Learn how to easily set up your own HDTV antenna and make the switch to a free digital television signal with this step-by-step guide.
With the popularity of high-definition (HD) television sets nowadays, nearly everyone is receiving a digital signal for free television. If you are one of those who haven’t switched to an HD TV signal yet, read the guide below so you can make the switch yourself. All you need to do is secure the materials listed below and follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Materials that you will need:
- Digital-to-analog converter
- Mast
- HDTV antenna
- HD tuner, or a TV already fitted with a digital tuner
- Coaxial cable to connect the TV
- Getting your antenna: Your first step is to buy an antenna designed for digital TV use. This is a common piece of hardware and is inexpensive, usually retailing for around $30 to $40 at your local grocery or hardware store.
- Mounting the TV antenna: Your next step is to mount your antenna to an available mast. If you do not have a mast, buy one when you purchase your HDTV antenna. Next, run a cable from the mast to your TV. This is also the time to remove any old indoor antenna, such as rabbit ears. Read the instructions included with your new antenna to be sure.
- Connecting the antenna to a digital tuner: Your next step is to set up your TV tuner and connect it to the antenna. In most cases, the tuner is already built into the television. Just in case your TV does not have one, you can buy a separate digital TV tuner at your favorite hardware store. These converters generally cost around $60, though some models may be eligible for government subsidies. It is best to ask store staff if subsidized units are still in stock, as the government subsidy covers about half the cost.
Once you have your digital TV antenna set up, test it by turning on your TV. Today, many free TV channels broadcast not just digital signals, but true HD signals that maximize the viewing pleasure of your new HD TV. With the advent of clearer LCD and LED television sets, gone are the days of static and grainy images. Whether you are watching your favorite soap opera or a live basketball game, crisp feeds are the modern standard, and you can enjoy them right in your own living room. Additionally, some government programs allot two coupons per family to help cover the cost of TV tuners. These coupons normally expire in 90 days, so be sure to obtain them when you are ready to buy your tuner. Feel free to share this article with friends who haven’t made the switch yet, because analog signals will eventually become obsolete, requiring everyone to adapt to HD TV signals.
How to Set Up an HDTV Antenna
Learn how to easily set up your own HDTV antenna and make the switch to a free digital television signal with this step-by-step guide.
With the popularity of high-definition (HD) television sets nowadays, nearly everyone is receiving a digital signal for free television. If you are one of those who haven’t switched to an HD TV signal yet, read the guide below so you can make the switch yourself. All you need to do is secure the materials listed below and follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Materials that you will need:
- Digital-to-analog converter
- Mast
- HDTV antenna
- HD tuner, or a TV already fitted with a digital tuner
- Coaxial cable to connect the TV
- Getting your antenna: Your first step is to buy an antenna designed for digital TV use. This is a common piece of hardware and is inexpensive, usually retailing for around $30 to $40 at your local grocery or hardware store.
- Mounting the TV antenna: Your next step is to mount your antenna to an available mast. If you do not have a mast, buy one when you purchase your HDTV antenna. Next, run a cable from the mast to your TV. This is also the time to remove any old indoor antenna, such as rabbit ears. Read the instructions included with your new antenna to be sure.
- Connecting the antenna to a digital tuner: Your next step is to set up your TV tuner and connect it to the antenna. In most cases, the tuner is already built into the television. Just in case your TV does not have one, you can buy a separate digital TV tuner at your favorite hardware store. These converters generally cost around $60, though some models may be eligible for government subsidies. It is best to ask store staff if subsidized units are still in stock, as the government subsidy covers about half the cost.
Once you have your digital TV antenna set up, test it by turning on your TV. Today, many free TV channels broadcast not just digital signals, but true HD signals that maximize the viewing pleasure of your new HD TV. With the advent of clearer LCD and LED television sets, gone are the days of static and grainy images. Whether you are watching your favorite soap opera or a live basketball game, crisp feeds are the modern standard, and you can enjoy them right in your own living room. Additionally, some government programs allot two coupons per family to help cover the cost of TV tuners. These coupons normally expire in 90 days, so be sure to obtain them when you are ready to buy your tuner. Feel free to share this article with friends who haven’t made the switch yet, because analog signals will eventually become obsolete, requiring everyone to adapt to HD TV signals.
How to Set Up an HDTV Antenna
By Howtodotips
Learn how to easily set up your own HDTV antenna and make the switch to a free digital television signal with this step-by-step guide.