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Geoffrey Morrison, CNET

You can get free HD content, including sports, news, dramas and comedies, just about everywhere in the US. ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS and more are broadcasting their shows right now, and all you need to get them is an antenna and maybe a separate, inexpensive, tuner. Even better, the entire broadcasting system is going through a change that will lead to free 4K and HDR content, additional programming and more. Amazingly, it will still be free.

NextGen TV, formerly known as ATSC 3.0, has been rolling out across the US for several years. Stations in nearly every major city, and many smaller cities, are already broadcasting in the new standard. Sony, LG, Samsung and Hisense now offer multiple models of built-in NextGen TV tuners. There are also a growing number of stand-alone tuners to add NextGen to just about any TV.

Read the full article on CNET.

 Pearl TV

NEXTGEN TV, the new digital broadcast standard launching across the United States, is getting high praise from viewers. NEXTGEN TV offers stunning pictures, a suite of improved audio features such as Voice + dialogue enhancement and consistent loudness across channels, and interactive capabilities never before seen on over-the-air broadcasting. NEXTGEN TV is the future of television and will improve with more features over time, and viewers are looking forward to the next big thing in television.

Viewers are always in the hunt for the best picture in every new set they purchase—improved video quality is a given. NEXTGEN TV has all the capabilities that bring sharper images, such as high-dynamic range (HDR) with brighter colors and deeper contrasts. But consumers are asking for and expecting more. Better audio, interactive experiences, and televisions that stay up-to-date with the latest technology are all important parts of the viewing experience.

Early this year, Magid surveyed viewers about NEXTGEN TV, following on from 2018 and 2019 research. Year after year, improved audio capabilities resonate strongly with viewers experience, and more than 60% of consumers are using their television’s audio instead of a soundbar or home audio on their primary television. Here’s where NEXTGEN TV can deliver a better experience. Using the Dolby Audio System, Voice + and other Dolby audio features, consumers can experience enhanced audio without additional equipment. Voice + dialogue enhancement boosts the voice over the background noise, making voices clearer. Consistent loudness across channels means viewers changing between NEXTGEN TV channels won’t have to scramble for the remote to frantically adjust the volume or wake up the entire home with a blaring television. These features are available to consumers the moment they set up their NEXTGEN TV and connect their antenna to NEXTGEN TV stations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers became familiar with their connected TVs, learning the ins and outs of their capabilities, features, and applications. Viewers want the ease of everything in one place, a seamless experience, and want their live television delivered like their over-the-top content. NEXTGEN TV, built on the ATSC 3.0 digital broadcast platform, incorporates over-the-air signals with internet capabilities. Broadcasters can now deliver interactive experiences including video on-demand, local weather while developing new features for consumers such as enhanced alerting and sports betting, without viewers needing to upgrade their NEXTGEN TV sets. Features will get better over time.

As NEXTGEN TV becomes available in a growing number of TV markets, it’s easy to find which channels in your area, if any, have already made the transition. Antennaweb.org allows you to enter your home address to find out what NEXTGEN TV channels are currently on air. You can select the option to “show only NEXTGEN TV stations” to quickly see what is available. Stations all around the US are continuing to launch NEXTGEN TV services, so check back often to discover more channels and markets.

To learn more about NEXTGEN TV and how to purchase a set, visit www.watchnextgentv.com. Sony, Samsung, and LG currently have more than 50 models for sale in the US, with more models expected by the end of the year.

NEXTGEN TV is here, and television will never be the same. Look for the NEXTGEN TV logo when purchasing your next television—and welcome to the future of TV.

AntennaWeb Development Team

New features have been added to AntennaWeb, the web site designed to take the guesswork out of choosing the correct outdoor antenna type for your location and viewing needs.

The first new feature is a free television listing built into AntennaWeb for the broadcast stations and channels that may be received at your location with an antenna.

Your TV listing is created and ready for viewing after you have entered your address/ZIP Code information into AntennaWeb. The schedule may be viewed by clicking any of the My Schedule links that appear in the menu bar, in the rotating information panels at the top of the main page, or on the Results page.

The supporting information about your schedule is stored in your browser's memory, so you may recall and view your updated schedule at any time simply by returning to AntennaWeb.

Customizable lineups for broadcast, cable, satellite, and streaming services are also still available for free from  TitanTV.

