Back in the 1970s, getting good over the air TV reception was a game we played on a daily basis. Everyone had tricks to clear our TV screens of the ghosting images, constant snow, and wavy people that looked like visitors from a far-away planet. Our homes then started to become connected with that tiny strand of coaxial cable that we came to know as cable TV. Paying a monthly fee for clearer pictures became the norm.

Today, things have changed. Our over the air TV system has switched to a digital format, bringing us a much more stable and sharper picture. These high definition video streams are available to us at no cost, if we are in the right location.

Check your location
Enter your address into the FCC Reception Map tool to see if free Over the Air TV works at your location. The stations listed in the results show only the primary channels. Most stations broadcast multiple channels, so your total channel count will actually be much higher than what is listed. The Free TV Project presents similar information in a slightly different format and will list the “Total Channels” that you might be able to receive. AntennaWeb.org also provides information on channel reception.

What kind of antenna to use
The Antenna Man provides a fee-based service to help select the right antenna for your location. If you live close to the TV transmitters, and indoor or attic antenna might work for you. Being further away might require an outdoor antenna. Click the Antenna Recommendations link on the Antenna Man site to use a service to recommend which antenna to use at your location. Commercial sales sites, such as Solid Signal and Antennas Direct will also help guide you through the antenna selection process. For DIY, check the color code rating for your area and use an antenna with that color code rating.

Antenna installation
Hire a professional for the outdoor antenna installation. Angi or HomeAdvisor are good starting points. Indoor antennas can be easily attached to a wall. Some models are tabletop/set top units.

New, better TV
Next Gen TV might already be in your area, providing improved picture options but might come with some caveats. One of the features of this new format is the ability to receive stations in areas that do not currently have good reception.

Streaming Local TV (Boston Only)
Can’t get free over the air local TV? Try the LocalTV+ streaming service.

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