HDTV Antenna Recommendation by Zip Code
Wonder which channels are available in your local area? How strong are the signals? Don’t know how to pick the best antenna in your location? Please take a few minutes to check this reception map. Simply enter the zip code and see the reception map that shows.
Reception map color indicators:
- Green: Indoor antennas and short-range outdoor antennas can usually pick up most green-tinted channels.
- Yellow: Antennas often need to at least be mounted in the attic to pick up yellow-tinted channels.
- Brown: Antennas must be mounted on rooftops to have a chance at picking up these brown-tinted channels. Try 150-mile range outdoor antenna.
- Red: Channels are unlikely to be picked up by an antenna using standard measures
How to boost the antenna signal?
- Check http://www.tvfool.com/ by providing your zip code. Then you can find out where the broadcast towers are in your local. Aiming your antenna at TV tower can improve reception.
- Move the antenna to a new location or height frequently, if you are using an indoor one. Please wait a few minutes to see if the reception is getting better before the move.
- Rescan your channel monthly.
- Install a signal amplifier or booster between the antenna and receiver to increase the signal strength. You can check out our amplifiers through this link: https://www.homeantenna.com/product-category/tv-antennas/indoor-antenna/
How to Interpret the Results
In general, you should be able to receive most of the green channels using a good antenna and some experimentation.
- If you got a lot of green stations, congrats you’re in good shape! You should do well with an outdoor antenna with RG6 cable if you want to get better reception of VHF (the Hi-V) channels.
- If you got just a few green and some yellow channels, please take an eye on how far they are coming from. If most of the strongest signals are from within 50 miles, an indoor antenna will work better. Whereas, if most come from a distance further than 50 miles, you will get some channels with an indoor antenna. I would recommend the Five Star 2808 indoor antenna. More indoor antennas here.
- If you go all yellow and orange channels, you’ll need an outdoor antenna. Five Star Omni-direction FSA-5818 will be your best choice!
- If you got all orange or red channels or no channels, you should try to get free TV over the Internet.
The strongest signals are at the top while the weakest are at the bottom.
Things to take care:
- These predictions are based on a terrain-sensitive propagation model resembling but not identical to the propagation model used when calculating service and interference contours for TV stations.
- Actual signal strength may vary based on a variety of factors, including(but not limited to), building construction, neighboring buildings and trees, weather, and specific reception hardware. Your signal strength may be significantly lower in extremely hilly areas.
- Please do monthly rescan in case of the signal change in your local area.
