Video:Tips for Watching Free HD TV

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Transcript:Tips for Watching Free HD TV

Hi, I'm Shane Murphy, your technology guru for About.com. Today, we'll show how to get you setup to watch high definition television programming.

Make Sure You Have an HD TV

First things first, you need to have an HDTV. If you're not sure, the best way to tell is to investigate the front for symbols like this. You can also check the back inputs: if you see an HDMI port or a 5 cable HD component interface, then you're all set. If instead you're seeing symbols like this and your screen is square instead of rectangular, you've got an older standard definition set. Even with older sets such as this, you can still get a free digital signal to watch TV. You're instead going to need an analog to digital converter. These sets can be easily ordered off the internet, or picked up at your local electronics chains, like Micro-Center. To install your converter box, you simply need to locate the coaxial line into your house and insert it into the RF IN slot on your converter box.

Hook Up Correct Cables to Your HD TV and Find the Proper Antenna

Depending on your TV's inputs, you can either connect another coaxial line into the back of your TV or you can use RCA component cables. From here, you can channel surf as usual. If you live in a very rural area, you may want to check and make sure there are OTA towers sufficiently close by. Head to transition.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq. Simply enter your city and state and click "Submit Data". As long as you see antennas come up, you're in the clear. Now head to www.antennaweb.org and enter in your address information. You'll now be shown a page with all the digital signals close to you, and the corresponding antenna type you'll need for each. Select the antenna that will give you the most number of signals and click it to learn more.

Buy the Antenna and Start Watching Free HD TV

Once you're certain you've got the right model, you can head over to your closest electronics store or order one from online. Don't forget extra cable if you need to install it outside. The procedure for installation will vary depending on which antenna type and which model you purchase. Regardless, you'll need to have an open outlet for your antenna to receive power from and you'll need to connect it to the proper input on your TV. This is usually the coaxial input. Now simply select the proper input on your controller and you're ready to channel surf in HD. Check out About.com's dedicated Television channel for more useful information on customizing home viewing experience.

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