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Signal & Reception

What are OTA signals?

OTA (Over-the-air) signals refer to high-definition digital television signals that are transmitted over the air from TV stations.
Over-the-air TV is a free to view service (no contract whatsoever) where the end user only needs an antenna and a TV to receive and watch their favorite programs. Off-air TV programs are edited per FCC guidelines to insure content is appropriate for all viewers. You can also use an OTA DVR to record live broadcast TV. Overall, OTA TV is an inexpensive way to watch local news, nationally televised sports, and prime-time TV on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and more.

Why do I need an antenna to receive broadcast signals?

Broadcast signals are electromagnetic waves that propagate freely in space. The antenna works as an interface or media converter from these electromagnetic waves to conducted waves. Simply put, the antenna collects the airwaves, either very weak or very strong. In addition, depending on the distance to the television transmitter and other factors such as altitude, trees, hills/mountains and buildings, the signal strength may be reduced. Signals can be amplified at the antenna, as we do, downstream of the coaxial cable antenna, or even, in the case of very strong signals, the antenna may not need an amplifier.

In which frequency bands digital channels are broadcasted?

Two frequency bands are in use in the USA for broadcasting: VHF, separated in low and high, and UHF. Low VHF encompasses channels 2 to 6 (frequencies 54-88 MHz), High VHF uses channels 7 to 13 (frequencies 174-216 MHz) and UHF uses channels 14 to 36 (frequencies 470-608 MHz).

Are there other signals being co-broadcasted in the television frequency bands?

No other signals are broadcasted in exactly the same frequency bands, but some are very close. After the FCC mandated realignment or repack of the US broadcast TV spectrum portions of the UHF band (above 600 MHz and 700 MHz) were assigned to MNO's (Mobile Network Operators), for the deployment of 4G and 5G services. This deployment allocated to these mobile service frequencies is directly adjacent to off-air broadcasts signals, which could complicate the reception of only the desired signals. It's possible for signals from neighboring frequency channels to interfere with each other if there is insufficient separation, which is attempted to reduce through a proper spectrum management.

Could other signals impair TV reception?

There aren’t other signals broadcasted in the same frequency bands than television signals, but indeed they could indeed impair TV reception. Depending on the reception scenario (the power of off-air and Mobile services, direction of the Broadcast Tower, alignment, etc.), interference can occur that could potentially impair TV reception. Our recommendation is to use always an antenna which is certified "Repack Ready", which means that it operates exclusively in the current frequency bands after the repack, where only off-air signals are licensed by the FCC to broadcasters. In conjunction with a 5G filter, repack ready antenna rejects unwanted signals that could interfere or block normal OTA reception.

What is line of sight propagation?

Line of sight propagation means that the broadcasting tower is visible to the receiving antenna, this does not mean you can necessarily see the towers, but the antenna is not blocked. It is also referred to as free space receiving conditions. The theory of Electromagnetic propagation states that free space receiving conditions are achieved if the first Fresnel ellipsoid is free of obstacles. As an example, that means that for receiving TV signal at a distance of 60 miles in free space conditions, the height of the path between transmitter and receiver should be around 330 feet above ground. In the practice, the broadcasting antenna is normally placed at a height such to overcome the curvature of the earth, but this does not usually happen with the receiving antenna. Also, obstacles the receiving path may encounter beyond the horizon are not seen by the naked eye and may mistakenly lead to the idea that we have free space receiving conditions. Should this happen, some additional loss has to be added, further reducing the received power. Therefore, the antenna that receives in non line of sight conditions must have height, directivity and gain, plus low noise like the DAT BOSS LR, where LR stands for Long Range.

How do I know the TV stations I can receive from my location?

The selection of the right antenna depends on the frequency and strength of the available stations received in the user location. With these two factors in mind, you can consult our webpage to help you in making the right decision (Find out here). Depending on your location (ZIP code), the webpage provides the signals available at your address: Frequency band, name of the station, virtual channel and direction are provided as well.

What is the recommended signal strength for the TV?

TV tuners typically can receive signals between values of -30 dBm (+18.8 dBmV) down to -65 dBm (-16.2 dBmV) as a general rule. Our webpage sorts the TV signals available in your area and gives an indication of the received signal strength of each of them.

What is rain fade and how it can be overcome?

