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What's the best digital cable system?

What's the best and cheapest route for picking up TV channels without cable or dish?

  • I've got a crummy old pair of rabbit ears that works for a local CBS station, but that's about it. Frankly, I don't watch much TV, but it's nice to just see whats on from time to time on the local stations. So without resorting to an expensive cable or dish package, what's the best way to pick up local signals? Are rabbit ears the best bet, or is there a system that would work better for getting a few channels?

  • Answer:

    There are a number of outside antennas available from radio or electronic shops, and their prices vary widely. Call around and see if there is one recommended for your area. Rotating devices for directional antennas will get your best reception if you are trying to receive station from more than two directions, but they add to the cost and complexity. You can also get an outside omnidirectional antenna, which resembles a small satellite dish, but with no monthly fees. If you cannot use an outside antenna, there are a number of high-gain rabbit ears which would be superior to the ones that came with the television. Good luck

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cable is the best: because dish will not work during a storm. this is why we went to cable. you could try a antenia booster from best buy. thats how i get good radio channels from my radio. tv booster will do the same

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hack into ur neighbors

tirebiter

Get a rooftop antenna. It will work fine and even gets HD if you have an HD tv. Radio Shack sells them for about $30.

golgofrinchian

Splice into your next door neighbors !

Gizmo

Rob, I agree with the pevious anwser about the anntenna. If you live in an apartment or a multiple occupant building you may not be able to insall an anntenna. Now I work for major cable company and I know you want to avoid high bills, but most cable companies have a Broadcast package which can run from 15 to 25 dollars and you usually get around 20 to 30 channels, depending upon the cable company. These usually include most or all of you local stations. Also, before everyone reading this, assumes I'm trying to talk you into cable; you might want to go to a satelitte site to see what their most economical package is which includes local stations. Be aware however, some of the local installation businesses may set you up with a antenna which attaches to the dish. This will work okay if you live within about 25 to 40 miles of the local staions. With any business, (including cable tv) read the fine print. You may be signing for a great deal; but it may last three months to a year. After that time your first bill will be a whopper. You might not be able to drop the service due to a contract obligation. You might also check the phone book or the internet for local antenna services who install antennas. They usually install satelittes, too. The price might seem a bit much to have it installed, but if they do a professional job; you will get you monies worth. Good luck with your chioce, and read all of the fine print.

ziggybc3

Rob, I dont know if this is available over there, but here in Oz, I went to Target and in the sound section they had this thing that looked like a dvd player, but in fact, it is something you plug into your TV and it picks up the neighbours pay TV channels...So I dont have to pay for pay channels now..It only cost me, $70...the downfall is, if the neighbours cancel their accounts, I wont have pay TV either, but I sure have got my monies worth....hope it helps...

ozzy chik...

an outdoor antenna

snoopdizzal

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