If you are reading this article, you would agree that cable TV is quite expensive. And you’re probably tired of spending as much as 100 dollars or more on cable every month. We understand your plight; that is why we wrote this post, so you don’t have to spend all that money to watch cable TV.
You can now watch free cable TV anywhere and anytime, and you don’t have to pay a dime for it. What will it take? How can you access the channels? We have answered these questions and more in this post. Specifically, we have provided three ways for anyone to watch free cable TV.
No, you don’t have to be a techie to set this up; follow the guides and instructions below, and you should be set up in no time. Continue reading for our complete guide on how to watch free cable TV anywhere.
How to Get Free Cable TV Anywhere
1. Install Specialized Antennas
Some antennas can be used to watch free cable TV if installed. HDTV antennas, Directional and Omnidirectional antennas are some examples.
HDTV antennas are digital antennas capable of receiving television broadcasts via electromagnetic signals. These electromagnetic signals are then transformed into audio and visual displays.
They are highly effective in receiving free local channels and do not require you to pay a monthly subscription. If you live in a metropolitan area, you can get up to 70 or more free to air channels.
The difference between an HDTV antenna and a regular antenna is that it can get better signals and an improved quality display than the regular antenna.
Types of Antennas
There are two types of specialized antennas – directional and omnidirectional.
These antennas are designed to pick up distant digital signals. While directional antennas can only detect signals from one direction, omnidirectional antennas do so from multiple directions.
But there is a catch!
Because omnidirectional antennas pull signals from various directions, they are not good at picking up very distant signals. On the other hand, Directional antennas can pick up farther signals by shutting out signals from other directions.
These antennas are effective because they can receive signals from a large area and show free channels from distant localities.
Specialized Antennas Based on Location
Indoor Antennas
As the name implies, indoor antennas can be placed at the top or next to the TV. They are usually portable and can be used to intercept signals. However, the signals tend to be very weak, except a booster supports them. And they are not known for picking up far signals.
Outdoor Antennas
These are antennas that are placed outside on the roof or a mast. Outdoor antennas used to be bulky but have become more portable with technological advancement. They perform better than indoor antennas, but they are more expensive to buy and install.
Of course, there are wireless antennas that work just as well for your television these days.
See the best wireless antennas you can use for your TV.
2. Make Use of a Smart TV to Stream TV channels Online
Smart TVs come with integrated internet and interactive features, enabling them to do almost everything your computers and smartphones do.
You can stream music videos, browse the internet and even view photos with your television. You can do all these on your smart TV and still enjoy the traditional functions of the TV.
With your internet connection and browser, you can access streaming services and watch media content for free, provided you have a strong network connection.
You can use your smart TV to view free cable channels by following these simple steps:
- Turn on your smart TV
- Go to the browser
- Visit USTVGO
- You will arrive at a site featuring 60 different foreign channels.
- Click on your preferred channel
- Enjoy free cable stations
Note that some smart TVs are better adapted for streaming than others. For example, 4K TVs with OLED/QLED are more suitable for streaming.
The quick refresh rate of the OLED screens means that scenes are not as blurred as other LED or even some QLED screens, so you need to decide very carefully when making a purchase.
Also, confirm that you have a strong internet network. A poor network will lead to problems such as buffering challenges and freezing, which would, in turn, disrupt your viewing experience.
3. Sign Up to Free Video Streaming Services
Video streaming services have become hugely popular for various reasons. They provide access to multiple online content ranging from movies, music videos to special shows and documentaries.
Although many of them come with a monthly subscription, here are some that are completely free:
Crackle TV
Crackle TV is a free online streaming platform with tons of viewing content such as movies, documentaries, and other original programs.
You can stream Crackle TV on Chrome, Internet Explorer or any other supported device such as your Xbox, Playstation, and a Smart TV.
As earlier mentioned, access to the contents on Crackle TV is completely free, but you may have to view some ads at designated intervals during content. But this should be a small price considering you are paying $0 for the service.
PopcornFlix
This is another place to get free streaming services without the hassle of a monthly subscription.
All you have to do is log on to the Popcornflix website to get started. There is an option for anyone to create a free account, but this is optional, and you can skip it.
However, note that creating a free account will grant you access to additional features such as fine-tuning your streaming experience and rate content. You can create GIFs based on what you are watching.
Another advantage to this streaming service is that you can view Popcornflix content on different platforms and devices. You can view content using your laptop or computer, smart TV, PlayStation device, and even your phone or tablet.
However, like Crackle TV, they also implant advertisements into the viewing experience. But this helps to keep the content free.
Other Options (That Are Not Entirely Free)
Other viewing services are top-rated but are not completely free. They include:
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video one of the most popular streaming services that allows its members to view thousands of content. However, they do so on a subscription basis.
The good news is that you get a free trial period, after which you will be billed for viewing content. But you can always unsubscribe before that happens.
Other viewing services such as Netflix and Disney+ also offer a vast array of content but have seized their free trial versions. They are only an option if you are willing to pay a small amount every month.
4. Sharing Access With Friends and Family
Some online streaming platforms like Netflix allow account sharing between members of the same household. Even though many people traditionally extend the privilege to friends, neighbors, and even lovers.
It is an excellent option to cut down on content viewing costs. You can convince a close ally to share login details with you.
Some Netflix plans allow for as many as four screens viewed simultaneously. So having three others contributing roughly $5 every month is not likely to put a drain in your pockets.
Conclusion
You do not have to be stressed over excessive cable bills every month, and neither do you need to cut down on your entertainment to save money.
Several alternatives can help you cut down the cost of TV bills without having to cut down on your TV viewing.
All you have to do is choose which options will work best for you and act on them.