Indoor antennas may be sufficient in places close to broadcast towers. In most cases, however, it is necessary to buy an outdoor antenna and install it on the roof. Distance and direction of broadcast determine reception in a given location. The further the distance, the more care must be taken during antenna purchase and installation.The process of installing HDTV antenna is not as simple as saying it though. There are a lot of things to consider even before purchasing an antenna in the first place. With analog systems, you may get signals even if they have a ghostly and snowy effect, which are among the major problems with them. With HDTV, however, you either get crisp pictures or nothing at all. If the antenna is not installed properly, the HDTV will be just an expensive box.Some of the reasons why it is important to use professional installers include:

• Getting the right type of antenna for the best reception.

• Determining the direction to which the antenna should point.

• Securing of the antenna to the roof well because of the right skills and tools.

• Other considerations such as lightning.

A professional installer will start by analyzing the location relative to the distance and direction of the broadcast towers to determine the best type of antenna and whether there is need for a signal amplifier.

However, hiring a professional HDTV antenna installer is not just a matter of getting a number from the business directory and placing a call. The installer must not only be qualified but also certified and insured. Some of the certifying organizations include Consumer Electronics Association, Planet Installation, Tech Home, PARA Home and HDMI.org.

It is also important to check a company’s track record to determine the kind of reputation it has.

The cost of professional HDTV antenna installation ranges from $100 to $800 depending on the type of installation. For typical installations, the average cost is $300.

Since professional installers conduct analysis before selecting the right antenna, they usually work in the first installation. In the event that an antenna does not work, they will not charge for a second one. If homeowners make their own purchases, however, the vendor will hardly take back the outdoor antenna and they have to shoulder the cost of a second one. Therefore, it is a good idea to do away with guesswork by trying to carry personal installations.

Although viewers can get very many channels through satellite or cable systems, over-the-air HDTV has the best quality because they are not compressed. In addition, the content received via antennas is absolutely free. To take advantage of it, it is important to have professional HDTV antenna installation.