HDTV Antenna Makes It Easier to Cut the Cord
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CREDIT: Mohu |
Cutting cable doesn't have to mean eliminating broadcast TV. With the addition of an antenna, you can receive many over-the-air channels including those broadcast in HD. Today's antennas are a fraction of the size of yesterday's rooftop monstrosities or rabbit ears eyesores.
A new antenna, called the Leaf, is a simple plug-and-play that screws into the antenna/coaxial jack on a TV, mounts to the wall and then just scans for free over-the-air channels. It is as slim as a piece of paper and can be concealed behind a picture, bookcase or just about anything placed against a wall within six feet of the TV connection, making rabbit ears an eyesore of the past.
Manufactured by Mohu, a spinoff of GreenWave Scientific, the Leaf uses technology based on antenna systems for Ground Mobile and Unmanned Ground Vehicle platforms for the U.S. Navy and Joint Forces .
Check for channels
Before you call the cable company to stop service , you'll want to check for channels that you'll be able to receive with an antenna. The Leaf is comparable to an outdoor antenna mounted 30 feet in the air, according to Mohu.
Go to Antennaweb.org, click "Choose an antenna" and fill in all of the address information for the most accurate results. Select whether or not your house is close to four-story or higher structures. If you live in a single family house, choose "Single Story". If you live in an apartment or other multi-storied building and your unit is not located on the first floor, choose "Multiple Stories". Click "Submit" and "Continue" if the location is correct.
A list of stations will appear. Note that only primary stations are displayed. Most stations also broadcast secondary stations, so you will most likely receive many more stations than those listed.
Placement
For best reception, place the Leaf on the wall. To check, click on "View Street Level Map" on the station list page referenced above. You'll see the same Google map page with your house plus letters that indicate where broadcasting stations are located along with lines that connect the stations with your house. Place your antenna and TV on the wall indicated by the point where the lines converge.
Like any antenna whether it's for television or a wireless router , it should be placed off the floor.
Once you've connected the antenna, your last step is to use your remote and scan for channels. You'll find this in your HDTV's setup menu. Look for "scan for channels" or "auto tune" and your TV will reprogram itself with available channels.
The Leaf is currently available on amazon.com for $44 and will be rolled out to major retailers this fall.
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