Did you know that the average household in the United States spends $217 per month on their cable package? What’s worse, so much of that expense comes from hidden fees your cable company uses to siphon hundreds of extra dollars per year.
It’s time to stand up to cable and take back your TV! And there’s no easier way to do that than with an outdoor TV antenna.
At the same time, we understand that the outdoor TV antenna installation process can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve detailed five great tips you can use to make things easier.
Keep reading for more!
Table of Contents
1. Find the Direction of Your Nearest Broadcast Tower
Finding local digital channels is a cinch thanks to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website. By entering your zip code, you can learn about local channel availability, as well as your distance from the closest tower.
Plus, their website offers information on the signal strength of the channels you’ll receive.
2. Buy a Strong, Sturdy Antenna
Using the information collected from the previous step, you’ll have a better idea of what type of antenna you’ll need.
If you’re close to a broadcast antenna and can get away with it, a small, flat antenna outside of your window might suffice.
In most situations, though, you’ll need something stronger. When shopping for antennas, pay close attention to the purported range. The higher the amplification, the stronger your signal will be and the more channels you’ll receive.
3. Don’t Skimp on the Cabling
Outdoor antennas can take a beating, especially if you’re in an area with harsh weather conditions. Therefore, you’ll need to pick up some cabling that can withstand the elements.
As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the cable, the more protection it offers.
Admittedly, this is where things get a little sticky, as there’s a lot of tech lingo that can be confusing. All you need to know is that your best bet is an RG6 or quad-shield cable.
4. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Scan and Scan Again
Once you’ve secured your outdoor antenna, head inside, turn on your TV, and scan for channels. This process might take a few minutes, but don’t worry, that’s normal.
Are you receiving all the channels the FCC website mentioned? If not, you might need to make some adjustments.
Sure, this part of the TV antenna installation process can be frustrating, but it beats paying for cable.
Don’t be afraid to keep scanning until you’re satisfied. Even a slight antenna adjustment can help you pull in more channels.
5. Consider Letting the Pros Handle It
At the end of the day, it’s better to spend a bit more and hire a professional installation service than risk your safety and well-being.
Hiring an antenna installation service not only means you won’t have to climb onto your roof yourself, but you’ll also get the best possible reception. Since antenna installation companies are familiar with the best practices, they can ensure your antenna is in the best location and remains secure.
You can visit this website to find out more.
Get Free TV With These Outdoor TV Antenna Installation Tips
You’ll be watching free TV in no time thanks to these outdoor TV antenna installation tips. Remember, hiring an installation service may cost more, but it’s ultimately worth the premium.
If you’re interested in more helpful content, make sure to check back with our blog!
