Installing an Antenna is the Key to Free Digital TV Reception

Antenna Montage Photo: David Jordan: Creative Commons Share Alike 3.0 license

I gave up cable long ago, so it was hard to imagine that the simple act of kicking pay-TV to the curb might not be as simple as it sounds. 

It was also unimaginable to me that I might know more about non free TV services than most people, but a recent NPD Group survey showed me that only 16% of American households have made the free TV decision. That means 94% still use a monthly pay service to receive their television signals and probably never considered that there was an alternative.

I'm no expert, but I've been using antenna technology for several years. I also love watching television, and saving money. Those key facts motivated me to learn what I needed to know about digital TV reception. They also motivated me to share what I know so you can save money as well.

You'll need a replacement

Before you drop off the cable company's little black box, you'll need an antenna. It's an easy DIY if your TV is a newer digital model. If your television is old like mine, there's still a fix available that will let your TV antenna receive the free digital signals.

Installing a digital converter box

If you have an older model television, you'll need to purchase one of the digital boxes that came on the market just before the analog to digital switch. You can buy one for around $40. online or at discount department stores:

• Purchase a converter box. (It resembles a small cable box.) It will include a remote and a coaxial cord.
• Follow the instructions to attach the box to your television.
• Install your TV antenna.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to scan channels and set up screen preferences.

Installing an indoor antenna

A digital TV may pick up a few signals without an antenna, but an older TV with a digital box has to have a TV antenna before you scan for signals. They come in a range of prices. I purchased an inexpensive set of rabbit ears. It took minutes to attach it to my digital box and scan for signals.

I was amazed the first time I watched TV with a converter box and antenna. My TV jumped from receiving 5 channels to 37, including signals from 50 miles away. My favorites are the retro channels that air black and white shows like "The Rifleman" and "The Untouchables." I also really love the difference with the HD channels.

Installing a rooftop antenna?

If you live in an area with geographical or structural obstructions, you should learn more about rooftop antennas. I live in an apartment, where I'm not allowed to have a rooftop antenna, but I've learned that they receive signals from a greater distance and will receive even more free channels. Exterior antennas are a little more complicated to install. From reviewing an antenna installation blog, it sounded a bit complicated, but I was still able to pick up a few tips to pass along.

• You can purchase rooftop antennas for $30. to $300. dollars.
• Be sure to purchase coaxial cable, bands, connectors and other hardware you'll need.
• Assemble the antenna and mast (The metal Pole that elevates the antenna).
• Secure the mast to the best location: the eave of your roof or your chimney.
• Secure your cable to your mast with electrical tape, as a cable that moves freely in a breeze will hinder signal reception.
• Test for the best placement to receive the best signal.
• You can buy an optional rotor to rotate your antenna from inside the house when it needs to be adjusted for a better signal.
• Your digital converter box also has a signal strength indicator that can guide you to receive the best signal.
• If you're working on a roof, have a spotter, someone to look out for danger while you work and also to check the picture quality of your television as you make antenna adjustments.
• The range of channels you receive with a rooftop antenna will vary depending on your location.
• A directional antenna should face the direction of the most powerful TV signal.
• A multidirectional antenna can pull in signals from several directions.

Do you DIY?

There are lots of DIY people who may get excited about the idea of installing an antenna to save money, but the process probably sounds intimidating to most. That could be one reason why people haven't changed to antenna technology even though it would mean the end of monthly cable or satellite fees. If you're not the handy type, you may wish to contact your local TV Antenna professional or check with an online referral service to find a professional in your area.

Article originally published on Yahoo Voices