How to Install an Outdoor TV Antenna

If you don’t have satellite television or digital cable, you might want to consider installing an outdoor TV antenna. You can install the antenna anywhere you want, but your roof affords the best reception.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 15' pole
• Antenna
• 20' wire
• Screwdriver
• Ladder

1. Place your antenna on the pole. We've recommended a pole 15' in length, but the size can vary depending on the reception you need and where you intend to put the antenna. The higher your antenna, the better reception you will enjoy.

2. Place the 20' wire on the antenna. Then hook the antenna up to the 15' pole. You can vary the size of the wire, as well, but once again, the longer and bigger it is, the better your reception will be. Then stand the antenna where you have decided to place it. It can be on the ground or on your roof, but the latter is generally the best option.

3. Hook the wires up to your television. Once the connections are made, your outdoor antenna will begin helping you tune in the channels you want.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need to turn the outdoor antenna whenever you are trying to get a certain channel to come in.
• Remember that by February 2009, if you are still using an outdoor antenna, you will need to buy a converter box to convert your analog TV to digital. You can look online for a government-approved coupon that will help you pay for the converter box.
• Important: Do not place the antenna near any electrical lines.

Resources

• Installing an outdoor TV antenna

[ae127]

on 11/15/2009 Mark3, I didn't want to deal with the 12' copper pole pounded into the ground so I opted for a high quality surge protector that has the cable from the antenna run through it.

[mark3]

on 4/23/2009 I don't see any mention of grounding. As I don't have a place to dig a 3 or 4 foot hoe in the ground near my home, that's my biggest issue with doing my own antenna installation. Open to other suggestions. Thanks.

[dbquan]

on 12/28/2008 In Ventura, California, I'm replacing my father-in-law's old TV antenna. I'm debating if I should replace the old antenna with the standard outdoor vhf/uhf/fm antenna with a boom length of 110 and 36 elements vs. an outdoor GE Futura TV antenna (TV24769). The Futura is a lot smaller and would seem easier to install. However, I don't know which one will get better reception? Please Advise.

Thanks, Dan.