Electromagnetic waves suffer from rain fade and heavy cloud cover. Therefore, if you live in an area with frequent rain, and heavy cloud cover including fog it is recommended to use high gain antennas to increase the signal reception margin. Televes exclusive BOSSTech technology adjusts for changes between clear and rain or cloudy weather, but creating more gain in the antenna choice helps insure better signal strength.

How large bodies of water (lake, ocean) can affect TV reception?

Large bodies of water, especially when calm conditions are present, act as large mirrors, where electromagnetic waves are reflected and added to the desired receiving signals. In the old analog world, the reflections provoked what were called "ghost" images, in which there seemed to be a delayed replica of the image in the screen. In digital reception, this effect produces fading and, in some cases, severe impairments (pixilation) and, due to the "all or nothing" nature of the digital signals, finally a black screen comes up. To overcome this, our recommendation for this kind of reception path is to use an antenna with high directivity, that rejects mirroring or reflected signals outside the main lobe to avoid fading.

What is a virtual channel?

When the US switched from analog to digital OTA delivery in 2009 many broadcasters also switched the channel which they broadcast on over the air. Because broadcasters still wanted to be recognized by their original broadcast channel number referred to as their branded channel, a system was designed to allow broadcasters to alias the programs received by viewers to appear as their original branded channel number on TV's regardless of the channel they may be actually broadcasting their signals on. These aliased channels appearing on the TV using the broadcaster's original channel number are called virtual channels, and the actual channel they are broadcasting on is called the original or RF channel. In addition, by transitioning to digital, broadcasters gained the ability to broadcast several channels in the same bandwidth previously used for one analog channel. This is why virtual channels contain two numbers separated by a dot or period. The first number is the major channel number which is the same as the broadcaster original branded channel and the second number after the dot is the sub channel. Without virtual channels, viewers would not be able to find their favorite programs.

What is cord-cutting?

Cord Cutting is a term used to describe consumers disconnecting from wired subscription TV services such as Cable TV or Satellite TV in favor of free over the air broadcast TV or streaming TV which requires a wired or wireless subscription data service, so OTA is the only true cord cutting non-subscription free TV option currently available. However, most cord cutters choose to combine OTA with one or more streaming services.

What is ATSC 3.0 and what has to do with HD, UHD, 4K, 8K?

ATSC 3.0 also called NexGen TV, is the latest US TV standard that most broadcasters plan to migrate to and holds the promise of revolutionizing OTA TV due to its technical superiority over the legacy ATSC 1.0 standard in use in the US since 2009. Due to ATSC 3.0's use of advanced HEVC encoding and the way content is processed, ATSC 3.0 can deliver legacy SD, HD content plus it can also deliver UHD, 4K or 8K content due to HEVC encoding being much more bandwidth efficient. Even if it was possible to broadcast UHD or 4K in the limited bandwidth of ATSC 1.0 it does not make sense financially to do so.

How antennas are affected by electronic interferences?

Electronic interferences (produced by Appliances, tools, etc.) affect mainly indoor antennas with poor shielding that are close to the source of interference. All our outdoor antennas are not affected by these interferences because, apart from the fact that outdoor antennas are usually installed on the rooftop, the element that receives the electromagnetic energy, the antenna dipole, is completely shielded. Some exceptions may occur with poorly insulated LED outdoor lighting. If you experience signal loss or pixilazation when the outdoor LED lights come on, you can confirm by turning them off and then check your TV reception. If your LED lights are causing the issue, contact the manufacture for their input and assistance.

Antenna selection

When choosing an antenna, which specifications should I be concerned with?

There are fundamentally three specifications the buyer should pay attention to: frequency band(s), directivity and gain. The band or bands where the antenna operates have to be suitable for the broadcasting frequencies of the area. Directivity and gain are usually related to antenna design, larger or longer antennas have more gain and are more directional, receiving signals from greater distances.

In which frequency bands do Televes antennas work?

At Televes we have a range of antennas to pick up TV stations of Low VHF (channels 2-6), High VHF (channels 7-13) and UHF (channels 14-36). Depending on the stations available in a location and also on the reception signal conditions, we can help you to make the best choice of antenna or antennas. Because there is no best antenna for every location, we offer a suite of antennas designed for the very broad range of possible reception scenarios.

What must I take into account to receive Broadcasts in VHF?

VHF (low, high) stations are broadcasting with lower power, so the choice of an antenna which performs well in this band is critical to receive TV stations in good conditions. We have some good choices for VHF reception, like the Ellipse MIX, the DAT BOSS MIX LR, or the DAT BOSS MIX LR Full band, all equipped with our exclusive BOSS amplification system with TForce technology.

