How to choose the right indoor antenna for your TV

DVB-T2 or an antenna for receiving a digital signal for watching TV will be the focus of our attention. To this day, the best antenna is the one on the roof of your house, but technology has moved far forward, making it possible to install signal receivers indoors. The best choice for a country house or cottage would be a satellite dish or a giant antenna with many receiving elements.

In general, the antennas we are considering are designed primarily to receive signals from decimeter waves, that is, from 400 to 800 MHz. They were sold before, but their setup and design were associated with imperfect technology and a number of installation problems. Modern communication quality has lowered the requirements for receiving elements. We have selected for you the top 10 best indoor antennas for connecting and watching quality TV.

The best indoor TV antennas for home

For a city apartment with good signal quality, you can choose an indoor antenna. It is installed on top of the TV or on the balcony, provided there are a minimum number of physical obstacles.

BBK DA01

The simplest and cheapest indoor antenna of the DVB-T2 type, which accepts all popular HDTV standards DVB-T, T2, ISDB-T, ATSC, DMB-T/H and radio - DAB. The design includes a protective screen that helps achieve good image quality (provided there is a high-quality signal in the area). The antenna also features a modern design and compact body dimensions.

pros

• low price;
• small dimensions 13x17x6.8 cm;
• does not require additional power;
• modern design;
• convenient device configuration

Minuses

• Only suitable for areas with good coverage;
• requires an open space, since the signal does not travel well through reinforced concrete walls.

BBK DA01

BBK DA05

A small entry-level indoor antenna capable of receiving digital channels without interference. It supports all major broadcast standards. Suitable for residents of megacities, where even at the level of 2-4 floors, users are guaranteed a high-quality, stable image without interruptions. The lightweight, obstruction-free design fits anywhere in the home and can be placed on a shelf. The advantage of the device is the long cable.

pros

• To set up, just set up the antenna and connect it to the TV;
• good signal reception of television and radio channels;
• stable operation without interference;
• compact device without protruding antennas;
• signal level is within 70-90%.

Minuses

• not suitable for small towns or country houses;
• There are no clamps for wall mounting.

BBK DA05

Selenga 105A

Indoor all-wave antenna with amplifier, capable of capturing digital and analogue DVB-T2 signals. The amplification power reaches 28 dB, which makes the device optimal for cities and suburban homes located up to 20 km from the towers. Stylish hi-tech design allows the antenna to fit into the interior of almost any apartment. The device body is durable and has no play or other defects, but is not designed for outdoor use.

pros

• gain control;
• attractive lighting and body design;
• easy adjustment by changing the position of the ring;
• stable design;
• picks up the signal without interference.

Minuses

• not suitable for country houses at a distance of more than 20 km;
• short cable 1.5 m long.

Selenga 105A

LUMAX DA1502A

A modern antenna with a stylish design, equipped with a digital signal amplifier. Thanks to its waterproof housing, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Antenna owners living 30-40 km from large cities note good signal quality and confirm the detection of about 20 channels. As always, much depends on the terrain; in some regions you should raise the antenna to a height of about 5 meters to obtain a stable signal.

pros

• receives signals in the digital and analog range;
• supports all varieties of the DVB-T2 standard;
• designed for operation at temperatures down to -40°C;
• small-sized device;
• All fastenings necessary for installation are located on the body;
• effective operating area is 35 km from the repeater.

Minuses

• at a distance of more than 40-45 km from the TV station, the quality of reception decreases;
• low quality amplifier.

LUMAX DA1502A

Delta K131A.03

A fairly large antenna exclusively for indoor use, which is designed to receive digital channels DVB-T, DVB-T2 and analogue broadcasting. Comes with a 40dB amplifier that allows for variable power output. This allows you to adjust the operating mode of the device to different operating conditions. The adjustable antenna direction allows you to tilt the device by 25° to achieve a more stable signal.

pros

• durable steel structure;
• high-quality soldered main board;
• adjustable gain;
• cable 3 m long;
• good build.

Minuses

• lack of clamps for contacts in the separator;
• It is important to set the correct direction, otherwise the signal level drops significantly.

