Streaming services have disrupted the television industry in a big way. There’s no denying that. The widespread popularity of streaming services has prompted cable service providers to enter this particular market segment.
Despite their popularity, streaming services are far away from replacing live TV. Cable providers know they have to carve out a niche to ensure success and growth for years to come. This is why services powered by many like the Spectrum TV channels are still popular among millions of viewers.
How to Watch Live TV
You can watch live TV in more than one way. The most popular method involves getting a cable TV subscription. All cable TV service providers offer loads of live channels such as ABC News, Bloomberg TV, etc. Many providers broadcast live programming in HD quality.
The second method to watch live TV is via a streaming service. However, you’ll have to ensure the streaming service comes with live TV channels. The primary difference between streaming services and cable TV is that the latter cannot run without an active internet connection.
Finally, you can watch live TV using a television antenna. Most local stores have digital TV antennas for customers who want to watch live TV via this traditional method. Antennas catch over-the-air broadcasts from large networks, enabling live broadcasts on the viewer’s television.
What Is a Television Antenna?
A television antenna is a piece of equipment that receives OTA signals from a network station. Television antennas cannot function without a television receiver. Why? Because they need the receiver to transmit signals. These signals are carried in the form of radio frequencies.
Television antennas transmit signals via very high frequencies. These bands range from 47 to 250 MHz. For ultra-high frequency transmission, the band value ranges from 470 to 960 MHz. Television antennas convert radio frequencies into playable HD programming.
Indoor and outdoor antennas are the two common types of television antennas. The first type is common in households across the country. Indoor antennas are installed next to television sets. They are either looped or set in the form of rabbit ears. You can opt for omnidirectional or one-directional indoor antennas. An outdoor antenna, on the other hand, is what we find in outdoor locations including on the roof of our houses. Also, it is expensive compared to the indoor antenna. Because it is installed outdoor, the outdoor antenna requires special maintenance.
What Is the Cost of a Television Antenna?
Indoor antennas usually cost around ten to fifty bucks. Outdoor antennas, on the other hand, are far more expensive. Some can even go upwards of $100. Still, they are the most affordable means when it comes to watching live TV. Why? Because it doesn’t involve any contract, subscription, hidden costs, or termination fees.
Are Television Antennas Still Around?
Yes. Television antennas have been around since the nineties. Out of the three discussed, digital antennas are the most affordable choice. Moreover, it can compete with contemporary live TV solutions such as cable and streaming services. Though it is a simple technology, its importance and usefulness cannot be denied.
TV antennas deliver content from mainstream news channels, as well as other public and private services. Another great thing about digital antennas is that they pick up local channels with greater precision. You can watch local content in addition to specialty channels. However, to watch the latter, you must be living in a prime location. Luck counts too.
How to Improve the Reception
You can maximize your TV antenna reception in several ways. Before you go about improving the reception, make sure to check out the local stations you want your antenna to catch. Websites such as AntennaWeb allow users to check the nearest station available. All you have to do is access the website and enter your zip code.
A better way to maximize your reception is by adjusting its position. You won’t get a good reception if you don’t place the antenna right. If the television is near your home, then there’s no need to change its placement. In case your home is far away from the station, make sure to place it on an elevated spot or close to a window.
Before you start watching live TV via the antenna, make sure to test the equipment. Many people don’t realize they have purchased faulty products until they start using them. Testing your digital antenna is crucial to getting the right picture quality and reception.
Though TV antennas predate cable and streaming services, they are still very much in use. Even in this digital age, this technology can compete with contemporary solutions such as streaming services and cable.
