Understanding CEA Antenna Marks for Outdoor Antennas
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Antenna color codes are broken into seven 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. |
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SMALL MULTI-DIRECTIONAL |
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DESCRIPTION: |
The smallest of TV antennas, they receive equally well from all
directions. |
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APPEARANCE: |
Good looking designs including novel shaped
disk and patch antennas, and antennas that attach to satellite
systems. |
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USE: |
In yellow color code areas where signal
strength is highest and away from reflecting structures or low
areas. |
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MEDIUM MULTI-DIRECTIONAL |
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DESCRIPTION: |
Somewhat larger and slightly more powerful
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APPEARANCE: |
These antennas include novel stick, wing
shaped or disk antennas with long elements. |
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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. |
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LARGE MULTI-DIRECTIONAL |
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DESCRIPTION: |
Bigger in size, these antennas receive more
signal power. Better for greater distances from signal source and
areas with low signal strength. |
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APPEARANCE: |
Styles include element antennas. These
antennas can be used to reject simple ghost situations. |
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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.
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SMALL DIRECTIONAL |
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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. |
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APPEARANCE: |
Multi-element rooftop antennas.
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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. |
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MEDIUM DIRECTIONAL |
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DESCRIPTION: |
Most popular rooftop antenna because of its
modest size and ghost reducing characteristics. |
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APPEARANCE: |
Multi-element rooftop antennas. |
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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. |
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LARGE DIRECTIONAL |
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DESCRIPTION: |
Large antennas used in weak signal areas for
maximum possible TV reception. |
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APPEARANCE: |
Multi-element rooftop antennas. |
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USE: |
Can be used in any color code area, but
requires an amplifier and roof mounting for blue, violet and red
color codes. Amplifiers are not recommended for yellow color codes.
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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.
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