What is the directivity of an antenna?

Directivity represents the ability of the antenna to gather most of the received electromagnetic energy from a specific direction. It is usually represented as a lobe pointed at the direction of reception, which is usually name as radiation pattern. The antennas that receive electromagnetic energy within a direction are referred to as "directional antennas".

What is the gain of an antenna?

The gain of the antenna describes how much signal strength is received by the antenna in the maximum point of its radiation pattern. Typically, gain is associated by antenna size, but in the case of our Yagi style antennas, our triple boom design, developed several years ago, performs equal to or better than the very large Yagi antennas, that in many cases are more than 14 feet in length.

What is the beamwidth of an antenna?

Beamwidth is the angle of the maximum radiation pattern of the antenna. When pointing the antenna to a specific direction, beamwidth gives an indication of how much azimuth (east to west from the pointing direction) the antenna can pick up TV stations in with maximum gain and thus efficiency.

What is an omnidirectional antenna?

Omnidirectional comes from the Greek term "omni" (all) and means that the antenna can receive signals in all directions, 360º.

In which conditions may I use an omnidirectional antenna?

In some particular locations where the broadcasting direction is unknown, users may choose an omnidirectional antenna, driving a van for instance. However, knowing where the signals originate from is necessary. The logical choice for better performance is to use a directional antenna pointed at the broadcasting towers. Please check our website for guidance.

From a practical point of view, how does directivity, beamwidth and gain relate to receiving scenarios?

Simply stated, highly directional antennas are best for longer distances or for rejecting signals outside its beamwidth and have the highest raw gain (gain of just the antenna without amplification). As the size or design of the antenna gets smaller, it provides less gain, but the directivity also decreases and the beamwidth increases. A less directional antenna will receive in a larger east to west window but with less distance. A less directional antenna with more beamwidth could be used if TV broadcast transmitters are located closer in distance in one general direction but spread out and not all clumped together.

What is a Yagi Antenna?

Yagi antennas are formed by a dipole, the reflectors and one or more directors. The dipole is the element that gather the broadcast electromagnetic energy (works as the sensor element) and has the appropriate dimensions to operate in the frequency band of the antenna. The reflector placed behind the dipole avoids the back reception of signals, reinforcing the frontal reception. The directors which are placed in front of the dipole narrow the beam or reception lobe of the antenna, increasing its gain and directivity. This way, the antenna can receive TV stations at longer distances while, increasing its directivity, blocking inference.

What is a Bay antenna?

A Bay antenna is a square or rectangular shaped antenna, which is used to receive signals from several stations. It does not use directors and consists of one or more reflectors and a panel of stacked dipoles. The structure of a Bay antenna comprises an even number of dipoles (typically 2 or 4), spaced in such a way that the effects of the dipoles are multiplied, resulting in a medium gain, wide beamwidth antenna. It is recommended that this type of antenna be installed by a professional. If you are interested, the 8-bay BOSS MIX antenna (Repack ready) is available on our website.

Is an intelligent antenna an antenna with a mast amplifier?

No, an intelligent antenna is one that has the amplifier embedded in the antenna itself. Only at Televes we install preamplifiers in our antennas, so they are considered intelligent antennas. Stand alone preamplifier also called mast amplifier or boosters become the active component of the system when coupled with a passive antenna. In some cases depending on the quality, gain and noise figure of the pre-amplifier, it may not be able to sufficiently amplify weak signals resulting in pixilization or no signal at all. In these cases, it is recommended to install an intelligent antenna, amplifying the signal from the first moment, and, if necessary, also a mast amplifier.

Why do Televes intelligent antennas outperform other so called active antennas?

Our antennas have an exclusive feature that other active antennas do not have: BOSSTech® Technology, which provides the appropriate (regulated) signal level no matter the reception scenario. In case of antennas working in VHF and UHF, the regulation of signal level is adjusted separately (VHF, UHF) to take into consideration the different broadcasting conditions of the two bands. Also, the antennas can work in intelligent mode (power on) and in passive mode (power off), thus increasing its dynamic range. Last, but not least, the antennas perform mechanical and electronic filtering to get rid of unwanted interferences broadcasted in the UHF band that could potentially impair TV reception. In simple terms, BOSSTech® is a very sophisticated AGC amplifier on a chip designed by our engineers with 5G filtering that adjusts in real-time to current and changing conditions of broadcast TV signals, providing a more stable signal to the TV.

