- Search for Signal
- Acquire an Antenna
- Install the Antenna
- Hook you TV to the Antenna
Search for Signal
Before searching for a signal, it is necessary to understand a little bit how broadcasting TV works.
Since we completely depend on the quality of the signal transmitted to the region where we want to watch TV, we need to make sure that there is a good signal in the region. In order to find a good signal, we should look for websites that can provide this information. Federal Communications Commission and Channelmaster are websites that provide a tool to search for signal strength in the region using a ZIP code. Make sure that there enough enough channels and that the quality of the signal is good enough before moving to step 2.
Aquire an Antenna
Well, I said to watch TV for free, but that does not mean that there will be no setup cost. Antenna is the most important component to watch TV for free after the knowledge of good signal in your region. This piece of equipment can be bought for $20 in amazon, so it is not a high cost to watch TV. If you do not want to spend money, it is also possible to make your own antenna ( I have not tried this method by myself yet).
Install and Hook Up Antenna to the TV
Installing the antenna can be tricky because it can directly affect the quality of the signal received. The best way to do it, it to avoid pointing the antenna to obstacles such as houses, mountains or anything that can create interference. Another recommendation, is to install the antenna as high as possible to get a clear signal. If you know that your place is supposed to have a good signal, but it is not working, try to move the antenna to different directions. It may sound stupid, but it works. Afterwards, just plug the antenna cable to the TV. You may need that everything is done, but there is more one step to start watch TV for free: do a scan for channels in your TV. TV's needs to be update frequently when a new antenna is installed to update the channel number and the quality of the signal.
Good presentation Matheus. I do agree that using an antenna can be an effective way to get basic access to television shows. I would say that cable companies and streaming services have differentiated themselves enough for people to upgrade services. Shows provided by companies like Netflix and HBO have been such high quality that people would have to spend the extra money to watch them. Using an antenna for basic cable and paying for some streaming services seems like the ideal service combination in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteVery cool and interesting little hack on receiving free television. It is crazy how much these cable companies get away with charging so much for basic cable.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting stuff. I know the cable companies are almost monopolizing the industry, but hopefully consumers fight back by going to internet exclusivity and the method posted here in order to avoid the high costs.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back so many memories when my family didn't have cable and we had to use an antenna to get a signal! Now, there are many ways to watch televisions. Acquiring an antenna is one of them. You can stream them online, utorrent, find an online site (most likely will give you viruses), and so much more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that I could add something of value for the class.
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