We’re never at a shortage of opportunities to educate our readers about amplified antennas. Most people think an amplified antenna is always a good thing because it makes the signal stronger. The truth is that these devices amplify the things you don’t want as much as they do the signal you enjoy. That’s why these antennas shouldn’t be used outside the very specific instances where one is needed. That’s the advice we always give regarding amplified TV antennas. Today’s question focuses on amplified satellite radio antennas. Do the same rules apply to these devices?
The short answer to that question is yes. You should (or shouldn’t) get an amplified satellite radio antenna for the same reasons you need (or don’t need) an amplified TV antenna.
Is that what you were waiting to learn? If so, there you go. You now have everything you need to know… unless you don’t know the reasons why anyone would need an amplified antenna. Yes, there’s more to the story. (That’s usually the case around here, right?) So, let’s take a look at the specific situations that call for an amplified antenna:
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Long cable runs lead to loss of signal. Amplifiers help compensate for that.
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If you’re using one antenna to serve multiple receivers, you’ll need to use a splitter. When you use splitters, you’ll experience the kind of signal loss that an amplifier helps fix.
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If you live far away from the signal’s source, you’ll need an amplified antenna. By now, you’re probably thinking, “But this is satellite radio.” You need to know that even Sirius XM uses terrestrial antennas in places where satellite coverage is a problem.
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Many condominium and apartment communities have strict homeowners association rules that limit the size of antennas you can use. An amplified antenna is your best bet for getting big results from small equipment.
Yes, this is pretty much the same thing that Stuart told you in his post about amplified TV antennas. The thing is, that post ran in May and you might not have read it, or just skimmed over and forgot the major points. It’s okay. That man is a blog post-making machine, so it’s easy to become so focused on his latest pieces that you forget about the older ones. Plus, he was discussing TV antennas while I’m talking about satellite radio antennas. Speaking of which, you might be wondering why I’m focused on that. I’m the “streaming guy,” after all. Well…
…There’s always a method to my madness. In this case, today’s blog topic is inspired by this Pixel antenna for Sirius XM radio. It’s an amplified satellite radio antenna for Sirius XM listeners. It’s not for vehicles, though. (Most cars, trucks, and SUVs already come equipped with everything you need for that.) This antenna is made to be used at your office or home. And since it’s amplified, you’ll probably want this if your installation has:
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Long cable runs
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Splitters and multiple receivers
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Far away signal sources
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HOA rules that limit antenna sizes
So, if you’re getting Sirius XM in your building, or need a replacement antenna, consider this one. And if you have any questions about it or any other product, drop it in the comments section below. You can also post your questions on our Support from Solid Signal Facebook page. And, since we’re big on providing options, you can also call our customer support team directly at 888-233-7563. We’re all about customer service, so we’re more than happy to help make sure you get exactly what you need!