Are Televes antennas 4K compatible?

Yes, all our antennas are able to receive 4K broadcasting. It is a common misconception that only certain antennas are capable of receiving HDTV. The truth is that HD signals are broadcast on the same VHF and UHF frequencies that have been used since the beginning of broadcast TV. All antennas have the ability to receive HD Broadcast TV, including ATSC 1.0 ATSC 3.0 NexGenTV and 4K if provided by the broadcaster. More important is the quality of the Antenna and its design related to the recent repack of TV broadcast frequencies and its ability to reject 5G interference.

Do I use an indoor antenna or an outdoor antenna?

The best reception is obtained with an outdoor antenna pointed directly at the broadcasting transmitters. The outdoor antenna obtains its maximum performance within its reception main lobe, and depending on its directivity, receives the broadcasting signals and rejects interferences and ghost signals avoiding destructive interference and fading. On the contrary, an indoor antenna has normally low directivity and receives direct signals and also signals delayed or reflected from walls or obstacles at home, which can potentially interfere and destroy the wanted signals.

Can I use any random antenna to receive broadcast signals?

No. Quoting Shakespeare’s King Lear, Nothing will come of Nothing. By choosing a poor antenna, or an antenna whose frequency operating range is not appropriate for the location receiving scenario, the signals received will probably be impaired, noisy or fuzzy and an amplifier or signal booster will not be able to fix them, as the amplification of noise only produces additional noise. Even though the signal strength may be dramatically increased by an amplifier, this will never ever be able to get rid of the signal noise in the input, so the output signals will always be impaired regardless of the amplifier used.

What are the difference between urban, suburban and fringe reception?

When considering antenna selection, urban typically indicates being closer to TV transmitters where an indoor or small outdoor antenna could work well, but that is not always the case as some urban areas receive signals from neighboring urban areas. Suburban relates to reception scenarios where the reception location is in a mid-range location from the TV transmitters requiring a mid-range antenna and Fringe would indicate a rural setting where a long range antenna would be recommended.

What is the antenna range?

The antenna range, expressed in miles, denotes how far from the TV transmitter the antenna can receive clear TV stations. Antenna range is more of a marketing term than a technical parameter. It gives some indication of the ability to receive high power transmissions from towers with direct line of sight from the antenna at a defined height above ground (equal to rooftop mounting or higher) and with a certain amount of radiated power. At long distances, the height of the transmitter tower has to be sufficient to overcome the curvature of the Earth. If these conditions are not met, additional losses have to be calculated that reduce this practical range, meaning an antenna rated for 100 miles may have to be de-rated to 70 miles when other factors such as terrain or other obstacles are encountered. Outdoor antennas usually perform better because normally they have higher gain and are installed at or above the rooftop, to meet free space receiving conditions.

I live in a fringe area, how can I receive good TV stations?

We call a fringe area that is about 100 miles or more from the television station. We recommend for this application the DAT BOSS MIX LR, which LR stands for Long Range or high distance, to receive good signal quality in these so-called fringe areas. This antenna outperforms others due to its high directivity, high gain, low noise and TForce Technology to receive weak signals in the most difficult reception conditions.

How can I choose an antenna easily?

There is no perfect antenna for everything, but depending on the situation, it will be convenient to choose one or the other. The selection of the right antenna depends on the frequency and strength of the available stations received in the user location. With these two factors in mind, you can consult our webpage to help you in making the right decision. In addition to listing the TV stations that are available in your area, our webpage also recommends an antenna (or antennas in case of several directions) which maximizes the number of stations and the quality and strength of the signals received. Finally, it is important to remember that antenna reception depends on many factors (the power and height of the transmitter, the existence of obstacles, the height of the antenna, and so on). If any doubt arises, it is preferable to select an antenna with a longer range to ensure good performance.

Will an antenna work in an RV?

The reception in motion of digital signals is usually impaired, as the availability of signals outside main coverage areas of broadcasting towers is low or simply nonexistent, so we presume that the TV reception of digital signals has to be stationary. Having said that, an indoor antenna could work in a RV if the receiving conditions are good (moderate to high signal availability). However, our recommendation is to install an outdoor antenna, such as DINOVA BOSS MIX or CAMPNOVA BOSS antenna. Check our website for information on our antennas suitable for RV or Camping use : Also research TV stations in the area in the areas you plan to visit and also the antenna orientation to achieve best signal quality during your adventures outdoors. Keep in mind that ATSC 3.0 has mobile reception capabilities for future use, so it will be possible in the near future to receive broadcast TV from participating TV stations while on the move.

