We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hardware

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Difference Between UHF and VHF?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 15,214
Share

Many people have heard the terms UHF and VHF applied in a number of situations involving electronic communications. Both terms are used to refer to different types of frequencies that have been and are still utilized in radio, television and even cell phone transmissions. One of the key differences between UHF and VHF is that while both frequencies are part of the overall electromagnetic spectrum, they are two distinct frequency bands along that spectrum.

UHF, or ultra high frequency, relates to the band that covers the range between 300 megahertz or MHz and 3000MHz. VHF, or very high frequency, operates at a lower level, covering the frequency range from 30 MHz to 300MHz. Both UHF and VHF have been used over the years for radio and television transmissions, with individual stations assigned specific broadcast ranges along the bands. Government agencies normally determine what portion of each band is made available to broadcasters in any given area of a nation.

UHF and VHF have each been utilized in specific communication situations. For example, VHF is normally the band of choice for FM radio transmissions, while UHF has often been the band of choice for use in over the air television broadcasts. In contrast, the upper range of the UHF band is often utilized for ham radio operations. As with commercial radio and television broadcasting, government agencies determine the range or frequencies that ham radio operators within a given nation may legally use for their communications.

In terms of cell phones, UHF provides the band or frequency for mobile equipment that utilizes analog signals for communication purposes. Both UHF and VHF are still used in portions of the world where analog televisions signals are in common use. In addition, VHF is commonly used for civil aviation as well as public service announcements within communities.

UHF and VHF are only two of the several types of frequencies used along the electromagnetic spectrum. VLF, or very low frequency, includes any audio transmission under 30kHz, while LF, or low frequency, ranges from 30 to 300kHz. MF, or medium frequency, ranges from 300kHz to 3MHz and is often used for AM radio broadcasts. HF or high frequency ranges from 3MHz to 30MHz and is often used in short wave applications. The frequency range above UHF is usually know as SHF, or super high frequency, and is often restricted to government and military use only in a number of nations.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-the-difference-between-uhf-and-vhf.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.