Basic rules for TV Antenna signal reception

[SolidSignal_Mike]

1. Outdoor is generally better. Outdoor antennas have a better view of the transmitting station, with no building-induced signal loss. They receive less interference from other household electronic/electrical appliances, and they are less likely to receive reflected ghost signals from the building structure.

2. Higher is better. The higher an antenna is, the more direct signal it can receive from the TV transmitter, while at the same time reducing the reception of interfering signals from other household electronic/electrical appliances and reflected ghost-causing signals from other nearby structures. The higher the better, but any antenna should be at least four feet above the structure to which it is mounted, and ideally above the roofline.

3. Closer is better. If a position above the roofline is not possible, the antenna should at least be on the side of your building facing the TV signal broadcast tower.

4. Bigger is better. The larger an antenna, the more signal it receives. This is especially important on channels 2-6, where the longer wavelength requires a larger antenna in order to be efficiently received. Larger antennas also become directional which reduces ghosting caused by reflected signals coming from the side and the rear of the receiving antenna.

Once the type of antenna you need is selected using this guide, careful attention must be paid to its installation. While not difficult to install, antennas are sensitive to installation details. For wood-frame buildings where the antenna will be situated on the roof's peak, the antenna should be at least four feet above the peak. When installed above a flat metal roof, the antenna should be at least ten feet above the roof. For multidirectional antennas, allow for some mounting flexibility so that the antenna can be moved a few feet in each direction in order to obtain the best picture on all channels before a permanent mounting position is selected.

ref: http://www.antennaweb.org

[SWHouston]

First: What’s possible ?

Are you in a House?, is it in a Homeowners Association?, In an Apartment/Condo?, can you put an Antenna up on the roof or Balcony?, In the Attic?, or must it be an Indoor Antenna?

If you're in a House, with NO Deed Restrictions or Zoning, you can get any type antenna you want.

1. Outside Antennas have GREAT reception, but, you have to maintain them, get them set up where they aren’t vulnerable Storms or other hazards. They can be quite large, and tune in stations quite far away, but, the larger the Antenna the more vulnerable it is to high wind. Unless there is a known obstacle, placing an Antenna “higher”, is better, just like Mike said.

IF you’re in a HOA, check your Deed Restrictions for applicability, and comply.
1. IF you can’t put your Antenna on the Roof, or if it’s limited in size, you can put it in your Attic if there’s room for it, and for you to install it! This may limit your reception in some instances.

If you're in an Apartment Bldg or Condo, there may already be a “free” feed available for you, or, you may be able to run a Coax to the Roof, and set up your own Antenna, or, be limited to putting an Indoor Antenna in your residence. Contact your Building/Maintenance Manager.
1. Check this out, it will effect your ability to “tune in” a station. Most Indoor Antennas are not as “powerful/receptive” as ones that are larger/outdoor. This does NOT mean that you can’t get great reception on them, but they do have their limitations.
Some are sorta nice looking too! sorta !

Second: What’s available ?

Like it or not, there may be a very limited Station Choice for you, this is not like Cable or Sat, where they bring in Stations from “everywhere”, and put them on their feed. So, let’s see what you CAN get !

Use the Transmitter/Tower Locator Calculator!
In all cases fill out ALL the information they ask for, it will only help “clarify” you location, and it’s private, no one will see that stuff but you. The more specific your are, the better the “calculator” can identify obstacles and strength of signal, for your location.

NOTE: When you have the choice, click on “Sort by Direction”, then…
I’d use a reasonable distance of about “50 miles” when that option is available. But, that will influence the “SIZE” of Antenna recommended. Once you have your list compiled, you then can “adjust” that distance. No use having a Large Directional Antenna recommended, when the Towers (stations you are really interested in) are only 10 miles away.

Note:
Printout the lists, several if you like (direction/distance/VHF/UHF) !

Now, do your homework:
Contact your HOA, Bldg. Mgr, or City Zoning, and make sure of what you can do.
Then, sit down and note the Stations you really want to watch.
Another very cool way to do this, is just look around your neighbourhood, and see what everyone else is doing. BUT, dig in to it just to be sure.

Have a good Day !
S.W.