Delta K131A.03

Main types of antennas

The classification of antennas for a TV is carried out in accordance with the location of the device. There are two main groups - for outdoor installation and for indoor installation. Today we will consider the second type, which is also divided into subgroups in accordance with design features and wavelength. There are a total of five types of indoor TV antennas.

Meter antennas are the simplest option. Devices of this type are designed to receive wave signals from television towers located in the meter range. They are presented in the form of a structure that consists of a stand (it contains a transformer and 2 movable “antennae”) and a coaxial cable necessary for connecting to the TV.

A meter TV antenna can show excellent results only if it is installed as close as possible to the signal source. Devices of this type are in little demand among users. Almost all channels have given preference to the digital format of television broadcasting. Using a meter antenna you can tune in no more than 5 Russian TV channels.

The second type is a frame or decimeter television antenna. From the name it is clear that this device is designed to operate in the UHF range. The design is presented in the form of a device with an open base, as well as a cable for connecting to a TV or receiver. This receiver provides an excellent signal if it is located within a radius of up to 30 kilometers from the TV tower.

All-wave or hybrid TV antenna. Particular attention should be paid to the versatility of the device. The device allows you to pick up signals in the meter and decimeter range. Using a hybrid antenna is extremely convenient, since the user has the ability to switch between bands if the need arises.

The fourth type is a passive TV antenna. This is an ordinary device for receiving a signal. There are no additional functionality. Passive type devices are not equipped with an amplifier. Therefore, achieving effective signal reception and tuning of TV channels without interference will be extremely difficult.

The last group is an active TV antenna. Unlike the previous type, this device is equipped with a special amplifier. This helps to significantly improve the quality of the received signal. Active receivers are used in situations where the TV is located quite far from the TV tower. The device can also be used to split the signal into multiple TVs. However, this will cause a deterioration in the quality of reception.

Now you know what indoor TV antennas are. They are mainly used to set up digital television. The “plate” is not installed indoors. Installation of satellite dishes is carried out on the roof of the house.

What is needed for a good signal

The quality of the received signal depends on many conditions. Firstly, it is worth considering the distance of the TV antenna from the tower, that is, the signal source. Indoor TV antennas should be located as close as possible to repeaters, which receive the signal and then increase its range.

The further the TV antenna is located from the TV tower, the worse the reception quality will be. The logic is clear and obvious. If you are in a remote area and there are many obstacles in the signal path, then you need to purchase a receiver with an amplifier.

Secondly, the type of home antenna affects the quality of reception. The first point smoothly flows into the second. Receivers with an amplifier will be more efficient than simple passive devices. These are two main points that every user should take into account when installing an indoor antenna at home. There are also secondary factors that you also need to remember:

• The height level of the TV antenna in relation to the position of the repeater;
• The presence of obstacles on the way from the antenna to the television tower;
• Type of obstacles, their height: buildings, trees, etc.;
• The location of the indoor TV antenna in the room. To improve the quality of the received signal, place the devices not on the TV, but on a window.

Is it possible to assemble an antenna with your own hands? Making the receiver yourself is quite possible. There are plenty of different instructions on the Internet. You don’t have to spend money on special materials, but use only available means. Keep in mind that a homemade design will be noticeably inferior to purchased analogues.

The best inexpensive indoor antennas

We’ve sorted out the features of choosing a TV antenna and the available types, so it’s time to consider real models. We bring to your attention a rating of inexpensive indoor antennas for digital television. The cost of devices included in this TOP does not exceed 1000 rubles.

BBK DA20

The owners of this antenna note a very successful design. The device will fit harmoniously into absolutely any interior. The design of a simple plate receives “digits” in the decimeter range. BBK DA20 provides signal amplification of 22 dB. However, you won't be able to tune in to FM radio.

The model in question is an active type TV antenna, so it is connected to a separate power source; prepare an additional outlet. The structure weighs 1 kg. Therefore, choose a suitable location for the device.

Main advantages:

• ergonomic and versatile design;
• trusted manufacturer;
• gain – 22 dB;
• takes up minimal free space;
• excellent reception quality.

