We are accustomed to high-quality television broadcasting everywhere, but it often happens that on vacation, for example, in the country, the signal is so weak that you can’t even see half the channels. In this case, in order not to jump with the antenna in different directions in search of a normal signal, you can purchase an antenna amplifier for the TV. What is it, how to choose and where to buy, we will analyze below.
Content
Do I need an amplifier
Sometimes an amplifier is simply not needed. If you just brought the TV to the country house or to a country house, it is better to check right away if it is worth the money. For such a test, you need the TV itself and a piece of any wire. The latter must be inserted into the antenna connector and twist its free end in different directions, as if trying to adjust. These actions are absolutely safe.
If you managed to catch 2-3 channels with normal sound and quite tolerable image, an amplifier is not needed. So, the signal in this area passes well and a normal antenna will be quite enough.
Otherwise, you can not do without an amplifier.
Types of antennas and possible causes of signal degradation
To begin with, a little theory and see what the reason for the bad signal.
Television antennas for country houses and cottages are divided into two main types - satellite and terrestrial. The first are a familiar plate to everyone. The diameter of such an antenna can vary from 0.5 to 5 meters.
The advantages of this device are obvious and known to everyone:
- many channels;
- excellent broadcast quality;
- simplicity in leaving and operation;
- It works regardless of the towers, that is, the terrain and locations do not affect the signal.
But, sometimes all these advantages are outweighed by one big minus - the cost of the plate with installation. The fact is that the system itself is not so expensive, but the installation price is high. Installing a satellite dish is a laborious process, an inexperienced person is unlikely to cope with the installation of the device.
Also, a satellite dish is not suitable for giving, if the village is not populated by permanent residents. Firstly, they can just steal it when you are gone. Secondly, if you come to the cottage 5-6 times a year, the installation costs are simply meaningless.
Terrestrial antennas are in almost any home. They are divided into two types:
- internal. Installed indoors, has a small size;
- outdoor. It is located on the street, most often on the roof or wall of the top floor of a building. Sizes may vary.
Most often they choose on-air antennas for summer cottages, since they cost an order of magnitude cheaper than satellite ones, and specialists do not need to be hired for installation.
The internal broadcast antenna transmits a signal weaker, so it is advisable to install it only in areas where there is a tower nearby and the signal is excellent. In addition, depending on the location of the device inside the rooms, the signal quality depends. The best place for the antenna is selected individually by trial and error.
An external antenna is capable of picking up a signal better than an internal one. They also have it using the “scientific poke” method, usually in the direction of the nearest tower or repeater.
A signal amplifier may be required if the signal of the transmitter (tower) is too weak.
Why is the signal fading
For example, you purchased an expensive TV and the corresponding antenna in your country house. We placed the outdoor device at the highest point towards the tower, but the signal is still weak. Many begin to complain about the deceitful sellers and unfortunate manufacturers, but do not rush to scold them. Most likely, the matter is not in the purchased equipment, but in other external factors.
So, signal degradation may be due to:
- remote location of the source (tower);
- cable. Sometimes, in order to lengthen the wire connecting the antenna to the TV, simply twist the two cable cuts together. This connection contributes to the deterioration of signal transmission. Best when the cable is solid. If not, then the connection should be made by soldering. It is also worth paying attention to the age of the wire itself. Everything deteriorates over time, and the antenna cable must be replaced every two decades;
- natural or artificial interference. The former include terrain features (elevations and lowlands), and civilizations (the signal can be jammed by various devices located near the antenna and so on).
In all of the above situations, a television antenna amplifier will help.
Way out
A signal booster will help make the image better and possibly catch a few additional channels.
An antenna amplifier can be purchased separately as an optional device. There are also antenna amplifiers for a TV with a built-in amplifier. Such an antenna is called active. It performs two functions at once - it captures and amplifies the signal. But it also has a drawback, especially for windy areas - the design is rather weak. That is, with frequent strong gusts of wind, it will quickly fail, and it will be quite difficult to replace the reinforcing element with it. Since such antennas are mounted as high as possible, access to them is quite problematic.
Choosing a television signal amplifier
In all the variety of offers, you can easily get confused and make an unnecessary or inappropriate purchase, from which as a result there will be no use. To avoid this, you need to pay attention to some parameters, namely:
- maximum possible signal amplification. Unit of measurement - dB (decibel);
- noise level during operation. Unit of measurement - dB (decibel);
- the amount of voltage required for the operation of the device;
- current consumption.
Attaching an amplifier is best to the antenna itself. This way you can minimize the possibility of noise. When choosing an amplifier, you need to buy the most suitable type. But you should not worry too much, because you can exchange or return the goods within 14 days, of course, if it does not suit you.
The signal amplification level is regulated by the device itself - for this it has a special regulator.
Now the question of how to choose a television signal amplifier will no longer arise.
Another good option for home or cottage
In some cases, obtaining a high-quality image can be easier - through digital television. Recently, it is widespread enough. Its distinguishing feature is its excellent broadcast quality. If you have a modern TV set in your country house, it is possible that a digital tuner is already built into it. To make sure of this, just read the information on the box or in the instructions. If the tuner is built in, decimetric antennas will suffice for excellent broadcast quality.
If the TV is an old model, a TV tuner can be purchased separately. It connects quite simply - as an adapter between the antenna and the TV. Then you need to carry out a simple setup and enjoy a great image.
Where to buy an amplifier for a TV antenna at the cottage? Yes, in almost any hardware store. Here are a few examples of television antenna amplifiers for summer cottage.
Amplifier USSH-2A indoor. Its price is about 500 rubles. Gain within 32 dB - 28 dB.
Signal amplifier REMO USSh-2A-DX "IN DOOR". The maximum signal increase is 36 dB. The cost is 400 rubles.
These antennas connect to the TV and room antenna. Here it must be taken into account that the device will not only amplify the signal of the television channels, but can also amplify the interference. The latter can be created by a computer, especially located near the antenna.Both examples above are for internal antennas. For external, the price will be slightly higher.
Amplifiers for external antennas are placed on the antenna itself. Here you need to choose carefully, since installation and replacement can be problematic. Especially if the antenna is located at high altitude. The device must be durable, reliable and it is desirable to get a guarantee on it.
How to choose a suitable television signal amplifier for an external or internal antenna is described above - the rules for all are the same.
Also, do not forget that if the amplifier for the TV antenna is more expensive, this does not mean that it is better.
Easy selection and enjoy watching quality channels!
