Cutting the Cable/Satellite
Photos: Doug Quick (top)
"No Cable" (right)
There is a strong movement taking place for many households when it comes to television. The seemingly quarterly rate increases for cable TV and Satellite delivery has gotten subscriber's attention. Another frustration for viewers is the annoying re-transmission negotiation “blackouts” causing them to miss their favorite shows.
Currently, the major cable and satellite providers are in the midst of minus growth when it comes to the number of households they service. It seems many are looking elsewhere for video services. It's called “cutting the cord” in reference to the 75ohm cable which brings households dozens if not hundreds of TV channels in standard and high definition with cable TV....or satellite.
Fortunately, one free alternative has been under our noses, or should I say over our heads, for years. However, we've become so dependent on cable and satellite delivery that we've forgotten the old-fashioned antenna.
Now, many are installing TV antennas in their homes as an alternative to cable. The type of antenna needed to pick up the maximum number of signals depends on where the viewers' homes are in relation to the location of the broadcast transmitter/tower/antenna. When dealing with multiple TV stations, each with a different location, things can get complicated. That's why I'm offering some hints on what choices you may have to maximize your viewing potential.
Since the digital changeover 20 years ago, we've seen vast improvements in the local TV signals and the quality of the broadcasts. Technically, stations over the last 35 years have had to “clean up their act” by eliminating the use of 16mm films for movies and syndicated off-network programs. Most programming began to be distributed digitally via satellite, so stations would have to record them during “feed” times for playback from high-quality videotapes or now downloaded from the internet to HD formats. When high definition broadcasting began, it took local stations several years to catch up with full high definition broadcasting, much like the color transition took place in the 1960s and 70s. Now virtually all local TV stations broadcast in high definition full time, commercials, network, syndicated, and locally produced newscasts and programs. Using automation at the master control of stations puts everything together with the ultimate precision seen only from the networks before.
One programming method is not included here, but it offers many channels, many of which are pretty popular. TV streaming has become the "go-to" method of receiving popular channels, but unfortunately, there isn't just one source for obtaining those channels. TV internet streaming of many providers, some free with commercials, and others are pay-to-watch sources. To receive the more popular networks (Netflix, Prime, Paramount-Plus, etc.), your cost would reach near or above what you would pay for cable or satellite.
One of these days, I'll dive into the streaming story, but it's ever-changing, and it would be challenging to stay up to date. Several YouTube channels offer updates on various streaming services. If you're interested in that subject, search for them on YouTube.
We've also seen the addition of multiple channels coming from the same signal. Now it's not just one channel coming from one signal. Many combine 1-3 high-def channels on one signal or one high-def channel and three standard-def channels. So what type of programming is available on those extra channels? What started as a way to promote weather coverage was that some channels broadcast weather radar images with audio from NOAA weather radio. Those days are over. There are now dozens of “sub-channel networks” available to local broadcasters, which require little, if any, effort to their operation, but can be set up for local commercial availability, which can help the revenue of the station, and can also be used to air promotional announcements for the station. Most stations agree to add them to their signal for a share of the advertising revenue, much of it from "per inquiry" or "per sale" advertising.
Nostalgia is big within some of the most popular “sub-channel networks.” MeTV, Antenna TV, Decades, GRIT, Heroes, Laff, getTV, Heroes and Icons, Buzzr, and others have made recycled TV popular again. Sitcoms, dramas, and game shows are all fair game for these networks. Some deal with ethnic programming for Latino audiences, including news, entertainment, and sports. Others are based on lifestyle or religious programming.
Over the last few years, we've seen many low-powered stations crop up, placed by investors who get a licence to broadcast a TV signal, most low-power, and then offer subchannels for lease. That's the home of many of these networks, as shown below.
This use of the local digital signal to add channels to each makes the addition of an antenna to your home so valuable. You don't pay for any of these channels. They're free once you've invested in what is needed to receive the local channels.
Photos: Doug Quick Collection
The advantages of having your own antenna system
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The quality of the broadcast is better because the signal is not compressed, as the cable company and satellite services do, to reduce the amount of bandwidth needed.
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No loss of signal due to retransmission disputes between the provider and a station group.
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No rain outages to "blackout" satellite reception
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There will be no cable outages during bad weather or when a neighbor's tree falls across the cable feed line to your home.
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You will be able to receive all of the sub-channels that are not included in satellite coverage.e
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You can receive all the main channels, but sometimes it is not included with satellite or cable packages.
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Once you've made the equipment investment, it's free!
The disadvantages of having your own antenna system
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The initial cost can vary depending on the antenna style (s), the support structure(if needed), and the rotor needed to aim a single antenna. A multiple antenna system may be required, depending on your location and the location of the stations you're trying to receive
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Lightning can be an issue if your antenna system is the highest point on your home. I recommend unplugging its power supply, disconnecting your antenna lead in your home between your antenna pre-amp and your TVs during lightning storms. I would also recommend a "backup" antenna in your attic or other location, making it far less susceptible to getting a lightning strike. Just plug it into the house feed after the power supply. You might not get the best signal on all your channels, but at least you can watch something. Connect your antenna lead before plugging in your antenna amplifier when you reconnect our outside antenna.
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It's not necessarily a "do it yourself" project. If you are uncertain, do your homework, study up on what you'll need to install BEFORE you make any purchases. Keep in mind people have been electrocuted installing antenna's and TV towers that come in contact with power lines!!
