A VHF/UHF Combination Digital TV antenna is designed to receive signals from a wide range of frequencies and channel in both the VHF and UHF frequency bands. Typically current VHF/UHF combos will have coverage of VHF Band 3 and UHF Band 4. Some antennas will also cover UHF Band 5.
Prior to the ACMA’s Digital Restack the ABC broadcast on the VHF Low Band, also known as VHF Band 1. Older TV Antennas usually had some very long elements at the back for this band. Now that the Digital Restack has been completed this band has decommissioned so these long elements are no longer required. Older antennas with VHF Band 1 elements are still suitable for Digital TV however, provided the antenna is in good condition.
Here is a list of some known models of VHF/UHF Combination Antennas suitable for Digital TV currently on the market in Australia:
VHF/UHF Combination Digital TV Antennas
| Brand | Model(s) | Application | Where to Buy | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fracarro | LP34F, LP345F | Moderate | Various specialist antenna suppliers | ~$70.00 |
| SignalMax | ANTLP34SM, ANTLP345SM | Moderate | ||
| Antsig | AA1100 Metro Prime | Prime | ||
| Antsig | AA1200 Metro Medium | Moderate | ||
| Antsig | AA1300 Metro Fringe | Fringe | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-DC21A | Fringe | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-DG27 | Fringe | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-DG49 | Fringe | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-LP03F | Moderate | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-MAGNA25 | Moderate | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-MD11 | Prime | ||
| Matchmaster | 01MM-SA100 | Prime | ||
| Hills | BC71498 | Moderate | ||
| Hills | FB608578 | Moderate | ||
| Hills | FB608578LR | Moderate |
Which Antenna Should I Use?
Antenna choice depends on the channels required, signal strength and signal quality. Antennas are usually designed for a particular signal strength and quality. These are typically referred to as Prime, Moderate or Fringe:
- Prime – designed for a strong signal areas, these antennas may be smaller than other antennas.
- Moderate – designed for strong to moderate signal areas, these antennas often have more elements and are larger than Prime antennas.
- Fringe – designed for weak signal areas, these antennas are larger and have more elements.
The main specification that indicates what application an antenna may be suitable for is gain. The higher the gain, the weaker the signal the antenna is able to pick up. However higher gain means the antenna is more directional. Antennas that cover multiple bands typically have different gain figures for each band they cover.