Are you tired of paying exorbitant prices for cable TV every month? With the ever-increasing cable bills that have risen by 33.84% from 2012-2022, it’s time to look for alternative ways to watch TV and save yourself some money.
Thankfully, with the advancements in technology, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the entertainment options you desire.
One great option is Over-The-Air (OTA) channels. With OTA, you can still enjoy some of the perks of basic cable channels without the high-end price or the need for an internet connection.
To access OTA channels, you can use an antenna to pick up the television signals that are transmitted over the air via Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC). Most current TVs have ATSC tuners built-in, but if you have an older TV, make sure to check if it has an ATSC tuner before purchasing an antenna.
Depending on your location, you may be able to pick up signals from channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, ION, and watch TV without cable, internet, or satellite. To determine which channels you can receive, run your address through a site like TV Fool, which will highlight all the available channels in your area.
If your TV doesn’t have an ATSC tuner, you may need to purchase an external antenna, which can cost around $70 for installation. However, if you don’t have an internet service or prefer an indoor antenna, you can also consider rabbit ear antennas or the Amazon Basics antenna, which can be purchased for $7 to $20.
By switching to OTA channels and using an antenna, you can save up to $100 a month, which you can use for other purposes like taking your spouse out to a nice dinner or purchasing a new item for your wardrobe. So, what are you waiting for? Start watching TV without cable and enjoy the extra savings!
Rabbit Ear Antenna: If you reside within 15 miles of a local tower, a rabbit ear antenna can be an excellent option for you. To use this antenna, you will require a loop with two dipoles. The loop will allow you to access UHF channels, while the dipoles will give you VHF channels. You can usually purchase this type of antenna at your local store for a price range of $7 to $20. Popular rabbit ear antennas include the Audiovox ANT122F Indoor Television Antenna and RCA ANT111Z Indoors Antenna.
Winegard Flatwave: This antenna is hung on a wall or window facing the towers. It can receive UHF and VHF channels. You can purchase it at Home Depot or Amazon for about $29. The amplified version is the model FL5500A which is one of the most recommended models for VHF.
Muhu Leaf: This antenna has an amplified version and an unamplified version that range from about $18 to $80. It can receive UHF channels better than VHF channels. Typically this antenna doesn’t do well with weaker VHF channels but may still be more expensive than other antennas.
DIY Antennas: You can simply use a paperclip if you have strong signals and live less than 10 miles away from a tower. All you need to do is straighten the paperclip and attach it to your coax connector on your TV.
Here are the most common indoor and outdoor antennas:
Winegard Freevision: This antenna can be hung from a nail or mounted on a pole outside. You will need a coax cable in order to complete the installation. You can purchase it at Home Depot or on Amazon.
Clearstream 1 Max and 2 Max: This antenna has 3 different configurations allowing you to set it on a table, mount it on the wall, or use it outdoors. You typically want to use this antenna if other rabbit ear options aren’t providing you enough channels or you don’t want to install an outdoor antenna.
The Max 2 vision is a larger version and pulls more channels that are further away.
Another option would be to purchase an attic antenna. These antennas give you the advantage of height without exposing it to the outdoor elements.
Depending on what material your home is built out of, it may be challenging to receive all the channels you desire. Before you commit to an attic antenna make sure to test it out.
DVRS: Recording devices and timeshifting OTA TV has increased in popularity since consumers are ditching their cable bills. If you don’t have a “smart” TV you will need a streaming device to record your shows.
There are various options you can explore. Here are some of the most common standalone, out of the box solutions:
Basic: If you’re budget conscious, there are plenty of solutions that provide basic functionality. Two popular solutions are the Mediasonic HW – 150PVR HomeWorx and the iView. Both are used for basic tuner capabilities that support real-time recording and programmed recording.
Channel Master: If you want advanced recording functionality and are willing to invest a little bit more in a DVR, this may be a great option for you. It has more advanced features that include 2 tuners, advanced recording options, commercial skip, a pause feature, streaming apps, and more.
TiVo: For a more premium option you want to explore a TiVo. There are two options: TiVo Bolt and the TiVo Roamio OTA. Both DVRs are good options if you don’t already have other streaming set-top boxes like an Apple TV or Fire TV. You may spend a little bit more upfront but you won’t have to pay a monthly fee.
Streaming Service To Watch TV For Free
Before you go searching for a free streaming service, many broadcasters release episodes on their own websites. If you are a fan of a certain channel, visit their site and see if they have posted your favorite TV show.
Some of these shows may be a little behind their regularly broadcasted time schedule but you will still be able to watch for free on any device.
If your favorite channel doesn’t post their episodes on their site, there are many streaming services that you can access for free. These services include:
Pluto TV
YouTube
Yahoo View
Vudu Movies and TV
Crackle
Roku
PBS
The CW
Subscription Streaming Services You Can Purchase For A Small Monthly Fee
If you don’t find a free option that suits your entertainment needs, you may want to explore streaming subscription services. Some of these services allow you to stream offline as well.
This means that you have the capability to download movies or shows and take them on the go with you. There is no need for an internet connection.
Do your research before signing up to ensure the service meets your needs.