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Guide to the Six Best UHF Antennas
When it comes to UHF antennas, choosing the right one will allow you to broadcast signals further. This will help you get clear signals. That is why you need to select the best UHF antenna.Most UHF antennas can do a frequency of 300 megahertz (MHz) to three gigahertz (GHz). Most of the time, UHF signals can only travel in a straight line, so that is why the terrain will impact how you transmit or receive signals. If you have a long-range antenna, it is less likely to be affected by the ground as compared to a less powerful one.
In this guide, we are going to review the top six UHF antennas that you can choose from.
They all have a long-range and have been made in the best quality to serve you well. Most of the antennas come with a warranty to give you confidence in case you do not like them. Here is what we have:
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1. Vansky Outdoor TV Antenna
This is a UHF antenna that can do a range of 150 miles. It is a digital amplified HDTV that can rotate 360 degrees and can work for two TVs at the same time without needing a splitter.
Since it is an HD antenna, it can do 1080p HDTV while working on a frequency of VHF 40-300MHZ/UHF 470-890MHZ.
It can work with a wireless remote controller as it has a 360-degree motor rotor. It also has a built-in super low noise amplifier that has a 32.8ft digital antenna coax cable.
It is versatile and weather-resistant hence perfect for outdoors.
When you buy the antenna, it comes with a wireless remote and coaxes cable. You also get 45-days money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 1.6 inches
- Product Weight: 4.39 pounds
Pros
- You get 1080p HD picture
- It has a built-in rotor and can turn 360 degrees fully
- It comes with a wireless infrared remote
- It has a 150-mile range
- It is weather-resistant
- It is easy to install
Cons
- Some users complained that they got a few channels
- Some users had issues with VHF channels
2. Omnidirectional TV Antenna
When you purchase the Omnidirectional antenna, you can easily access free HD channels such as FOX, CBS, and so much more. You will enjoy HDTV shows very clearly on whatever mode such as 720p. 1080i, 1080p and 4K.
The antenna comes with a built-in 4G LTE filter and amplifier. The filter uses crystal-clear filter technology. The amplifier has an amplifier signal booster that has a smart IC chip to pick up the signal even at a wide range.
The unit comes with a splitter helping you to use it for more than one TV. It also comes with 16 ft of coaxial cable made with robust copper wiring. The sturdy, durable construction ensures there is no interference of signals hence a more reliable HD reception.
It is both waterproof and easy to install. You can always adjust it until you get the reception you are looking for.
When you purchase the antenna, you get a 90-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.
Product Information
- Package Dimensions: 4.9x 12.4 x 12.1 x 4.9 inches
- Product Weight:3.53 ounces
Pros
- It is easy to assemble and use
- It is waterproof
- It has a built-in 4G LTE filter and amplifier
- The amplifier has a signal booster for strong signals
- The cables are made with strong copper wiring for minimal interference
- When you buy it, you get 90-day money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty
Cons
- It may not be available in some areas
3. GE Attic Mount TV Antenna
This is an indoor attic antenna that can do a long-range. It has a built-in reflector to ensure a strong reception for both UHF and VHF signals. It makes sure that you get the full 1080p signal that is not compressed.
It is a long-range antenna and can do up to 60 miles from the signal of the broadcast.
It is simple and easy to set up.
On the package, you get a mounting bracket, mast and instructions.
Upon purchase it, you get a lifetime warranty.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 17 x 10.5 inches
- Product Weight: 2.05 pounds
Pros
- It is easy to install
- It is a long-range antenna that can d up to 60 miles
- It has signal enhancing reflectors for strong signal
- It gives you the full uncompressed 1080p signal
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users complained of poor-quality hardware
- Some users did not get many channels
4. Antennas Direct UHF DTV Antenna
The Antennas Direct has one of the best performances when it comes to UHF antennas as it can do over 70 miles. It is an excellent pick for rural and suburban settings where you need a high-gain directional antenna. It has 91 elements making it one of the best multi-directional antennas.
It is weather-resistant and hence a perfect fit for outdoors.
When you buy it, you get a lifetime warranty on the parts.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 22 x 93 x 20 inches
- Product Weight: 6.35 pounds
Pros
- It is a long-range antenna and can do up to 70 miles
- It has 91 elements which make it among the best in its class
- It is weather-resistant
- When you buy, you get a lifetime warranty on the parts
- It has a crystal-clear signal
Cons
- Some users complained of the quality of material used on the antenna
5. LUITON Mobile Radio Antenna
This is an Omni-directional antenna that is easy to install but will require a metal ground plane. It is made in stainless steel and measures 19 inches. It comes with a magnet SMA adapter and heavy-duty cable. It features a heavy-duty loading coil to increase the UHF reception and range.
It is a dual-band that can do both VHF and UHF. It is weatherproof with a strong rare earth magnet base.
It comes with 45-days money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 4 x 4 inches
- Product Weight: 1.45 pounds
Pros
- It is easy to install
- It is omnidirectional
- It is weatherproof
- It has a strong base
- It is a dual-band that can do both UHF and VHF
- It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty
Cons
- It will not work for your TV
6. GE Pro Outdoor TV Antenna
This outdoor antenna will give you a clear reception for both UHF and VHF signals to make sure that you do not receive compressed 1080p signals.
It is a long-range antenna that can do up to 70 miles from the broadcast signal. It is easy to set up as all you need is a mounting bracket, mast and a set of instructions.
When you buy the antenna, you get a lifetime warranty.
