Tag Archives: OTA

1. Streaming Services, 3. TV Antennas, 5. How to Watch

5 Ways to Watch NFL Football without Cable TV

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How to Watch Football Without Cable: Online, OTA, & on Your Mobile Device

Did I say 5 Ways to Watch? Ohh sorry, I meant 13 Ways to Watch Football Without Cable. Sorry if you were expecting the bare minimum. Thanks to new services, there are more ways to watch NFL games without cable than ever before!

In an effort to capture the interest of Cord Cutters and Cord Nevers, the NFL has made watching football without a cable TV subscription easier than ever. With new ways to stream local and primetime games online and on your mobile device, 2018 is shaping up to be the best year ever to watch NFL without a cable subscription.

With a multitude of solutions including OTA Antennas, Amazon Prime, Yahoo Sports Mobile App, Twitch, NFL Mobile App, Fubo TV, Sling TV and several more; there is no longer a reason to pay the high price of cable TV. 

how to watch nfl without cable

It’s the most wonderful time of the year; the summer heat is slowly gaining, and NFL football has finally returned. For the cord cutting sports fan, it has never been easier to watch NFL games without cable.

To make sure you don’t miss a game this season, here’s how you can watch the NFL without cable.

But before we get into all the different ways to watch, I will briefly go over TV channel lineups, our NFL Streaming Matrix, weekly key match-ups,  and the Thursday Night Football schedule.

The Channels You Need to Watch NFL Games Without Cable

When building out your cord-cutting arsenal, the first thing you need to know is what channels NFL games air on in 2018. Once you know what channels you need access too, you can build out a package that plugs all the holes, providing you a complete solution.

Thursday Night Football

TNF airs on a few different channels, depending on the week (NFL Network, FOX, & Amazon Prime (press release). Check out a complete Thursday Night Football TV schedule below. >> 2018 TNF Schedule

In 2017 Amazon Prime streamed 11 TNF games, and in 2016 Twitter streamed 10 games. Neither the NFL or Amazon has announced the streaming rights for the 2018 Thursday Night Football, but some have reported that the first game will Week 4, Sept. 27: Vikings at Rams.

Sunday Football

Sunday Football airs on NBC, CBS, and FOX. Plus you have the NFL RedZone Channel, which offers nonstop coverage of every red zone drive in real time. >> 2018 NFL Schedule

Monday Night Football

MNF airs exclusively on ESPN >> 2018 MNF Schedule

Continue reading 5 Ways to Watch NFL Football without Cable TV →

2. Streaming Devices, 3. TV Antennas

Build Your Own DIY OTA DVR

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Using a TV Tuner Card to build a PC based DIY OTA DVR for Recording Free TV

You can use your home computer to capture and record free TV using an Over-the-Air Antenna!

Since 2009, United States tTV Tuner Card - USBelevision programs have been broadcast Over-the-Air (OTA) exclusively in digital format. This means that HD signal is available for free in many locations using an indoor or outdoor TV antenna. Goodbye snowy picture!

If you’re already using a digital antenna to watch local programming, and you currently use a PC to stream video to your TV, you may be interested in purchasing a TV tuner card.

What’s a TV tuner card, you ask? Well, a tuner card is a peripheral that can be easily added to nearly any home computer to record free broadcast TV directly to your device. That’s right! You’ll be able to pause, rewind or fast forward your local programming exactly the way you would with an expensive cable or satellite box, without any of those pesky monthly expenses!

Did someone say it’s Football Season?

Record your favorite NFL games and watch them on your own time, and or commercial free. With a setup like this you can not only get Sunday and Thursday Football for free in HD, but you can watch a standard 3 hour game in an hour and a half. Learn more about watching NFL for free in HD

How to choose the right Tuner Card for Your DIY OTA DVR

Continue reading Build Your Own DIY OTA DVR →

3. TV Antennas

Mohu Sky 60 Review: Cost, Specs, Performance, More

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The Mohu Sky is a powerful outdoor antenna that’s best suited for individuals who live far away from broadcast towers. With a unique design, this multi-directional antenna that can pull in over-the-air broadcasts from up to 60 miles away. Check out our full Mohu Sky 60 review to see if this is the right antenna for your needs.

 

A Little Background

Many people believe that they need cable TV in order to watch their favorite shows and local content. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In reality, there are high definition channels being broadcast over the airwaves for the low, low price of free. That’s right, channels like CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS and more are freely available and in glorious 1080p.

You may be asking yourself how you can tap into this magical source of free entertainment. Or maybe you think I’m some kind of charlatan trying to pull the wool over your eyes with too good to be true offers.

Contrary to popular belief, quality TV without a cable TV subscription is possible and probably easier than you think.

To start getting free HD channels, all you need is a TV antenna.

At this point you might be thinking to yourself, aren’t TV antennas those ugly metal contraptions that you perch on the roof? You might also think that antennas are old and outdated. While they are popular opinions, neither are true. In fact, TV antennas are an important tool in cutting your cable bill. Since over-the-air broadcasts transitioned from analog to digital, modern antennas look nothing like the eyesores of the past.

