green
Red
Blue
|
| Large Directional |
| DESCRIPTION |
|
Large antennas used in weak signal areas for maximum possible TV
reception. |
| APPEARANCE |
|
Multi-element rooftop antennas. |
| USE |
|
Can be used in any color code area, but requires an amplifier
and roof mounting for blue and violet color codes. Amplifiers are not
recommended for yellow color codes. |
| COLOR CODES |
|
Green
Light Green
Red
Blue - with amplifier
Violet - with amplifier
|
|
