

Our list of "problem" channels in Manhattan was WABC 7.1 (ABC), WNET 13.1 (PBS), WPIX 11.1 (CW - Manhattan only) and WNJB 58.1 (PBS - NJ only). The TiVo Edge is an OTA recorder for cord-cutters The first was a raw measure of the number of channels it could detect, while the second involved a number of predetermined "problem channels." For these, we consulted a list of channels culled from various forums, for both testing areas, and gauged how well the antennas pulled in each channel.
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We used two different metrics to determine which TV antenna performed best. We situated each antenna in the same spot and connected it to the Channel Master DVR Plus, which gives signal strength data as well as a total channel count. Hills or large buildings in the way will have an effect on frequency range and reception of TV channels. Depending on your location, you might receive broadcasts from multiple antennas. We tested the antennas in two main locations: in midtown Manhattan just a half-mile from the broadcast antennas on the Empire State Building - albeit obscured by other buildings - and in suburban New Jersey, 9 miles from the closest broadcast towers. Much like real estate, how well a TV antenna works is based on location, location and location. U Must Have Amplified High Definition Digital TV Antenna ($29).
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1byOne Upgraded Digital Amplified Indoor HD TV Antenna ($21).AmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor TV Antenna ($20, discontinued).Here are the seven TV antennas we originally looked at: The best TV antennas were able to pull in more channels than the others and delivered stronger, clearer TV signals, even on "problem" channels. We tested seven different indoor antennas with prices ranging from $10 to $90 (all much less than the most basic cable TV). The included amplifier gives the antenna some flexibility and the product feels more solidly made overall than the 1byOne, though they performed similarly. U Must Have Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna: The U Must Have amplified antenna comes with a sticky pad on the back and a relatively long, though nonremovable, lead at 18 feet.The current price is cheaper than the others, but in our book the Channel Master Flatenna is the better bet. It is a long-range antenna that receives TV signals up to 200 miles. It was toward the bottom of the pack in terms of signal performance, but this indoor HDTV antenna was the only television antenna to pick up CBS from a TV tower at our Manhattan location (see below for details). The black plastic feels a little cheap compared with the others, though the HD antenna model does come with a powered gain amplifier. 1byOne Indoor Amplified HDTV Antenna: The 1byOne is one of two antennas in this list with a nonremovable coax cable, and at only 10 feet long, it may not work in some rooms where it cannot pick up a very weak signal.The U Must Have Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna. U Must Have Amplified HD Digital TV AntennaĬhannel Master Smartenna Plus (discontinued) of watchable test channels (out of 13)ĪmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor TV Antenna (discontinued)ġbyOne Upgraded 2019 Digital Amplified Indoor HD TV Antenna Unless, that is, you kick it up a notch with an OTA DVR which has networking capabilities. Unlike a live TV streaming service, OTA TV is usually restricted to a single television, and the broadcast signal from an OTA TV antenna won't work on phones or other devices. The downside is that in some places, the TV signal of some channels is spotty or nonexistent due to the lack of your proximity to a broadcast tower or that are obstructions which break up the signal. If you're really serious about cutting the cord, check out our Streaming TV Insider for even more tips. While a roof-mounted television antenna or outdoor TV antenna would do the job, you can add an indoor antenna to your TV's built-in tuner for as little as $20 shipped. Depending on where you live and your signal reception capabilities, you can watch anything on NBC, Fox, ABC, CBS, PBS and some other channels like MyNetworkTV and The CW.
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Yep, TV antennas still exist, and if you're located in a city apartment or somewhere else with a good signal, you're just one good antenna away from free access to popular TV shows, movies, specials and sports.Īn over-the-air, or OTA, antenna is great for live events such as sports and the evening news. If you live in an area with a good signal, you can cut the cord and buy an affordable TV antenna. A live TV streaming service, a satellite dish or cable provider are great ways to catch every single channel available, but in reality, you don't really need them to watch free TV. You may have already spent a chunk of change on a great 4K TV and aren't too keen on spending more money.
