How to connect an antenna to a Smart TV

If you are having trouble getting reception, you will likely get some improvement with an outdoor antenna. They cost more, however, and are significantly more difficult to install, because they typically require access to a roof or an attic and you may require professional help.

We haven't tested external antennas at CNET, but highly rated models from Antennas Direct start at $70. Try to get an antenna compatible with both UHF and VHF, for while most channels have moved to UHF with the advent of digital transmissions, some legacy stations are still using VHF. Most antennas available today will also allow you to receive the next version of OTA called NextGen TV, even though its rollout across the country has been slow.

Now playing: Watch this: How to cut the cord for $10: installing an indoor antenna

2:03

Tips for installing an antenna

Given the complexity (and potential dangers) of installing a roof antenna we're going to stick with internal antennas for this article. Here's what you need: 

• An indoor antenna
• Adhesive (optional) -- poster putty is the best
• A tuner, either built into your TV or an external box like a digital video recorder 

Most modern indoor antennas are flat and designed to be installed high on a window, preferably facing in the direction of a broadcast antenna. So ow do you determine which way that is? 

In addition to selling its namesake devices, Antennas Direct is also an excellent cord-cutting resource and offers maps based on your location, as well as the direction of the nearest antennas. Keep your compass or Google Maps app handy! There's also the Antenna Point app for Android and iOS.

Some antennas include adhesive strips for mounting but if yours doesn't, you'll need masking tape or poster putty. Try not to use duct tape, as it can mark your walls or windows. 

Install the antenna as high as you can because neighboring houses and buildings can block TV signals. Experiment with placement -- if a window doesn't work, try a wall as it may give you better reception. Try to keep the antenna away from magnetic metals such as security bars and radiators if possible.

Many indoor antennas have a long, detachable coaxial cable, but if your TV and best reception placement are too far away, you may need a longer cable. Once you have enough slack in the cable, connect the spare end of the coaxial cable to the back of your TV or DVR. Screw it in nice and tight. Finally, you can now set your tuner to scan for available channels.

How many channels can you get?

Whether you're using the tuner built into your TV or an external box such as the TiVo Edge, you'll nevertheless receive OTA TV as a digital signal: analog signals were switched off in 2009. In the Settings menu of your device, you should find either a Channel or Tuning section, and from there you should be able to activate an Auto setting. The tuner on the TV or DVR will then find all of the available channels, and if it's got a program guide it will then arrange all of the upcoming shows into a grid for you.

If you live in an area with good reception you'll be able to get at least the major network channels and their affiliates, including your local PBS station. You may experience some issues due to natural or man-made obstacles, depending on where your home is, and searching for a problem channel on Google can tell you if it's a common one.

In addition to the Antennas Direct site mentioned above, the FCC maintains a DTV Reception Maps page finds the channels available in your area based on your address. It grades each station according to frequency as well as signal strength but unlike the Antenna Point app it won't tell you which direction the antenna is in.

If you live in a poor reception area you could try a model with a built-in amplifier. But be aware that this can overload your tuner and you could end up with a lot fewer channels. If you have a model with an amp, try it without first. 

Because you're receiving digital signals, instead of analog ones, you won't get snow in the case of suboptimal reception. If you have poor to no reception, you'll either get a jumpy or pixelated picture or nothing at all, just blackness.

Finally, if you get a good picture and decide you like using antenna TV, you might want to invest in an antenna DVR. It will allow you to schedule and record shows for playback later, skip commercials and even stream your antenna TV outside the home.

Read more: Best antenna DVRs for cord cutters

See the Fire TV Recast at Amazon

Will I need a new antenna for NextGen TV?

NextGen TV, aka ATSC 3.0, is the next-generation version of free OTA TV, rolling out in select areas of the country now and over the next few years. Among other improvements, it supports 4K HDR video and an internet back-channel which will be used for on-demand video and usage data. 

To get Next Gen TV you won't need a new antenna, your cheap antenna will be useful for a long time. That's the good news. 

Can you use an antenna on a smart TV?

How do I get my TV to recognize my antenna?

How can I get local channels on my smart TV?

How do I scan for antenna channels on my smart TV?