Will an antenna work on a boat?

The same recommendation for reception in RV is also valid for a boat. The availability of signals in good quality conditions determines the reception. Once confirmed that signal is available in and around the marina where the boat is located, our recommendation is to install an outdoor antenna, such as DINOVA BOSS MIX for stationary reception or, taking into consideration that the boat could change its orientation, an OMNINOVA antenna, which is able to receive signals in 360º.

What is the difference between an intelligent and a passive antena?

An intelligent antenna has an integrated built-in amplifier, while a passive antenna does not have an amplifier. An intelligent antenna will work on active mode if it’s connected to power provided from a downstream power supply, receiving power through the coax cable. A passive antenna is not an active component even when connected to a pre-amplifier, it is rather just a passive component of an active system.

In which reception conditions may I use an indoor antenna?

Ideally, an indoor antenna works best in homes close to the TV transmitter near a window facing the direction of the transmitters or on an outdoor wall that is not metal construction. In the case of apartment living in a building that does not have a TV installation, an indoor antenna may be an easy option and should be tried since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to setup.

Is ABS plastic UV stable or will it become brittle in sunlight?

ABS plastic is noted for its high toughness, impact resistance and resistance to a wide range of temperatures, from very cold to very hot.
But not all ABS plastics are created equal. In our case, all Televes antenna parts are made of high grade UV and saline resistant top quality ABS plastic. In this way, our antennas are commercial grade products designed to withstand the elements for decades and are typically used in master antenna systems feeding buildings.
They are deployed by the millions all over the world, from scorching hot climates in Africa to bitterly cold in Northern Europe, Canada, and of course, all over the US.

Installation

I have a poor reception using an indoor antenna. How can I improve it?

One of the main factors affecting indoor reception are the losses produced by building walls, partition, windows, metallic elements, etc. The ability of electromagnetic waves to pass through materials is called pervasiveness, it is related to losses, and it is highly dependent on the kind of material and its thickness. As a rule of thumb, the higher the pervasiveness the better the signal will reach, and from low to high pervasiveness the scale would be metal, concrete, brick, plasterboard, wood and glass. Also, electromagnetic waves suffer from reflections in indoor walls, and these reflections are superimposed on the wanted signal, causing fading and severe impairments. To improve indoor reception, the receiving antenna should be installed as close to a window as possible, avoiding metallic elements and with clear line of site to the TV transmitters.

To receive the broadcasting TV stations, in addition to an antenna, when do I need to use an pre-amplifier or signal booster?

In most cases an intelligent antenna such as one of our models with TForce will suffice, although in a number of cases additional amplification may be necessary:
  • You have several antennas pointing to different sites: apart from amplifying, some mast amplifiers can combine the TV services of both "markets" on the same cable. Using the right tool for the job may in this case dictate the use of a SmartKom as the best option. SmartKom is designed to work with any antenna (up to 3 antennas) and is designed to work as a system with our antennas with TForce preamplifiers built-in providing the best possible reception with a simple push of a button. SmartKom cleans up spectrum problems such as multipath or duplicate channels with a balanced, flat output
  • After installing your antenna, you have a black picture on the TV that says no signal. Make sure you have scanned your TV correctly, selecting the "air" or "antenna" option and not "cable". Then, check our website to see if you have an adequate signal at your location, if signal shows weak try adding a pre-amplifier if not using an intelligent antenna. You can also check with a local antenna installer to see if he has installed antennas in your area, confirming that reception is possible
  • You are planning to connect more than two TV's to the antenna: Splitting or dividing the signal is a common application, depending on how long the cable is and how many TVs are to be connected you may not have enough signal without adding an amplifier
We offer several solutions to boost the signal, depending on the circumstances a mast amplifier may suffice, or an indoor distribution amplifier may be called for to provide adequate signal to all TV locations.

I purchased a booster and I still see pixilation or black screen in my TV. Why?

There is no single reason but check the following possibilities:
  • The preamplifier or amplifier is not receiving power: the power supply may be unplugged, or a splitter may be installed between the amplifier and the power supply, blocking the mains supply
  • The amplifier is overdriving the system (too much signal)
  • There are 5G cell phones or 2-way radio interference
  • The antenna is not properly aimed
  • The amplifier is located too far from the antenna
  • The signal is too weak to recover with an amplifier
If you still cannot detect the problem, you can contact an antenna installer or our technical support team to help you.

Is there any coaxial cable recommendation to use with the antenna?

It is important to keep in mind that the quality of a coaxial cable will have a significant impact on the quality of the signal received on our television. Therefore, after choosing the best antenna for your location, it makes no sense to save money using a poor quality coaxial cable, which could potentially increase signal losses and hence reduce signal strength and potentially pick up unwanted interference, thus impairing the entire reception chain, from antenna to TV set. The cost of high quality coaxial cable and connectors is a minimal and worthwhile investment. We mainly recommend choosing RG-6 cables, the most common for television installations, with a good shielding to reduce signal interference and an adequate length, avoiding overly long deployments, which can reduce signal quality. In addition, we must choose high quality connectors with good shielding to avoid signal losses. Don't forget to seal the connection to the antenna by using a weather boot or other method to keep water out.

Is there a recommendation of a maximum coaxial cable length I can use in my home?

The maximum coaxial length used depends on several factors: Signal strength received, number or TV sets to be connected (use of signal splitters) and minimum signal strength as specified by the TV manufacturer. Taking an average signal strength received of -49 dBm (0 dBmV) with a 1:4 splitting, the maximum cable rise would be 200 foot with a certain amount of margin.

I receive TV stations from different directions. How can I combine them?

Combining the output of antennas that are pointing at different locations can be tricky, as the same signals could be received by different paths, misaligned, and therefore they would interfere each other destroying themselves. We have designed a device, the SmartKom, which is an easy-to-install professional amplifier. It allows filtering, balance, mix and amplify television signals received from up to a maximum of 3 antennas, increasing the number of channels received in a given location, avoiding the use of mechanical solutions such as rotors and enabling the distribution of all the content received from the antennas in a single input cable to the house.

How can I feed several TV sets using the same antenna?

By installing a splitter with the desired number of outputs to feed the TV sets. You may also need an amplifier to spread the signal over several outlets.

My TV doesn’t have an F-connector port to hook up an antenna. What should I do?

Maybe you have an A/V monitor or an old TV. In this case, you may need an OTA converter box to tune the digital TV signals and convert them to A/V to input to the TV.

What is a converter box?

A device installed near the TV set which receives the off-air signals and converts them to A/V signals or HDMI to connect to a TV set or monitor without a TV tuner. In the early stages of analog and digital TV simulcasting, converter boxes were used to receive digital TV signals in old analog NTSC TV sets. Today, converter boxes can be used to receive ATSC 3.0 broadcast in TVs without a tuner.

Can I watch TV stations with my computer?

Yes, you need a converter that receives broadcast signals and sends A/V to be displayed by the computer. Usually this converter is a type of USB dongle with an RF input interface, and depending on the dongle and the manufacturer, it can receive ATSC 2.0 or even ATSC 3.0 broadcasts.

I live close to a broadcasting tower but I do not get a clear signal. What can probably happen?

Receiving excessive signal (location very close to the broadcasting tower) can be as bad as having poor signal. In case of excessive signal, the use of a high dynamic range antenna is recommended, like the Ellipse or the DAT BOSS MIX LR, which adjust the output level no matter the reception conditions in order not to overdrive the TVs.

I get degraded pictures on my TV. What may be happening?

The digital signals, unlike analog signals, are all or nothing signals, so once they start to degrade they pixelize, and then they progress to a black screen. In this case, there are some checks that should be done:
  • Is the antenna pointed in the right direction?
  • Is the antenna preamplifier, if so equipped, plugged into a working household outlet?
  • Was the antenna damaged in a storm or otherwise moved?
  • Have you rescanned your TV recently?
TV antennas are relatively simple devices, but even a small change in the antenna location or coax cable network could cause poor reception.

I have signal in the input of the TV but the scan says no signals at all. What can happen?

Make sure that the TV is scanning off-air signals and not cable signals. Cable signals are on different channel frequencies than broadcast channels, so it may confuse certain TV's if set to scan cable and not off-air. This video can help you to do a channel scan.

