Picking an antenna

Dropping cable means losing access to all the channels that are included in the cable package. That means not just channels such as Fox News, ESPN, HGTV, Hallmark, and the like, but also local channels. To pick up your local ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC station, you need to either pay for an expensive ($73/month or more) streaming service, or get a TV antenna. The initial cost of an antenna may be more than $73 -- mine was a lot more -- over time, it's actually cheaper.

The problem with getting an antenna is making sure you go about it the right way. Finding the right TV antenna depends on several things, such as your location, your distance from the broadcast towers, and the specific channels that you want to get. So, with that in mind, here are some you'll need to do, if you want to do it right:

• Check your Location. Use online tools like AntennaWeb.org or TV Fool to find the direction of the closest towers as well as the distance to them.
• Choose the Right Type: There are indoor and outdoor antennae. Indoor antennae are only useful if your area has a strong signal. I had to get an outdoor antenna, which is better for areas with weaker signals or greater distances from the towers.
• Consider the Range: Antennae have different ranges, so you need to choose one with a range that covers the distance between your location and the towers. A higher range is beneficial for areas with weaker signals. Avoid any antenna that makes outrageous claims about distance. There is no such thing as a 200 mile antenna. Anyone that says their antennae will pick up that range is lying.
• Directional or Multi-Directional: Directional antennae are designed to receive signals from a specific direction. Multi-directional antennae are able to pick up signals from multiple directions. Choose what you need based on the location of the various towers. I was fortunate in that all four towers in my area are all in the same direction.
• Amplified or Non-Amplified: Amplified antennae come with signal boosters. Those can be helpful in areas with weak signals. I have one because I need one. If you are in an area with strong signals, a non-amplified antenna may be fine.
• Check Frequency Bands: Be sure that the antenna you choose supports both VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) channels, as different channels operate on different frequency bands. The online tools mentioned earlier have both the virtual channel and the actual RF channel of the stations. The RF channel is what's important.
• Installation: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Outdoor antennae may require mounting on the roof or a mast. I paid someone to install mine.
• Test and Adjust: After installation, scan for channels on your TV and make adjustments to the antenna position if necessary. This may involve rotating or repositioning the antenna for optimal signal reception. If you pay someone to install your antenna, they should take care of this. You should ensure they do.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of a TV antenna can vary based on your specific location. It might be helpful to consult with a local electronics retailer or seek recommendations from neighbors with similar setups. What worked for them might just work for you.

My Streaming Life has improved since I got my antenna working again. It was a good investment for me.