Our phones have been ringing off the hook with people looking for ways to save money by canceling cable, watch their local news, broadcast networks and live events like the Big Game (sending a big congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs!). It’s still amazing to us how many people don’t realize that you can watch broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW and more LIVE and for FREE with a TV antenna! Yes, a TV antenna, but not the rabbit ears you might be picturing from your grandparent’s house.
CNN Underscored reporter Henry Casey reached out to our VP of Marketing, Christine Hand, to ask some of the most common questions about TV antennas: how do they work, how to choose the right antenna for your location and top tips for installation. The #1 tip we can give is to do your research! Not only on specific antennas, but on YOUR location. The best antenna for you will depend on where you live, your surroundings, where the transmitter towers are located and even the building materials of where you live. When in doubt, you can give our customer service a call at 877-825-5572. They can perform a free signal analysis for your location to help determine the best antenna for YOU. This can of course be different than the antenna your friend Susan has at her house 30 miles away or even your aunt the next town over!
It’s also important to look at the specifics on the antenna’s product listing. Are the range claims realistic? If an antenna is claiming anything more than 200 miles, RUN! The curvature of the Earth will block most over-the-air broadcast signals at roughly 70 miles away. That means, it’s generally impossible to deliver the 100+ mile range claims that some antenna manufacturers boast. And while you’re looking at their listings and product details, keep an eye on the channels they claim you can receive. It’s common to see some antenna manufacturers claim you can watch Nickelodeon and CNN with the antenna… which is IMPOSSIBLE because those are cable channels!
Once you’ve decided on the best antenna for you, it’s time to test out the best location. You can download our Antenna Point app for free on Android and iOS, this is great tool to show you the location of the transmitter towers so you know which direction to point your antenna. It might take moving the antenna a few times and rescanning for channels before you find that sweet spot, but don’t give up hope! In a matter of minutes you can start watching your favorite broadcast networks.
We were thrilled to see CNN recommended our Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro Amplified Indoor HDTV antenna and the Mohu Gateway Plus Amplified Indoor HDTV antenna as 2 of the best TV antennas you can buy. We certainly agree! They’re both extremely powerful for indoor antennas with unique, modern designs that blend in seamlessly with your décor. Not only are they attractive, but they’re powerful and highly rated online.
What other TV antenna or cord cutting questions do you have? Feel free to give us a call, shoot us a message on social media or leave a comment. We love to shine a light on cutting the cord and helping to spread the good news!
