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How to Set Up and Connect a Digital Antenna to Your TV

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By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 14, 2022 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays Antennas Samsung Projectors HDMI & Connections Remote Controls

What to Know

Connect your digital antenna to your television’s coaxial antenna-in connection. Look for the cable/antenna option in your television’s settings menu and switch it to antenna. If you have an analog television, you need to connect a DTV converter box between your antenna and your television. This article explains how to set up and connect a digital antenna to your television.

How Do You Set Up a Digital Antenna

Setting up a digital antenna is a straightforward process if you have digital television. Digital antennas connect using the same type of coaxial connector that was analog antennas previously used. You will probably find the setup process quite familiar if you ever set up an analog TV antenna. Have an older analog television? You can still use a digital antenna, but you need to connect a DTV converter box to your television first. You will then be able to watch digital television channels on your analog television. Here’s how to set up a digital antenna:
Select and install an ideal location for your digital anntenna.
Some digital antennas are designed to be installed on a roof or in your attic. Others can go on a shelf near your television or mount on a window with suction cups. Locate the coaxial antenna input on your television.
Connect your antenna to the antenna input.
If you’re using an exterior or attic antenna and have cable internet or cable television, do not connect your attic or external digital antenna to your home’s internal coaxial system. You will need to install a new coaxial line between the antenna and your television. Connect your antenna to power if you’re using a powered antenna.
You can sometimes plug a USB-powered antenna into a USB port on your television. Check to make sure the USB port on your television can deliver power, as ports designed for data won’t provide enough power. Turn on your television and locate the Settings menu.
Look for a Cable/Antenna setting and choose Antenna.
Look for an auto program or channel scan option and select it.
Wait for your television to scan for channels.
If your television doesn’t find the channels you were interested in, check out the next section for information about where to place your antenna. Your television is now ready to use with your digital antenna.

How Do I Get a Digital Antenna Signal

Local television stations broadcast free over-the-air (OTA) signals you can receive with a digital antenna. Since it’s a free service, all you need to do is connect a digital antenna to your television and use the settings menu on your television to search for channels. If there are any television stations in your area your antenna can pick up, your television will find them automatically. If you aren’t close to any television stations or your local stations put out weak signals, you may have trouble picking anything up with a weak indoor antenna. It’s essential to position your antenna in the best place possible to maximize your chances of receiving channels in that situation. Remember to aim your antenna in the right direction if it’s a directional antenna. Here’s how to position a digital antenna:
Navigate to the FCC DTV Reception Map, enter your address, and click Go.
Click each television station you’re interested in.
Check the map to see where the stations are in relation to your current location.
Place or install your antenna on the side of your house nearest to the stations you’re interested in. Remember to it in that direction if you’re using a directional antenna.
Repeat steps 4-8 from the previous section, and check to see if you are able to receive your missing channels.
If you still can’t receive the channels you want after repositioning the antenna, the stations may be too far away, there may be too much interference, or your antenna may not be strong enough.

Why Is My Digital Antenna Not Picking Up Channels

When a digital antenna fails to pick up the usual channels, several factors may be at play. For example, the TV stations may be too far away or send out a weak signal, there may be interference, the signal may be blocked, or your antenna may be too weak. If the television stations aren't close to your location, you may need a powerful exterior antenna instead of an interior antenna. Here are some fixes you can try if your digital antenna isn't picking up channels: Make sure you have a digital television. Look for the letters DTV or words like "digital-ready." If your television was made before 2006, it's probably analog, in which case you'll need a converter box. Make sure your TV is set to use your antenna. If you search for channels in cable mode, your television won't find any digital OTA channels. Make sure it's set to antenna, and search again. Check to verify the antenna is connected correctly. Make sure the connection is tight, and check the label of the coaxial connector on your TV. Some TVs have both an input and an output, and some have two inputs. Connect to the input marked antenna-in if you see such a label, or the number one input if they are numbered. Reposition your antenna. Using the method described in the previous section, try repositioning your antenna and pointing it in the correct direction if you have a directional antenna. Obtain a more powerful antenna. Make sure you've selected the best antenna for your area. If the local television signals are weak, you may need a stronger antenna or even an external roof-mounted antenna. FAQ How can I boost my digital antenna signal? There are several tips for amplifying a digital television signal. For example, be sure to use an RG6 coaxial cable, which is generally more digital-friendly than RG59. You can also try realigning the antenna or buying a TV signal booster. How do I choose a digital antenna? Determine the best type of over-the-air antenna for HDTV for your location. When you use the FCC's DTV Reception Map, check to see whether most channels in your area are UHF or VHF to determine whether you need a UHF or VHF antenna. The antenna should be rated for at least the distance from the farthest transmitter tower. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Record Cable TV With a VCR How to Live Stream the World Series (2022) Can You Still Use an Analog TV? The Top 7 Streaming Services with Local Channels How to Connect a DTV Converter Box to an Analog TV What Is Plex Live TV And Should I Use It? How to Troubleshoot Your DTV Converter Box How to Choose and Use the Best Over-the-Air Antenna for HDTV The 4 Best Digital Converter Boxes of 2022 Expert Tested: The 5 Best TV Antennas of 2022 How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV With USB How to Play PSP Games on Your TV The 7 Best Attic Antennas of 2022 How to Improve FM Antenna Reception All About Over-The-Air Antennas (OTA) How to Connect an iPad to a TV Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies