Hi. I was just talking about this thread to my dh last night. What is a digital antenna and approximately how much does a good one cost.
If we got rid of cable, could we still watch HBO and Showtime (my dh's questions). He wanted to know about local TV so the digital antenna answers those questions.
Do I need to purchase a "Smart TV" or can I purchase Apple TV (does that connect onto the TV?).
Just want to get an idea of all this information. We spend A LOT of money on cable and we live in NY and own our own home. We would need four TVs hooked up (we currently have five hooked up with cable since I use the TV in the basement for when I run on the treadmill but would do without that if it was a big difference).
Thank you.
First, there is no such thing as a "digital" antenna. The antenna doesn't care if it's receiving digital or analog signals. If you have an antenna from the 1950s, it would work today.
Second, your TVs would need to be able to receive ATSC signals. If your TVs were purchased in the last 7-8 years or so, that shouldn't be a problem. If they're a flat screen 16x9, it shouldn't be a problem. If you have an old 4x3 tube TV, that's a problem and would require a converter box.
Third, the cost of one would depend on your location compared to the broadcast towers serving your market. Start
here or
here. Put in your address and you'll get a list of TV stations you should be able to receive, how far away they are, what direction, and how strong an antenna you need. Some people can use "rabbit ear" antennas at the back of their TV, others need a 60' tower outside their homes.
A "smart TV" does the same thing (basically) as a Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, or Playstation. If you need to replace a TV for another reason, I'd get a "smart one", but there are other options if your TVs don't need replaced yet.
ETA: Antennas will be marketed as "digital", but that's all it is, marketing.