Selecting the proper Channel Master outdoor antenna for your location is easy with the proper information and tools. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have jointly created a tool to help the consumer select the best TV antenna for their location. Factors such as the distance you are from the TV station transmitter, the transmitting power of the TV station, and the terrain between you and the TV station transmitter are all taken into consideration in determining the antenna needed. They have developed a color coding system that gives an excellent guide to antenna selection. All of this information is on the antennaweb.org web site. Once all the requested information is submitted to the web site, it will provide a list of all of the available TV stations at your location, the direction and distance to those stations, and the color code for the antenna needed to receive those TV stations. You can find the corresponding color codes to each Channel Master antenna when viewing the individual product pages, or by viewing the antenna specification chart at the end of this article. In general, TV antennas rated for Yellow, Green, or Light Green are good for receiving signals from TV stations up to about 30 miles from your house. TV antennas rated for Red and Blue are designed for homes up to about 45 miles from the TV station, and TV antennas rated for Violet are good for up to about 60 miles. It is possible to receive signals over greater distances, but many factors will impact the quality of the received signals.



The following chart provides descriptions of the different color codes for TV antennas:



Color Code Antenna Description Yellow A Small Multi-Directional Antenna is recommended in Yellow color code areas. Signal strength is highest, so small antennas that receive signals equally well in all directions work very well. Indoor antennas work very well in Yellow color code areas, which are usually 10 to 15 miles from the TV station transmitter. Green A Medium Multi-Directional Antenna is recommended in Green color code areas. Signal strength is still good, but weaker than in yellow areas. An amplified indoor antenna may also work in Green color code areas, which can be up to 30 miles from the TV station transmitter. Light Green A Large Multi-Directional or Small Directional Antenna is recommended for Light Green color code areas. Signal levels are weaker, so a larger omnidirectional antenna or a directional antenna is needed to receive signals effectively, which can be up to 30 miles from the TV station transmitter. Red A Medium Directional Antenna is recommended in Red color code areas. Signal strength is weaker, and directional antennas are needed to pick up signals. These are the most popular antenna types due to their modest size and effectiveness 30 to 45 miles from the TV transmitter site. Blue A Medium Directional Antenna with an Antenna Preamplifier or a Large Directional Antenna is recommended for Blue color code areas. Signals are weaker, so larger antennas or antennas with amplification are needed to receive TV signals effectively. TV antennas in the blue color code area may also need to be installed on a tower or high rooftop to pick up distant channels, which can be 45 to 60 miles from the TV station transmitter. Violet A Large Directional Antenna with an Antenna Preamplifier is recommended for Violet color code areas. These are areas farthest from the TV station transmitting towers, and need the largest antennas and best preamplifiers to pick up TV signals effectively, which can be 60 miles or more from the TV station transmitter. TV antennas in the Violet color code area may also need to be installed on a tower or high rooftop to pick up distant channels.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also has a tool on their web site to help you select an antenna. They do not use the CEA/NAB color code system, but instead list each station by Strong, Moderate, Weak, or No Signal. These will roughly correspond to the color code system with Strong being Yellow/Green/Light Green, Moderate being Red and Blue, and Weak being Violet.



Using the tool offered by the FCC or antennaweb.org, you can easily determine what channels can be viewed from your location. Follow the steps below to determine which antenna will work best for your area.



Visit www.antennaweb.org and enter your Address to find out which local TV stations are available in your immediate area. Take note of the following items from the antennaweb.org results



1) Color Codes - Each available local channel will be given a color code, which indicates the expected signal strength for that TV station at your location. To watch that channel, you will need to select a Channel Master antenna that corresponds with that color code. In order to pick up the most stations possible, you need to make sure that the selected antenna has the color codes for all channels you wish to view. For example, if most TV channels in the list for your address are Green or Light Green, but one is Red, you would need to select an antenna that is able to receive red color coded channels. Antennas designed for TV stations at longer distances will also perform fine with TV stations that are closer to you.



2) Signal Range - Look at the "Miles From" column. The TV antenna's signal range capabilities will need to be equal to or greater than the distance of the broadcast tower from your location. This is taken into consideration when the color code requirements are determined for your location, but becomes critical when the distance to the TV station transmitter is over 45 to 60 miles. At this range, the largest antennas are needed to effectively receive the TV stations.



3) RF Channel -The RF Channel column will list the actual RF channel of the TV station you are trying to receive. RF channels are frequently different than the display channel on your TV set. For example, channel 2.1 on your TV set may actually be RF channel 50, which is in the UHF band. Make sure the antenna you are selecting can pick up the actual RF channels that you wish to view.

They will range from 2 to 69.

a. RF channels 2-6 are in the Low VHF band. FM signals are also in this band.

RF channels 2-6 are in the Low VHF band. FM signals are also in this band. b. RF channels 7-13 are in the High VHF band.