I lost some TV Stations yet I did not change anything in the reception

Due to the broadcast TV frequency repack and transition to ATSC 3.0 (NexGen TV) some broadcasters are relocating to shared towers so both ATSC 1.0 legacy programs and the New ATSC 3.0 programs can exist in the limited available bandwidth. If you have noticed that a particular TV channel you usually receive has “gone dark” (you see a black screen instead of regular programming), this doesn’t necessarily mean you no longer receive that channel. This could occur more frequently as some channels begin to move to new frequencies (learn more at www.tvanswers.org). This could simply mean that the location from which that channel was broadcasting has changed, but your reception of the channel shouldn't. Performing a new channel scan on your television or converter box will allow the TV to refresh the broadcasting signal for that channel, and it should show up just as before. As a general rule, it is recommended to scan for channels periodically throughout the year, especially after periods where there has been a shift in the weather. Keep in mind, this is a long term but temporary transition that will result in many benefits for the consumer. If you continue to have reception problems on channels you were able to receive prior to the changes, you may choose to contact the affected local TV station, as they want you to be able to receive their content and may be able to offer additional advice.

Can I boost my signal by using two antennas?

Using two or more antennas to receive stations in different markets and directions will not increase signal level in theory, except in cases where you are aiming between markets using a single antenna with the goal of receiving them both. Re-aiming the antenna to one of the markets while adding a second antenna for the other market, both properly aimed, will increase signal levels and improve reception. In some cases, you may receive signal off the side or rear of the antenna, which is ok as long as it does not result in adding interference to the received signals, and you have enough overall gain.

How do I know if the power supply is compatible with my antenna or mast amplifier?

To ensure that a power supply is compatible with your antenna or mast amplifier, there are several factors to consider:
  • Voltage and current compatibility: the power supply must have the same voltage (power) and current as the original PSU
  • Connection type: make sure that the connection mode is suitable, if an antenna cable without connector is used, the power supply must be able to be connected directly via coaxial cable
  • Technical specifications: check the specifications of the original power supply and, if not available, verify the specifications of the antenna or amplifier to confirm the match. You can find this information in the user's manual or on the manufacturer's website
In any case, it is always recommended to use the original replacement for various reasons, such as guaranteed compatibility, reliability, safety and technical support.

Can I use any power supply for my smart antenna or mast amplifier?

No, not all power supplies are the same. It is essential to check the technical data of the power supply and the device (antenna or amplifier) to be powered to ensure compatibility. Using an incompatible power supply may damage your antenna or mast amplifier. Therefore, the power supply unit must have the same technical specifications as the original one: same voltage (power), amperage (current) and connection type.
To ensure correct compatibility in a simple and safe way, the most recommended option is to purchase the same original power supply unit. Using a replacement from the same manufacturer guarantees maximum compatibility and reliability.

Purchase process: Shipping

How do I qualify for free shipping?

Orders worth $49.99 and over will not be charged for shipping (before taxes or any shipping charges). Please take into account that free shipping will be only applied inside the contiguous United States. Orders for Alaska and Hawaii are not included.

Can I get free shipping on any item I purchase at Televes?

Yes, as long as your total is more than $49.99 and the shipping address is located in one of the contiguous United States.

Which shipping options are suitable for free shipping?

Free shipping is only valid on Home Delivery (1-7 business days), excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Can free shipping be used for orders shipped outside the contiguous United States?

Free shipping only covers standard shipping services inside the contiguous United States.

What are your available shipping methods?

These are all our shipping methods:

  • FedEx Home Delivery (1-7 business days) - Free shipping for orders $49.99 and over*
  • FedEx 2Day (2 business days)
  • FedEx Standard Overnight (1 business day - overnight)

*Please note that Hawaii and Alaska are not eligible for free home delivery

When is the shipping deadline for an online order?

For items that are in stock, orders placed before 14:00 CST, are usually shipped the next business day. Once the order is processed, the shipping time will depend on the shipping method selected.
Please note that some orders may experience delays in order processing or other issues.

Who handles my shipping?

FedEx will be the courier handling and delivering your order.

Where can I find my tracking number?

If you logged in or created an account during checkout, you can check the status of your order and your tracking number by selecting "My orders" on the "My Account" menu of your page. If you used guest checkout, you can contact our customer service team at customerservice.usa@televes.com or call as at (833) 281-7654.
You should also receive a shipping confirmation email with the tracking information once your order ships.

Where can I place an order from?

You can place an order from anywhere in the United States. Please note that Hawaii and Alaska are not eligible for free ground shipping in orders $49.99 and over

What are your delivery times?

