Demystifying HDTV Antennas: How Do These Alternatives To Monthly Cable Bills Work?

We won’t call it misinformation, but there are plenty of blanks out there to fill in regarding HDTV antennas. First and foremost, these devices have come a long way from the so-called “bunny ears” of years past. What they are capable of – besides saving you hundreds of dollars on monthly cable bills – is providing access to quality programing.

The necessity for HDTV antennas is a direct result of a federal mandate in 2009 for television service providers to switch from analog signals to digital transmissions. These one-and-done purchases can easily save you more than $1,000 per year when factoring for a $100 monthly cable bill. Without an HDTV antenna, you’re in the dark. Despite the best efforts of the federal government to provide vouchers to assist with the switch-over and lessen the cost of a converter box, some consumers simply didn’t get on board or have found other reasons to exit the racket.

How much you want to spend on an HDTV antenna is up to you; some run as low as $7 while other versions top out at nearly $80. Regardless of price, industry experts have conducted hands-on testing that reveals varying levels of success despite what the price tags may tell you. For example, tech experts CNET found in a late 2016 study that a middle-of-the-road option for $40 was their top performer.

Once at home and plugged in to your television, consumers can purchase stands, extension cords and amplifiers to custom tune the HDTV antenna’s appearance and performance. It should be noted that signal strength and constant connection can be affected by a few factors, ranging from distance from a broadcast antenna to physical impediments such as tall buildings, hills or large trees.

The payoff for taking the plunge on an HDTV antenna is access to some of your favorite broadcast programs on stations such as ABC, NBC, CBS and local affiliates of classic movie, sports, and Spanish-language channels. Moreover, many of these primary channels have sub-stations that all broadcast content around the clock. It all adds up to a cost-saving experience that will also keep you and your family entertained.

For more information on HDTV antennas, call 1-973-287-5193.