* Signal Strength: The power of the transmitter and the antenna on the tower. Stronger signals can travel farther.
* Terrain: Hills and mountains can block signals, while flat, open terrain allows signals to travel farther.
* Obstacles: Buildings, trees, and other structures can also obstruct signals.
* Frequency: Higher frequencies (like UHF) have shorter wavelengths and tend to travel shorter distances than lower frequencies (VHF).
* Receiver Sensitivity: The quality of your TV antenna and the receiver in your TV will determine how weak a signal it can still pick up.
General Ranges:
* VHF: 50-100 miles under ideal conditions
* UHF: 20-40 miles under ideal conditions
Important Notes:
* Digital Signals are More Susceptible: Digital signals require a strong, consistent signal to work. A weak digital signal will cause pixelation or dropouts.
* "Line-of-Sight" is Key: The signal generally needs a clear, unobstructed path to reach your antenna.
* Antenna Placement Matters: Your antenna should be placed as high as possible, away from obstacles, and ideally facing the transmitting tower.
Resources for Finding Local Transmitter Information:
* AntennaWeb: A free website that provides information on local TV towers and signal coverage.
* TV Fool: Another free resource that provides detailed maps and signal strength predictions.
In summary, the distance a digital TV signal travels depends on multiple factors, and it's best to use resources like AntennaWeb or TV Fool to get a more accurate estimate for your specific location.