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UHF TV Resources
The purpose of this introductory page is to provide general information for improving UHF television reception in the home.
If you are looking for more specific information on UHF TV reception, please see:For more information on antennas, please see:To find out how to start enjoying over-the-air digital television, please see the DTV page Getting Hooked Up.
The Federal Communications Commission originally allocated twelve channels for television broadcasting. These channels, numbers 2 through 13, are in the "very high frequency" or VHF band. (Originally Channel 1 was also included, but was soon reassigned to other purposes.)
The tremendous growth in television broadcasting following World War II made it obvious that 12 channels were not enough. So in 1952, the FCC allocated 70 additional channels above the VHF television band and called them "ultra high frequency" or UHF band. The channels are 14 through 83.
UHF signals, however, due to the physics of radio frequency transmission, are inherently less efficient in the conversion of radio waves to the electrical signals used by the television receiver, and are subject to more losses from some environmental conditions than VHF.
Good UHF reception, therefore, requires more attention to antenna installation and set tuning than does VHF reception. On the other hand some VHF channels are subject to certain types of interference to which UHF channels are generally immune.
Simply stated, clear UHF reception requires more attention to antenna installation and set tuning than does VHF reception. While the broadcasting industry is working to improve the technical elements of UHF reception, there is much that can be done, at reasonable cost, with present available equipment — and that's what this publication wants to reveal.
Perfect reception for television signals can't be guaranteed simply because there are too many variables involved. However, by following the recommendations in this Guide, the chances for clear reception will be greatly improved.
Improving UHF reception can be a do-it-yourself job. Even if the work is given to a professional, the information in this Guide will provide a better understanding of what is needed and what can be expected.
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