Instead of awkward rabbit ears jutting out all over the place, today’s antennas are sleek and elegant.

One of the most popular manufacturers of modern antennas is Mohu, and they pioneered the flat, leaf-like antenna design that virtually every other manufacturer has parroted since. Mohu revolutionized the antenna market, providing consumers with an easy to use, affordable and aesthetically pleasing indoor antenna. Their antennas became synonymous with delivering high definition broadcasts from local affiliates of NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC and more, allowing users to watch their favorite shows, keep up on local news and catch local sporting events, all for free.

The Mohu Leaf indoor antenna is great for folks who live close to transmission towers, but what if you don’t? A number of things can inhibit your ability to capture OTA broadcasts. Buildings, mountains, trees, if you don’t have clear line of sight with a transmission tower, there’s a good chance you might have some reception issues.

Fortunately, if you live in an area with spotty reception, you don’t have to resign yourself to forking over hundreds of dollars per month to a cable company. Mohu has another antenna built just for you, the Mohu Sky 60.

 

What is the Mohu Sky 60?

The Mohu Sky 60 is a powerful, outdoor multi-directional antenna that can pull in OTA broadcasts from up to 60 miles away!

The Mohu Sky 60 antenna is designed to be mounted either on your roof or in your attic. Doing so significantly increases your ability to capture OTA transmissions in your area, as mounting the antenna higher decreases the chance of environmental interference.

In addition, the Mohu Sky features CleanPeak filter technology. This is an amplifier that is included with the antenna. This little device takes the broadcast signal that your Mohu Sky 60 picks up and amplifies that signal before it reaches your TV. This helps to ensure that the picture quality of your OTA broadcasts is top notch.

 

Who Needs the Mohu Sky 60?

The Mohu Sky 60 is a bit pricier than Mohu’s indoor antennas, so you’ll probably want to know which one will work for you before you open your wallet.

The easiest way to see which channels you might be able to receive is to use a website that predicts OTA coverage based on your location. Antennaweb.org is an easy to use website that asks you to input your address and whether you’ll be using an antenna that is mounted 30 feet above ground level or not. Antennaweb will then present you with the channels that you can expect to receive.

Similarly, the FCC’s DTV reception maps will give you information that can help you make a decision on which antenna is best for you.

Simply put, if you live many miles away from broadcast towers, you’ll likely need an attic or outdoor antenna like the Sky.

 

Mohu Sky 60 Cost

So, how much does the Mohu Sky cost?

The retail value of this powerful antenna is $149.99. However, right now, you can get $50 off this price when you order on Amazon, making your total $100 plus tax.

Again, the Sky is more expensive than your basic indoor antenna, but that’s because this attic/outdoor antenna is more powerful and targeted for those who can’t pick up the channels they need with a basic antenna.

 

What’s in the Box?

If you opt for the Mohu Sky 60 antenna, you’ll be pleased to know that it comes with everything you need to install and start watching crystal clear OTA broadcasts.

Inside the box you’ll find the antenna itself. You’ll be happy to see that the Mohu Sky 60 is unobtrusive and attractive compared to the antennas of yesteryear. Furthermore, it only weighs three pounds and is approximately an inch thick.

Since it’s designed to be used outdoors mounted to your roof, the Mohu Sky 60 is completely weatherproof.

You’ll also find a 30’ coaxial cable, the amplifier and mounting brackets with all the necessary hardware to secure the antenna in place.

 

Mohu Sky Installation

Installation is simple and should only take you about a half hour.

First, you want to mount the bracket to your house. When picking a spot, remember to stay away from wiring, plumbing and other metallic objects.

Second, connect the coaxial cable to the antenna.

Third, attach the mounting clamp to the antenna and secure the mounting clamp to the bracket.

Finally, run the cable to your TV. That’s it!

You’ll be enjoying full HD OTA channels in no time. With the Mohu Sky 60, you’ll feel confident in calling your cable company to cancel your subscription for good.

1. Streaming Services, 5. How to Watch

Watching Television in Spanish without Cable

Cord Cutting Guide for Spanish TV Content

 

Hola cortadores de cable de compañeros, cómo estás?

Whether you’re looking for entertainment in your native language or just someone looking for a little practice, it can be hard to find Spanish language content on television. Despite having to pay hundreds of dollars a month to cable providers, the number of Spanish language channels is few and far between.

If the dearth of Spanish language content on cable television has you thinking that your options would be even worse if you cut the cord, then set your mind at ease. Not only is there a wide selection of Spanish language content online, it often costs a lot less than cable.

Today we’re going to take a look at how you can cut the cord and still get all the Spanish language television and film that you crave. Let’s get started!

 

Over-the-Air Channels in Spanish

The cheapest way to watch Television in Spanish is to purchase an Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna. For those of you that don’t know, an OTA antenna picks up the signals from all the major broadcast networks, like ABC or CBS. Most antennas are very affordable, ranging from $30 to $60. I would recommend a Mohu Leaf 30 or the Winegard Elite 7550. Both of these are inexpensive, dependable, and do a great job picking up signals.

