TV Without Cable?

Updated on July 10, 2008
A.M. asks from Arlington, TX
4 answers

We are wanting to get rid of our Uverse (fiberoptic) programming for our tv. We don't want to get cable or satellite either. Just plain 'ol tv like when dh and I were kids. The problem is, it has been so long since we didn't have any of these additional services, we're not sure if we remember how the tv works without them. Do we need an antenna? We are mainly wanting to do this to cut down on costs. We are working hard on getting out of debt and with the rise in gas, food and electric prices we need to trim some more to keep going. Any advice would be great! Thanks

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

A.,
Good for you for getting out of debt. That's awesome! Are you a Dave Ramsey listener? As Dave says, "Debt is Normal, Be Weird!" Looks like you're on your way!

Yes, I believe you will need an antenna, but you can get one that goes in the attic instead of on the roof from Radio Shack. Depending on how old your TV's are, you may also need a converter box in Feb. 2009 when the signal goes digital. Radio Shack should be able to help you with that also. I don't know the cost of either one. I believe there is a website where you can get the converter box free, but I don't know the url. Sorry, I'm not much help. But I'm sure someone at Radio Shack will have all the info you need.

Good luck!
C.

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S.W.

answers from Austin on

If you decide to use an antenna (either outside or inside your home) be sure to test it before you turn off your cable service (ie. plug in the antenna and unplug the cable). My parents have an antenna inside their home and get horrible reception. Now they have to look at installing and exterior antenna on the roof. Some areas get poor tv reception.

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C.W.

answers from Dallas on

We use our attena only and don't pay extra for cable. It makes life easier and it is much cheaper. We have a small antenna on top of our TV. It works okay.

There is commercials saying you will need to get a convertor box if you don't have a digital TV in 2/09. We got a coupon for $40 off the convertor box. I believe the one we got was $59 at Radio Shack. So, the $40 helped out a lot. You could do a search online for convertor boxes/coupons cards/discount off convertor boxes. We've already used our coupon card. Sorry, I don't have the address-email on where to go to get the coupon sent to you in the mail. Warning you do have an ex[piration date to use the coupon. You have to use it quickly and not wait to buy it later.

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

www.dtv.gov

we have just regular tv and love it. i refuse to pay for cable unless it means having zero tv otherwise.

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