Digital Antennas: Why Pay for Cable When You Can Get Free Over-the-Air TV?
One of the most expensive bills that homeowners have to endure every month is the cable bill. Losing cable bills can save you significant amounts of money annually. However, this does not mean that you sacrifice your favorite movie, cooking, fashion, and news channels. The introduction of digital or HDTV antennas has made it possible for people to enjoy television channels that would otherwise require being paid for. If you are new to the world of free over-the-air TV, read on to find out how digital antennas can open up your options for free television.
Digital antennas and free over-the-air TV
It is important to note that most broadcast networks transmit their signals free over-the-air. This means that network signals are available for free, but since you don't have a digital antenna that can transmit the signals, cable and satellite companies make you pay to access these channels. Digital antennas are designed to capture and transmit signals from various broadcasting networks to your television without using a cable company.
In addition to a digital antenna, you will need a TV with a digital tuner to be able to receive over-the-air signals. Most television sets today have a digital tuner. If yours doesn't have one, you may need to purchase a new TV to access free channels.
How to access numerous over-the-air channels
There are a few factors that will influence the signal strength and number of channels you receive on your free-to-air TV. Proper installation of the digital antenna can allow you to access all the local channels in your area with good signals and clarity. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:
• Find out the location of broadcast towers in your area
Digital antennas need to face broadcast towers to receive a strong signal. You can carry out an assessment of the broadcast tower locations around your area. Determine the direction of the towers from your home and mount your digital antenna facing this direction. Outdoor installation is the best for high signal strength.
• Avoid obstacles
Buildings, trees, and other obstacles can prevent your antenna from picking up weak signals. To counter this, place your antenna as high as possible. Doing so will give you more channels and improve signal strength.
• Purchase an amplifier
Splitting the signal among various television sets can weaken its strength. Buy a low-noise amplifier to maintain the signal strength even when it is shared among multiple TV sets in the home.
Proper installation of a digital antenna is the key determinant of the number of over-the-air channels you receive and their signal quality. For the best installation, hire a qualified electrician with knowledge of digital broadcast transmissions in your area to do it for you.
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