RF channels 7-13 are in the High VHF band. c. RF channels 14 - 69 are in the UHF band.



4) Additional Equipment - Additional equipment and accessories may be required to receive the channels listed at antennaweb.org. The following information will help you determine which additional Channel Master products may be needed for your TV signal installation.

a. Antenna Rotator Kit -

The "Compass Heading" column will show the compass heading of the broadcast station relative to your location. If the list of channels available in your location have compass headings more than 20 degrees apart, an antenna rotator may be required. All Channel Master directional TV antennas need to be pointing at the broadcast tower in order to receive the strongest signal. Channel Master offers the CM-9521A antenna rotator kit, which is used to rotate your antenna so it is pointing at the TV station transmitter (omnidirectional antennas, such as Channel Master's CM-3000A, receive signals from all directions, so do not require a rotator). The controller unit for the rotator can be programmed with each stations compass heading so that your antenna can be properly aligned for the station you wish to watch with the touch of a button.

The "Compass Heading" column will show the compass heading of the broadcast station relative to your location. If the list of channels available in your location have compass headings more than 20 degrees apart, an antenna rotator may be required. All Channel Master directional TV antennas need to be pointing at the broadcast tower in order to receive the strongest signal. Channel Master offers the CM-9521A antenna rotator kit, which is used to rotate your antenna so it is pointing at the TV station transmitter (omnidirectional antennas, such as Channel Master's CM-3000A, receive signals from all directions, so do not require a rotator). The controller unit for the rotator can be programmed with each stations compass heading so that your antenna can be properly aligned for the station you wish to watch with the touch of a button. b. Antenna Preamplifier -

Violet and Blue color coded stations indicate that the signal will be weak and will require a TV antenna preamplifier to reliably and effectively view these stations. Channel Master has a full range of TV antenna preamplifiers that can be viewed here.

Violet and Blue color coded stations indicate that the signal will be weak and will require a TV antenna preamplifier to reliably and effectively view these stations. Channel Master has a full range of TV antenna preamplifiers that can be viewed here. c. Digital TV Splitters and Distribution Amplifiers -

To connect your antenna to more than one TV set, you will need a TV Splitter or a Distribution Amplifier.TV Splitters will distribute the signal to multiple locations, but lose signal strength when dividing the signal. Distribution Amplifiers can also be used to distribute the TV signals to multiple locations, and will also amplify or boost the signals, which helps ensure the proper signal strength is received at each TV set. Distribution amplifiers are recommended over splitters in weak signal areas, on long runs of coaxial cable, and for installations where more than four TV sets are connected to the antenna. Channel Master has a full range of digital TV splitters and distribution amplifiers to fit every installation need.

To connect your antenna to more than one TV set, you will need a TV Splitter or a Distribution Amplifier.TV Splitters will distribute the signal to multiple locations, but lose signal strength when dividing the signal. Distribution Amplifiers can also be used to distribute the TV signals to multiple locations, and will also amplify or boost the signals, which helps ensure the proper signal strength is received at each TV set. Distribution amplifiers are recommended over splitters in weak signal areas, on long runs of coaxial cable, and for installations where more than four TV sets are connected to the antenna. Channel Master has a full range of digital TV splitters and distribution amplifiers to fit every installation need. d. Mounting and Antenna Masts -

You will need a mounting solution to keep your TV antenna in place. Channel Master offers roof, chimney, wall and attic mounts, and 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 foot steel masts. Channel Master antennas come with the hardware needed to attach it to the mast, which is secured to the structure by the mount. * Note: Attic or indoor installations will result in losing some signal strength. A TV antenna preamplifier is recommended for indoor installations to help overcome the additional signal loss.



5) Remote Areas / No Antennaweb.org results - For some remote areas, the antennaweb.org tool may indicate that no TV stations are available for viewing at your location. This means you are in a rural or very difficult reception area. In these extreme cases, you will want to go with one of our strongest "deep fringe" antennas (CM-3020, CM-3671, or CM-5020) in conjunction with our strongest preamplifier the CM-7777. This combination will give you the best chance of receiving the most stations.



Still not sure what antenna or equipment you will need to pick up your local stations? No worries, our experts can help you select the proper antenna and equipment for your area. Simply email the below details to Support@channelmasterstore.com for an expert recommendation

Installation address

Desired installation spot

Number of TVs you would like to include

Any other items of interest that you think we should know about



6) Money Back Guarantee - Should you purchase equipment that does not work for your area, you will have a 30-day money back guarantee for most products purchased via www.channelmasterstore.com. For details please see our Store Return Policy.





