Want To Watch TV For Free? There’s A World Beyond Monthly Cable Bills

While you could spend evenings in your friend’s living room or peeking through restaurant windows to check the score on the big game, let’s be honest, that’s going to get inconvenient after a while. Given the monthly cost of the average cable bill, it’s almost forgivable – keyword: “almost” – to resort to that kind of behavior.

The reason we aren’t advocating for setting up shop on your buddy’s couch is because it’s possible to watch TV for free; you just need to make a one-and-done purchase of an HDTV antenna to reap the benefits.

According to a late 2016 Fortune magazine study, the average monthly cable bill in the U.S. has now topped $100: $103.10, which is up from $99 in 2015.

What’s more, the report adds that cable bills jumped just shy of 40 percent between 2011 and 2015. A national media and entertainment research group found in September 2016 that 82 percent of U.S. households subscribed to some sort of pay-TV service. However, the study found that the most recent figure is actually a decrease from 2011 when 87 percent of homes here were subscribers.

For those opting out, the Leichtman Research Group, Inc. research study found that 6 percent of households who were current TV subscribers planned to cut the cord for good within the next six months. On average, those who pay for a television service are spending $1,200 annually for their entertainment.

For those looking to watch TV for free, purchase of an HDTV antenna could cost you as little as $7 or a little closer to $80. Still, either of those figures represents a one-time purchase that will provide you with major network stations such as ABC, NBC and CBS alonside special interest options like international news, classic movie, sports and Spanish-language channels. For more information on how to watch TV for free, call 1-973-287-5193.

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.

Which Is Best HD Antenna To Fit Your Needs? We Break Down Major Considerations

The 2009 federal mandate that required television broadcasters to switch from analog signals to digital broadcasts wasn’t without conflict for consumers. Although the transition was aided by vouchers – backed by the U.S. government to lessen the financial burden borne by the change – some were still left in the dark while searching for a converter box to purchase. If you’re looking for the best HD antenna, however, we’re here to run through the basics, your options are what they could cost.

The basics: The best HD antennas will provide reception for major broadcast channels, including PBS, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX,  ION or CW as well as some sports, news, weather, classic movie, Spanish-language and children’s channels. It’s important to differentiate between these offerings and cable programming, which isn’t accessible with devices such as this.

The caveats: In addition to the fact that cable shows simply are not programming that even the best HD antenna can access, signal strength depends on distance from broadcasting antennas. However, those within 25 miles will see results. Further, interference due to things like tall buildings or trees are part of the equation to consider. Still, experts say those looking to cut down on monthly entertainment bills should be pleased with what HD antennas are capable of.

The options: Technology websites have countless rundowns of HD antennas for those looking to cut cords with cable bills. These hands-on tests studied design, indoor aesthetics and the number of channels that were actually watchable. Some more recognizable brands are competing with relative upstarts, with varying results.

The cost: From as low as $7 to nearly $80, consumers have plenty of choices when it comes to the best HD antennas – not to mention add-ons that are marketed as amplified offerings. According to a late 2016 test by the technology company CNET, budget pricing didn’t necessarily translate to poor performance. The opposite was also true for top-tier offerings. Research is king when it comes to picking out the best HD antenna to fit your budget, geography and expectations.

For additional information on the best HD antenna, call  1-973-287-5193.

Save Money with Free Cable TV

Are you tired of spending too much on your cable TV subscription? The average cable customer spends around $100 a month on cable TV. It seems like no matter what cable provider or package you choose, your bill ends up being around $100 a month. This equates to about $1,200 a year for cable TV.

A 2015 study found the average cable bill increased a whopping 39% in just five years. And those bills will keep rising. Another report predicts cable bills will top $200 by 2020.

To avoid rising cable costs, many people are "cutting the cord" and ditching their cable subscriptions. The primary reason for cord cutting is the rising cost of cable bills. 

Research shows 90% of households in the United States are within range to stream free over-the-air HD TV. So, by cutting the cord with your cable provider, you can save over $1,000 a year and still have access to cable TV. 

To get free cable TV, all you need is a digital HD antenna, which lets you broadcast network shows for free. An HD antenna is the simplest and cheapest solution for watching live television. Digital antennas are inexpensive and, unlike cable subscriptions, they don't come with a contract, monthly fee or unexpected rate increases. Your HD antenna can be used with any TV, making it easy to watch your favorite network shows. This is the best method for getting local broadcast stations and watching sports and news.  

When using a digital HDTV antenna, it's best to be located within 25 miles of a broadcast antenna. Most households can receive the top-rated networks, including ABC, CBS, PBS, NBC, FOX, ION, CW, and Qubo. Most can also receive 24-hour sports programming, 24-hour news and weather, and a 24-hour classic movie channel. 

Cut the cord with your cable TV provider, and enjoy free cable TV with a digital HDTV antenna.