Recently, terrestrial television has gained high popularity among consumers due to free viewing. Mostly when connecting, users hesitate when choosing an antenna. If it is not suitable for digital TV, you will have to purchase a new one. Let's consider which indoor antenna is better for digital TV.
Antenna options for digital TV
Choosing an antenna for digital television begins with determining the purpose and location of its installation. Classification according to this criterion is carried out by dividing into 2 groups: indoor and outdoor. Most modern models are capable of receiving and processing a digital signal and broadcasting free channels using the DVB-T2 standard.
Healthy! DVB-T2 is a European standard for terrestrial digital television. In Russia it is used instead of analog and has been the main one since October 14, 2021.
In addition, there is another separate category affecting the so-called satellite television. This refers to the so-called “plates” (Tricolor, MTS, NTV+).
Let's consider the rating of the best devices for each individual category with a detailed description of the technical characteristics of the models.
How to choose an antenna for your home
Each user must determine for himself whether his antenna should receive UHF signals, VHF signals, or both.
Most models on the market only receive one type of signal well. The most popular and expensive antennas can pick up both, but UHF is much better at receiving than VHF. Directional or signal loop antennas pick up UHF channels well.
Many channels are network affiliates and broadcast strong signals, so even antennas that don't specialize in them can pick them up well—provided the device is close to the signal source. If the desired channel has a specific signal type, the appropriate antenna should be selected. In most cases, channels are broadcast using UHF type.
Also, each user must individually determine whether he needs an amplified antenna. Many manufacturers sell them at a higher price, and ideally a beefed-up model means the device will be able to pick up more distant channels while giving closer channels greater clarity. However, this does not always happen.
Rating of the best indoor antennas
In order for the TV to broadcast free digital channels, you need a receiver (tuner) and an external antenna. This can be external or internal (room). Let's look at several models that are among the top best indoor antennas for a dacha, house, or apartment.
Perfeo Forward
The compact television antenna has an original appearance, which sets it apart from its analogues. It is characterized by stable signal capture in the UHF ranges. Equipped with a built-in amplifier, which makes the resulting image without loss of quality. When turned on, it makes no noise. Power is supplied via a USB connector from the TV or receiver, which does not require an additional outlet.
It belongs to television antennas for dachas, as it is capable of picking up not only a digital, but also an analog signal, which is most important in remote areas. Perfeo Forward is an excellent functional device with good performance characteristics. In addition, the wide base makes it stable on almost any surface.
Technical characteristics of the Perfeo Forward indoor antenna Source vseinstrumenti.ru
Indoor antenna Perfeo Forward Source pokupki.market.yandex.
Healthy! The average cost of Perfeo Forward is 580-620 rubles.
REMO BAS-5310 Horizon USB
The model operating in the broadband range has a built-in amplifier. It has a compact size, does not take up much space, but guarantees a stable and high-quality signal in almost any conditions. It has proven itself well not only when used in the city, but also in the country.
Made of impact-resistant plastic, light, compact, weighing only 200 g. Thanks to its original appearance and convenient fastening, it can be installed in a horizontal position or suspended. It has 2 USB connectors: one for connecting a signal amplifier, the second for connecting to a TV.
Technical characteristics of the indoor antenna REMO BAS-5310 Horizon USB Source dns-shop.ru
Wideband indoor antenna REMO BAS-5310 Horizon USB Source nixopt.ru
Healthy! The average price for a good antenna for a summer residence varies from 990 to 1,050 rubles.
Selenga 105A
One of the best compact models of indoor antennas for receiving modern digital television. Connects to a TV or DVB T2 set-top box via a USB connector. Has a separate power supply and built-in LED indicator. Convenient settings are achieved by adjusting the position angle and rotating function.
Guaranteed to provide 20 free digital signals. Wide legs provide stability even when the telescopic arms are fully extended. The only drawback revealed during operation is the short length of the power cord and coaxial cable for connecting to the TV.
Technical characteristics of the indoor antenna Selenga 105A Source ozon.ru
Antenna with amplifier Selenga 105A Source markakachestva.ru
Healthy! The price of the Selenga 105A model is only 650-690 rubles.
Hyundai H-TAI220
The model is “powered” via a USB socket on the receiver or TV. Capable of capturing digital and analog signals on different bands. It is universal, can be installed horizontally or fixed on the wall using special mounting holes in the housing. In order to increase signal reception, mounting on a mast or the facade of a house is allowed.
The model has a built-in UHF28 dB amplifier, which differs from analogues in its high performance parameters. Another distinctive feature of the indoor antenna is the presence of a rotating mechanism. The original design of the device’s case will fit perfectly into any interior.
Technical characteristics of the indoor antenna Hyundai H-TAI220 Source mastersvyazi.ru
Portable antenna Hyundai H-TAI220 Source mastersvyazi.ru
Healthy! The price of Hyundai H-TAI220 starts from 890 and reaches 1,390 rubles.
