Does a smart TV need an antenna to get local channels?


While smart TVs typically come with built-in antennas, they are used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity — not for picking up free-to-air channels. You can always try using a less sophisticated analog antenna, but there's a good chance you'll experience signal problems.

How can I get local channels on my smart TV without antenna?

YouTube TV, Hulu Live and DIRECTV STREAM are three of the premium live TV streaming services that carry local network stations. I refer to these as cable 2.0 services. They offer bundles of popular cable networks, plus access to your local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and perhaps PBS, for about $70 a month.

Can a smart TV work without an antenna?

If some channels on the Smart TV are available free-to-air, you should stick to watching via the antenna. If there are not available, watch them on the cable TV network. You can also stream local channels online without needing any antenna or cable TV if online broadcasts are available.

What type of antenna do I need for a smart TV?

Smart TVs don't require a specific kind of TV antenna. Picking the right TV antenna has more to do with your proximity to local broadcast towers. Generally speaking, if you live 35 miles away or under from broadcast towers, an indoor TV antenna will likely work for you.

How can I get TV channels without an antenna?

If you are wondering how to get free to air channels without an antenna, or if it is possible, you'll be pleased to know that you can do so by watching content over the web using your digital TV. While you won't need an antenna, you will need an internet connection that is set up to a smart TV.

Can a smart TV work without an antenna?

If some channels on the Smart TV are available free-to-air, you should stick to watching via the antenna. If there are not available, watch them on the cable TV network. You can also stream local channels online without needing any antenna or cable TV if online broadcasts are available.

What type of antenna do I need for a smart TV?

Smart TVs don't require a specific kind of TV antenna. Picking the right TV antenna has more to do with your proximity to local broadcast towers. Generally speaking, if you live 35 miles away or under from broadcast towers, an indoor TV antenna will likely work for you.

How do I get regular local channels on my smart TV?

Connect a cable or antenna and scan for channels You have to connect an antenna or cable and then scan for local stations. Once you do this, available channels nearby will be yours to watch! First, make sure you have an antenna or a cable box already installed and set up to go.

Does smart TV have built-in antenna?

While smart TVs typically come with built-in antennas, they are used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity — not for picking up free-to-air channels. You can always try using a less sophisticated analog antenna, but there's a good chance you'll experience signal problems.

How do I add an antenna to my smart TV?

Connect the antenna to the input port. Find the antenna port on the back of your TV, then plug in the antenna and tighten the connector (if possible). If you're using an extension cable, connect the cable to the antenna as well as the TV's input port.

Do all Smart TVs need an aerial?

Smart TVs do not come with built-in antennas. They still require a working TV aerial for them to work for live TV. You can't watch Freeview live without an aerial socket.

How do I get local channels on my smart TV without internet?

Connect the antenna cable to your TV or DVR. Scan for channels. If you're able to get a good-quality picture and channels, you can even purchase an antenna DVR and record content so that you're able to watch whenever you want and skip through commercials.

Do new TVs need an antenna?

To get Next Gen TV you won't need a new antenna, your cheap antenna will be useful for a long time. That's the good news. The bad news is that you will need a new TV or external tuner box. TVs with NextGen TV tuners are already here but they're mostly expensive, and only a couple of tuner boxes are available now.

What is the best antenna for a smart TV without cable?

Best TV antenna overall The Gesobyte amplified TV antenna is an almost perfect choice for anyone who has cut the cord with their cable or satellite provider. It's capable of picking up over-air, digital broadcast channels within a 250 mile range thanks to a signal booster.

Can you get channels on a smart TV without cable?

Can a smart TV get channels from the internet?

Any device that is connected to the internet can stream content, such as your phone or your smart TV.

How can I get local channels without a provider?

You can get an HD TV antenna, subscribe to a specific channel's app, subscribe to a live TV streaming service, watch the live stream of your local news station's newscast on their website, watch your local news channel on their YouTube page, or watch Pluto TV.

Is there an app for free local TV?

NewsON is a free news streaming app that offers live and on-demand news. The app covers 275 channels in over 165 US markets. NewsON is free to download for consumption across all the major streaming providers; these include Roku and Chromecast, among others. In fact, it's one of the best ways to watch local TV on Roku.

Is there an app to watch local TV?

With LocalBTV, you can watch local TV stations on your smartphone or laptop, or by streaming to your TV —simply launch and you're live! LocalBTV is available in 48 US markets with more coming soon!

Can a smart TV work without an antenna?

If some channels on the Smart TV are available free-to-air, you should stick to watching via the antenna. If there are not available, watch them on the cable TV network. You can also stream local channels online without needing any antenna or cable TV if online broadcasts are available.

What type of antenna do I need for a smart TV?

Smart TVs don't require a specific kind of TV antenna. Picking the right TV antenna has more to do with your proximity to local broadcast towers. Generally speaking, if you live 35 miles away or under from broadcast towers, an indoor TV antenna will likely work for you.

Why won't my TV pick up local channels?

The signal could be lost in the coaxial cable distribution. If you are using a splitter, this could also weaken signal strength. Try disconnecting the splitter and running the cable directly into the TV/converter box and run a channel scan. If reception improves, a distribution amplifier is likely to be the solution.

How can I get free local channels on my TV?

You can get an HD TV antenna, subscribe to a specific channel's app, subscribe to a live TV streaming service, watch the live stream of your local news station's newscast on their website, watch your local news channel on their YouTube page, or watch Pluto TV.

Why is my smart TV not finding channels?

First check that your TV is set to the correct Source or Input, try changing the Source or Input to AV, TV, Digital TV or DTV if you haven't already. If your “No Signal” message is not due to incorrect Source or Input being selected, then it's most likely caused by a set up or antenna fault.

Can you use a smart TV just like a regular TV?

Summary. There are several methods you can use to watch content on your smart TV without Wi-Fi access. Some are simple like watching local stations with an external antenna or playing discs on a connected device.

Can I watch free to air without an antenna?

Can You Watch Digital TV Without an Antenna? If you are wondering whether you can access the free to air channels without an antenna, the answer is a resounding yes. You will be pleased to know that all you need is an internet connection. While you do not need an antenna, you have to watch your content over the web.