Over-the-Air TV

No. A traditional Over-the-Air television broadcast is received directly from the local broadcast station by your TV antenna, so an internet connection or Wi-Fi is not required to receive and watch standard OTA broadcasts. The antenna connects to a compatible television, tuner, DVR, or other receiving device, which decodes the broadcast signal. Internet service may be required for certain optional features offered by some televisions, DVRs, apps, program guides, or newer interactive broadcast services, but internet access is separate from receiving the basic over-the-air television signal itself.

The channels available with a TV antenna depend on the broadcast stations serving your specific location. Common OTA programming can include local affiliates of major television networks, independent stations, local news and weather, educational programming, foreign language programming, classic television networks, and other specialty channels. Digital television also allows a single local station to broadcast multiple programming streams known as subchannels. For example, one broadcaster may provide channels such as 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and additional subchannels from the same broadcast facility. Because channel availability varies by address, the best way to determine what is available at your home is to use a signal prediction tool rather than relying on a generic channel list. Channel Master's TV Antenna Map and Signal Prediction Tool can be used at https://www.channelmaster.com/pages/tv-antenna-map.

Over-the-Air television broadcasts that are freely available in your area can be received with a TV antenna without a monthly television subscription fee. Once you have the equipment needed to receive the signal, typically a TV antenna and a television or other device with a compatible tuner, there is no recurring charge from the local broadcaster simply to receive its free OTA broadcast. This is different from cable, satellite, and subscription streaming services, which typically charge recurring fees for access to their programming. Some optional products and services used with an antenna may have their own costs or subscriptions, but a subscription is not required simply to receive standard free over-the-air television broadcasts.

Over-the-Air television, commonly called OTA TV, broadcast TV, or antenna TV, is television programming transmitted by local broadcast stations using radio frequency signals. These signals are sent from television broadcast towers and can be received at your home using a TV antenna. The antenna receives the broadcast signal and sends it through coaxial cable to a television, DVR, tuner, or other compatible receiving device. Unlike cable, satellite, or most streaming services, the television signal travels directly from the local broadcast station to your antenna rather than through a paid television provider or internet connection. OTA television includes many local network affiliates and independent stations, with availability varying by location.