In order to receive free digital and high definition signals you must meet all of the following conditions:
You live in an area that is capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) broadcast signals.
Your local broadcast stations (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, etc) transmit a digital signal.
You either have a HDTV that has a built-in digital (ATSC) tuner or a HD-ready TV and an external HD receiver connected to it.
Do You Meet the Conditions?
Here are some general answers based on each condition listed above. They are numbered accordingly.
Most of the U.S. population should live within range of an OTA broadcast tower. The exception would be someone living in a very rural areas, like a desert or middle of a mountain range. Although, it's possible to live within the range of a broadcast tower and still not get a signal, like if you live near large buildings or have physical objects -- metal roof, large buildings, large hills -- blocking the signal getting to you.
The digital transition has happened so all full power broadcast TV stations are broadcasting in digital. There is no more analog from these stations. Prime time programming from the networks is usually in digital or HD, but most of the daytime programming is still in the old non-HD format.
You should know the answer to this already. If you don't, look at your owner's manual or call the manufacturer and ask them. If your TV has a square screen -- not rectangle -- then is is likely that you don't have a television capable of displaying digital or HD programming.
You Meet the Conditions´Now What?
It is time for action now that you know you have everything needed to receive free high definition and digital programming. This is what you can do:
Go to www.antennaweb.org to find out the best antenna for your area. You can get a generalized recommendation or specific for your address. If you use your address and provide your email address then I would uncheck the two boxes if you don't want to receive emails from the Consumer Electronics Association.
Once you know what kind of antenna you need then go to your local electronics store or shop online and buy the unit. If you are buying an outdoor antenna then don't forget to plan for the extra cable you might need to wire it into the TV.
Once you have the antenna at your residence, install it. You might need to auto-program your television in order to access the digital stations. If you have a cable or satellite HD receiver then you might be able to connect your antenna directly to the receiver and receive HD through the receiver without having to switch the TV source to antenna.
If your TV is HD-ready you will need to connect the antenna to the receiver in order for the TV to receive the digital/HD signal.
Types of Antennas
Following is a description of different types of TV antennas, both indoor and outdoor. Information provided includes the type of antenna, a general description of how the category of antenna performs, a general description of the physical appearance of the antennas, and where they may optimally perform in relation to the color code of the station you want to receive.
Indoor Antennas
Due to multiple variables in determining good reception in a specific location with indoor antennas, these antennas are not included in this mapping system. This mark, however, assures that an indoor antenna meets or exceeds CEA performance specifications for indoor antennas in households that can use indoor antennas.
Outdoor Antennas
Look for this mark on outdoor antennas, based on the colors of the stations you want to receive:
Small Multi-directional
DESCRIPTION The smallest of TV antennas, they receive equally well from all directions.
APPEARANCE Good looking designs including novel shaped disk and patch antennas, and antennas that attach to satellite systems.
USE In yellow color code areas where signal strength is highest and away from reflecting structures or low areas.
Indoor Antenna Mark
Outdoor Antenna Mark
Medium Multi-directional
DESCRIPTION Somewhat larger and slightly more powerful
APPEARANCE These antennas include novel stick, wing shaped or disk antennas with long elements.
USE Green color code areas. An amplified antenna is recommended in the green area anytime a long (20 feet or more) cable run from the antenna is required, or when more than one device (TV or VCR) is to be used with an antenna. They work best away from reflecting structures or low areas.
Large Multi-directional
DESCRIPTION Bigger in size, these antennas receive more signal power. Better for greater distances from signal source and areas with low signal strength.
APPEARANCE Styles include element antennas. These antennas can be used to reject simple ghost situations.
USE When mounted at rooftop heights (30 feet or higher) outdoors, amplified antennas can be used in light green color code areas away from reflecting structures or low areas.
Small Directional
DESCRIPTION Antennas that act like large multidirectional on channels 2-6 but on higher channels these antennas start to have useful ghost reducing effects. Picture quality is excellent when no signal reflecting structures are around.
APPEARANCE Multi-element rooftop antennas.
USE Suitable for far edge of light green color code areas. Amplified antennas with rooftop mounting can be used in these areas if the area is free of signal reflecting structures and is not in a low area.
Medium Directional
DESCRIPTION Most popular rooftop antenna because of its modest size and ghost reducing characteristics.
APPEARANCE Multi-element rooftop antennas.
USE If there are ghost producing reflective structures near TV receiver antenna location, this kind of antenna is best for yellow, green, light green and red color code areas. Amplified antennas with rooftop mounting can be used with the blue color code.
Large Directional
DESCRIPTION Large antennas used in weak signal areas for maximum possible TV reception.
APPEARANCE Multi-element rooftop antennas.
USE Can be used in any color code area, but requires an amplifier and roof mounting for blue and violet color codes. Amplifiers are not recommended for yellow color codes.
Guide to Antenna Box Labeling
When purchasing an antenna, look for the CEA-certified antenna mark for outdoor antennas (which corresponds to the colors on your stations list). There is also a CEA-certified indoor antenna mark, which does not apply to this mapping system, but certifies that your indoor antenna will work in geographic areas that are appropriate for indoor antennas.
CEA-certified Antenna Mark for Outdoor Antennas
Antenna color codes are broken into six different zones. These zones identify the different types of antennas that are required for a consumer to receive optimal reception. Typically, the closer consumers live to the signal tower, the better reception they will receive. They may also be able to use an indoor antenna versus an outdoor. The farther away a consumer lives, the opposite is true. However, there are many variables that impact exactly which antenna a consumer will need.
Color Zone
Best use Antenna Types
Yellow
Small Omni/Multi-directional antenna is required in a yellow zone. Yellow zone is where the reception conditions are the best and the signal level is very high. Typically, the yellow color code area is very close to the transmitting tower. Although the color coding is used to classify outdoor antennas only, if you are in the yellow area there is a good chance that an indoor HDTV antenna (and even better an amplified indoor antenna) will work very well. If you have one, give it a try. Best antenna typeA-200 I A-468 I A-463 I HD-600
Green
Medium Omni/Multi-directional antenna is required in a green zone. In a green color code area the signal is slightly weaker and a bit larger antenna is required. The signal in a green area may be strong enough to try an amplified indoor HD antenna if you have one. Remember, however, that with an indoor antenna nothing is guaranteed. Only outdoor antennas can be certified for any particular color area. Best antenna typeA-200 I A-468 I A-463 I HD-600
Light Green
Amplified and rooftop mounted Large Omni/Multi-directional or Small Directional antennas are needed in a light green zone. These antennas are capable of receiving weaker HDTV signals when no significant multipath (ghost) conditions exist, i.e no reflective structures nearby. Best antenna typeA-700 I A-230
Red
In vicinity of the reflective structures, Medium Directional antenna type is the best for red, light green, green and yellow color zones. Having a reasonable size yet good ghost reduction, this antenna is claimed to be the most popular rooftop antenna. Best antenna typeAX660 I AX680 I 2605 I 2805
Blue
Medium Directional with pre-amplifier or Large Directional can be used in blue areas where the HDTV signal is weak or ghost producing structures are around. High rooftop installation is necessary. Best antenna typeAX660 I AX680 I 2605 I 2805
Violet
Large Directional antenna with a pre-amplifier and high rooftop installation can be used in a violet zone. Professional installation recommended. Running cables should be as short as possible. Best antenna typeAX660 I AX680
Pink
Large Directional antenna with an even more powerful pre-amplifier and even higher rooftop installation. Professional installation recommended. Running cables should be as short as possible.
