Are you wondering whether your smart TV needs an antenna to receive local channels? Yes, if you don’t use the Internet.
With the recent rise in technology and living standards, several people are now switching to Smart TVs from the old TV models. This is in an aim to gain convenience as well as a more vast TV experience. However, one may wonder how this device works, and several questions may thereafter arise.
This article answers the question Does a Smart TV need an antenna for local channels? That is one of the most common questions that Smart TV owners ask themselves. Take a read to learn about this and more.
Smart TVs are special kinds of TVs that can be connected to the internet for them to access several streaming media services like Netflix, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision, and more. Moreover, they also run a plethora of other services such as video-rental services web browsers, and internet music stations.
Smart TVs come in an array of models, owing to the number and kind of services they offer.
Newer Smart TV models offer advanced smartphone-like features like voice recognition tools, among them being Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This software ease the switching of different channels.
Smart TVs also offer other smart features and can be compatible with various devices such as Smart locks and Smart Lights. Some of them have a dashboard for controlling all the connected devices. Most of our Smart TVs will come from Samsung or LG companies.
Apart from the various ‘special’ services that Smart TVs offer, they should also be able to air TV programs; that is the sole intention of obtaining a Smart TV. With your smart TV, you will need to watch your favorite TV programs for free. However, the big question remains to be if you need an antenna for local TV stations.
To answer this question, we must first look into Smart TV’s design. A Smart TV is made with an inbuilt antenna that helps in the acquisition of TV broadcasting signals.
Nonetheless, you ought to be careful while making your purchase. Not all Smart TVs have an inbuilt antenna and so you will need to be cautious with the Smart TV model you acquire. If the model you are purchasing is termed as a display rather than Ultra HD TV or HDTV, you probably will have to purchase an external set-top box. This is because most of the ‘display’-dubbed Smart TVs rarely have inbuilt TV antennas.
As you may notice, both digital and analog TVs work almost the same, in terms of their delivery. The only key difference comes in terms of how they decode broadcasting signals. Since all of them deal with the acquisition of broadcasting signals and decoding them into pictures and sound, they all need an antenna for proper working.
Again, another difference comes in on the type of antennas these TVs use. Smart TVs have an inbuilt TV antenna but analog TVs will need a separate set-top box or antenna. However, an external TV Antenna on a Smart TV will act as an amplifier. An antenna is not required in a Smart TV but it wouldn’t hurt to have one.
Since the ‘Smart’ features don’t affect the TV’s ability to air channels, I can say that local channels will be available to you as it was without a Smart TV. Without this service, you will require a TV antenna to gain access to local Television Broadcasting.
In light of the above, it is important to note that smart TVs come with an inbuilt antenna that helps in signal acquisition. This will eliminate the need of obtaining a second one, but if that is done, the second antenna will act as an amplifier to the embedded one.
I hope that this article on Does a Smart TV need an antenna for local channels provided concrete information among other tips on how the Smart TV works. Smartly cut the cord with a SmartTV.
FAQs
1. How does Smart TV connect to the internet?
A Smart TV connects to your home network to gain access to media and streaming services. Most modern Smart TVs support 802.11ac Wi-Fi with older models going for the 802.11n.
If at all you receive a problem with the Wi-Fi connection, you might consider replacing your router with a newer model. Newer models are stronger and more versatile. You can also use Wi-Fi range extenders for finding a faster solution. Another solution is by using Mesh Routers that have wider coverage and can provide a good WiFi network around your home.
2. What Companies make the best Smart TVs?
Most major TV manufacturing companies are slowly shifting from the old and conventional television boxes to the new and improved Smart TVs. You can get a plethora of Smart TV choices from companies like Hisense and TCL. Both of them record an embedded Roku Streaming feature.
High-end models like Sony, Samsung, and LG offer better Smart TVs with more refined technologies like Smart Home Integration, Voice Interaction, and motion controls.
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3. Can I surf the internet on my Smart TV?
For most Smart TVs, the answer will be yes. Most of the Smart TVs with a preinstalled web browser lets you search for anything within the search engines provided. Even when they will not look like our typical browsers, they have reached all HTML standards and can seamlessly display websites on the screen.
Nonetheless, you may have to worry about your navigation. There are options for installing a wireless keyboard or voice input. However, neither of the two brings a normalized and comfortable way to surf the internet using your Smart TV.
4. Does a Smart TV replace satellite and cable services?
Yes, Everyone is trying to cut-the-cord and cease paying for expensive cable and satellite fees. Going by that, several ‘cord-cutters opt into buying Digital TV Antennas to help in airing their favorite TV channels. Interestingly, you can do the same with Smart TVs. You will continue receiving your favorite TV channels without worrying about monthly cable subscriptions.
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