For Spanish language programming you can get free over the air with an antenna, the two television networks you’ll be looking for is Univision and Telemundo. They’ll have all the popular Spanish language shows you’re looking for; like Metastasis or La Gata.

Sadly, Telemundo and Univision are only accessible to about 50-60 percent of American homes so it won’t be uncommon to be missing one of those networks. Would you like to know what stations are in your area? Check out AntennaWeb and find out if Univision and Telemundo are available in your area.

If Univision and Telemundo are not in your area, don’t worry because there are a bunch of different ways to get access to these channels. And if you keep reading, you’ll find out.

 

Spanish Channels Streaming on Hulu Live TV

Hulu with Live TV is a newer live streaming service that offers a decent option for Spanish TV streaming. Right now, Hulu does not offer standalone Spanish language content, so you’ll have to subscribe to a base package and then add a Spanish add-on. Hulu Live TV costs $40 per month for 50+ channels. From there, get the Español Add-on for $4.99 per month to get:

  • CNN en Español
  • Discovery en Español
  • Discovery Familia
  • ESPN Deportes
  • History Channel en Español
  • NBC Universo

So, you’ll end up paying $45 per month for a great selection of English channels, and an okay selection of Spanish channels. See our Hulu Live TV review for more information. There’s also a free trial available.

 

Univision Now

In a move similar to CBS All Access, Univision has recently launched its own standalone streaming service call Univision Now. For $9.99 a month you get live and on-demand access to both Univision and UniMás. This includes live sports, news and all their regular programming.

With your subscription, you can watch on up to three screens simultaneously. You’ll also get some DVR functionality, with recorded programs lasting up to 72 hours. As far as device support goes, you can watch Univision Now on Roku, your PC, or smartphone. Start your free trial today!

Love Soccer? Then you need to read “How to Watch Soccer Online”.

 

Spanish Channels on DIRECTV NOW

DIRECTV NOW is one of the hottest streaming services to hit the market, and for good reason. Offering a bunch of Spanish speaking TV channels, DirecTV Now is a great cable TV alternative for Spanish speaking cord-cutters.

Here are a few of the channels available on their base-package called “Live a Little” ($40 a month):

  • Galavision
  • Telemundo
  • Univision

DIRECTV NOW also offers a Spanish language package, called TODO Y MÁS. This package includes both English language and Spanish language channels, with a total of 90+ networks to watch! Here are some of the included channels:

  • 50+ Spanish channels and 40+ English channels
  • ESPN Deportes
  • FOX Deportes
  • Univision
  • Discovery en Español
  • Galavision
  • Cine Estelar
  • Much more

To give them a test drive, check out the Free Trial. Or, check out our detailed DIRECTV NOW review to learn more.

 

Spanish Channels on Sling TV

Probably the best bang for your buck is going to be Sling TV, which offers a great way to watch Spanish TV online. Sling TV’s normal base packages do not offer any Spanish language channels – however, they offer a Best of Spanish TV package that’s sold on it’s own for just $10 per month. This is one of the most economical ways to watch Spanish TV without cable. The package includes:

  • NBC Universo
  • History en Español
  • EstrellaTV
  • Azteca
  • Discovery en Español
  • Discovery Familia
  • BeIN Sports Español
  • BeIN Sports
  • La Liga
  • BeIN Sports Connect
  • Cine Latino
  • Cine Sony
  • Pasiones
  • Inglés Para Todos
  • Inti
  • Cbeebies
  • VME Kids
  • PXSports
  • NTN24
  • BabyTV en Espanol
  • El Financiero
  • Zee Mundo
  • Hola TV

That gives you around 25 networks for $10 per month, which is a pretty great deal. If you want to expand selection further, you can either add one of the English-language base packages, or you can add a Spanish add-on. Here are the other Spanish language add-ons available:

Mexico – $5 per Month – adds Canal Once, CB Television, MultiMedios, Mexicanal, AZ Clic, TeleFormula, Milenio Television, AZ Cinema, TLR, Video Rola and Corazon.

Sudamérica – $5 per Month – adds Caracol, Nuestra Tele, NTN24, Novelas, TV Venezuela, Ecuavisa Internacional, Telefe, TyC Sports, Bolivia TV, Canal Sur, Estudi 5, Eltrece, TN, and EV TV

Centroamérica – $5 per Month – adds CA TV, CB24, and Tele El Salvador.

Caribe – $5 per Month – adds WAPA America, Cuba MAX TV, Telemicro, TV

España – $5 per Month – adds TVE, Antena 3, A3cine, and Superene

Click here to sign up for Sling TV, or read our full review for more information.

 

Spanish Movies on Netflix

Netflix is a great go-to source for Spanish language content. Now if you have been using regular Netflix to find Spanish language content, it might be a little difficult. Unless you know exactly what to look for, you will most likely find content in English first, with a handful of things in Spanish. However, that can be easily fixed.

To get Netflix content delivered to you in Spanish, hop on the computer and go to https://www.netflix.com. Once you log in, go to My Account and scroll all the way to the bottom. Under My Profile, click the option that says Language. From there you should be able to change your preferred language to Spanish.

Quick Note: Not everything that is available in English is available in Spanish, but at the very least you’ll have an easier time finding things.

