There are only two things that affect the results of a TV antenna: its brand quality and length. No matter what other people say, no matter how its being marketed, no small antenna can produce big antenna results. Provided that theyre made of the exact same quality, a small antenna will always produce inferior reception compared to that of a bigger one. So dont take up any offers that are selling you attractively priced TV antennas and promising incredible results. Those are not true!
2. Product Identification
We only have one other tip to offer for people planning to buy a new TV antenna, and thats to learn how to distinguish one product from another. Know that TV antenna is best used for that situations. Since there are numerous types of TV antenna that are sold in the market, several examples have been listed here, along with brief descriptions for each, to help you choose the TV antenna solution for your needs:
TV Antenna with a Folded Dipole TV antennas of this type makes use of dipoles with an extra wire, increasing impedance and consequently, improving image reception. Twin Lead Antennas They are a type of folded dipole and quite small in size. They are also priced affordably. Instead of buying them, however, you should consider creating one of your own.
Rabbit Ears
TV antennas classified as rabbit ears still make use of dipoles; they are also small in size but definitely more expensive than twin lead antennas because theyre portable. In short, you can move around your house even go outdoors in hopes of finding the spot with the best image reception. This will come in handy when youre watching the World Cup without the benefit of cable TV!
Dish Clip on Antenna
This type of TV antenna has been greatly advertised in recent times. If you look closely, it will appear as a twisted, folded dipole. In spite of aggressive marketing, however, many TV antennas of this type do not perform as well as expected. Firstly, they are immovable, unlike rabbit ears; secondly, they are mounted outdoors so theyre better than indoor antenna in good weather. Obviously, dish clips on TV antenna are ideal for homes situated in mild-weather states.
TVFM VHF Only Home Antenna
This type of TV antenna is used in many households across the nation because theyre affordable and easy to use. They will work however, as indicated, only for receiving bandwidth from VHF (very high frequency) channels, and not for UHF (ultra high frequency) channels. Also as suggested, they can work and gain access to FM radio stations. This is not something you should be entirely happy about; using this antenna may cause FM stations to greatly interfere with the TV reception, and you may end up being unable to enjoy shows from either appliance!
UHF Only Home Antenna
If theres an antenna that only gains access to VHF channels, then naturally thered be an antenna that only gains access to UHF channels. If you find all the shows in VHF channels boring, then yes, its better for you to purchase an UHF only home antenna. For these antennas, the best and cheapest design would be panel-styled TV antennas, and next to them would be those using corner reflectors.
Atypical Low Channel UHF
This type of TV antenna is not easy to install and use. Firstly, it might require you to drill holes just so you can properly mount the TV antenna. Buy this type of TV antenna only if you absolutely must!
All Band Home Antenna
Although more expensive than other products, these TV antennas are at least easy to install and use. They are also capable of gaining access to all TV channels.
3. Last Tips on TV Antenna Buying
Dont buy secondhand TV antennas; they are easily damaged and theres no telling if it is internally flawed. Buy a portable TV antenna if youre living in a trailer or in a state that commonly experiences bad TV reception due to weather conditions or distance. Lastly, if you dont understand something, dont hesitate to ask! Not asking might mean watching your favorite shows in black and white for the rest of your life!
LCD technology is relatively complex and improving all the time but is based upon the fact that liquid crystals are, in their natural state, twisted. The ability of the crystals to allow light through can be altered by applying electric current. Very simply put, a light source is shone through a liquid containing crystals held between two polarised screens. By applying the correct quantity of light passing through, the desired display is produced.
*Smaller sets: These will have aspect ratios of 4:3 although some models will have 16:9 widescreen display. In built sound is likely to be simple stereo, and refresh rates of 50Hz.
*Medium sets: Broadly speaking you can expect to pay between Rs 26304 and Rs.78913 for these larger, 25" to 29" screen models but expect to find significant improvements in sound and picture quality. Dolby Surround Sound is common, and there are a higher number of models with a widescreen aspect ratio.
*Large sets: At this level you can expect a feature rich set with a 16:9 screen, Dolby Virtual Surround Sound, refresh rates up to 100 Hz, and on some models additional decoders for HDTV and or Digital and terrestrial TV.
Key features
Depth: Where LCDs really score over CRT models is in the physical depth of the television set. Most are less than 3" deep and can be hung on a wall or from a ceiling. This is a boon for those with smaller rooms or who want a release from the space-eating demands of a CRT.
Screen size: Smaller LCDs have been the norm - adding pixels means more transistors and colors can appear slightly faded in larger models. There is a large range of smaller sets between 14" and 19". As the technology improves more models over 30" are starting to appear. Currently models over 40" are few and far between, mainly because of the current difficulties of ensuring production quality with the ever increasing number of transistors and pixels.
Frequency: There are many more choices than the 50Hz or 100Hz of CRT models. Higher refresh rates will reduce the chances of pixels giving a ghosting effect which can occur when changing quickly from light to dark states.
Multi-functional displays: LCD TVs are particularly suited to act as a computer screen. Text and graphics will be made to look exceptionally sharp by their high-resolution. LCD TVs typically include connections for composite, S-video, component video and one or more RGB SCART inputs.
Viewing distances: While there are a lot of variables in these calculations, viewing distances do vary according to the screen size. Light source: The source of the light which shines through the liquid crystals is important in any LCD set. A damaged bulb can mean poor colour balance and the end for your set. Look either for sets with bulbs which can be replaced or for brands with proven long-life and reliability. While extended warranties for electrical goods are generally poor value a replacement bulb warranty is definitely worth considering with these higher value items. Some sets have a manufacturers warranty, promising a television operating life express in hours.
Resolution information: You might think that the higher the resolution the better the picture, but this isn't necessarily so. VGA quality is what you will find on most standard TVs. But LCD Vs may also have XGA (1024x768 pixels) or, with widescreen versions W-XGA (1280x768 pixels). Do not be fooled by the acronyms or the numbers - check by looking at the picture itself. Good indicators of picture quality are how realistic flesh tones appear, the colour contrast in particularly dark scenes and that high motion action scenes do not corrupt the picture.
Power consumption: This is one area to watch with larger screen elevisions. All consume considerably more power than smaller sets. However LCD screens consume considerably less power than their plasma rivals, up to 30% less in some cases.
Accessories
*Wall mountings: These are ideal to make maximum use of a flat screen LCD TV. They will add about 2" to the depth of the set. Wall mounts that tilt for viewing anywhere in a room are also available as are articulating mounts which mean you can push the set flush to the wall when you are not using it.
*Table stands: It is worth knowing that table stands need to be suitable for the particular make of LCD TV you buy. If a stand is not included with the set check carefully before you buy one that it will do the job.