The Apple TV Crash Course (2015)

Part Four: Cutting the Cable Cord

A Return to Bunny

When you think about antenna television, you probably think about standing in front of an old TV set moving bunny ears around trying to angle it just the right way for perfect reception. And by perfect reception, I mean there’s static and fuzz, but you can make out what the person on the screen is saying.

Several years ago, over the air signals moved to digital signals; when picked up by the antenna, you will get picture quality that is just as sharp as cable. So for basic channels, you are paying the cable company a fee for something you can literally get for free.

What do you need to do this? If you still happen to have a non-HDTV, then you would need a converter box; that will cost you about $40 dollars; another $100 and you might as well get a new TV.

If you have an HDTV—these are the flat rectangular TVs—then you won’t need any kind of converter box. You just need an antenna. If you use Amazon, you can purchase the “AmazonBasics Ultra-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna” for $25; if you pop into RadioShack, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or anywhere else with electronics, you can buy one for about the same—possibly a little cheaper. I’ve seen them as low as $10. If you live in a remote area or an area with a lot of signal interference, then a more expensive one will probably be a better fit.

Best of all, HDTV are pretty slick and modern looking. They are normally square like the picture below. The days of bunny ears are pretty much gone.

Indoor Antenna

This is definitely the cheapest way of cutting the cord, but what about recording TV shows? That’s definitely a plus of cable. You can purchase a DVR for less than $200; unfortunately, this requires a monthly plan, so if you are looking to cut the bill, and not add a new one, then this is not the best option. You’ll want to read some of the other alternatives further in the book if this is something important to you.

So what are the cons? The biggest is what you are missing. If you only want local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.), then it’s perfect. If you want ESPN, Disney, etc., then you will need to look further at alternatives.

Cost:

$10-$25 for an antenna

$200 if you want a DVR (plus subscription fees—usually less than $15 a month)

Pros:

Price

Cons:

Channels are limited to local networks. Reception varies depending on the area you live. Recording shows is extra.