 

Spanish Channels on fuboTV

fuboTV is an online streaming service with an emphasis on Spanish language television and international sports; especially soccer. There are three fuboTV subscription plans that you can choose from, but really you’ll probably only want the first two since the third is for those that speak Portuguese (fubo TV review).

The first subscription plan is called fubo Premier. It costs $45 a month and will give access to 75+ live channels; including the following Spanish language channels:

  • beIN Sports
  • Univision TDN
  • Fox Deportes
  • Univision
  • Galavisión
  • UniMás

Or you can go with fubo Latino. For $24.99 a month, fubo Latino gives you access to the following Spanish language channels:

  • beIN Sports
  • beIN Sports Español
  • Univision TDN
  • Fox Deportes
  • Univision
  • Galavisión
  • UniMás
  • GOLTV Spanish
  • TyC Sports
  • CNN
  • Baby TV HD
  • Cine Sony
  • ElGourmet
  • Mas Chic
  • Nuestra Tele
  • FoxLife
  • Nat Geo Mundo

For an extra $5 a month you can also get the Entretenimiento Plus add-on, which gives you the following channels:

  • Antena 3
  • Bandmax
  • de pelicula
  • de pelicula clasico
  • NTN24
  • RITMOSON
  • TeleHit
  • TLNovelas Univision
  • FORO tv

Start your FREE Trial today

 

Spanish Channels on PlayStation Vue

Although PlayStation Vue is a great live TV streaming service, it might not be the Spanish language resource that you are looking for. True, there are a few channels available but there are cheaper options available. For completeness sake, here are the Spanish language channels that you can get with PlayStation Vue, across various packages (starting from $45 a month):

  • Telemundo
  • ESPN Deportes
  • FOX Deportes

There is also a Spanish television add-on for $4.99 a month or $3.99 a month if you have a PS Plus membership. Here’s what you get with the Español Pack:

  • BabyTV
  • Cine Sony
  • CNN en español
  • Discovery en español
  • Familia Discovery
  • Fox Deportes
  • FoxLife
  • Nat Geo Mundo
  • NBC Universo

Cut the Cord and Get Even More Spanish Television

It may be hard to find someone speaking Spanish on cable television these days, but if you ditch the cable subscription you’ll be surprised at what kind of content you can find. Between Sling TV, fuboTV, your trusty old OTA antenna, and all the rest; there’s a whole world of Spanish language content just waiting to be discovered!

So what are you waiting for? Deje de pagar demasiado por la televisión por cable . Tome el salto, cortar el cordón, y matar a su factura de cable hoy!

1. Streaming Services

Sling TV vs PlayStation Vue: Channels, Price, and More

These days, cord-cutters have many great choices when it comes to selecting a cable alternative. Several companies are now competing for your hard-earned money, and that’s great news for consumers. As competition heats up, let’s compare two of the more established services in the industry: Sling TV vs PlayStation Vue.

Which comes out on top? Which has the best channel lineup? Which provides the best overall value? We’ll answer these questions and more in our Sling TV vs Vue comparison.

 

Sling TV and PS Vue Similarities

While there are a lot of differences between PS Vue and Sling TV, there are also a lot of similarities. To get an overview of how these services work, let’s take a look at what they both offer. Both Sling TV and PlayStation Vue:

  • Are available without a contract, so you can cancel any time
  • Are viable alternatives to cable TV
  • Are typically more affordable than cable
  • Offer a good way to watch live TV from many of the best channels out there
  • Offer several different channel packages for your selection
  • Work over the internet, with no cable required
  • Work on devices ranging from streaming players like Roku to mobile phones and computers

Essentially, both Sling TV and PlayStation Vue are good cable TV alternatives that can help you save money while keeping access to your favorite channels. Both are useful for watching sports online, watching news without cable, and keeping up with your favorite TV shows.

Now that we know the basics, let’s get into the nitty gritty Sling TV vs PlayStation Vue comparison to learn more!

 

Sling TV vs PlayStation Vue: At a Glance

We’ll break down important factors in further detail in the guide below, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s what you need to know:

Price/Value – Sling TV is more affordable, with plans from $25/mo (compared to Vue’s $45/mo). Sling also generally offers a better value, because you can customize your lineup to just pay for the channels you actually want.

Channel Selection – Both offer a lot of channels, with up to 90+ on Vue and 100+ on Sling available. Vue offers 4 different packages, while Sling has 3 packages and then TONS of small add-on packages. Sling has more customization options, but in terms of pure channel selection, the two services are similar.

Features – Both have similar features, with both live and on-demand coverage, a cloud DVR, simultaneous streaming, etc. Vue offers 5 simultaneous streams (so 5 devices at once), while Sling only offers 2.

Device Compatibility – Both services work on most popular devices, like Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, and mobile devices. Vue works on PlayStation devices, while Sling works on Xbox One and a few others.

Deals & Free Trial: Sling comes out on top here. Sling offers a free 7 day trial (compared to 5 days free from Vue). Sling also offers some juicy device deals, which usually offer a highly discounted or free streaming device when you prepay for a few months of Sling TV.

