In an age where streaming services like Netflix dominate the entertainment landscape, you might think the humble TV antenna is a relic of the past.
However, a recent study found that nearly one in five TV viewers now use antennas for over-the-air broadcasts, with ownership increasing by 9% among 18-49 year olds in just one year.1
Believe it or not, there are still plenty of practical and downright weird reasons to keep an antenna in your arsenal, even if you’re a die-hard Netflix binger. Here are 10 compelling reasons to consider adding an antenna to your setup.
1. Ditch the Compression for Clearer Pictures
While both cable and broadcast TV operate at a 1080p resolution, using a TV antenna can actually get you a better picture than what your cable or satellite provider sends. That’s because subscription services compress their signals to pack in as much data as possible, while antennas deliver an uncompressed, true 1080i signal straight from the source.
2. Access Live Local News & Weather for Free
When the power goes out or the internet goes down, your antenna can be a lifeline to critical local news and weather information. And with 60% of people citing the desire for hyperlocal content as a key driver of antenna adoption, it’s clear that free access to community news is still a major draw.
3. Catch the Big Game without Cable
Every weekend, you can watch NFL games, college football, and other major sporting events on the major broadcast networks for free with an antenna. No need to pay for expensive cable packages or streaming services just to catch the big game.
4. Discover Hidden Gem Subchannels
Broadcast channels offer a variety of digital subchannels that aren’t available through cable or satellite. Depending on your location, you might find everything from classic movie marathons to niche interest programming, often with minimal commercials.
5. Avoid Buffering & Lag
Streaming video is great, but it’s at the mercy of your internet connection. With an antenna, you can enjoy live TV without the dreaded buffering wheel or lag. The signal comes straight to your TV, no internet required.
6. Protect Your Privacy
In an era of data breaches and online surveillance, an antenna offers a refreshingly private way to watch TV. No need to worry about your viewing habits being tracked or sold to advertisers.
7. Impress Your Friends with Retro Tech
Let’s be real – antennas are cool again. Embrace your inner tech nerd and show off your vintage-inspired flat panel or sleek modern design. Bonus points if you can find a working set of rabbit ears.
8. Avoid Subscription Fatigue
As streaming services continue to raise prices and fragment the market, an antenna can be a welcome respite from the endless cycle of subscriptions. With no monthly fees and a one-time purchase, it’s a low-cost way to access a wide variety of content.
9. Enjoy Instant Gratification
Streaming may be convenient, but it can’t match the instant gratification of flipping on the TV and having live content at your fingertips. With an antenna, you can channel surf to your heart’s content without waiting for shows to buffer or download.
10. Prepare for the Unexpected
In an emergency situation, your antenna could be a vital link to the outside world. When cell networks and internet go down, a battery-powered TV with an antenna can keep you informed and entertained. It’s a small investment in disaster preparedness.
Source:
1. https://www.thefreetvproject.org/tv-antenna-usage-among-young-people-grew-9-in-just-one-year/
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
