How to choose an Outdoor HDTV Antenna

So, you've got an HDTV and an off-air receiver and you're ready to watch all the wonderful, free off-air HDTV channels available to you. The last step is to hook-up an antenna.

The first thing to say about HDTV antennae is that you'll always get a better signal from an external antenna than an internal one. If you live in your own house, that's no problem, but if you rent or live in an apartment block or other communal housing, it may be tricky. However, there is hope. If your landlord refuses to allow you to install an antenna on the roof, you have the right to install one in what's known as an 'exclusive use' area. For more information see this document on the FCC's website.

If an outdoor antenna is a definite no-no, choose a good indoor antenna, such as the Zenith ZHDTV1

Assuming that you can install an outdoor HDTV antenna, the next step is to try out your existing rooftop antenna if you have one — there's no point buying a new one if your existing antenna works ok. Make sure you ground it properly though. Go to the Antennaweb.org website and check where your nearest broadcast transmitter is and point the antenna at it. If it works, great, your all set, if not you'll need to buy and install a new HDTV antenna.

In order to pick the best outdoor HDTV antenna for your location, go back to the Antennaweb.org website and enter your address. You'll also have to specify whether you have a single story or multiple story house and whether there are any tall buildings or other obstacles nearby, or an airport within two miles.

Antennaweb returns a list of CEA-certified antennae, color-coded depending on their characteristics. By choosing the color code that best fits your needs and situation, you'll have a list of antennae that you can be confident will work.

Once you've bought your antenna, you 'll need to install it. Click here to read Cnet's guide