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In this modern age of smart TVs and streaming apps, some still prefer tuning into terrestrial TV — and if that sounds appealing to you, then you'll need a TV antenna. Whether using a TV antenna is still practical depends on your situation, but if you're considering using a satellite dish for that purpose, think again. While it may seem like a good idea, you may not actually get any real results.
A satellite dish and an antenna are each designed to capture different types of signals. A satellite dish's components are built to receive much higher-frequency satellite signals, while an antenna is built to receive over-the-air broadcast signals. So plugging the dish into the TV's antenna input probably won't give you what you're looking for, if you get anything at all. Even modifying the dish by mounting a TV antenna in front of its reflector typically offers little benefit.
But while the satellite dish itself can't be used as a TV antenna, you may be able to reuse the existing mounting location. However, the dish's mounting pole may not be an exact match for an over-the-air TV antenna, so you may need an adapter to make it work. You can reuse the satellite dish's coax cable, provided it's in good shape, but you will likely need to replace the splitter or other hardware to ensure the antenna works properly.
Read more: 5 Of The Biggest Drawbacks Of OLED TVs
Tips for switching to a TV antenna
There are several ways to repurpose old satellite dishes, but few actually use the dish's electronics. If you need to dispose of one, recycling is often the best option. But keep in mind that a satellite dish has electronic components and wiring, so your best move is to find a local electronics recycling facility or an e-waste collection program in your area.
If you're thinking of switching from satellite or expensive streaming services to free-to-air TV via TV antenna, you may need extra hardware. Though many smart TV models are equipped with antennas, those antennas are not designed for over-the-air TV. Instead, they're made for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This means you'll have to buy a high-definition digital TV antenna and install it to get local TV channels.
When choosing a TV antenna, you will likely see models with specific distance claims. But the truth is that reception depends on several factors, including your distance from broadcast towers and the direction they're located. The terrain outside your home also plays a role, and so does the antenna's mounting spot. The kind of antenna you get also matters: A good indoor TV antenna may work better in some homes, while others will benefit more from an outdoor antenna.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
