Articles | Free High Definition (HD) Television Programming

Today, it is a common knowledge that you can get free high definition (HD) and digital television programming simply by having an antenna installed on your roof. Although there are some regulations currently being enforced, these are only minor and not too difficult to comply with. A good antenna installer can help ensure that your home equipment is optimized for high definition TV reception.

There are certain requirements that must be met before you can get your free HDTV signals and start enjoying high quality entertainment.

The area you live in must be able to receive over-the-air (OTA) transmissions from local stations. - Most areas in the country are within receiving range of an over-the-air transmission tower. Unless you live in a very remote area, or in the heart of a mountain range, or a desert, you should be able to receive HDTV signals.

However, there are also instances when a location is within range of a broadcast tower but will not be able to receive signals. This usually happens when the signals are blocked by huge objects such as large buildings, metal roofs or hills.

The local television stations broadcast their programs in digital format. - The transition to the digital format in broadcasting has begun and all TV stations on full-power broadcast are now using digital formats. No more analog signals emanate from these sources. Although majority of daytime programs are still using the old non-high definition format, prime time signals are now usually in HD or digital format.

Your TV set must be HDTV-capable with a built-in ATSC digital tuner, and an HD receiver must be externally connected. - Refer to the manual that comes with your equipment to be sure, or you can visit the nearby consumer electronics shop for more information. You can also ask your local antenna installer to take a look at your TV set. Usually, if a TV set has a square screen instead of a rectangular one, it is not capable of displaying pictures in digital or high definition formats.

Once you have met all the required conditions, you are ready to take the next step before you can receive and begin viewing free local HDTV.

Determine the right antenna for your area. - Preferably, select one that is recommended by the Consumer Electronics Association. You can also get information from people who know such as neighbors who are now on HDTV.

Buy the antenna you need. - Once you know what type of antenna you need, buy it. You can either purchase it online or through your local electronics store. Include some extra cables in case you are getting an outdoor unit.

Have the antenna installed. - Ask the antenna installer to have your outdoor antenna set up. Your TV set may need to be auto-programmed before you can view HDTV stations. The antenna may be connected directly to the cable or satellite high definition receiver in case you have one. However, if your set is HDTV-ready, then the antenna must be connected to the receiver before you can start enjoying high quality entertainment.