ANTENNA TV GUIDE
Before cable, all TV was broadcast through the air. It still is. Over-the-Air (OTA) television is completely free, legally mandated, and provides a higher picture quality than cable because the signal is uncompressed.
Step 1: Check Your Signal
Do not buy an antenna until you know what towers are nearby. Go to the FCC's DTV Reception Map or AntennaWeb and enter your zip code. This will tell you:
- Which networks are available (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW).
- How far away the towers are (Miles).
- What direction the towers are (UHF/VHF bands).
Step 2: Choose the Right Antenna
| Distance to Tower | Recommended Antenna Type | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 25 Miles | Flat Indoor Window Antenna | $20 - $35 |
| 25 - 50 Miles | Amplified Indoor/Attic Antenna | $40 - $70 |
| 50+ Miles | Outdoor Roof-Mounted Yagi Antenna | $80 - $150 |
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring VHF vs. UHF: Some networks broadcast on VHF (Channels 2-13). Many flat "leaf" antennas are only good at UHF. If you are missing ABC or CBS, they might be on VHF. You need an antenna with "rabbit ears" (dipoles) for VHF.
- Over-amplification: If you live 5 miles from a tower and use an amplified antenna, you will overload the TV tuner and get zero channels. Only use an amplifier if you are 30+ miles away or splitting the signal to multiple TVs.
FAQ
Can I DVR antenna TV?
Yes. You can buy an OTA DVR like a Tablo or HDHomeRun. You plug the antenna into the DVR, and it connects to your WiFi, allowing you to stream and record live TV to any smart device in your house.
Why is my picture pixelating?
Digital signals do not go fuzzy like old analog TV; they drop packets and pixelate. Move the antenna higher, place it in a window facing the broadcast towers, and rescan for channels.