Several years ago the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) formerly know as (CEA) the Consumer Electronics Association developed and published a national standard for classifying outdoor TV antennas. This standard defined color codes to be associated with minimum performance parameters of outdoor television (TV) antennas. Although this standard is still in place, it requires a license agreement with the CTA and many antenna manufacturers no longer participate in the program or identify their antennas with a color rating. The license agreement regulates the way color codes and logos can be used.
Based on feedback received from consumers it was recognized that even with the CTA color coding system, consumers were still having difficulties selecting the proper outdoor TV antenna. In an effort to further simplify the TV antenna selection and buying process, Channel Master developed and launched our own antenna selection guide and recommendation tool for consumers. Our tools utilize signal prediction tools that and signal reception parameters that are comparable to the CTA's program. Check out our guide and recommendation tool below.
Channel Master Antenna Selection Guide - Learn More
Channel Master Antenna Recommendation Tool - Look up address for a recommendation
For more information regarding the CTA color codes see the chart below outlining the types of antennas recommended for each color code. (Note: The color code(s) that corresponds with every Channel Master Outdoor TV antenna is listing on each antennas product page under the Features Section next to CEA Color Code.
| 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 omni-directional 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. |