The second feature in this update to AntennaWeb introduces consumers to NEXTGEN TV, the next step in the evolution of television broadcasting following the transition to all-Digital broadcasting in 2009.

NEXTGEN TV is already available in over 25 markets across the country and that number will continue to grow. By the end of 2021, NEXTGEN TV is projected to be available in 70% of all TV markets.

In the markets where one or more stations are broadcasting in the NEXTGEN TV standard, those stations’ call signs have an -NG appended to them in AntennaWeb’s listings guide to differentiate the NEXTGEN TV broadcast from the current standard.

For more information about the future of TV broadcasting, what it means, and what it offers to you, see the  NEXTGEN TV  topic

 Luke Bouma, Cord Cutter News

Did you know many local channels will be changing their channel number soon? This is part of the recent FCC auction of locals that will force many channels to switch channel numbers this year or next year. That is on top of all the new locals that went live earlier this year and will be rolling out later this year. One or more of them may be right where you live; however, if you don’t look you will never know they are there.

The ability to scan your antenna with your TV to only show stations you can pick up is a great feature. It prevents you from having to manually program your TV or skip channels full of static, but at the same time it hides any new stations that have been released.

Not that long ago I rescanned my TV to find two new different channels: Laff and Comet, giving me access to great comedy and sci-fi content that I had been missing out on for some time.

So, take a few minutes and rescan for new channels. If you are away from home and would like to check if there are any new channels, consider visiting Antenna Web to see what channels will be moving in your area.

I always suggest rescanning channels every few months because over-the-air TV stations are growing in number. Hopefully, you will be as lucky as I was and find a few new stations to enjoy

 Luke Bouma, Cord Cutter News

An antenna is a great way to watch 100% free HD TV from networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Not only that, but in many areas you will also find networks like PBS, The CW, Comet, Buzzr, MeTV, and so many more.

The problem is there are just as many antennas as there are TV networks to pick from. If you buy the wrong one you may find yourself missing out on free networks that you may have otherwise picked up. So today we are going to help you pick the right antenna for you.

The first thing you need to do is find out if an indoor or outdoor antenna is right for you. You can enter your address (enter your location at the top) to find out what channels you can get with an indoor or outdoor antenna.

Now that you know if you want an indoor or outdoor antenna, here are a few options.

BEST INDOOR ANTENNAS

  • Mohu

    Mohu has made a name for themselves as one of the best US made antennas on the market. If you are within 50 miles of the towers you may want to look at the Mohu Curve 50 TV antenna as a great option.

  • Winegard

    Winegard is a popular flat indoor antenna brand. You can find the 50-mile range Winegard antenna on Amazon HERE. It is perfect for hiding behind a curtain or other options.

  • Antennas Direct

    Antennas Direct is well known for its outdoor antenna, but they also have a great indoor antenna called the Eclipse. You can find the Eclipse on Amazon.

  • Channel Master

    Channel Master sells a smart antenna that will help you tune the antenna by steering it to the right settings to pick up the channels you want. You can find the Channel Master SMARTenna+ on Amazon.


BEST OUTDOOR ANTENNAS

  • Antennas Direct

    With the Antennas Direct Clearstream 4Max you will find one of the most powerful antennas on the market right now with an advertised range of 70+ miles.

  • Mohu

    The Mohu Sky is one of the most recognizable antennas for cord cutters. Mohu, based here in the United States, has created a name for themselves for making quality antennas. You can find the Mohu Sky on Amazon.

  • Antop

    The Antop antenna is a powerful antenna for cord cutters with a reported range of up to 85 miles. It even comes with an adjustable booster that allows you to increase the power of the amplifier or turn it down depending on your needs.

There you go, our picks for the best indoor and outdoor antennas for cord cutters. Have one you want to add to this list? Leave us a comment and let us know.

 Luke Bouma, Cord Cutter News

Are you thinking about cord cutting? Are the high cable TV costs plus the fees and long-term contracts driving you crazy? There is good news. Cord cutting may be a great fit for you.

I always recommend new cord cutters to avoid the temptation to race into cord cutting. This often leads to overpaying or buying the wrong device for you. So, when are you ready for cord cutting?

Today I want to offer a great cord cutting checklist of what you should do before you cancel your cable TV subscription. Now, this is our recommendation of what you should do before canceling cable TV. This is our opinion, and you should do what is best for you.

