How to Get the Best HDTV Signal

A better TV signal means a better TV watching experience.

HDTV stands for high definition television. HDTV signals are now available over the air, allowing you to receive local channels for free with an HD antenna. There are ways to get the best possible HDTV signal so you can continue to enjoy quality digital television and HDTV channels.

Things You'll Need

• HDTV antenna
• Cell phones or walkie talkies
• Safety harness

Instructions

1. Purchase the best antenna for picking up HDTV signals. This will be an outdoor HDTV antenna that picks up signals from all angles, not just one side of the antenna.

2. Mount the antenna onto your roof or the highest possible location on your property. Do not mount it permanently, meaning do not install the brackets or screws, at this point. Slight adjustments may be needed to get the best HDTV signal. Ideally, your antenna should face the southern sky.

3. Attach the coaxial cable that's attached to the antenna to your receiver, or to your television directly.

4. Stay on the roof or high location with the antenna. Ask someone else to go inside the house and turn on your television. The person should flip through the channels and communicate the reception quality to you through a cell phone or walkie talkie.

5. Adjust the antenna on the roof by moving it to slightly different location or rotating it around. All the while, the person in the house should be telling you how your adjustments are changing the reception. Once you get clear reception on all channels, permanently mount the antenna in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not go up on the roof without someone to spot you, or without a safety harness if the roof is especially steep. Be extremely careful while on a roof.

References

• CNET Reviews: Watch free HDTV with an outdoor antenna
• Crutchfield: What You Need to Watch HD