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.
Features of choice
Indoor (internal) modifications are becoming simpler in terms of placement. But keep in mind that reception on internal versions becomes successful only if the signal level is stable and good (such places are called “confident reception zones”).
Use indoor models only in city apartments. When they operate in country houses and remote villages, the quality of the incoming signal decreases sharply.
When selecting an internal design, consider models that are optimally adapted to the conditions of Russian reception.
Modifications with:
- built-in amplification device (for 220 V power supply);
- the ability to smoothly adjust the gain;
- direction of reception.
The parameters of outdoor devices that are mounted outside the house are much better demonstrated. They should be purchased for furnishing summer cottages and your own country houses. But the installation of such structures requires more effort and the involvement of third-party specialists, which is reflected in the pricing policy.
Structural nuances
According to the nuances of technical design, digital TV antennas are divided into two options:
- Active . The model includes elements for signal reception/processing and an electronic amplifier device. The amplifier is often installed inside the housing. Power comes from a current source through an adapter. If you use this device incorrectly, then in places where there is good and stable signal reception, interference and various distortions may be observed on the TV screen.
- Passive . The device does not have microcircuits or transistors in its design; similar models do not have an adapter. Such TV antennas receive and process the signal due to their own geometry (design features). A passive device delivers a fairly high level of picture quality, but the built-in amplification is often not enough for high-quality pictures.
When operating amplification devices in an active TV antenna from unknown companies, the degree of signal processing will be of low quality, and the picture will be accompanied by the appearance of serious interference.
frequency range
Digital television antennas are also determined by the level of the range used:
- Duct . Such devices require the creation of certain conditions during operation; this is not necessary for standard TV operation.
- Range . Used when receiving UHF and MV waves. When using a digital antenna at home, it is better to opt for all-wave modifications (they can receive broadcasts on both MB and UHF).
Expert opinion
Torsunov Pavel Maksimovich
Considering that digital broadcasting in the Russian Federation is carried out in the UHF band, a UHF band device will be sufficient to process only “digits”.
Gain as an important selection parameter
Each antenna has a wide range of its own characteristics. From the numerous range of numbers and types to choose from, the possibility of amplification becomes important. This parameter is indicated in dB (decibels).
The higher these numbers are in the product data sheet, the stronger the gain of this antenna. But know that high gain settings do not always guarantee high-quality and stable images. The gain must correspond to the location where the antenna is planned to be installed.
Manufacturers often artificially inflate this indicator. Be aware that a home digital antenna cannot have a gain of more than 40 dB.
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.
Key considerations when choosing an antenna
The quality of digital signal reception is influenced by many factors: distance from the broadcast source, terrain, number of floors in the building and even climatic features. If you do not pay due attention to this issue, the image will be displayed with noise.
To prevent this from happening, you need to choose the right model, assemble it correctly, install it and configure it correctly. To improve the signal, a booster is used, i.e. received signal amplifier. In some modifications it is already built-in, in others it must be purchased separately.
The booster is adjusted depending on the proximity of the TV tower: if the transmitter is located close, then the power is set to a minimum, and if it is located at a considerable distance, then it is increased to maximum values. At a distance of more than 50 kilometers from the broadcast tower, it is necessary, otherwise the image quality will be very low. The gain value is calculated in dB: for use in urban areas, devices with this parameter within 10-20 dB are usually suitable; for remote areas, choose more significant parameters - from 30 to 40 dB.
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.
Antenna for difficult signal reception conditions
For example, the active antenna in the photo below, in our area, pulls out a signal from a distance of 60 km or more. It is successfully used in the most difficult places, in houses located in deep lowlands, its length is approximately 1.7 meters, but there are antennas up to 4 meters in length.
In addition to the length, in difficult conditions or at a great distance from the TV tower, the presence of an amplifier plays an important role, i.e. the antenna must be active.
There are options for powerful antennas, where instead of one boom, three are used at once, so the ability of the antenna to amplify the signal due to the design alone is greatly increased.
And in tandem with an amplifier, this antenna becomes a very powerful trap for a television signal.
But once you’re impressed with this antenna, don’t rush to run after it. It is only needed under really, really difficult reception conditions.
In most cases, other, much cheaper options are sufficient. In addition, if the signal in your area is already strong, then the amplifier in the antenna will only interfere.
This is exactly the case when porridge can be ruined with butter. An example of this is described below.
