When you think of TV antennas, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Chances are, it’s the old-fashioned rabbit ears picking up analog TV signals. Such analog antennas have, for the most part, become obsolete.
However, TV antennas are still alive, well, and transmitting digital signals as opposed to analog. If you’re sick and tired of relying on cable and satellite providers for your television needs, then you should consider investing in an antenna instead. How many types of TV antennas are there? Here’s what you need to know!
Loop Antennas
Loop antennas are one of the most common types of TV antennas used indoors. These modified dipole antennas often come in a circular shape, hence the name. However, you can find them in squares or a series of circles.
Fun fact: The new type of TV antenna that you see in the store, the flat rectangular one, is made from loop antennas! The antennas simply get hidden by a plastic body.
Dipole Antennas
Among the different types of TV antennas, the dipole is by far the most famous. As the original bearer of the “rabbit ears” moniker, these configurable antennas allowed Americans to receive TV signals for decades upon decades. This configurable nature allowed these antennas to pick up signals from any direction, which allowed for clearer pictures and sound.
If you’ve picked up a dipole and need help figuring out how to install an indoor TV antenna, feel free to browse the web for a handy guide.
Yagi Antennas
Yagi antennas are a highly specified type of outdoor antenna designed to amplify signals coming from one direction at the expense of all others. These types of outdoor TV antennas have high gain, which makes them a great choice for those who live in areas with distant or faint signals.
Reflective Array Antennas
Technically speaking, a satellite is a type of reflective array antenna. These types of digital TV antennas use signal receptors to block interference and focus on directional reception. If you live in an area with extremely high signal traffic, then using one of these types of antennas can cut down on the amount of noise or static you encounter.
Log Periodic Antennas
Log periodic antennas are, in essence, a series of yagi antennas chained together and attuned to different frequencies. LP antennas can handle a wider range of frequencies at greater efficiency than a single yagi antenna. This makes them a great choice for rural or suburban customers who live in areas where the signal is weak.
Looking for More Information on the Types of TV Antennas?
There are many types of TV antennas intended for indoor and outdoor use still on the market today. Far from being totally obsolete, these antennas offer news and entertainment to those who can’t afford or don’t want cable TV. However, if you’re still curious about how the different types of TV antennas work and where you can find them, then check out our blog today for more articles like this one.