TV aerials differ in terms of design style, group and location. All of these three factors can determine what channels you will be able to watch and what will be the transmission quality. Nevertheless the cost of a TV aerial and its installation depends on the same factors as well as the brand.
Standard TV aerials, also called Yagi aerials are basic antennas that can receive only analogue TV and the quality of the signal largely depends on their position. Standard TV aerials may not be able to receive many transmission frequencies.
Digital gain TV aerials provide better reception than the standard antennas. They are usually used in areas with poor coverage. How many channels a digital gain TV aerial will be able to receive though varies between different styles and depend on the antenna's band.
UK TV frequencies are divided into bands covering different channel frequencies. There are six groups of frequencies:
*A - covering C21 to C37 channels
*B - covering C35 to C53 channels
*C/D - covering C48 to C68 channels
*E - covering C35 to C68 channels
*K - covering C21- C48 channels
*W - covering C21 to C68 channels
Each TV aerial is designed to cover a specific group of channels. Obviously W group TV aerials provide full scope frequencies and are the best option.
TV aerial location also plays an important role in reception quality. In many cases poor reception is only due to the poor location of the antenna. The best location for any TV aerial type is outdoors. Indoor installation may greatly lower the quality of reception as there are too many variables that affect the signal - walls, people movement, etc. Indoor antennas may only work in areas with very strong signal. Loft installation is also not recommended as there are many things that can interfere and disrupt the signal (roof tiles, plumbing, etc).
In addition to the location, TV aerials must be pointed into correct direction. This can ensure that you will get the best possible picture from your local TV stations. The best case scenario is to aim your antenna towards the TV station broadcasting tower.