Along with the "regular" local network affiliates, you'll also be able to get many of the networks shown above. Note that you won't get ALL of them as some might not be seen in your area. Check out the TV Today pages on this site to see what is available in your area.
Links to antenna installation equipment/merchants sites:
For details on internet providers in your area, go to any of these sites:
The Best Internet Providers in My Area
I am not associated with or receive any monetary reward for listing the above sites. Others will be added as I discover them and qualify their information as being helpful.
Since Radio Shack's demise, only a few offline brick-and-mortar stores have stocked antenna accessories and supplies. In central Illinois, Menards is one of the numerous stores offering home antenna accessories. Notice, even though I shop there, I receive no payment or consideration from Menards for mentioning them here. I mention them because most everyone is familiar with the store no matter where you live in mid-Illinois. There may be other local businesses that could also be a source within a regional area, but as far as I know, only Menards has locations in most major cities.
Before you invest, find out what you'll need. Go to Long Range Signal, which will direct you to TVfool.com or channelmaster.com to find out what stations you'll find available before you build your antenna system. Note the directions for the stations from your home. From that, you'll discover if you need a rotor to aim your antenna in the right direction for the station you're trying to get.
If you're close to most stations, you might consider a multi-directional antenna set up, which would require no rotor and would receive all stations from all directions. If they're farther away, though, you'll need a more directional system, which will allow you to receive distant stations in your area. You might even need an amplifier to boost the signal, even from a larger antenna.
Some antennae can be roof-mounted with minimum hardware, but others may require more height to receive your local stations. A tripod mount with a mast may be needed, like mine shown above, to give your antenna more stabilization during higher winds. Guy wires may also be needed to support your antenna, once again, like mine shown above.
Below are pictures of products you may want to consider when building your antenna system from Menards. The prices of those items are also shown, along with comments from me, which may help you. Click on each picture for a larger view.
(Left) If you're lucky and live somewhere you can receive all the stations you need with an indoor antenna, here's one that may work for you. You will need to move it around a bit, though. Place it near an outside wall or window to maximize its ability to receive the signals.
(Left): One thing you'll need if you choose an outdoor antenna is a way to connect it to your TV or TVs in your home. Use RG-6 cable like that shown here.. It's cheaper usually in bulk boxes, but consider you'll need hardware (tools) to connect the cable ends. I recommend the weatherproof outdoor connectors for all connections. They're slightly more expensive but worth it!
No matter which antenna you choose, you'll probably need a "mast" to support your antenna if you decide on the tripod antenna mount. Frankly, I'm not a big fan of what is shown here, but I suppose it would be OK under normal conditions. Frankly, I use heavy electrical conduit pipe and it has worked for years with no issues. I previously had a similar mast like that shown here and had it bend in a wind storm a number of years ago.
One other suggestion, I would recommend is grounding your antenna system. A grounding rod shown here to the left of the masts would help in keeping your antenna from becoming a hazard during electrical storms. simply insert a "grounding block" (also available at Menards around $3) in your downlead of RG-6 coax. Connect a copper grounding wire to the grounding block (ask someone at Menards for help) and run to the grounding rod which you have inserted in the earth below. It's no big deal and may save your equipment from being zapped. I still unplug the master antenna lead to the amplifier power supply whenever it storms.
Pictured here to the left are two antenna mounts you might want to consider. The first one would support most multi-directional antennas like the ones shown at the very top of this page. For something a little larger, and if you need more height, consider the tripod mount shown closest to the left. That's the mount I have on my antenna and combined with a guy wire system it has been in service for well over 10-years with no problems.
I don't have any personal experience with this particular antenna, but it seems to other sources to be highly recommended. It doesn't weigh much and won't create a heavy wind load which will make installation easier, BUT it only points in one direction and rotor may be needed to turn and aim the antenna to the station you're trying to watch.
(Above Right): There are two items here you may need. First on the right is an antenna amplifier and power supply. The black rounded box shown is mounted on the mast below the antenna. The cable from the antenna feeds to the appropriate connector on the box, while the other connected feeds to the power supply which will be in your home, and ultimately feed the signal to your TV (s).
One other thing is the video distribution amp in the red and white blister pack shown here. It will boost your signal from your amplified antenna for distribution to all of the other TVs in your home which are connected via RG-6 cable from the outputs on the distribution amp.
If you have an open ceilinged basement, your set up will be much easier as you will be able to run your cables there. Note: avoid running cable near or across AC power cables in your home. If you have a crawl space, it'll be more difficult, but not impossible.
I'm including several videos by an antenna installer known as the "antenna man." He's spot on in his presentations and provides some great information..... Since posting these some time ago, he has many updated videos. I suggest going to his YouTube channel and subscribing to it to receive the latest updates!
VHF vs. UHF bands great explanation
ATSC 3.0
2025-0419 Tyler the Antenna Man makes recommendations on filing comments on the encryption of ATSC 3.0 broadcasts.
Do indoor antenna's work? For those of us here in central Illinois, probably not to your satisfaction. Here the "antenna man" explains why you should take the plunge for a better antenna!
Video Streaming Alternative
So, after you cancel your cable or satellite subscription, how do you watch "House Hunters" on HGTV, MSNBC, CNN, A&E, or any of the other cable networks? The answer is a Video Streaming Service. For details on what you need and how it works, check out this link, HotDog.com.
I am not associated with or receive any monetary reward for listing the above sites.
Others will be added as I discover them and qualify their information as being helpful.