How To Hook Up Free Cable Tv
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In the face of rising prices, poor customer service and ever more frequent blackouts over fee disputes, many consumers yearn for a way out of the grip of their cable TV subscription. Though companies such as Google, Intel, Sony and Apple are all working on Internet-delivery TV platforms, none have yet secured the content deals needed to launch a credible service. And while industry analysts point out that the number of cord cutters has yet to reach the critical mass needed to force changes to the cable TV business model, the fact is that today there are viable TV options to the triple digit cable bill.
These do require additional hardware, running extra cables from your TV, and waiting at least a day to watch the newest episodes of cable network shows. And if you're hoping to sever all ties with your cable provider, that's not going to be an option in many regional markets, as you'll still need them for the high-speed Internet service that makes this all work. But the cost savings of dropping the TV package can be substantial, and there have never been as many good choices available as there are today in both hardware and content. Here's what you'll need.
Antenna
Remember the days when you could watch network television for free? (those under 25, ask your parents). Well those channels are still available at no cost...if you have an antenna. And no, we're not talking about the clunky rabbit ears of old. Antennas have changed substantially in looks and performance over the last several years. Breakthroughs in technology spurred by development of the tiny but powerful digital antennas in smartphones have been adapted to the realm of TV reception. The result? 'TV antennas today are 10% of the mass they were decades ago,' says Richard Schneider, president of Missouri-based manufacturer Antennas Direct. 'And the move to an all digital transmission that the
Armed with technology that makes a smaller antenna possible and a digital protocol that makes the signals easier to capture over longer distances, antenna companies are now delivering powerful long-range units with home decor as a design directive, resulting in small, unobtrusive and even fashionable indoor models. Mark Buff, CEO of antenna maker Mohu says that with cable TV having been the norm for so long, 'many people had forgotten that OTA (over the air) signals still exist. But we're now seeing increased interest by cord cutters. And even customers who aren't cancelling subscriptions are using antennas for second and third TVs as well as for their vacation homes, saving the cost of additional cable boxes.'
These antennas are compatible with all televisions made since 2007 (when built-in digital tuners became a federal requirement) and they plug directly into the coaxial port in back of your TV. Once plugged in, you simply have your TV scan for available digital signals. Most TVs have a signal meter display that shows just how well each channel's signal is being received.
I put a couple of units to the test and found that the new breed of antennas really work as advertised. In an environment like New York City with numerous obstacles to transmission towers, a major selling point of cable TV in the analog era was that it was the only reliable way to get a clear signal from the free network channels. But today, on a lower floor of my Brooklyn brownstone, I can get 60 OTA channels with a small tabletop antenna like the $50 Mohu Curve, which has a 30-mile antenna range. It did take a bit of trial and error to find the spot in the room with the strongest signal for most stations, but I got the best results by placing it near a window.
If you (and your significant other) are comfortable with a larger, more industrial design, the $100 ClearStream 2 is an indoor/outdoor antenna that boasts a 50-mile range. The benefit of the more powerful Clearstream 2 is that I could place it anywhere in the room and pull in 70 channels, ranging from the major networks to PBS affiliates and local Spanish and Chinese language broadcasts.
The major network channels are all broadcast in HD. And you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that the quality of uncompressed HD video in an antenna feed is actually superior to what you've been getting with your cable box. Cable operators have to deliver hundreds of channels, plus broadband and phone service over a single connection to your home, so the TV signal is usually compressed to conserve bandwidth. Not so with your OTA feed. The difference is immediately noticeable. Outside of a Blu-ray movie, this is the best output I've ever seen on my TV. And did I mention the channels are free?
To augment your free supply of live network TV, the next step is to choose your hardware for on-demand programming delivered via your Internet connection. You may already have this capability in an existing device if you own a gaming console like an Xbox 360, Sony Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii. Or perhaps you've bought a smart TV or Blu-ray player with built-in Wi-Fi.
If you do need to buy a set top box, the most popular options are the $100 Apple TV and the range of models from Roku. Google entered the field this summer with its $35 Chromecast, but its limited content makes it more a curiosity than primary option for mainstream consumers at this point. But it's definitely worth keeping an eye on.
In general, streaming hardware all works the same way. The device connects to both the Internet (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and your TV (via HDMI), streaming content from channels that are either free or require a monthly subscription. You browse through channels directly on your TV screen via a remote. A large part of the appeal here is that you choose which channels you want to subscribe to. Netflix and Hulu Plus, the most popular channels (available on the Apple, Roku and Google devices) provide access to a robust selection of movies as well as current and past TV shows.
Apple TV, tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem, gives you access to content from iTunes as well as the ability to stream content from any iOS device to your TV. If you're in an Apple-centric household and want to add the customary 'Designed in Cupertino' fit and finish, there's much to like with Apple TV.
One big advantage Roku offers though is a choice of four models ranging in features and price, from the $50 Roku LT to the faster and higher resolution $100 Roku 3. With over 1,000 channels, Roku has long had an edge over its Apple rival in terms of content, but unsurprisingly, many channels are of limited appeal. While it lacks support for iTunes, Roku counters with the Amazon Instant video store (unavailable on Apple TV). Roku also offers both a PBS and PBS Kids channel.
