Are you tired of paying high monthly cable TV bills? Chances are that you are not alone. Most homeowners are now looking for ways to ditch the antenna and still enjoy watching their favorite local channels. The reality of issues is that this is practically possible. As we speak, modern technology has revolutionized how we do out daily activities, including how we watch TV shows. Currently, you can readily watch TV from the comfort of your home without the need of having an antenna connected to your TV.
This strategy has really helped many homeowners to save more on costs as cable TV bills are not pocket-friendly. As long as you have a good internet connection at home, you can be sure that you will watch your favorite TV shows without any cable connection. In this article, we shall take a closer look at how you can watch your local channels without antenna and other facets around it.
How to Get Local Channels without Antenna? – Easy Methods
Like we mentioned above, you do not have to rely on the presence of an antenna in order to enjoy your favorite local shows. Currently, you can stream and still enjoy the same thrill. Here are a number of ways you can achieve this objective seamlessly:
1) Watch your Local TV Online
As we speak, most networks normally post most episodes of their shows online. In most cases, you can get a glimpse of these shows on their websites. Here, you will be able to watch most of their programs for free. All that you need to do is to have a good internet connection in your home. Sometimes, if you do not have a smart TV at home, you can consider using your tablet, computer, or even a laptop.
This way, you will be able to watch all these shows online. With this in mind, you can take a moment and then check out the websites of your favorite network and see if they normally have these shows online. Generally, you should be able to watch these shows for free. Some of the broadcast networks that allow you to enjoy this luxury include ABC, CBS, PBS, Fox, etc.
2) Install the Major Network’s Apps
Most of the broadcasting networks normally have their official apps where you can watch all your favorite shows there. Here, you will have the chance to enjoy watching a plethora of programs as well as live shows airing on their affiliated local channels.
The good news is that you can download these channels on your mobile phones and enjoy watching various programs offered by different channels. Some of the common official apps belonging to top broadcasting networks include CW Channel, CBS Channel All Access, ABC Channel, The NBC Channel app, and so on.
3) Hulu On-Demand
Besides the above-mentioned methods, you can enjoy now stream your favorite drama and comedy series thins to Hulu on-demand service. You will note that this service makes episodes of many networks TV shows more available one day after they are aired live.
When it comes to a payment plan, you can trust that you will enjoy watching these shows for just $5.99 per month. However, you will not have access to live TV. If you want to enjoy live TV, you need Hulu Live TV Channel and it comes with its own separate cost.
Generally, Hulu-on-demand service allows you to check Hulu’s steaming library where you can see nearly all the new episodes of your favorite shows. Better still, you will be able to watch past TV shows that might be interesting to you.
4) Fubo TV
This is another type of live TV streaming service that allows you to watch your favorite shows without necessarily having to break the bank. Here, you will be able to watch CBS Channel, FOX Channel, NBC Channel, and many more. Under their TV streaming services, you might come across some of the popular sports channels such as BTN, FS1, NBCSN, and many more.
The good news is that there are more channels to watch on Fubo TV. All you need to do is to check out the channels that are available in your locality. Better still, you can check out their trial phase and see what is offered at that particular time.
5) Amazon Prime Video
If you are tired of paying high cable TV monthly bills, you can consider Amazon Prime video. However, to get the prime video service, you need to make an account on the Amazon site. Here, you will be able to stream thousands of channels. From as little as $12.99 per month, you will have an opportunity to stream a myriad of channels and have fun at home. Compared to the cable connection, this platform is relatively cheaper.
For you to get prime member status you just need to pay $119 annually and you will be good to go. When it comes to streaming your favorite channels, you do not need to have a separate streaming device. All that is needed is your valid account and making the necessary subscription payments. Thereafter, you will be able to stream as many channels as you want.
6) Sling TV
Apart from the above-mentioned methods, you can now live stream different channels on Sling TV. By paying as little as $20 per month for the First Orange plans, you will be able to watch 30 live TV programs.
Besides this plan, there is another one where you just need to pay $25 per month and you will be able to watch more than 30 channels in your locality. This plan is known as the Blue plan. Generally, Sling TV has proved to be a good alternative compared to antenna TV.
7) Netflix
With Netflix, you will be able to stream your favorite videos and channels from the comfort of your home. With a plethora of channels to watch, you can be sure that you will not miss a channel that will please you.
However, for you to enjoy watching these channels, you need to sign up for this platform. With as little as $7.99, you can readily start enjoying Netflix in your home. The good news is that you can share this service with two users.
If you want to watch more channels, you can consider paying for the premium subscription. This channel actually costs $13.99 per month. For this plan, you will have the luxury to increase the number of users the way you please.
