The AntennaWeb Mapping Program covers more than 200 markets in the U.S. Maps are broken into different color zones that represent where different types of antennas will work most effectively. Color zones on the maps correspond to a color-coded logo that manufacturers place on their antenna products.

Types of Antennas
Following is a description of different types of TV antennas, both indoor and outdoor. Information provided includes the type of antenna, a general description of how the category of antenna performs, a general description of the physical appearance of the antennas, and where they may optimally perform in relation to the color-code of the station you want to receive.

Indoor Antennas
Due to multiple variables in determining good reception in a specific location with indoor antennas, these antennas are not included in this mapping system. This mark, however, assures that an indoor antenna meets or exceeds CEA performance specifications for indoor antennas in households that can use indoor antennas.

Outdoor Antennas
Look for this mark on outdoor antennas, based on the colors of the stations you want to receive:

Small Multi-directional

DESCRIPTION
The smallest of TV antennas, they receive equally well from all directions.

APPEARANCE
Good looking designs including novel shaped disk and patch antennas, and antennas that attach to satellite systems.

USE
In yellow color code areas where signal strength is highest and away from reflecting structures or low areas.

Medium Multi-directional

DESCRIPTION
Somewhat larger and slightly more powerful

APPEARANCE
These antennas include novel stick, wing shaped or disk antennas with long elements.

USE
Green color code areas. An amplified antenna is recommended in the green area anytime a long (20 feet or more) cable run from the antenna is required, or when more than one device (TV or VCR) is to be used with an antenna. They work best away from reflecting structures or low areas.

Large Multi-directional

DESCRIPTION
Bigger in size, these antennas receive more signal power. Better for greater distances from signal source and areas with low signal strength.

APPEARANCE
Styles include element antennas. These antennas can be used to reject simple ghost situations.

USE
When mounted at rooftop heights (30 feet or higher) outdoors, amplified antennas can be used in light green color code areas away from reflecting structures or low areas.

Small Directional

DESCRIPTION
Antennas that act like large multidirectional on channels 2-6 but on higher channels these antennas start to have useful ghost reducing effects. Picture quality is excellent when no signal reflecting structures are around.

APPEARANCE
Multi-element rooftop antennas.

USE
Suitable for far edge of light green color code areas. Amplified antennas with rooftop mounting can be used in these areas if the area is free of signal reflecting structures and is not in a low area.

Medium Directional

DESCRIPTION
Most popular rooftop antenna because of its modest size and ghost reducing characteristics.

APPEARANCE
Multi-element rooftop antennas.

USE
If there are ghost producing reflective structures near TV receiver antenna location, this kind of antenna is best for yellow, green, light green and red color code areas. Amplified antennas with rooftop mounting can be used with the blue color code.

Large Directional

DESCRIPTION
Large antennas used in weak signal areas for maximum possible TV reception.

APPEARANCE
Multi-element rooftop antennas.

USE
Can be used in any color code area, but requires an amplifier and roof mounting for blue and violet color codes. Amplifiers are not recommended for yellow color codes.

Guide to Antenna Box Labeling
When purchasing an antenna, look for the CEA-certified antenna mark for outdoor antennas (which corresponds to the colors on your geographic map). There is also a CEA-certified indoor antenna mark, which does not apply to this mapping system, but certifies that your indoor antenna will work in geographic areas that are appropriate for indoor antennas.

CEA-Certified Antenna Mark for Outdoor Antennas
Antenna maps are broken into six different color zones. These zones identify the different types of antennas that are required for a consumer to receive optimal reception. Typically, the closer consumers live to the signal tower, the better reception they will receive. They may also be able to use an indoor antenna versus an outdoor. The farther away a consumer lives, the opposite is true. However, there are many variables that impact exactly which antenna a consumer will need.