On either device, using just Netflix and Hulu Plus (each require $8 per month subscriptions) gives you a good variety of popular programming. Between the two you can binge on previous seasons of everything from Breaking Bad to Downton Abbey, watch current episodes of The Daily Show and Parks and Recreation and make a dent in your bucket list of must-see film classics.
There are drawbacks, most having to do with content licensing restrictions. Netflix still has a good number of films in its vast library that are unavailable for streaming. With Hulu Plus, TV shows are generally embargoed until at least the day after their original network air dates. And there can also be restrictions on which seasons of a show are available. Perhaps most frustrating, licensing terms for some shows stipulate that while they can be watched on a computer or mobile device for free on Hulu's website, they are prohibited from being viewed on the TV even with a paid Hulu Plus subscription. But remember, an antenna gets you free OTA network channels, so if you're able to work your schedule around the networks' (like in the old days) you can minimize this inconvenience.
Our family of four has been using a Roku 3 for a few weeks now and we've had no problem finding relevant content to watch. It's quite a traditional TV viewing experience, with of course the bonus of being able to pause and rewind. The latest version of the Roku interface is much improved over previous iterations and you can even download an app to use your Android or iOS device as a remote which can save time when typing in search queries. The Roku remote has a built-in headphone jack for late night viewing and in a nice touch, plugging in the headphones immediately mutes the sound on the TV.
On both Roku devices and Apple TV, much of the best content does require a pay per view fee or subscription, so you'll want to keep an eye on how many you buy. And there are a growing number of apps like HBO Go that are restricted to those still with a cable/satellite TV subscription. But even if you never venture much beyond Netflix and Hulu Plus, you're getting a lot of content for very little money.
Live sports is admittedly the Achilles heel of streaming video services. The enormous licensing payments that pro sports leagues generate from cable networks simply puts them beyond the reach of Internet TV, with its significantly smaller viewing audience. Certainly, if your day isn't complete without updates from ESPN and ESPN 2, cutting the cable cord isn't yet a feasible option. But the situation is not quite as dire as you may think. Remember, an antenna gets you free OTA broadcasts, so you can watch big events like the World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and the Olympics. Home market NFL games are still on free TV as well (though they are subject to blackout restrictions if the stadium doesn't sell out).
Apple TV and the Roku set top boxes also offer paid subscriptions for NBA, MLB and NHL channels. These aren't cheap, with single season access running close to $200 for some sports. And because home market games are prohibited, these are mostly relevant for fans rooting for their favorite teams from afar. But if you're say, a die-hard Red Sox fan living in L.A., packages like these may be a good fit.
OK. We've covered what you need to get. But how much money does this actually save?
I recently lived in Seattle for two years. During that time my Comcast cable bill for a mid-tier package of channels (no HBO, Showtime or premium sports packages) and 25Mbps Internet service came out to $161 per month after promotional pricing expired, including taxes, fees and set-top rental. That worked out to $1,932 a year. Ouch.
Since moving back to New York City and dropping TV service, my Time Warner Cable Internet-only plan costs $40 per month (I'm excluding the $5 promotional discount) for 15Mbps service. The flagship Roku 3 box I'm using costs $103 with sales tax (you can of course choose a lower-priced model). After getting the Roku I signed up for the $8 per month Hulu Plus account. I've always had Netflix in addition to my cable/satellite subscription so I'm not factoring my $8 monthly subscription for that service into the equation.
That brings my total outlay for the first 12 months to $679, just about 1/3 of what I was paying for TV and Internet service. And remember this total includes a one-time hardware purchase. My recurring bills add up to just $576 over 12 months, an annual savings of $1356.
The moment for me when the idea of dropping TV service became a long term prospect rather than just a short term experiment so I could write this article, was when I plugged in the antenna. The fact that I can get such high quality output, for network and PBS channels I had been paying for makes it hard for me to envision going back to a cable TV subscription. In addition, I have to sit through far fewer commercials (though I suspect that may change over time). Watching Netflix movies on the TV is much more satisfying than on the smaller computer screen and of course the freedom to watch current TV programs on my own schedule is a huge benefit when juggling the demands of work and family. I know there will be times during the year when a sports event I want to watch will be unavailable. But there's just no arguing with the dramatic cost savings. Pay TV is undeniably a richer experience, but is it worth a 330% premium? Not for me.
Nothing is perfect. I can easily imagine more flexible user interfaces and certainly look forward to more customer friendly and consistent licensing rights for TV episodes. Long term, the good news is that content creators are essentially carrier agnostic. 'They've learned the lessons of the music industry and want to get their content in front of viewers on whichever platform they choose to consume it,' says Robin Diedrich, media analyst at Edward Jones.
Let's not fool ourselves, the media companies go where the money is, and right now that's still the cable/satellite/telco providers by a wide margin. But according to Steve Shannon, Roku's General Manager of Content and Services, the tide is turning in negotiations between content providers and cable distributors with more rights becoming available for streaming services. 'As each contract comes up for renewal, digital rights are becoming more valuable,' he says. 'Content creators recognize that there's value there and as cable companies are looking to reduce programming costs, some are giving up the digital rights.'
Media companies are actively participating in the streaming model. Disney, Fox and NBC all have ownership stakes in Hulu, for example. And that bodes well for a continuing supply of relevant content, an indispensable requirement for the successful future of Internet TV.
Update: The story initially used an outdated figure for the number of channels available on Roku devices. The company has reported there are more than 1,000 channels not 700.
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Television sets come with all kinds of connection jacks to enjoy a more in-depth audio and video experience. The surround sound system is currently the leading set in terms of superior audio. You get an AV receiver that builds a bridge between the equipment and a bunch of speakers.
The receiver goes between the TV and a source, such as a cable TV service. Put, the video signal is sent straight to the TV, while the surround sound receiver transmits the sound to your speaker system. In theory, it sounds natural and intuitive. When it comes to practice, newbies can often get confused.
So, how to hook up surround sound to TV and cable box? What kind of steps do you need to go through? What kind of options do you have?
Generally speaking, you have two types of connectivity available. You can hook up surround sound to your TV via HDMI – which is by far the preferred way, but you can also do it without HDMI – a simple alternative for those with older sets that do not have HDMI plugs.
Hooking Up Surround Sound via HDMI
The HDMI connection supports both audio and video, hence its popularity. One cable can easily support eight channels or less for surround sound, but it will also output high definition videos with no issues at all. The best part about this connection? One cable can get everything done – forget about clutter and mixing cables. Now, what do you need for this particular connection?
- Two different HDMI cables
- A receiver for surround sound
According to this article on It Still Works, you will require two HDMI cables instead of one because you need to connect the cable TV, the receiver for surround sound, and the HDTV.
Now, what are the steps to establish a reliable connection?
- Make sure all the elements are turned off. They should not be powered – both video and audio components.
- Grab one of the HDMI cables and plug it into the cable TV box. It has a specific plug design, so you cannot go wrong. Plus, it only goes in one direction. If you cannot stick it in, do not push too hard, but turn it around and try again.
- The other end of the same cable must go into the receiver for surround sound. Make sure you go for the HDMI input plug.
- Grab the second HDMI cable and plug it into the video output plug for TV in your receiver.
- The other end must go into an HDMI port on the TV – it makes no difference which one you choose.
- Turn everything back on.
- Look at your TV remote control and find the video selector button.
- Press it a few times until you get the video signal from the cable box. Everything should be alright then.
- Grab some popcorn.
While this is an easy and convenient way to learn how to hook up surround sound to TV and cable box, there are other options as well. What happens if you do not have HDMI connectivity? Luckily, you still have options.
How To Hook Up Free Cable Tv On The Internet
Hooking Up Surround Sound Without HDMI
First of all, you will need more items for this procedure:
- Component video cables
- RCA cables
- HDMI cables
It is worth noting that your HDTV should have auxiliary sound output. So, what are the steps then?
- The cable box, TV, and stereo should be set relatively close to each other – some home cinema configuration.
- Turn everything off.
- Component video cables must go into the cable box – the video output.
- The other end must go into the video input on the TV.
- RCA cables should go into the cable box – look for the audio output ports.
- As for the other end, do the same for the stereo – auxiliary inputs.
- Turn everything back on.
- Make sure the stereo is on to hear anything.
It is essential to know that some modern television sets no longer have classic plugs. Therefore, this option may not always work if you have a high-end TV. The reason behind such configurations is quite simple – HDMI is beneficial, so plenty of manufacturers choose convenience over old fashioned systems. It could also be a way to force you to upgrade.
Tips and Tricks For Each Option
According to this article from Techwalla, the initial hookup in the HDMI option will involve having the TV turned on and a bit of playing with the settings. You will need it set to the cable input if you want to play the audio through your sound system. For a maximum effect, you will have to keep the TV volume low.
As for the setup without HDMI, you can listen to great audio without having any image. Why would you need that? It is excellent for music, as well as all those digital music channels that come with pretty much any cable package. You can benefit from quality music while listening to the radio.
Conclusion
As a short conclusion, learning how to hook up surround sound to TV and cable box is not such a big deal. Setting the wires and connections right is by far the most significant part of the process. Everything else is about small settings on the TV.
While the second option makes the right choice if you do not have HDMI connectivity, it is most useful for music channels and proper audio experience. Moreover, you will notice high-end TV sets that come without the classic RCA connections. It is a common trend that aims to simplify TVs a little, but also to increase convenience over HDMI connectivity.
How To Hook Up Free Cable Tv Services
You do not need an electrician or an audio professional to help you out with such connections. It is only a matter of paying attention to the inputs, outputs, and labels.
How To Hook Up Free Cable Tv Providers
Related Topic: How Many Channels Are in a Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound System – Ways To Improve Your Audio Experience