HOW TO... Pick the Best Digital Antenna for You

Tired of paying for network TV when you used to see it for free? If you're cutting the cord, over-the-air antennas will still let you watch at no charge

- John Hogan

Why Do You Need an Over-the-Air Antenna?

Much like TVs, antennas have come a long way. The old "rabbit ears” wrapped in aluminum foil that sat on top of many classic TV consoles are a thing of the past. Today's antennas are thin, sleek and compact. The tech behind them has gotten more powerful, and they can be a relatively inexpensive investment, especially when compared to giant cable bills. They even offer a high-def picture! This explains why some viewers are opting out of cable and going back to antennas. But here's another reason to consider getting one: Cutting the cord and relying on an over-the-air (OTA) antenna can save a considerable amount of money without sacrificing picture quality. Once you invest in an antenna, you'll be watching OTA channels at no additional cost. And who wouldn't love that?

What to Consider First

Unless you live in a remote area, a decent antenna should pick up ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS. Plus, in most of the United States, favorites like MeTV, MyNetworkTV, Court TV, Antenna TV and several others are available.