At least 6.6 million Americans cancelled their cable TV subscription in 2020. That’s the largest year-to-year drop in cable subscribers ever.
With many people out of work and getting by with limited budgets, cable TV was the item many chose to cancel. That said, people have been abandoning their cable over the past decade.
If you’ve cut the cable but don’t want to pay for yet another streaming service, there’s always antenna TV. But, many people deal with antenna installation mistakes as it’s not a perfect science.
Luckily, we’ve made note of the most common antenna setup problems so you can avoid them.
1. Not Asking for Help
If you’re making the switch from cable to antenna, you should expect a bit of a learning curve. That said, you don’t have to go it alone.
You can hire a TV antenna specialist for help. Since you may have to get on your roof to place the antenna, it can be dangerous. It also takes some trial and error to find the best reception, which can be frustrating for a DIYer.
2. Skimping on Equipment
While you’re likely cancelling cable to save money, it’s not wise to skimp on your antenna equipment. Unlike cable, antenna supplies come with a one-time payment.
You’ll save money in the long run by not choosing a super cheap antenna. The same goes for reusing old coax cables. Spend a little more money and you’ll likely get a stronger signal with less time adjusting the antenna.
3. Forgetting to Check TV and Antenna Compatibility
Another frustrating mistake you might be making is choosing an antenna without checking its compatibility with your TV. Not all types of antennas will pair with your TV.
This is often a problem if you choose an older antenna but you have a newer TV. Make sure your antenna is compatible with your TV before you buy it.
4. Skipping an Antenna Booster
A great way to boost antenna signal without buying a more expensive model is to use a TV antenna booster. If you use too many TV splitters or live in a low signal area, that can also be an issue.
High quality antenna boosters can cut down on interference by filtering out mobile phone radio waves. They can be tricky to install, so it’s often helpful to contact an antenna specialist.
5. Picking the Wrong Type of Antenna
There are many different types of antennas, from indoor, attic, or digital models. The type you’ll need depends on the signal strength in your area and how many TVs you’ll want to use.
If you live close to a broadcast tower, you might get away with an indoor model. But if it’s any further away, you’ll likely need a stronger outdoor antenna to get the channels you want. You can check the reception strength in your area by visiting the FCC’s website.
You’ll also need to know what type of frequencies in your area. An antenna specialist or a store clerk at a place like Best Buy can help.
Avoid These Antenna Installation Mistakes
An antenna can provide you with free TV at very little cost. As long as you avoid these antenna installation mistakes, you’ll get to enjoy TV whenever you want.
For more practical advice like this, keep scrolling through our blog.
