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Getting Rid of Cable Using Over The Air TV and Kodi

I know many of you are like me and want to cut monthly expenses. One of the most expensive bills each month can be the cable bill. I am always hearing people complain about how much they are paying for cable. I have not paid for cable in over 6 years. Many people are under the misconception that you need to have cable to watch television. Well, you don’t! I have been using a system of over-the-air TV and a computer running Kodi. It works great.

Most of the newer TVs have what they call a digital tuner built right into the TV. You can plug an over-the-air antenna into the TV with a UHF/coaxial cable and start enjoying all of the major networks. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, to name a fewLet’s kick cable to the curb!

What is an Over The Air TV Antenna?

Getting rid of cable using over the air TV and XBMC

Coaxial Cable

Getting rid of cable using over the air TV and XBMC

UHF Splitter

It’s basically the large antennas you used to see on houses back in the day. Today they are much smaller and more powerful. The first step is to check what size antenna you need. This is calculated on how far you are from the station’s broadcast transmitters. Each major city in the US transmits over-the-air signals. Some great websites will tell you what type of antenna you need. One is Over The Air Digital TV. They have a great antenna locator tool. You type in your address, and it will tell you what size and type of antenna you need. It will also tell you where to point your antenna for the best reception. They take you through the process of what types of antennas work best. As well as how to stream content online.

Placing Your Antenna

My antenna sits in the attic, and I have both of my TVs running off the antenna using a UHF splitter. Depending on where you live, you may not need such a large antenna. If you are close to a major city, you may be able to place it next to a window.

Getting rid of cable using over the air TV and XBMC

My Attic Antenna

Once you have your antenna setup, it is time to tune your stations. All of the TVs with tuners have a scan option to scan for over-the-air channels. Hit the scan option, and the next thing you know, you are watching free TV. You may have to tweak your antenna a bit for the best reception. Once you have it set, you should not have to touch it again. Now you too can rid yourself of cable, using over the air TV. Say goodbye to the cable bill.

Getting rid of cable using over the air TV and XBMC

Basic antenna install. It’s quite simple.

Get Rid of Cable With One of These Antennas:

Short Range Antenna

The Mohu Leaf 30 is the original paper-thin HDTV antenna. This omnidirectional antenna reaches out in a 30-mile radius from your home to bring you the most popular TV shows, news, and sports, on both network and local television in full 1080 HD – for FREE. No need for cable or satellite fees to watch stations like PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, with each network having its own digital sub-channels for maximum content. The Leaf 30 is derived from advanced U. S. Military technology and is built from the highest quality components for the best possible performance.

Mid Range Antenna

Features a 360° receive pattern; perfect for receiving a signal in multiple directions without a rotor; compact design; channels 2-69; range up to 30 miles-zone 1 (yellow/green)

Long-Range Antenna

The Channel Master CM 4228HD is a pre-assembled 8-Bay outdoor TV antenna that will receive UHF and HD signals. This antenna has a signal range of 60 miles and will pick up available local digital and HD signals. With an HD television, you will pick up any crystal clear HD signals being broadcast in your area.

This will allow you to split the signal to two TV’s

Channel Master distribution amplifiers can be used in HDTV, CATV, off-air, analog, and digital RF distribution applications where high performance and reliability are required. The CM 3410 is a high-quality ultra mini single output digital TV amplifier.

Image courtesy of John Kasawa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you getting rid of cable using over-the-air TV and Kodi?

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About Financial Forager
I enjoy canning, preserving, foraging and growing my own food. It’s become a way of life. When you grow a vegetable garden, you eat with the seasons. Foraging is the same way. I forage for many types of wild berries and edible plants. Preserving is a great way to store and maintain your garden and foraged finds.

2 Comments

  1. We went over the air in 2009 and haven’t looked back. All anyone really needs is an Internet connection. With that you can watch everything ever made and make phone calls etc. There are many sites that even broadcast live sporting events if you want. These days there is no reason to pay for cable TV. Thanks for sharing.

    • It is true, all you need is a internet connection. My phone is with Magic Jack and it is dirt cheap. I watch a lot of sporting events on line as well. I watched most of the past World Cup on ESPN3. I don’t miss cable or the bill each month!

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