  • Streaming Player for Your TVs
  • Antenna (Optional, But Highly Recommended)
  • Subscribe to Streaming Services
  • Plan for Internet

Detailed Breakdown

Streaming Players: You really need a streaming player to get the most from cord cutting. This could be a smart TV or even a game system you already own. If not, you may want to look into a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Android TV player. That will allow you to watch Netflix and more on your TV.

Antenna: For most Americans, an antenna will give you access to free over-the-air TV. Now you will be able to enjoy channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC among others 100% free. Need help installing a new antenna? Click HERE. Even if you plan to get a streaming service with locals having an antenna will give you more content and always be there even if the internet is out.

Streaming Services: You likely already subscribe to multiple streaming services. It could be Netflix or maybe you have Amazon Prime for shipping, but it includes a large library of movies and TV shows. We suggest that before you cancel cable TV you try out different services and pick the ones you want.

Internet: Before you try to downgrade to internet only we highly suggest you do some research first. The way to get the best deal on internet is to know what the other options in the area are. If you have cable, find out what your local phone company is offering for DSL, for example. That means when you call you can say “I was told I could get DSL for a better deal.” Often, but not always, your current provider will match it. If not, you can always switch to a new ISP.

There you go. My checklist of what you should do before you cancel cable TV. If you want more help checkout our Cord Cutting 101 Guide.

 Brendan Hesse, Digital Trends

A TV antenna used to mean spindly pairs of telescoping metal rods (“rabbit ears”) that required clever positioning (and maybe a little aluminum foil) to work. Luckily, modern technology has whisked antennas into the 21st century. Most popular types today look more like a sheet of paper than a robot rabbit’s noggin and offer high-quality HD broadcasts that best live TV streaming services like SlingTV, and PlayStation Vue, and even cable or satellite.

Yet, with all their advancements, picking the right antenna and finding the best place to put it is still one part science, two parts voodoo. The key to success is to manage your expectations and prepare yourself for a little trial and error. In the end, a little effort goes a long way to helping cord cutters stay off cable for good. Here are some tips on how to install a TV antenna in your home, as well as how to hunt down the perfect one for your location.

GET THE LAY OF THE LAND

You can get a general sense of where you’ll want to put your antenna by visiting sites like Antennaweb.org. Plug in your ZIP Code and street address and the site will show the locations of local TV broadcast antennas relative to your home. It also attempts to suggest which type of antenna you might need (medium multidirectional, small directional, amplified, etc.).

We’ve had mixed results with the antenna suggestion tool. For instance, at our address, a medium-sized directional antenna would appear to be the right choice. Yet, we can pull in nearly every station available with a small, multidirectional antenna. If you live in or around a major metropolitan area, you may also find this to be the case.

Once you know where the broadcast antennas are, consider the geographical landscape between those towers and your home. If there are any large, high-elevation objects within your line of sight, or if you live in a deep valley, you may find that you’ll need to place your antenna in the attic, on the roof, or even up in a tree to get solid reception. Conversely, if you live in an elevated area, you may find you can easily pull in a great signal, even from far away.

If you live in a downtown area where there are a lot of high-rise buildings, all bets are off. This is because most of the signals you pull in will be reflected off of other buildings, and there’s no telling where they’ll come from. This doesn’t mean you can’t get reception, it just means you may not be able to get all channels from any single antenna placement.

PICKING AN ANTENNA

If you’ve done any research at all, you know there are a lot of antennas to choose from, but in our experience, we’ve had the best results using models from Mohu, Clearstream, and Channel Master. We suggest you check out our frequently updated list of the best indoor HD antennas, which includes the best models we’ve reviewed recently (plus an outdoor model or two, to boot).

If you’re shopping around more generally, however, here are some basic tips to guide you in your search.

The first is reception direction. By and large, most antennas on the market these days are omnidirectional, meaning they can pick up signals regardless of which way they’re facing. That said, some only receive signals from one or two directions. Keep in mind which direction(s) nearby broadcast towers are in relation to your home, and look for antennas that can be easily mounted for the best possible reception.

While the reception direction is important, don’t forget to pay attention to the reception range as well. Most antennas will likely pick up channels if you live in metro or suburban areas, but things get less certain the farther away you live from signal towers. Again, you can find the distance to your nearest broadcast point(s) using the antennaweb tool.