Product Information
- Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 16.6 x 5.84 inches
- Product Weight: 3 pounds
Pros
- It is a long-range antenna that can do up to 70 miles
- It is easy to install
- It can do both UHF and VHF signals
- It has a great reception
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users had an issue with the antenna picking enough channels
- Some people complained that the parts are made of cheap material
Buyer’s Guide
The above six antennas are all great UHF antennas that will serve you well and give you great value for your money.
If you need to settle down on one specific antenna and you don’t know which one, this section is for you. We focus on the differentiating points to help you in decision making. Here is a quick guide.
The longest-range antenna: The antenna with the longest range is the Vansky Outdoor TV Antenna that can do up to 150 miles, hence a perfect match if you need an antenna that can pick up signals as far as possible.
Best choice for two TVs: Most of the antennas are great for two TVs so long as you add a splitter. The Vansky Outdoor TV Antenna; however, can perfectly serve your two TVs without needing a splitter.
Best antenna for radio: If you need an antenna specifically for radio, then the LUITON Mobile Radio Antenna is the perfect match for you.
The cheapest antenna: When we compare the prices, the most affordable of them all is the GE Attic Mount TV Antenna that retails at only $30.
Our overall recommendation: When we compare the six, our advice is to go with the GE Attic Mount TV Antenna. It is cheap and can do the job well though it can do signals of up to 60 miles from the broadcast.
If you need more range, then we recommend the Vansky Outdoor TV Antenna that can do up to 150 miles. In addition to that, you can use it for two TVs without a splitter.
How to choose a UHF antenna
Unlike other kinds of antennas, choosing a UHF antenna is among the easiest. All UHF antennas can only transmit and receive more or less the same frequency, which is usually 477 MHz. Some of the factors that you should keep in mind when looking for a UHF antenna include:
Terrain
Some terrains complicate getting a signal. If you live in flat terrain, then you need an antenna with a high gain since that will give you a strong signal as much as it will reduce the angle through which you can receive the signal. When you live in hilly terrain, you need a moderate gain antenna since it increases the angle at which you can get a signal.
Material used
Different materials are used when making an antenna. When it has copper incorporated as a radiating element, it becomes more versatile and durable. Some are made with plastic, though that is not common.
Extra features
Some antennas have spikes for boosting reception. Some have an amplifier for the signal. It is good to check out those features, especially if you live in an area that is hard to get signals.
RFI vs ZCG
ZCG Scalar antennas have a copper radiating element that makes them very long-lasting. RFI, on the other hand, is used mostly in rural areas as they give high performance at a reasonable price. If you live in a rugged terrain area, you are better off with the ZCG UHF antenna.
Ease of installation
There are antennas that you can install on your own, and there are those that you would need a professional to do it for you. It also depends on where you plan to fix it. It is better when you are clear with that before you commit to buying an antenna.
Cost
Most of the time, the cost depends on the features that the antenna has. Most long-range antennas are likely to be more expensive comparatively.
As much as you might have known how to choose a UHF CB antenna, it is also good to know the technical aspect as far as UHF antennas are concerned.
How do UHF antennas work?
They use FM to transmit or receive signals. As mentioned earlier, the signals travel in a straight line, and so the terrain affects the reception of signals.
Most of the time, UHF radio will not perform well in hilly or forested areas and perform better in flat areas. That is why, in some cases, you may have an antenna that may perform well in a particular area and poorly in a specific area.
An antenna is made to help you get the signal you want. When you use the wrong antenna, you will not get the right range and clarity.
Antenna Radiation
A mobile radio antenna should be able to do radio in a symmetrical pattern which is 30 degrees around the antenna. The way an antenna radiates depends on where you mount the antenna.
The best spot is the middle of the roof, though that is not practical in most cases. As much as you may choose the best antenna, it must be mounted in the right way.
Antenna gain
Most of the time, the radiation pattern is the one that influences the antenna’s performance. An alternative way to improve the performance is through an antenna gain.
When you increase the gain, you compress the radiation into a thin pattern which makes it go further. An antenna gain will not correctly work well in a hilly area, and that affects the reception.
Weak radiation hinders a strong signal. If you live in rugged terrain, you should opt for a low gain antenna to have a strong signal. Most medium gain antennas would work well for many kinds of terrains. High gain antennas are perfect for flat terrains.
Ground independent antenna
They are those that can work correctly with or without a ground plane. Their design simulates a ground plane that makes them ideal for mounting on different areas such as bull bars etc.
Can you boost the reception?
Apart from choosing the right antenna with the right gain and mounting it correctly, there are still ways you can boost the reception. Some of the ways you can improve reception include:
Change directions of the antenna
One of the reasons you may not be getting the right signal is because the antenna is pointed in the wrong direction. That, therefore, means that you should work around it until you get your sweet spot.
Add a preamplifier
Preamplifiers are excellent as they boost the signal reception helping you to get strong signals.
Replace the splitters
In some cases, splitters may reduce the signal strength and may be the reason you are not getting the right signal. You can instead use a distribution amplifier in place of a splitter.
Avoid electric wires
When you are placing the antenna or coax, you should avoid electric wires as those interfere with signal reception most of the time.
Add an FM trap
If you have done all that needs to be done, but you are still not getting enough stations, the solution may be investing in an FM trap to help you get more stations.
When you are looking for an antenna, it is good to keep in mind that HD antennas do not exist. When you buy a new antenna with the right expectations, then you are likely to have a great experience with it.
Some antennas can do both VHF and UHF. If you can get those, then the better for you as it will help you have a better experience.
Generally, when you are looking for a UHF antenna, you need to decide what you are looking for and what features are important to you. You also need to ask for referrals or check the reviews of a certain antenna prior, so that you are sure it will serve you well.
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