Indoor Antennas (Rabbit Ears)
The least expensive antennas are the indoor, set-top variety. For best results, locate the indoor antenna near a window, away from electrical sources.  We recommend using amplified rabbit ears if you are going to use them.  You will need to experiment to find the best orientation and placement. If you can't lock into the HDTV channels, then you might need to look into a more expensive antenna, or a good quality antenna amplifier.

Outdoor Antennas
Outdoor antennas are always better than indoor antennas. We encourage you to have your antenna professionally installed if you feel uncomfortable about working on a rooftop.

The rooftop is a good location because it is a cost-effective place to obtain the necessary height. As a general rule, higher is better. Keep the antenna as far as possible from tree limbs, power lines, and any electrical equipment. The antenna and its mast should be well grounded.

Fully extend all elements of the antenna.  Point the short elements toward Petronila.  Connect the antenna to a television to check reception. Once the antenna is aligned, it should be locked down tight to prevent it from moving in the wind.

REMEMBER TO WATCH FOR POWERLINES!

Follow the antenna’s installation directions.

Antenna Cable
An important element often overlooked is the cable line. It is the wire that carries the signal between the antenna and the television set. Cable lines deteriorate with age.

If you are installing new cable line, it is important to select a quality grade to minimize signal loss.  The RG-6 coaxial cable is highly recommended.

Here are a few tips: Use the most direct route possible between the antenna and the television set. Long cable runs result in signal loss. The shorter the cable, the better the signal. One continuous piece of cable is best. Keep the line free of splices and sharp bends.

Attic Antennas
The next best option is to place a full size antenna in the attic. This approach has many limitations. The physical space may not permit orientation or not provide enough height to clearly receive the signal. Structural elements of the house can block and reflect the signal. Making an attic antenna useless.

If you are installing an antenna in your attic, locate the antenna in a place where all of the elements can be fully extended. It is important to find a spot where the antenna can point to the KIII-TV tower near Petronila. If there is enough room, experiment with different places in the attic. Sometimes the movement of only a couple of feet can make a world of difference with the quality of reception. If an attic antenna does not result in satisfactory reception, you will need to move the antenna to an outside location.

Antenna Cable
An important element often overlooked is the cable line. It is the wire that carries the signal between the antenna and the television set. Cable lines deteriorate with age.

If you are installing new cable line, it is important to select a quality grade to minimize signal loss.  The RG-6 coaxial cable is highly recommended.

Here are a few tips: Use the most direct route possible between the antenna and the television set. Long cable runs result in signal loss. The shorter the cable, the better the signal. One continuous piece of cable is best. Keep the line free of splices and sharp bends.

Amplifiers
A snowy picture usually indicates a weak signal. A preamplifier mounted near the antenna can eliminate or reduce the snow. Signal strength deteriorates as it travels down the transmission line to the TV. A weak signal will be non-existent when it reaches the television unless it receives amplification before the trip. The pre-amp boosts the signal to offset any loss from the transmission line.

An amplifier only prevents additional signal deterioration. If the signal is noisy leaving the antenna, the amplifier will amplify the noise along with the signal.

Antenna AlignmentKIII-TV broadcasts from a 1,000-foot tower located 8 miles west of Corpus Christi. You will need to point the small end of your antenna towards Petronila (the yellow dot)

Do not point your antenna in the direction of KIII's studio on 5002 SPID. Our signal does not radiate from the studio location.