How to Locate the Best Place for a Digital Antenna

Finding the right location for your digital television antenna is essential for great TV reception. If you live within five to 10 miles of a main TV transmitter, then an indoor, set-top antenna may receive a strong enough signal. For most people, an outdoor rooftop antenna is the best option for getting stable pictures on all available digital TV channels. Use a ZIP-code-based "transmitter locator" website to find the correct direction and distance of your local digital TV transmitters.

• 1

  Survey your house or apartment. Look for a digital antenna installation site that offers a clear view toward the TV transmitter. For optimum reception, your antenna should be mounted as high as possible and above the roof line. Usually this will be from a wall bracket fixed to the eaves of your house or the top of an exterior wall. A roof-mounted tripod stand is another option.

• 2

  Climb to your chosen antenna installation site safely with a ladder, steps or raised platform.

• 3

  Use a directional compass to check the bearings for nearby TV transmitters. Directional antennas require exact alignment with the transmitter. Omni-directional antennas receive signals from transmitters at different locations so require less precise alignment.

• 4

  Check that your antenna will have an unobstructed view toward the TV transmitter, clearing any nearby buildings or trees. You may need a longer mast to achieve this. Note that antennas should never be mounted more than six feet above the supporting wall bracket.

• 5

  Ensure there is room to move and align the antenna correctly so that no part of it, including the rear reflector, comes into contact with the roof or wall.

• 6

  Check that the antenna and mast will be well clear of any power lines. Never install a TV antenna near power cables. Also avoid locating your antenna close to telecommunications cables or other antennas and satellite dishes because they can all interfere with reception.