You’ll generally find antennas with 20, 30, 40, or 50-mile reception ratings, but be aware that the ranges listed by manufacturers are only estimates and may not be fully accurate as there are no universal testing criteria, not to mention that environmental factors will impact reception. As long as you’re well within an antenna’s listed operating range, you should be fine, but if you’re on the edge it’s better to go for something with broader reception.

Speaking of reception, amplified antennas may help, but the term “amplified” can be misleading. Essentially, the amplifiers built into these antennas make weak signals stronger so your TV’s tuner will more accurately recognize it. Amplifiers don’t improve reception quality, however. In fact, it’s not recommended to use an amplifier when it is not necessary. This can actually degrade the signal you send your television, which means worse picture quality. In general, amplifiers are only a good idea if you live 50 miles or more from broadcast towers, or if you’re pushing the signal from a single antenna out to multiple TVs. If you happen to live very far out from a tower, an outdoor antenna may be a better choice, anyway.

Outdoor antennas are generally bigger and more durable than their indoor counterparts, and while being outside and mounted to a roof might grant them better reception than even an amplified indoor model, they’re going to cost you. In some instances, an outdoor antenna might be the right pick — especially if you live in rural areas, or if your home can accommodate one. Otherwise, an indoor model will work just fine.

The last thing to keep in mind is the signal type an antenna can pick up. There are two main signal types: VHF and UHF. The difference between the two essentially comes down to which channels are broadcast in those frequencies. VHF covers channels 2-13, while 14-51 are UHF. The good news is that most antennas pick up both VHF and UHF just fine, but there are some that can only pick up one signal type or the other, and some antennas may be better at picking up one over the other. This information is usually clearly noted in the product descriptions.

WHERE DO I PUT THIS THING?

This is the part where you need to embrace the practice of trial and error. There are so many factors that play into broadcast-signal reception that the best place for your antenna might be the last place you’d think to put it. With that said, we do have some general guidelines to offer:

  • Closest to the broadcast towers — Generally, you should be better off trying to capture a direct signal rather than one reflected off your neighbor’s house.
  • In a window — The portion without the metal screen tends to work best.
  • High on a wall — Conventional wisdom suggests higher is better.
  • Behind the TV — If you’ve got no problems pulling in reception, a tiny antenna like the Mohu Metro or HD Frequency Mini can be hidden right behind a TV. We’ve gotten better results placing the antenna toward the top of the TV rather than the bottom, where the TV’s electronics tend to live.
  • Outside — There are both indoor-outdoor hybrids and dedicated outdoor antennas that can be tacked onto your home’s siding (see our first placement tip), mounted on your rooftop, or even out in the yard. These can often be tied into a home’s existing co-axial cable block, allowing for the signal to be split to several rooms. If you do so, you may want to use an amplified splitter to maintain signal integrity.

Once you’ve picked a general location, or if you just want to experiment with several locations, connect your antenna to your TV and set it to scan for channels. Based on your search at Antennaweb.org, you should know how many channels are in your area. When your TV is done scanning, it should not only tell you how many channels it has found but which ones are locked in. If you see any missing channels, try a different location and re-scan. Rinse and repeat until you’ve found the best possible location.

Special note: If you live out in the boonies, you’ll need to elevate your antenna, which means buying a mast, mast mount, and a long length of coaxial cable — and doing some climbing. How high the antenna must be mounted will depend on your situation. See anyone else around with an antenna set up? You probably need to go as high.

Customize your channel list

Chances are, you are going to wind up scanning and programming channels you have absolutely zero interest in receiving. Most TVs allow you to add or delete channels from your list manually. Make channel flipping a little easier by ditching the ones you don’t want. If you’re a Plex user, you can also connect your antenna to your Plex server with a TV tuner, creating a sort of makeshift TV service complete with DVR.

Freedom

That’s it! We hope this little guide has been helpful. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. We think you’ll find the picture quality you get with broadcast HD is far better than what you get from your cable or satellite company. In fact, since it’s uncompressed, it will likely be the best picture you get outside of UHD Blu-ray discs. Some manufacturers are even future-proofing their antennas with 4K support, so those who have a 4K UHD TV will even get to take full advantage of their TV’s ultra-high definition capabilities.

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