TV antennas are usually positioned on the roof of a home and pickup TV signals from the nearest TV transmission tower. In this article we will explore the inner workings of a TV antenna and explain how they work.

An antenna is made up of a central piece of metal which is crisscrossed by a series of other metal rods. These are usually much shorter in length. The boom or the central piece of metal contains receptors which are designed to pick up the TV signals. The TV signals come from the nearest transmission tower and are broadcasted in TV frequencies. These are VHF and UHF. The specific frequency means that interference from other signals such as mobile phone signals do not provide interference.

The antenna on your roof is then connected to an aerial point in your home which in turn is connected to your TV. The TV then translates the signal into pictures.

Improving Your Signal

When fitting a TV aerial it is important to try and point your antenna’s rod in the direction of the transmitter. You will find location of your nearest transmitter online and in most cases you will need to keep turning the antenna until you get the best reception point. This requires a bit of patience but makes a significant different to the quality of your reception.

Size also plays its part. Bigger antennas with more receptors usually tend to deliver a much higher level of reception. A bigger antenna is also usually able to pick up a larger variation of channels. Antennas with a large boom size can typically pick up signals further away.

Older Antennas

Some people still rely on older antenna setups. These are antennas that are fixed to the TV’s themselves. They work in the same way as roof antennas but tend to provide a lower quality signal. Users are often left having to play with the antennas on a regular basis and reception for one channel can differ significantly to another. The main problem with this setup is that the aerial is confronted by a series of barriers in terms of walls. On the roof an aerial gets a clearer signal path to the receiver.

As you can see aerials come in a variety of sizes and setups. Some deliver a high quality signal and can deliver a better range. This usually results in more channels. In the UK the digital switchover is in full swing. Many home owners are having to upgrade their aerials to ensure that they can pick up the new television signals.

In the future the way in which we pickup and broadcast TV will change. The internet is having a particularly strong influence on how we consume media with many being able to watch the programs they want in their own time and on their own terms. The internet also provides the ability to provide a lot of supporting information with a program. This is of great interest to most watchers and could revolutionise the industry.

Author Bio: James Dane – FirstLine Digital

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: aerials, tv, television