If you have problems with your TV reception, you may be thinking about swapping to a high gain aerial or antenna. But, what does ‘high gain’ mean, and how much of a difference will it make?
Whether you are looking for TV aerial installation Cheltenham or remote areas of the UK, let’s look at high gain aerials and examine whether or not they are worth it.
High Gain Explained
High gain refers to the overall strength and range an aerial covers, typically a longer range than an average aerial. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your TV reception will improve. This is because the range is pinpointed over a longer distance, resulting in a narrower directional band of signal.
Unless a high gain aerial is pointing in the precise direction of a transmitter, the signal may not improve. It is also easy to lose signal should the aerial shift out of position. So, that new TV aerial installation in Cheltenham might have the range you need, but if the direction is off, you are back where you started. This means that a high gain aerial should always be installed by a reputable professional with expertise and local knowledge.
When to Use High Gain Aerials
If you want to improve signal strength to a building, high gain aerials may work provided the conditions are right. Geographical features and, as discussed by Ofcom, tall structures such as buildings can affect the quality of TV signal. If this applies to your location, you may be no better off with a high gain aerial.
Getting the best TV reception may require experimentation with different aerials, ranges and angles. So, it’s best to research your options to make sure you get the best results.