Basic TV signal parameters
The coverage area of decimeter waves is smaller than the halo of the meter range. To check the quality of reception, the state of the main parameters of the television signal is determined. You can view the level and quality by going from the main menu of the receiver to the corresponding submenu.
The most important criterion is quality. The percentage scale shows how well the selected TV channel is decoded. The receiver calculates these values automatically.
If the signal is not received confidently, you can expand, rearrange, or reposition the receiving module. During the movement, changes in quality are monitored. The device moves until a value that suits you is obtained.
Natural conditions, such as strong winds, may affect reception quality. When the optimal position is selected, the antenna should be secured with brackets or clamps.
The basic installation rule is to place it at the maximum distance from metal structures. The higher the device is, the better the reception. Trees, fences, and hills are obstacles that negatively affect reception.
The condition of the cable often determines the quality of transmission. You should not use old wire that is 5-10 years old, or cords without braid.
It is not recommended to coil the remaining cable after connection. Sharp creases damage the wire as well as the insulation. Do not cut the cable too much at the joints.
Coaxial connectors connecting separate wires negatively affect image quality.
The best satellite dishes
Unlike the previously discussed models, satellite dishes for a country house, cottage or city apartment provide access to paid packages of operator channels. Their cost is tens of times higher than the price of the most expensive models with an amplifier. However, after connecting, the user gets the opportunity to view a huge list of previously unavailable TV channels.
TV Future Indoor DVB-T2
This set of television equipment is designed to capture and process a digital signal. It does not belong to the satellite television group, but is included in this list due to the presence of a viewing control option. More precisely, if there is a USB drive, the user has the ability to record playable programs.
The package includes a receiver with a remote control, an indoor antenna with a built-in signal amplifier and a cable for connecting to a TV. The receiver has the ability to switch the most common image output formats - 4:3, 16:9, turn on or off subtitles, and change the language of the on-screen menu.
If you are looking for the best indoor antennas for digital TV with the ability to record watched programs, the TV Future Indoor DVB-T2 equipment kit will be the best option.
Tips for choosing an antenna for your TV
- If you live in an area remote from television towers (20 km or more), choose directional active antennas;
- Indoor antennas are suitable if there is a repeater near you (up to 20-25 km). At the same time, there should be no obstacles between it and your house in the form of multi-story buildings and differences in height;
- If there are too long distances between your home and the repeater and there are many tall buildings or difficult terrain, choose a satellite dish.
In addition to these technical factors, you should also pay attention to the design, especially when it comes to indoor antennas.
It is also important to provide for the possibility of durable installation of outdoor antennas. It should not wobble from the wind - this will worsen the reception and there is a high probability that its directional adjustment will be lost - this is especially important for satellite dishes.
Watch a video on how to select and configure an antenna
Features of signal reception that should be considered before purchasing an antenna
Before purchasing an antenna, you should make sure that its characteristics match the specifications of the future user. Amplifiers are sources of their own noise, so the stronger they are, the more noise they make. Devices with amplifiers are not suitable for homes near the TV tower, as they may cause interference.
- If your home is at a distance 3-10 km from the TV tower.
- If your home is at a distance 10-30 km from the TV tower.
- If your home is at a distance 30-50 km from the TV tower.
For ordinary urban areas, antennas with an average power of 15 dB are suitable, and for those remote from a television tower - with a gain of 30 dB.
You can also see how to make a homemade TV antenna.
How to connect power to the amplifier
Modern devices, as a rule, require a five-volt power supply. But older models may require 12 V. The first option is more preferable. Especially for those who have a TV set-top box at home.
First way
Use a power adapter with a separator that supplies the voltage required by the amplifier. The separator separates the voltage: it passes it to the receiver, but does not send it to the TV.
Second way
If you have a DVB-T2 set-top box, you can receive power directly from it. The receiver supplies power at both 5 and 12 Volts. Five-volt voltage is supplied to the device directly through the antenna cable. To enable this function, you need to go to the settings of the set-top box and select “Antenna power”.
READ List of 20 free digital TV channels and instructions for setting them up
Third way
If you have a modern TV with a built-in DVB-T2 receiver, you need to purchase an adapter to power it from a USB port. This will allow you to power the device from the TV socket or from any mobile phone charger with a USB output.
Main types of antenna design
Crow
A simple design that provides an acceptable level of quality if the tower is located nearby. Analogue broadcasting ceased to exist in 2021. So the long mustache on the side can be unscrewed.
Wave channel
This design allows you to receive a signal even at a great distance from the TV tower. It has a simple structure and low mass. Since there are no solid elements in its composition, there is practically no windage. The antenna has great directivity and amplifies the signal well.
Polish
Since Soviet times, this type of construction has become widespread. Antennas of this type did an excellent job of receiving analog television. But today, in the era of digital television broadcasting, it is better to refuse to use them.
Zigzag
TV viewers are practically unfamiliar with such models. But radio amateurs love them. They are practically not protected from interference.