8) Consider YouTube
Most people, normally visit this platform anytime they want to check a new video or documentary. However, the reality of issues is that all major networks with local stations now have their own dedicated channels on this platform. Therefore, you can visit this platform online and watch the latest uploaded videos. All you need to do is to find your local station’s YouTube channel and then subscribe. Thereafter, you will be able to get the latest shows and episodes once they are uploaded.
9) Check out Locast
This is actually a non-profit service that allows you to stream local networks such as CBS, Fox and ABC for free. However, this is only available in the 25 U.S markets at the moment. Some of the cities where you can enjoy these services include Boston, Dallas, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
If you are able to use Locast, you can readily stream it to your TV set suing a compatible device such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV. Better still, you can stream using the Locast smartphone app on your smart-phone.
10) Paramount Plus
Formerly known as CBS All Access, Paramount Plus is actually a streaming service which starts at $5.99 per month. Here, you will be able to watch all your favorite shoes with limited commercials. However, if you want to enjoy a commercial-free streaming, you just need to pay $9.99 per month and you will be good to go.
If you want to save more on these plans, you can consider signing up for their annual plan, where you will be able to save 15% of the total cost. Better still, if you are a student, you stand the chance to save up to 25%.
The good news is that you can now watch Paramount+ on any device, be it a laptop or tablet. This service also supports a wide spectrum of streaming devices such as Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick and many more.
11) Share Passwords
Nearly every TV streaming services you find out there allows you to have at least two simultaneous streams running concurrently. For instance, PlayStation Vue, allows you to have 5 simultaneous streams. This way, you will be able to share the password to a particular TV streaming and allow your friend to watch as well.
Better still, if someone you know has subscribed to cable TV, you can still use their account to log in to the company’s mobile TV services. As long as you have this app on your mobile, you will be able to watch your favorite TV shows. All you need to do enter the right cable account details and you will be good to go.
How to Setup Local Channels without an Antenna?
Like we mentioned above, you can now watch your favorite local channels without an antenna by streaming them live. For you to stream these channels there are several things you need. These include:
- A fast internet connection.
- Streaming device.
- Smart TV.
- Smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop.
Here are the steps that can help you set up local channels without an antenna:
- The first step is to plug in your TV and then switch it on.
- Thereafter, plug in your streaming device and then ensure that you have connected it to your TV using an HDMI input.
- Follow the instruction that will appear on the screen.
- Connect the streaming device to the internet.
- Once you have connected the streaming device to the internet, you can now sign in to your home’s Wi-Fi network. If you are using devices such as Google Chromecast Ultra or Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can be sure that they will be able to connect directly to the internet using an Ethernet cable. With an Ethernet cable, you can trust that there will be minimal or no buffering on your streams.
- Start watching your favorite local channels. It is important to note that some of the popular streaming services such as Hulu or Netflix normally come pre-downloaded onto your Smart TV. Other times, you can find them pre-downloaded on your streaming device.
If you do not have a Smart TV, you can download the local channel app on your smartphone or tablet and start watching. Better still, you can use your laptop to watch these channels live online; visit YouTube, and then look for your local channel there.
Once you find it, subscribe and then start enjoying these channels. More importantly, have a good internet connection as this can interfere with the quality of videos you watch online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I Get Free to Air Channels without an Antenna?
As we speak, there are many ways you can watch free-to-air channels without an antenna. Some of these ways include using free Live TV apps such as Plex and Kodi. Better still, you can consider using free video apps such as YouTube, Twitch, Pluto TV, Haystack TV, Vimeo, and so on.
How can I Get Local Channels on my Smart TV?
You can now watch local channels on your smart TV through platforms such as Netflix, YouTube and live TV. Besides this, you can watch these channels on platform such as Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV AND Hulu TV.
How can I watch live TV without Aerial?
You can now watch live TV without aerial using Live TV apps such as YouTube, Hulu, Sling TV and Fubo TV. All you need is a good and stable internet connection and a streaming device and you will be good to go.
Does a Smart TV need an antenna for local channels?
No. Since a Smart TV can access internet TV services, you will be able to watch these channels without an antenna. Here, you will be able to enjoy Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and so forth.
Final Word
Things have really changed. Unlike before when you have to invest in an antenna for you to enjoy local broadcast channels, you can now stream these channels and be entertained at home these days. In fact, this is a good idea for all those who want to go wireless. As long as you have a good and stable internet connection, you will be good to go. You can even invest in and a Smart TV for optimal entertainment. Here, you will have the luxury to watch Live TV, Netflix, YouTube, and many more.
Besides the Smart TV, if you have a smartphone, you can still watch the local channels online. Consider these ideas and you will enjoy more convenience and even save more on your cable TV bills.