Jasco Blog

Dreaming of cutting the cord but don’t know where to start? These three simple steps will help you determine if cord-cutting is the best value for you, what options are available and what equipment you’ll need for success. 

Cord cutters come in all types and number in the tens of millions, and although this trend began less than a decade ago, it continues to soar in the U.S. If it maintains its upward trajectory, an estimated 51 million people will cut the cord by 2021. Whether you’re a seasoned cord-cutter or are considering it as a great way to streamline your budget and customize your entertainment choices, there are a growing number of ways to get the most out of your decision to ditch cable.

If you’re one of the 33 million cord-cutters and you rely on a TV antenna for local programming, or if you simply use an antenna as a backup for potential cable or satellite outages, then you should plan to rescan. Antenna users typically have access to more than 30 free over-the-air channels. Larger metro areas could have up to 100!

As channels change frequencies or are added to the airwaves, a quick channel scan can easily capture those updates and keep you from missing out on the best in free TV.

Did you know antennas have a higher visual and audio quality than cable or satellite? After you choose to cut the cord, the next thing to determine is how to set up your HD antenna to receive the best signal for the best picture possible. Without a cable service representative coming to the house to set up your home entertainment for you, questions can quickly arise in a DIY setting. We talked with our antenna experts here at Jasco and asked them all the questions you will need to know in "Ask the Experts — Antennas edition.”

No one enjoys going to a channel and finding that their favorite programming has moved.

However, changes in frequency have been a reality of broadcasting for as long as people have been watching television – and new changes are on their way. If you rely on a TV antenna – as opposed to cable or satellite – to bring in over-the-air channels, rescanning your TV or set-top box will be necessary to ensure a fully up-to-date viewing experience.

With the average cost of cable over $100/month and up to $1,200 a year - it's no wonder people everywhere are making the decision to ditch their cable plan and cut the cord. But to many, cutting the cord seems terrifying. How can you watch your favorite shows without cable? Can one honestly live without it? The answer is simple: yes you can, and you can do it easily! Getting your TV fix without cable is easier now than it has ever been. You can still watch TV without cable and catch any, and all, of the best shows by using:

You’re fed up with cable so you decided to cut the cord. Good for you! At first, you feel great about it. Then about a week later withdrawals start kicking in. You see all your friends on Facebook or Twitter talking about the Bachelor or the latest episode of This is Us. You resort to Netflix and turn on Friends even though you’ve already watched every episode 50 times. You act like you are happy, but you aren’t.

Whether you have recently made the choice to cut the cord and enjoy free hi-definition over-the-air television or you made the decision long ago, here are a few tips to get you on your way to the best tv reception with an hd antenna.

1. Locate Local Broadcast Towers

Two free and easy to use tools for locating your local broadcast towers and comparing antenna reception are available on AntennaWeb and Jasco's own GE HDTV antenna page here. All you have to do is enter your address or zip code and you will be directed to a map showing which channels you can potentially receive in your area. This map will also show the direction and distance of local broadcast stations in relation to your location. This information is important in determining the range your antenna will need in order to pick up the desired channels.

Google just announced they're joining the “skinny bundle” TV war with YouTube TV, a paid subscription service that streams a slew of premium broadcast and cable networks to your mobile device, tablet, computer, and anything with Chromecast.

Just $35 a month gets you six accounts and access to live TV from more than 40 providers including the big broadcast networks, ESPN, regional sports networks and dozens of popular cable networks. Subscriptions include cloud DVR with unlimited storage, AI-powered search and personalization, and access to YouTube Red programming. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki calls it the evolution of television, and a bid to “give the younger generation the content that they love with the flexibility they expect.”

Tis the season, the NBA season that is. It’s time to cheer on your favorite team or player on their journey to the playoffs and possibly a championship ring. There a lot of games and a lot of teams to watch but make sure you aren’t missing a game while saving money and cutting cable.