At a glance, we prefer Sling TV in most categories. Vue is a solid service, but we love Sling TV’s flexibility in channel lineup, rock-bottom pricing, and excellent sign-up deals.

Let’s look closer at one detail that deserves more consideration: the Sling TV vs PlayStation Vue channel lineup.

 

Sling TV vs PlayStation Vue Channels

A direct comparison of PS Vue vs Sling TV channels is difficult since they offer so many different packages. Here are the basics:

Sling TV has 3 packages:

  • Sling Orange = 30+ channels for $25 per month. Highlights include ESPN, AMC, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, HGTV, and more
  • Sling Blue = 40+ channels for $25 per month. Highlights include FOX/NBC/regional sports networks in select markets, plus NFL Network, AMC, FX, USA, FS1, TBS and more
  • Sling Orange + Blue = 50+ channels for $40 per month. Combines the two packages to offer a more complete lineup.
  • Add on packages = 5-10+ additional channels which you can add on for just $5-$10 per month.

 

PlayStation Vue has 4 packages:

 

  • Access = 45+ channels for $45 per month. Highlights include ESPN, NBC/FOX/ABC in select markets, AMC, CNN, Discovery, FOX News, FX, FS1, FS2 and more

 

  • Core = 70+ channels for $50 per month. Everything in Access package, plus channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network and regional sports networks.
  • Elite = 85+ channels for $60 per month. Everything in Core package, plus NFL Network, FXM, Epix Hits, BBC World News, Tennis Channel and more.
  • Ultra = 90+ channels for $80 per month. Everything in Elite package, plus HBO and Showtime premium channels.

 

 

You can see the full channel lists on Sling TV’s website and on Vue’s website.

For a reasonable comparison of Sling TV vs PS Vue channels, let’s compare Sling Orange + Blue and Vue’s Access Plan. These packages are similarly priced so they are a fair comparison of what each service has to offer, without getting bogged down by too many details.

Sling Orange + Blue is $40 per month for 50+ channels. Channels include:

Sports on FOX, NBC, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports in select markets, plus NFL Network, FS1, FS2, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, NBCSN, ACC Network Extra, and more.

News on CNN, FOX/NBC, BBC America, Cheddar News, Viceland and Newsy

Entertainment on USA, Bravo, FX, TLC, Comedy Central, TBS, TNT, Disney, Food Network and many more

Notable channels missing: FOX News, ABC, CBS, Animal Planet

 

PS Vue Access Plan is $45 per month for 45+ channels. Channels include:

Sports on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in select markets, plus ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, NBCSN, and more

News on FOX News, MSNBC, CNN, CNBC and more

Entertainment on Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, Discovery, Disney, FX, HGTV, Nat Geo and many more

Notable channels missing: Comedy Central, MTV, Viceland, NFL Network, History

Based on these specific channel packages, here’s how the services stack up.

Local channels = PS Vue is a clear winner, as it carries CBS and ABC, while Sling does not. Sling does have NBC and FOX, but only in very few markets. Overall, Vue has far better coverage of local broadcast channels.

Sports channels = Sling may have a slight edge when it comes to sports. Sling does have more niche sports channels in this package, like NFL Network, ACC Network, ESPN3, etc, while Vue does not. However, Sling’s lack of local channel coverage dings it when it comes to local sports teams and big events like watching the NFL Playoffs online or the Super Bowl.

News channels = Vue is a clear winner, as it has FOX News and MSNBC, while Sling has neither.

Entertainment channels = Sling comes out on top, as it has Comedy Central, History and a few other channels that Vue does not carry.  

Keep in mind that the full Sling vs Vue channels comparison is more nuanced than this, simply because there are so many different packages and combinations of packages to compare. This guide should give you an overall sense of how they stack up. For full details, head to Sling TV’s website and Vue’s website.

 

Sling TV vs Vue: Final Thoughts

In the end, which service comes out on top?

For most people, the answer is Sling TV. Sling is more affordable, more customizable, and offers better value overall. See our Sling TV review for details.

We really love how Sling TV starts so cheap ($25 per month) and then allows you to add channel add-on packages for just $5 a month. This lets you fine-tune your channel lineup with channels that you actually want, instead of forcing you into a big bundle.

With that said, there are a few ways that Vue is better. It’s definitely better for families and large households, because Vue lets you watch on up to 5 devices at once (compared to 2 on Sling TV). Vue is also better for local channel coverage, so keep that in mind.

In the end, both services are really quite good. Plus, both are non-contract, so you’re never locked-in. Some of our readers end up trying both services before they settle on one to keep.

Want to test one out? Follow the links below.

Click here for a free 7 day trial of Sling TV

Click here for a free 5 day trial of PS Vue

3. TV Antennas

How to Connect Multiple TVs to your OTA Antenna

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FIVE STEPS TO CONNECTING YOUR ANTENNA TO MULTIPLE TVs

Connect Multiple TVs to One Antenna
Free HDTV on Every Screen in Your Home

First of all congratulations! If you are reading this post you are ahead of the masses and have realized OTA (Over-the-Air) TV is an amazing alternative to Cable TV. Now you are looking for a way to connect an HD antenna to multiple TVs in your house.