34-45 Miles Stealthtenna Smartenna Digital Advantage 45 Metrotenna 40 Advantage 45 Masterpiece 45 Model CM-3010 CM-3000HD CM-2016 CM-4220 CM-3016 CM-5016 Price January 2018 $29.00 $59.00 $45.00 $49.00 $69.00 $89.00 Bandwith 175 to 230 and 470 to 750 MHz 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz VHF Gain 1.5-2dB 5dB 2.5dB 2.5dB 7.9dB 7.0dB UHF Gain 5-7dB 8dB 8.5dB 8dB 7.7dB 7.5dB Front to Back Ratio 6-8dB N/A 10dB 12dB 12dB 12dB Return Loss 16dB 9dB N/A N/A N/A N/A Impedance 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 75 Ohm 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 75 Ohm 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) Mechanical Specifications Boom Length 23.5" N/A 36.5" N/A 66" 50" Number of Elements 8 N/A 22 N/A 24 15 Max Element Width 22.6" N/A 47.5" N/A 83.5" 100.5" Mounting Clamp Angle Bracket with U bolt support up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2.5" Turning Radius 24.5" N/A 3 ft. 1 ft. 3.5 ft. 5 ft. Output Connector F-type F-type F-type F-type F-type F-type Size (product) 22L x 23.5W x 3H in 13.375 x 11.25 x 1.5 in 36.5 x 47 x 22 in 5 x 20 x 17 in 66 x 83.5 x 22 in 60.25 x 101 x 4 in Size (packaging) 38L x 6W x 6H in 15.25 x 12.5 x 2.375 in 37.25 x 5.75 x 5.5 in 24.75 x 18 x 3 in 68.25 x 6.25 x 6.25 in 50 x 100 x 4.3 in Weight (product/packaging) 1 lb 1.5 lb 1.5 lb 1 lb 3 lb 4 lb Weight (product/packaging) 1 lb 4.5 lb 3.5 lb 3.75 lb 6 lb 6 lb Wind Resistance (at 100 mph, no ice) – 3 (at 100 mph, no ice) – 22 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 19 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 22 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 20 lb

60 Miles Advantage 60 Digital Advantage 60 Ultratenna 60 Masterpiece 60 Model CM-3018 CM-2018 CM-4221 CM-5020 Price $99.00 $65.00 $69.00 $129.00 Bandwith 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz VHF Gain 8.2dB 7.5dB 3.5dB 9.0dB UHF Gain 8.4dB 9.3dB 10dB 13dB Front to Back Ratio 15dB 14dB 15dB 15dB Return Loss N/A N/A N/A N/A Impedance 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 75 Ohm 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) Mechanical Specifications Boom Length 113" 78" N/A 74.5" Number of Elements 30 24 N/A 17 Max Element Width 95" 61" N/A 107" Mounting Clamp U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2.5" Turning Radius 5 ft. 5 ft. 1 ft. 6 ft. Output Connector F-type F-type F-type F-type Size (product) 113 x 95 x 22 in 77.75 x 60 x 22 in 4 x 20 x 36 in 80.25 x 107.75 x 13 in Size (packaging) 69.25 x 7 x 7.25 in 53.5 x 6 x 6 in 33.75 x 24.75 x 3 in 74 x 106.75 x 13.5 in Weight (product) 5 lb 3 lb 2.5 lb 5.5 lb Weight (packaging) 8.25 lb 5.5 lb 6 lb 6 lb Wind Resistance (at 100 mph, no ice) – 25 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 24 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 40 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 22 lb

80-100 miles Digital Advantage 100 Extreme 80 Advantage 100 Masterpiece 100 Model CM-2020 CM-4228 CM-3020 CM-5020 Price $99.00 $109.00 $119.00 $159.00 Bandwith 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 174 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz VHF Gain 7.5dB 5dB 8.6dB 10dB UHF Gain 10dB 12dB 9.5dB 16dB Front to Back Ratio 14dB 18dB 16dB 17dB Return Loss N/A N/A N/A N/A Impedance 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 75 Ohm 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) 300 Ohm (75 Ohm balun included) Mechanical Specifications Boom Length 90.5" N/A 152" 109" Number of Elements 41 N/A 50 28 Max Element Width 61" N/A 95" 100.5" Mounting Clamp U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2" U bolt up to 2.5" Turning Radius 6 ft. 2 ft. 8 ft. 6 ft. Output Connector F-type F-type F-type F-type Size (product) 90.675 x 60 x 22 in 5.5 x 41 x 33 in 152 x 95 x 22 in 116 x 101.5 x 20 in Size (packaging) 50.5 x 7 x 7.5 in 41.25 x 34.5 x 3 in 69 x 7.25 x 7.25 in 109.5 x 100 x 20 in Weight (product) 4.5 lb 6 lb 7 lb 7 lb Weight (packaging) 7.75 lb 10 lb 11.25 lb 11.5 lb Wind Resistance (at 100 mph, no ice) – 38 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 72 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 37 lb (at 100 mph, no ice) – 30 lb