# TV without cable

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-without-cable/706381>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [December 5, 2014, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-without-cable/706381 "2014-12-05T05:27:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2014, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-without-cable/706381/21 "2014-12-07T02:20:26Z")

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> [@johnpost](#):
>
> you don’t need digital antennas. the signal are received by any tv antenna.
> 
> more stations are now UHF. you may need a good UHF portion of antenna (especially for inside).
> 
> very important with any antenna, more with inside antenna, is the direction it is pointed. you want it pointed to the strongest signal. a truck reflects the signal and disturbs the signal at the antenna.
> 
> my previous message gives good information to aid with an antenna.

> [@Isilder](#):
>
> Any antenna is better than none, and may well do.
> 
> But if not, then the trouble can be that the antenna is meant for UHF not VHF, or VHF not UHF.

let me rephrase that, any antenna for the needed bands.

an antenna that is decades old will work if it is in good condition.

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**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2014, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-without-cable/706381/22 "2014-12-08T07:00:08Z")

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> [@Si\_Amigo](#):
>
> Seconding the Roku as long as you have wi-fi. Lots of free stuff and lots of good paid for content for cheap. It’s also very easy to use. That and an HD antenna is really all you need once you get into the mindset of watching what’s available and not what you could be watching on cable.

Thirding Roku. Keep in mind, though, that a bottom-tier DSL internet service probably isn’t going to cut it for streaming. In fact you should probably have cable or fios internet service, which usually isn’t nearly as expensive as cable TV. Also beware any small print about data caps when you sign up. Streaming TV programs racks up a lot of downloading.

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**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2014, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-without-cable/706381/23 "2014-12-08T07:33:30Z")

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The OP said, “without internet,” though, so devices like Roku are apparently a no-go. It seems he’s limiting his choices to OTA and perhaps DVDs.

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