1. Install your Antenna.

For some, an Indoor Antenna (like the excellent Mohu Leaf 30) will work, but for those who need to access a far away signal, an Outdoor Antenna (we recommend the Winegard Elite 7550) will be necessary.

If you are new to Antenna Installation, here is a video I put together on how to install the Mohu Leaf Outdoor Antenna:

If you are not sure what channels you will get, try using AntennaWeb’s lookup tool. And if you don’t know what subchannels are yet.. take a quick read.

 
Click Below to Learn More:
Indoor AntennasOutdoor AntennasOTA DVRs
Leafrsz_sky TiVo Roamio
Mohu Antennas are the #1 Selling Antennas on Amazon for a Reason!

2. Connect the Coaxial Cable to an RF Coaxial Splitter.

Once you have your Antenna all hooked up, the next thing you need to do is connect a coaxial splitter. This is an inexpensive device designed for splitting an antenna signal to multiple TVs. This lets you use one antenna for multiple TVs, so you can watch your local channels on every television in your house.

Worth noting here is that splitting the signal can result is a 50% drop in signal strength (3.5db). Furthermore, every additional split will continue to decrease the overall signals strength. So if you have a weak or marginal signal coming from your antenna, splitting it will have a negative effect. This also means that if you only need a two-way splitter, don’t use a 4-way splitter because you’re losing more signal strength with every unused output.
Finally the more distance the signal has to travel, the weaker the signal becomes. So fewer feet in coaxial cable, means stronger signal, equating to better picture quality.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; you won’t even know if splitting the antenna signal to multiple TVs will cause a problem – until you test it.
HOW TO CONNECT YOUR ANTENNA TO MULTIPLE TVs

Side Note: Be careful with 3-way splitters. Signal loss can vary substantially across the three outputs. Meaning if used, two TVs could work fine, while the third would suffer from a weaker signal. I did some research and found an example of a Splitter that addresses this issue: the Monster Standard RF Splitter.

Click here to read the reviews: “If you are looking for a 3-way splitter with an equal signal loss on all 3 outputs, for $12 this is a good value.”

To learn about a DVR for Over-the-Air TV – Read: Recording Over the Air Channels With No Subscription Fees

3. Connect Your Main TV

I don’t suggest connecting more than one TV at a time because if something goes wrong you won’t know where the issue is. As I eluded too above, we are trying to remove as many variables as possible from the installation. If done correctly, this method will allow us to troubleshoot any hiccups, more effectively.

4. Connect the 2nd TV

Once you got the first TV working as expected, then hook up your 2nd TV.  If successful go ahead and connect three TVs. And again, test the signal. If any point during these steps you notice that you have lost signal strength, it is time look into buying an amplifier. If this is not an issue, YOU ARE DONE, my friend.

5. Determining if you Need a Coaxial Amplifier

I don’t suggest starting out with an amplifier because some antennas come with built-in amplifiers that can easily support multiple TVs.

“The reason we want to first try installing amplifiers first is signal overload. If the signal is strong from the tower, too much amplification can overload the tuner and cause the TV tuner not to receive the channel. Amplification should always be seen as a way to improve reception, not installed by default.” Grounded Reason

When buying an amplifier you need to understand that there are two basic types:

  • PRE Amplifiers amplifies the signal received by the antenna into the down cable. It should not be anywhere but on the original antenna cable right at the antenna.
    • Amplify Adjustable Gain PreamplifierChannel Master Amplify Adjustable Gain PreAmplifier – By design, this PreAmplifier can boost signal strength on any Indoor or Outdoor Antenna on the market. Professional grade, easy to install, TV antenna amplifier.
      Buy Direct
  • DISTRIBUTION Amplifiers allows you to redistribute that signal through multiple outputs while maintaining the same signal strength.
    • HOW TO CONNECT YOUR ANTENNA TO MULTIPLE TVs Tip: Read the Amazon reviews on the Channel Master 3414 4 Outputs Distribution Amplifier. This thing is a beast!
If you would rather not deal with an amplifier all together, the Sky from Mohu, for example, is small, powerful outdoor antenna that can provide uncompressed HD broadcast to multiple televisions in a home (also has a range of 60 miles by the way).

Going Wireless

If you would rather go wireless, and stream your OTA signal across your entire home, to every WiFi connected device, then check out the HDHomeRun. 
HDHomeRun Connect diagram
If you have already connected multiple TVs to your antenna, what suggestions do you have for us? What did I miss? Cheers!
1. Streaming Services, 3. TV Antennas

What is Mohu AirWave? Review, Cost, Performance, and More

For the uninitiated, Mohu is a brand that is very familiar to cord cutters. Mohu pioneered the thin, flat and affordable antenna that has ushered in the modern antenna revolution. And now the Mohu AirWave (review below) takes their antenna technology to the next level.

Many who have opted to get rid of cable use these sleek, unobtrusive antennas to pull in local over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, all in glorious high definition for the low, low price of nothing.

A quality antenna, like the ones offered by Mohu, combined with Internet streaming services, have enabled many people to say goodbye to pricey monthly cable bills.

