There’s a reason why roughly four million people are cutting the cord on their TV cable package each year. More people are now relying on streaming services to enjoy their favorite shows and movies.
However, what should you do if you still want the option to watch live television now and then? The answer is a digital TV antenna service. This provides you with major television network programming that’s free to access.
The only hurdle you need to get over is installation. Luckily, we’ve organized this article to give you some tips for optimizing your viewing experience. Let’s get started!
How to Install and Use Your Digital TV Antenna Services
In this section, we’ll go over some of the basic steps to installing and using your digital television antenna. However, keep in mind that setting an outdoor antenna up can be dangerous — especially if you have little to no experience.
As such, you shouldn’t be afraid to call a professional digital TV antenna installation service if you need it. Just make sure to hire someone you can trust.
1) Decide On Placement
The first thing that you need to decide is where your digital TV antenna will go. Keep in mind that higher is almost always better. The higher the antenna is, the fewer objects that can get in the ways and cause signal interference. As such, you should put it on your roof if you’re able to access it. Next, you need to find out where the nearest broadcast station is to your house.
This is important because you want your antenna facing directly toward the broadcast station. Even omnidirectional antennas need to be facing toward the broadcast station.
If you aren’t sure where it is, then you can find it using this resource here. Also, remember that you should never set up a television antenna close to power lines.
This is incredibly dangerous. As such, you should make sure that you keep your antenna at least twenty feet away from it. And, if your antenna does come into contact with a power line, then don’t try and remove it yourself. Instead, call the power company.
2) Mount the Antenna
Once you decide the best place to set up your TV antenna, then it’s time to mount it into position. The specific mount that you will need depends on where you’re setting your antenna up. For example, if you’re setting it up on the wall, then you will need wall mount brackets that hold the mast in place.
Just make sure that the brackets are spaced apart widely enough. This will ensure that they have enough stability. Another people spot is the chimney since it’s often the highest point in the house.
All you need for this is a chimney y-mount to secure the antenna mast. However, keep in mind that this method does come with some drawbacks. For one thing, your chimney could be structurally unsound. So, make sure that it’s stable before setting it up. Also, if you use your chimney for heat, then the smoke can affect the antenna material.
The last option is a base mount that’s attached to your roof. This type of base mount is ideal because it can truly be used anywhere — even a wall or attic. Just make sure you’re attaching it to solid wood use sturdy screws.
Regardless of the method you use, you must keep the antenna mast perfectly vertical during set-up. Otherwise, it will interfere with the signal.
3) Run the Cable Into Your House
Now it’s time to run the coaxial cable from your antenna into your house. Before you begin, you should make sure that you waterproof any coaxial connections with your antenna. This is important because any moisture that gets into your TV line affects signal strength.
Sealing tape is usually the most effective method of waterproofing. Once it’s waterproof, you can connect the coaxial cable to the antenna mast. Make sure it’s tight, but not too tight, as this can break the weatherproof seal.
Now, it’s time to run the cable into your house. You want to try and make the most direct method possible when doing this. Sharp turns can easily lead to signal interference. The easiest way to do this is to drill holes through your roof, attic, ceiling, or whatever’s in the way.
If you’re drilling, then make sure you select a drill bit that’s slightly bigger than your coaxial cable. You should also avoid another internal wiring as this can cause interference.
Once you’ve drilled a path through, thread the cable through until it reaches your television set-up. Then, seal up the holes you made with silicone caulk. This will keep moisture and insects from coming in through the holes.
4) Hook Up the Coaxial
Now that all the hard work is done all that’s left to do is hook your coaxial cable to your television. You can do this by attaching it to the F-connector input.
This will be found in a panel behind your television, or on your converter box. Once the coaxial cable is attached it’s time to test it out. You can do this by running a channel scan.
Ideally, you’ll get all the channels you need with a clear signal. If you’re missing a lot of channels, then try re-aiming your antenna. Otherwise, you’re better off calling a professional to help troubleshoot the problem.
Want More Content? Keep Exploring
We hope this article helped you figure out how to set up your digital TV antenna services. As you can see, a lot of thought and effort needs to go into antenna set-up.
However, once it’s working you’ll be able to access your favorite programming without paying huge cable bills. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
