With the increase in cost for cable TV and satellite TV, there are more people cutting cords and opting for traditional antenna TV. The antenna TV is free and broadcasts between 20 and 60 channels, depending on where you live. Cutting the cord can save the average household at least $1,000 per year.
Many are surprised by the image quality received from their antenna. That is, the cable and satellite company will typically cram as many channels as they can into the bandwidth. When the cable and satellite companies do this, it reduces the image quality coming into the subscriber’s home. Those who subscribe to cable or satellite are surprised by the amount of bandwidth reduced. That is the bandwidth to stream it into their homes.
Are you one who frustrated with cable and satellite companies reducing the quality of the image that comes into your home? If so, be like the many other Americans who are cutting the cords to satellite and cable TV.
Before you run out and purchase the antenna to replace the cable or satellite TV, you will want to be aware of how many channels are in your area. Also, it will be helpful to know which direction these channels are coming from; you want to buy the best antenna for your home and for the area where you live.
Typically, you will want an indoor antenna only if the signal in your area is secure. If the message is of medium strength, you should opt for an attic or outdoor antenna. If the signal in your area is weak, it will be best to have an outdoor antenna.
Before joining the rest of the cord cutters, you will want to determine which antenna use is best for your area. You can do that by conducting a little independent research.
Best Indoor Antenna
Channel Master Flatenna 35
Do you live near the broadcast towers of the channels you want to watch? If so, you might consider the inexpensive Channel Master Flatenna for your cord cutting. It is the best indoor antenna at the lowest cost of all the antennas we reviewed.
Best Amplified Indoor Antenna
WineGard FlatWave Amped
The WineGard FlatWave Amped antenna goes the extra mile for pulling in additional TV channels. The antenna is one that is not too expensive. If you get an exceptional signal in your area and are planning on being among the cord cutters, you will want the FlatWave Amped antenna.
The Runner Up
ChannelMaster Smartantenna+
We chose the Smartantenna+ by ChannelMaster because of its built-in tuner. The tuner can pull more channels than you can believe with just a simple twist of the tuner. We liked it a lot, and it is cost-efficient.
Best Roof Mount Antenna
Antennas Direct DB8e
The Antennas Direct DB8e is for pulling in the weak signals from the area. These antennas are bulky. They are for picking up extra channels if you have a more positive message and use it. The antenna will point in many directions to achieve the best results.
The Runner Up
Antennas Direct 91XG
The Antennas Direct 91XG was a tough choice to make the runner up. It almost made the top position. The 91XG can pull in long and weak signals for the owner of it. Also, the 91XG is like the classic analog antennas everyone used o have on their roof. These shapes provide for little interference from noise and many channels received.
Best Attic or Outdoor Antenna
WineGard Elite 7550
The WineGard Elite is a large antenna. It is one that you would want to keep in the attic. WineGard elite also may be outside the home. The antenna is impressive. Its built-in amplifier will aid the antenna is picking up signals in both VHF High and UHF broadcast.
The Runner Up
Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max
The Clearstream 4 Max is an excellent choice if you have multiple TVs that you want to receive a reception on; it is capable of a strong signal. If you are one who does not want to go out and buy the hardware to mount your antenna, you should go with the Clearstream 4Max; it has all the equipment available in the box.
How We Chose Our Best Antennas
First, we must say that if the antenna was indoors, we tested inside. If the antenna was an outdoor antenna, we tested outside. We chose the Washington DC area. If the antenna was strong enough to pick up the signal in the Baltimore, Maryland area, we gave it our seal of approval. We tested our top pick multiple times. Whenever we tested a new antenna, we decided to compare the new antenna to our top pick. We repeated the first-choice antenna tests.
Once we set up the antenna, we tested the RF signal. Also, we used a set-top box to scan for the local channels. All the RF stations carry a different message and many digital channels; these can change with every antenna. The digital stations will replace with every antenna as well. We tested our antennas with the number of digital stations; the antenna receives was not an excellent factor. We did not put too much emphasis on this factor. We scanned all antennas multiple times. When we examined the antennas, we adjusted the direction of the antenna.
For our top picks, we selected the antenna that received the most channels. Also, it is essential to note that these antennas needed to carry the stations with a strong signal. Those channels are UHF and VHF. The Uhf channels are typically those between channels 14 and 51. The VHF channels usually are those between seven and 13. The VHF channels are the primary TV broadcast channels. We know that you want to watch the normal channels that should be free, like ABC.
If you want to be among the cord cutters, you must do further research on indoor and outdoor antennas.
But wait! We have more on how to buy a tv.