While the arrival of high-quality antennas and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime was a welcome one, there is one minor, but annoying, elephant in the room. The biggest downside to this entertainment set up is the fact that users have to manually switch inputs in order to access all of their content. This can really detract from the feeling of channel surfing that comes with a more traditional television set up. Unfortunately, this can prevent many people from cutting the cord.

However, Mohu hopes to change all that with their newest product: the Mohu AirWave.

Read on for our full Mohu AirWave review.

 

What is the Mohu AirWave?

Before we talk about how this antenna performs in our Mohu AirWave review, let’s go over the basics.

The Mohu AirWave was released in 2017 to the delight of many cord cutters. The device collects all of the available OTA broadcasts (channels like NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC, PBS, etc.) and slots them into the streaming device you’re already using, whether that be a Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or whatever else.

This works sending the OTA broadcasts to the Mohu TV app, where it lives alongside other streaming video apps like Netflix and Hulu. The ability to integrate OTA channels into your streaming device eliminates the need to switch inputs on your TV, creating a more streamlined viewing experience.

 

How Does the Mohu AirWave Work?

The Mohu AirWave is an antenna that can be placed anywhere in your home so long as it is in range of your Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, the Mohu AirWave has an Ethernet port so you can hard wire the antenna to your router if you like.

The AirWave then scans the airwaves for OTA broadcasts in your area. It then pipes the channels you’re able to pick up with this antenna to a companion app on your streaming device called the Mohu TV App.

The AirWave works with Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS and standard web browsers, tablets, and smart phones, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty watching OTA channels on your device of choice.

 

Advantages of the Mohu Airwave

As we mentioned earlier, the Mohu AirWave integrates OTA channels into your streaming device alongside the likes of Netflix and others. While this convenience alone is worth the price of admission, the AirWave has other additional benefits.

The Mohu AirWave app has a full-featured electronic programming guide (EPG) for all of the OTA channels it picks up. The EPG gives users information about the programming on each channel, including things like how long the episode is and brief plot synopsis. It’s a welcome feature that doesn’t cost the end user anything.

Furthermore, the Mohu AirWave compresses all of the OTA broadcasts itself before sending them to your streaming devices. This means that low-end devices shouldn’t have any trouble with playback. In addition, the AirWave also employs something Mohu has dubbed “ClearPix” technology. This improves the video quality by automatically adjusting the internal configuration of your antenna based on your location and the strength of the OTA signals in your area.

Finally, the AirWave is able to transmit the OTA broadcasts over Wi-Fi to multiple clients simultaneously. This means that multiple users can be tuned in to the same channel at the same time. No additional antennas or pesky splitters needed.

 

Drawbacks of the Mohu AirWave

While there is a lot to like about the Mohu AirWave, there is room for growth. Unfortunately, at this point in time, the Mohu AirWave does not yet include a DVR function. It is possible that the AirWave might have the ability to record shows in the future, however the absence of USB ports suggests that recordings would have to be stored in the cloud as opposed to a user supplied hard drive.

 

2nd Generation AirWave

Earlier this year Mohu unveiled an updated version of the AirWave. The big draw of the AirWave is the fact that it can transmit OTA broadcasts to different devices over Wi-Fi.

The updated version still boasts the same functionality but instead of being a standalone antenna, this time around the Wi-Fi transmission system is its own dedicated box.

The advantage of this is that you can now use any Mohu antenna in conjunction with the 2nd gen AirWave to stream OTA broadcasts.

 

How Much Does the Mohu AirWave Cost?

With a starting price of $179.99, the Mohu AirWave is more expensive than the company’s other basic antennas, like the popular Mohu Leaf, but that’s for good reason. This wireless antenna has features regular antennas don’t have, most notably the ability to stream your local channels to your streaming devices for an improved viewing experience.

 

Where Can You Buy the Mohu AirWave?

The AirWave is available at Best Buy, Fry’s, and other retail stores, but your best bet is to buy directly through the Mohu website so you can get guaranteed product availability, the best price, and the best support directly from the company throughout the process.

 

Mohu Review Conclusion

In short, the Mohu AirWave is a unique antenna that is ideal for those who want to be able to watch their local channels directly on their device of choice, without having to switch inputs on the TV back and forth. It’s a groundbreaking product in the antenna space for sure, but if you’re just looking for a basic antenna at a low price without the bells and whistles, the Mohu Leaf might be a better value.

1. Streaming Services, 2. Streaming Devices

What is AirTV? Review & FAQ

The bloated TV packages peddled by the cable companies are so expensive, it seems like you need to take out a second mortgage on your house just to pay your cable bill. It comes as no surprise that many people are interested in cutting their cable bill. But how?

The good news is there are easy ways to get rid of cable TV.

One of the most popular ways to ditch the ballooning cable bill is to subscribe to various streaming services. One such service, Sling TV has proven to be particularly popular, due to its wide live channel offering. Sling TV is a live streaming service that lets you access many of the most popular pay TV channels (think ESPN, HGTV, AMC, CNN, etc.) at a low price, with no contract (like Netflix), and best of all, without cable. Check out our Sling TV review for the full rundown on this service.

