Cord-cutting means there are no contracts or hidden fees and you don’t have to haggle with a cable rep over packages every year. When you use an Antop antenna, just plug it in and you’re ready to watch. With our HDTV antennas you can get the best reception possible from local digital over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts. Enjoy all of the major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and many more!
Recently, more and more Americans are getting fed up with their soaring cable bills and there have never been more options to watch on TV. Cutting the cord is easier to do than in the past and you no longer need to pay for high cable bills to save hundreds of dollars a year. The trend is accelerating at an astonishing pace, according to the research firm eMarketer, “50 million Americans will choose to cut the cord on cable to watch free TV by 2021”.
5 Steps To Watch Local TV Without Cable
If you are ready to cut the cord, follow these five steps:
#Step 1 Get an HDTV Antenna
If you want to try an antenna first for live TV channels, check out the antenna suggestions below — you may just find the best antenna that suits your location
Today’s antennas can pull in broadcasts from over 50 miles away, depending on which model you choose. If you pick up an Antop antenna you’ll be able to get the best reception possible from digital over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts. Imagine enjoying all of the major networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and many more all for free. This means that you’ll be able to watch your sports, news, comedy, kids, and the majority of the top-rated primetime TV shows. Wow! You can also use your antenna to watch the NFL and MLB for free!
Of course, the actual number of stations you’re likely to receive can vary depending on your distance from TV transmission towers. That being said, someone who lives in a metro area can often expect to receive more channels than someone who is in a more rural location.
Regardless of where you live, an online tool like Antop Signal Maps, TVFool, or Antenna Web will tell you what channels you are likely to receive with an antenna. It’s super easy to use and gives you a ton of information.
What types of antennas are there? Choosing an antenna can be difficult because there are so many antennas on the market today. But almost all antennas can be subdivided into two types: indoor and outdoor.
Indoor antennas are generally best suited for people who live within a 30-mile radius of a television broadcast tower. Paper Thin antennas are some of the most popular models. For other options, maybe you can check out our Flat rigid antenna.
Outdoor antennas are usually the best choice for people who live 50+ miles away from broadcast towers. Antop “Big Boy” series antenna is perfect for outdoor solutions, with the perfect combination of classic Yagi antenna engineering and new digital technology for crystal-clear TV reception to your home. They are mounted to the roof to get the most out of them, but they are easy to install and designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Don’t want to climb up on your roof? Wall and balcony mounting also can get the best reception.
When you install your antenna, try these tips:
- If it’s an indoor antenna, try to place it in a window to reduce obstructions.
- The higher you can place it, the better.
- Remember to do another channel scan after you have adjusted your antenna.
- Stay away from metals, as they can interfere with your signal.
- Test in multiple locations to achieve an optimal position.
Keep in mind, antenna effectiveness is influenced by the distance from signal origination point, station signal strength level, building construction, antenna positioning, reflections from nearby structures, and any power consumption sources. So you should do your homework to choose the best antenna type for your situation. To check available signals where you live, use the Antop Signal Maps.
#Step 2 Pick the Best Streaming Device
If you want to take advantage of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling, YouTube TV, and so forth — you’ll need a way to display them on your TV.
If you have a recent TV from a major manufacturer, you may not need to get anything at all. Smart TVs usually have these apps built-in, and almost every high-end TV sold within the last two years or so has smart capabilities. If not, setting up your TV for streaming can still be a simple and inexpensive process. The market is positively overloaded with set-top boxes, streaming sticks, game consoles, and other devices.
#Step 3 Subscribe to the Best Streaming Device
Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are the most well-known subscription-based services, and for a good reason. They have an excellent selection of TV shows and movies, both modern and classic, and the services are fairly inexpensive. These services range in price from $6 to $16 per month, depending on what kind of options you need. Even if you subscribe to all three services, this will represent a significant price break over cable TV.
#Step 4 Prepare Your Internet Provider
High-speed Internet access is a must for cord-cutters, and you can watch local channels online from your computer, such as local TV stations.
CBS, NBC, and ABC usually offer free online access to the programs they broadcast. However, the ability to watch live programming on national networks like these may or may not be available to you, depending on a variety of factors.
#Step 5 Download Your Mobile Apps
Many local stations offer mobile apps to watch local TV shows for free on your smartphone or other mobile devices. CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and the CW stations all offer mobile apps that allow you to stream local TV shows on your mobile app without a subscription or cable or satellite connection. Besides, mobile apps are also available for some other TV cable channels.
Mobile apps without a TV subscription package may not give you every option to watch your favorite local channels without a cable subscription. However, they do help you increase the number of shows you can see for free on your mobile device.
Say goodbye to overpriced cable and save money in 2021 by cord-cutting.
