Are you looking to improve your TV’s reception? Or maybe you’re searching for ways to reduce your monthly cable bills? Installing a TV antenna can solve both of these concerns, among many others.
Though we are living in the digital age, TV antennas are making a comeback in the United States. In Australia, people are likewise opening up.
When choosing one, there is the ongoing indoor vs outdoor antenna debate that you need to consider. Both antenna types have their strengths and weaknesses. The question is which of the two fits you best?
Continue reading below as we compare the indoor and the outdoor antenna.
Settling the Score
As we mentioned earlier, both antenna types have their pros and cons. Both carry similar advantages but differ in some ways, depending on certain factors. Let’s try to break down the indoor vs outdoor antenna conundrum by going into the finer details.
Advantages of an Indoor Antenna
Though most people, especially the younger generation think that an indoor antenna is obsolete, their views cannot be any farther from the truth. Let us first zoom in on the advantages of installing an indoor antenna.
1. Easy Installation
One of the key benefits or an indoor antenna is the easy installation. This is because of their small size and portability.
Since an indoor antenna is compact, you will not have much of a hassle with the installation. You can carry it with ease and set up even in smaller spaces.
Though you have the option to DIY the installation, you may instruct a professional to do the job. A reputable indoor antenna provider must extend the installation service. You can visit this website for more information.
2. No More Monthly Cable Bills
Tired of paying monthly cable bills that keep on increasing every year? Then an indoor antenna is a solution. Though cable TV offers numerous channels of various contents, you still cannot watch every single one of them.
Essentially, you are paying for something that you can never maximize.
With an indoor antenna, you can watch the essential channels that you want for free. Regardless if it is drama, action, sports, or cartoons, an indoor antenna can bring them all to you. The best part of it is they don’t come with any expensive monthly subscription.
3. Uninterrupted Viewing
Do you experience cable TV signal interruptions? This normally happens during inclement weather. But with an indoor antenna, you can enjoy continuous watching even in the middle of a severe storm.
This is one of the key advantages of an indoor antenna over an outdoor one. The outdoor antenna is prone to outdoor elements. If there is a thunderstorm or snowstorm, it can malfunction.
4. Cheaper Option
Compared to cable TV, the indoor type is often the cheaper option. Without paying any monthly bills, you can use the money on other important things.
The same thing goes if you put it head-to-head against a standard outdoor aerial. The upfront cost of an indoor TV antenna is usually lower compared to an outdoor antenna. The amount of an internal antenna is roughly the same as your monthly cable subscription.
And the great thing about it is you only have to pay for the amount once.
But despite being the more affordable option, an indoor antenna still packs a punch. It provides almost the same quality reception. But you need to ensure you install the antenna properly to enjoy the best results.
Advantages of an Outdoor Antenna
Like the indoor TV antenna, the outdoor type also boasts of several benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the key ones below:
1. Savings
Like with the indoor antenna, an outdoor TV antenna will also give you immense savings. An outdoor antenna is a more cost-effective alternative to a satellite receiver. Installing the latter will cost you much more.
Compared to cable TV, the outdoor antenna is also the cheaper option. An outdoor antenna will also save you from those soaring monthly cable bills.
2. Enjoy More Channels
Like the indoor antenna, an outdoor antenna can give you numerous channels to enjoy. And because the antenna is outdoors, it enjoys a much broader coverage. This allows the antenna to capture the signal from two or more networks.
For example, if you live in an area that is close to the location of two or more networks, your outdoor antenna may capture the networks’ signal. This means you will get to enjoy more channels. If you are lucky enough, you may even discover channels you never thought existed in the first place.
3. HD Signals
Aside from the channels, you can enjoy, an outdoor antenna can also give those channels in High-Definition (HD). This is because local transmission does not compress the signals.
Though cable providers can offer hundreds of different channels (which you don’t necessarily watch), most of them do not come in HD. If you wish to enjoy HD signals, the providers will require you to pay extra.
4. Fewer Instances of Interference
Last but not least, an outdoor antenna will encounter fewer instances of interference. Interference may come from indoor electronic devices. These devices may cause an obstruction in the signal reception if ever you choose to go for an indoor antenna.
Furthermore, you can reposition your antenna to a better position. This is doable if you are living in high rise condominiums and are searching for better signal strengths.
Indoor vs Outdoor Antenna: The Verdict
Now we need to decide between the two. Should you go for the indoor or outdoor antenna?
The answer depends on your requirements and preferences. If don’t want to pay more on the installation, then an indoor TV antenna is the answer. If money is not an issue and you want to get more channels as possible, then an outdoor antenna is your best bet.
If you live in a busy city that doesn’t offer space for outdoor installation, then an indoor antenna is the way to go. If you want to experience fewer obstructions, then an outdoor antenna is the solution.
Get the Most Out of Your Choice
Regardless of which side you pick in the indoor vs outdoor antenna debate, you will still enjoy long-term savings. You can also streamline your viewing options by watching channels that only matter to you.
But to get the most out of your antenna, you need to learn the tricks of the trade. Take a moment to read more of our guides and discover all the tips you need.