While the flexibility of choosing different channels and pricing tiers with Sling TV is impressive, there is one huge gap that could give you pause; limited selection of local channels.

Fortunately, Sling TV has a solution: AirTV.

What is AirTV? It’s a device that picks up over-the-air television broadcasts from your antenna and streams them to your streaming devices via the Internet, fully integrated into the Sling TV interface.

Read on for our full AirTV review!

 

How Does AirTV Work?

AirTV is a small rectangular box that works with your existing over-the-air (OTA) antenna, like the Mohu Leaf or any other antenna of your choosing. The channels you pick up with your antenna are then integrated into your Sling TV interface, allowing you to watch them anywhere you can watch Sling TV (e.g. Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, iPhone, iPad, Android devices, computers, smart TVs, etc.)

Setting up the AirTV is very easy — users simply connect their antenna’s coaxial cable into the back of the box and that’s pretty much it.

If you’re already using an OTA antenna to watch your local channels, you might be wondering why the AirTV is necessary. AirTV adds two functions that, once you start using them, you’ll find yourself wondering how you ever watched TV without them.

 

AirTV and Wireless OTA Transmission

In most cases, folks who watch their local TV broadcasts do so via an antenna. Popular OTA antennas like the Mohu Leaf are unobtrusive and super affordable, making them an easy way to watch local broadcasts from channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS and more. The downside to OTA TV is the fact that you can only watch that content on whichever TV your antenna is hooked up to.

In the past, the only way to get around this would be to buy an antenna for each TV in your house or split the antenna cable to the various TVs in your house. Buying multiple antennas is costly and splitting your antenna signal can result in poorer resolution, not to mention the hassle of running coaxial cable all over your house.

Fortunately, AirTV solves this problem. AirTV uses your existing Wi-Fi to transmit your antenna’s OTA signal to other devices like your mobile phone or tablet. With AirTV users can stream OTA channels to two different devices at once. In addition, AirTV allows users to stream OTA content to their devices even when they’re out of the house. This means that you can use a mobile Internet connection to watch all of your local stations anytime, anywhere.

 

AirTV and Sling TV Integration

AirTV can be used as a standalone device, however where it really shines is through integration with Sling TV. Both Sling TV and AirTV are subsidiaries of the Dish Network, so it makes sense that these two products are designed to complement each other. AirTV picks up your local OTA television broadcasts and adds them into your Sling TV channel subscriptions. This makes all of your content available in the same spot, as opposed to flicking back and forth between Sling TV and the antenna input of your TV.

Getting this set-up is very straightforward. Download the AirTV app on your iOS or Android device and connect your AirTV unit to your Wi-Fi. Then, sync it with your account in the Sling TV app. The AirTV device will then scan for available OTA channels. How many channels it picks up will vary, as there are a number of factors that contribute to channel availability, including where you are located and antenna placement. Once AirTV identifies all of the available channels, it then automatically adds them to your Sling TV channel list.

 

AirTV Limitations

One of the biggest downsides you’ll see mentioned in  AirTV reviews is the lack of built-in storage for recording shows.

While AirTV does have a DVR function, it requires users to provide their own hard drive for storage. If you don’t already have a hard drive, this can add to the overall cost to your home entertainment setup. Furthermore, the addition to yet another small box with another cable can be less than appealing from an aesthetic standpoint.

In a somewhat nitpicky complaint, the Sling TV app does not allow you to reorder how your channels appear in your channel list. This means that all of the channels added by AirTV will appear at the end of your channel lineup. In a more traditional television set-up, local channels would appear first. It’s a small complaint, and most users would probably get used to this fairly quickly, but it’s worth noting.

 

How Much Does AirTV Cost?

Sling TV is not charging you extra for the ability to stream live OTA television through their app, but you do have to pay for the actual AirTV device. Thankfully, Sling TV has some special offers available that really sweeten the deal.

The best way to buy AirTV is through Sling TV’s website because they have an offer going right now where you can get the device for just $50 when you prepay for 3 months of Sling TV service. If you paid for the two separately, that would run you close to $200, so you’ll save a good amount. This is a great way to save a little cash when getting this device, while also taking care of a few months of Sling TV’s streaming service.

 

Conclusion

AirTV is designed to work seamlessly with the Sling TV app, and it does. Set-up is simple and easy, allowing users to pull their OTA channels into the Sling TV app to create a comprehensive channel list. This makes for a viewing experience very similar to that of traditional cable. All of your channels in one place, without having to flick between various apps.

In addition, AirTV allows you to stream OTA content to other devices via Wi-Fi. This even allows you to access your local television programming on the go. The biggest omission on the AirTV is the lack of built-in storage for the DVR function. However, with the addition of a hard drive, you won’t have to rush home to catch the big game or sit through commercials.

Overall, AirTV is a great addition for those with a Sling TV subscription. The integration of live local channels into the Sling TV app makes TV watching much more convenient. It’s safe to say that Sling TV combined with AirTV is one of the best options available for those who want to cut the cord and say goodbye to the high cost of cable.