These are our delivery times:

  • FedEx Home Delivery (1-7 business days)
  • FedEx 2Day (2 business days)
  • FedEx Standard Overnight (1 business day - overnight)

Purchase process: Order

How do I check the status of my order?

If you logged in or created an account during checkout, you can check the status of your order by selecting "My orders" on the "My Account" menu of your page. If you used guest checkout, you can contact our customer service team at customerservice.usa@televes.com or call us at (833) 281-7654.

How do I apply a discount voucher?

You will be able to redeem your voucher during checkout, after adding your address and delivery method. During the last step, along with the payment methods, you will be able to add your vouched in Apply Discount Code.

Can I change my delivery address after placing an order?

Unfortunately, you cannot change your delivery address after your order has been placed, since it is immediately sent to our distribution center to be shipped. In case you need more info about this matter, you can contact our customer service department at (833) 281-7654 or customerservice.usa@televes.com.

How can I cancel my order?

After each order is placed, it is immediately sent to our distribution center to be shipped, therefore orders cannot be cancelled. In case you need more info about this matter, you can contact our customer service department at (833) 281-7654 or customerservice.usa@televes.com.

Purchase process: Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

The payment methods available for purchase on this website are bank card and Paypal. Please take into account that paying via Paypal carries a supplement of 3%.

Can I pay with Paypal?

Sure, Paypal is one of our supported payment methods. Please take into account that paying via Paypal carries a supplement of 3%.

Purchase process: Returns

What is your return policy?

If you wish to return a product for a refund, complete and submit the online return form to confirm your return and receive a shipping label. The cost of the return will be deducted from the total refund amount ($9.95 for all small items and $19.95 for all large outdoor antennas). These prices do not apply to returns sent from Hawaii or Alaska, where return shipping charges would be at your own expense.

What is your extended holiday return policy?

We extend our normal 30-day return policy so you can return your Christmas gifts purchased between November 22nd and December 23rd until January 31st of the following year. Your refund will include the purchase price and taxes.

What does RMA mean?

RMA, an acronym for "Return Merchandise Authorization," is a procedure employed by businesses to oversee the retrieval of products from customers. This systematic approach benefits both customers and companies by streamlining returns, ensuring efficiency, and maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the return process.

How do I get a copy of my invoice?

As soon as your order is shipped, you will receive an e-mail with your invoice (guest) a link to access it (registered user). If you have placed an order as a registered user, you can also view and download your invoice by entering your account. Locate the order on the My Orders page of your account and click on the order number for which you would like an invoice. At the top of the section you will see the Invoice tab. If you ordered as a Guest, you can contact our customer service department at (833) 281-7654 or customerservice.usa@televes.com and we will send it to you.

How shall I proceed if I receive a faulty item?

Products which have been delivered with visible or noticeable defects may be returned, without any cost, either for replacing or for obtaining reimbursement. In this case, you need to fill out the Online Return Form within 10 calendar days from the date of delivery of the products with visible/noticeable defects. Please let us know the item conditions in this form. No shipping costs will be deducted in this case.

 

How long do I have to return my product?

You have 30 days from the delivery date of your order to return your purchase.

Purchase process: General Information

How do I know if the product I want is in stock?

Unless otherwise stated on the product sheet, the item is avaliable for sale.

What is the warranty period for the products?

The warranty period for any product purchased from Televes USA Store is 1 year from the date of purchase.

Where can I purchase a Televes antenna locally?

You can find our antennas at Lowes (available or online purchase only) and Menards.

How do I contact Televes?

Our product support team can be reached via phone ((833) 281-7654) or email (customerservice.usa@televes.com) from Monday to Friday, between 9am-5pm Mountain Standard Time. If you prefer, you can fill out the following form and our customer service will provide assistance to you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I forgot my account password?

If you have forgotten your account password, click on Forgot My Password on the login page. You will be asked for the email address you used to create the account. Click on Reset My Password and you will receive an email with instructions on how to create a new password.

Where is Televes from?

Televes is a worldwide technology company specializing in the design, development and manufacture of telecommunication infrastructure solutions for homes, buildings and cities. Its headquarters are located in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), where the company was founded in 1958.

Are you the manufacturers of your antennas?

The company manufactures in its own facilities to guarantee maximum quality. It's also a pioneer in setting up 4.0 production lines with its own certification and quality control laboratories.

Where is your USA branch located?

Our USA branch is located in Denver, more specifically in Aurora. This is our office address: Norfolk Tech Center 16596 E. 2nd Avenue Aurora, CO 80011