Flaws:

• cannot be installed in a standing position;
• Can't pick up the radio.

The average price of BBK DA20 is 800 rubles.

Delta K131A 03

Another active antenna with a fairly high signal gain. This means that it is suitable for use in areas remote from the repeater. Support for the UHF band has been implemented exclusively. The device amplifies the signal by approximately 40 dB. Connects via a separate power supply. According to customer reviews, Delta K131A 03 is suitable for subscribers living in densely built-up areas.

Do not forget that the walls of multi-story buildings can act as a barrier to the digital signal.

To tune in free channels, just point the TV antenna towards the TV tower. The gain level can be adjusted.

Advantages:

• made of high quality steel;
• compact dimensions and minimal weight;
• high gain – 40 dB;
• long network cable – 3 meters;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• the metal plates located inside the case are poorly secured;
• not the best build quality;
• steel provides structural strength, but iron is not the best option for making an antenna.

Despite its shortcomings, this is an excellent budget option for digital tuning.

Hyundai H TAI360

In terms of technical characteristics, it is practically in no way inferior to the sales leaders. Works in two bands at once - VHF/UHF. With the help of Hyundai H TAI360 you can tune not only terrestrial television, but also all free radio stations. This is an active television antenna with a fairly high signal gain.

Owners of this device note stable signal reception. The image clarity is good, there is no interference. Weather conditions will not cause a sharp deterioration in picture quality, since the receiver power is at an extremely high level.

Advantages:

• price-quality ratio;
• signal amplification up to 30 dB;
• work in two ranges.

Flaws:

• not the most successful design, visually reminiscent of a flying saucer. The antenna is very unstable, so you need to carefully consider how best to secure it.

Locus l 931 04

This is the cheapest option in our rating. The cost of Locus l 931 04 does not exceed 400 rubles. The new model has become an optimized version of the currently popular device Locus l 025 62. The work is carried out in the decimeter range. The antenna is equipped with an amplifier. However, the gain is small, so the new model is suitable for subscribers living close to the area of ​​reliable reception. For correct operation, you must prepare a separate power source.

Advantages:

• low price;
• build quality;
• compact sizes.

Flaws:

• relatively low gain - 17 dB;
• not the best design.

Review of the best indoor antennas

When compiling a list of the best indoor models, we were guided by the opinions of customers in reviews, the prevalence of the product, performance characteristics and sales statistics. All this helped to highlight the most popular items, from which it will be easier for you to choose an indoor antenna for your purposes.

Basic rules for choosing antennas

In the countries of the post-Soviet space, there is an active abandonment of analogue TV in favor of digital. Therefore, many users have to buy special antennas for a digital television signal. Few people know how to choose the right antenna for a TV. It is absolutely not necessary to buy expensive models, because the main advantage of indoor devices is the low price.

Digital home TV antenna is a wave receiver with a decimeter range. Very often, devices of this type are called DVB/T2 antennas. Therefore, if you find a suitable model with this marking, you can safely buy it.

In order for the TV to receive and recognize a digital signal, you must first install a special DVB/T2 tuner. Such devices are sold in all electronics supermarkets. Modern TVs are equipped with built-in receivers. Therefore, the purchase of additional equipment is not required.

Now let's look at the main criteria according to which the choice of a TV antenna for receiving a signal in digital format should be made:

• Make sure that your region supports digital television broadcasting using the map on the RTRS website;
• Calculate the approximate distance from the TV tower to the indoor antenna being installed. All necessary information can be found on special websites;
• The marking on the package indicates the type of TV antenna. For example, UHF for an over-the-air signal may also be suitable for you, it all depends on the model. Almost all UHF receivers are capable of picking up a digital signal, but you will need a built-in or external tuner;
• Basic equipment of the device. It is advisable that the antenna be supplied with a coaxial cable for connection, as well as special stands or mounts for wall mounting.

Don't chase the price. A TV antenna for 600-700 rubles is quite capable of providing high-quality signal reception, especially if you are in close proximity to a repeater.