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Which Way Should You Point Your TV Antenna?

Use a location-specific station map to find transmitter directions, aim toward the stations you want, then adjust placement if reception is weak.
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Point a directional TV antenna toward the transmitter for the station you want to watch—or toward the main cluster of transmitters if your preferred stations are grouped together. There is no universal compass direction: the right bearing depends on your location and the stations you want. Use a location-specific station map to find an estimated direction, then adjust the antenna and check reception.

Find the transmitter directions for your location

  1. Enter your address or ZIP code in the FCC DTV Reception Map or AntennaWeb. TV Fool also describes a map that shows transmitter directions: TV Fool.

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  2. Identify the stations you want and note the direction shown for each. If they point in roughly the same direction, aim toward that group. If they are spread around the compass, one fixed aim may not receive them all reliably.

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  3. Check how the map expresses its bearing before using a compass. AntennaWeb’s station-results document says its compass orientation is referenced to magnetic north; match the map’s reference when transferring a bearing to a compass or antenna. See AntennaWeb.

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Choose an antenna approach for the station pattern

Station pattern and setup What to consider
Desired stations are in one direction A directional antenna aimed toward them concentrates reception in that direction. AntennaWeb says directional antennas can have greater effective range in the direction they face, but may not receive relatively close stations from other directions. AntennaWeb
Desired stations are spread across different directions A multidirectional antenna may cover more directions. A directional antenna can also be reoriented with a rotor, if changing its aim suits your household’s viewing needs. Neither option guarantees reception; the local station pattern and conditions matter. AntennaWeb
You are deciding between antenna types or placements Consider the directions of your desired stations, indoor versus outdoor placement, height, and obstructions—not just a maker’s claimed reception distance. AntennaWeb cautions that distance claims alone may not provide satisfactory reception. AntennaWeb
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Adjust placement if reception is weak

Treat map directions as estimates

The FCC says its signal-strength calculations assume a traditional outdoor antenna 30 feet above ground level. The map is a prediction, not a guarantee for a particular home: the FCC notes that actual signal strength can vary with terrain, buildings, trees, weather, and reception hardware, and that “Indoor reception may vary significantly.” See FCC Digital TV Reception Maps. AntennaWeb likewise lists location, transmitter direction, terrain, antenna type and height, and antenna direction among the factors affecting reception: AntennaWeb.

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