STREAMING SATURDAY: Why Stream Local TV When Antenna is Better?

I believe fewer people would stream their local TV channels if they knew that a TV antenna offers better viewing.

Streamers love to stream. It’s in our blood. We love having the power of watching what we want, when we want, and with the ability to zip through commercials when the need arises. This love of streaming can be taken to extremes (exstreams?) though, especially when we get the crazy notion that we want to stream our local TV channels. Even though many of us can do this, it doesn’t mean we should. Why? Because it’s far better to get our local TV programming from a TV antenna and our national services through streaming.

Here are the reasons it’s better to get your local TV from an antenna installation:

  1. Availability: DIRECTV NOW, Hulu, and Sling TV all stream some amount of local channels to some markets. If you live in these areas, and the local TV programs you want to stream are available on your service, then you’re in luck. A TV antenna takes the guesswork out of things. With the right antenna atop your roof or inside your home, you’ll get the most amount of local programming available, all day, every day.
  2. Picture Clarity: Streaming picture clarity is good, but antenna TV is even better. It all has to do with the fact that streaming and cable services compress their signal over the line while TV antenna does not. If you want to watch local TV program, why not watch it in crisp, beautiful high-definition video?
  3. The Cost: As you know, you pay a monthly subscription rate for your streaming service(s). With a TV antenna, you only pay for the equipment one time, then the programming you enjoy comes to your house free of charge, every day, week, month, and year. And when it comes to TV antennas and streaming services, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can have the best of both worlds and many people do. It makes perfect sense to pay to stream the movies, shows, and original series you love while getting all your local TV programming for free.
  4. No Contract: With antenna TV, there’s no application, credit check, or multi-year contract. You pay one time to purchase the antenna and other equipment, then you’re enjoying free over-the-air TV from that point forward. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than this.
  5. Programming Variety: Yes, streaming offers you a wide variety of movies, original series, and more. Antenna TV also offers a huge variety of local TV programming. Between the years of 2004-2009, most American TV markets grew to include 50-100 channels of free TV. Instead of one or the other, get both for the largest variety of programming for your home.
  6. Reliable Technology: TV antennas aren’t some thing of the past.  While today’s antennas utilize the same technology as these devices always have, improvements have been made over the years. For example, many of today’s antennas also feature certain advancements such as built-in amplifiers, LTE noise filters, and more that offer stronger reception and better quality picture. What better match for your favorite streaming service?
  7. It Won’t Change: Free over-the-air TV will always be available so long as there are TV stations in most cities and towns. Why? Because it’s the law. In 1934, the government classified the broadcast spectrum as a public trust, similar to national parks. This means that all broadcasters must provide these channels and sub-channels as a free public service. If it’s been this way for more than 80 years, you can feel confident that a TV antenna is a sound and lasting investment for your home.

Get a TV Antenna and Free TV Today!
Normally, I use this column to praise the virtues of streaming. For the record, I still believe it’s the best way to enjoy your favorite movies, shows and original series. But when it comes to watching local TV, a TV antenna is your best option. If you really love local TV programming, you owe it to yourself and your family to get a TV antenna. Best of all, Solid Signal can help you with this. We’re your antenna and free TV experts. Just call us at 888-233-7563 for your free TV antenna recommendation, installation instructions, and everything else you need to enjoy the most free local TV programming.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.