Cut the Cord with a Long Distance Television Antenna
Don’t fall for the hype of small, 12-inch antennas boasting a 150 to 250-mile range. These compact antennas only deliver a fraction of the promised performance. Antenna gain, the antenna’s ability to focus a signal (not to be confused with a signal amplifier’s gain), is directly related to the number of tuned elements for its designed frequency and the antenna’s overall size. Think of a telescope: a longer length allows for stronger signal focus. A small antenna with only a few elements will always have less gain than a larger antenna with more elements tuned for the same frequency.
Understanding Long Distance Television Antenna Performance
Even high-quality Long Distance Television Antennas, often boasting double the UHF elements of those smaller antennas, have range limitations. With an unobstructed line of sight, the maximum range for UHF signals is typically up to 100 miles in ideal conditions (flat terrain, full power station, no obstructions). VHF signals have an even shorter range, maxing out around 35 miles or up to 80 miles with a VHF upgrade kit. Ideal conditions mean a clear line of sight to the broadcast towers without interference from buildings, trees, or terrain.
Exceeding 100 miles requires specific atmospheric conditions known as Tropospheric Ducting (Tropo). Tropo occurs when radio waves are bent back towards the earth due to temperature and humidity variations in the atmosphere, allowing signals to travel beyond the earth’s curvature. This phenomenon is infrequent and unpredictable. A specialized VHF kit can significantly improve VHF reception. This kit typically mounts to the back of the main antenna, allowing the existing UHF corner reflector elements to function as parasitic VHF elements, effectively increasing the total number of VHF elements.
Deceptive Advertising and Real-World Range
Advertised Gain and Range Are Often Misleading: Be wary of exaggerated claims. Small antennas cannot magically outperform larger ones tuned for the same frequency. Many manufacturers inflate their specifications by including the gain from a built-in signal amplifier, which is different from true antenna gain. While a quality signal amplifier can be helpful in maintaining signal strength through splitters or long cable runs, it doesn’t increase the antenna’s range or change its reception pattern. In fact, unnecessary amplification can introduce noise and degrade the signal.
Determining True Antenna Capabilities: A more accurate measure of an antenna’s range lies in its size and the number of tuned elements for the intended frequency. For instance, a 44-inch long UHF antenna with 18 tuned elements will outperform a smaller 24-inch antenna with fewer elements, despite what the advertised range might claim.
VHF/UHF Combo Antennas and Element Allocation
When considering VHF/UHF combo antennas, remember that the elements are split between the two frequency bands. A 6-foot long combo antenna might have fewer elements dedicated to UHF compared to a dedicated 44-inch UHF antenna, resulting in potentially lower UHF gain. Even large, older-style antennas designed for multiple bands (VHF-Low, VHF-Hi, UHF) may not offer a UHF performance advantage over a smaller, dedicated UHF antenna due to element allocation.
Why Antenna Size and Construction Matter
More Aluminum Means More Gain and Durability: A larger antenna with more aluminum translates to higher gain and better durability. Heavier-duty elements are also crucial for withstanding outdoor conditions. Look for antennas constructed with robust materials, such as thicker diameter aluminum tubing, to ensure longevity and consistent performance.
Choosing the right long distance television antenna involves understanding the relationship between size, element count, and true gain. Don’t rely solely on advertised range; instead, focus on the antenna’s physical characteristics and construction to ensure optimal performance for your location.
