Television signals can be transmitted using a range of wavelengths, which fall within the electromagnetic spectrum. Specifically, over-the-air television broadcasts in the United States operate primarily in the VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands.
VHF signals, which range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, typically correspond to wavelengths between 10 meters and 1 meter. UHF signals, on the other hand, range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, equating to wavelengths from 1 meter down to about 10 centimeters.
The choice of wavelength affects how signals propagate through the environment. VHF signals tend to travel further and can penetrate obstacles like buildings better than UHF signals. However, UHF signals carry more data, allowing for higher-definition programming and more channels to be packed into the frequency spectrum.
In conclusion, television signals utilize wavelengths ranging from about 10 meters down to just a few centimeters, depending on whether they are transmitted using VHF or UHF frequencies. Understanding these wavelengths helps in tuning TV antennas for optimal reception of broadcast signals.