There is a device called Tablo which collects the over the air signal and provides it to the user from its own app. The downside was that they charged for the TV guide. They announced a new version today (at least I saw it today) which does not require a paid subscription. At the moment it works with iOS devices but not with AppleTV. AppleTV support is promised “soon”. I have been thinking of getting one of these for a while but was put off by one more streaming subscription. I might give it a shot if they get the AppleTV app working.
I want to mention Tablo as well. Just to clarify Nicholas’ comment, Tablo just released their 4th gen box yesterday and it has a new totally redone app that looks like Netflix, Prime and everyone else- big preview photos, etc. their “classic” apps runs on Apple TV and everything else. Basic thumbnails and simple organization.(I prefer the simplicity actually). I have a gen 1 box and it is solid as a rock. The DVR is a cheap SSD I plugged in.
No setup is required other than placing the antenna and scanning for local channels. Works on all of your tvs and iOS through the app.
Might be worth looking for a gen 3 on clearance. It will get access to the new app later or you can use the current app. The biggest difference I see in the 3rd and 4th gen boxes is that the 4th gen is round and pretty.
As far as subscription, it is $5/mo for the channel guide. The new “free” version must be selling you out to advertisers but I haven’t looked into it that closely
This looks like what we are looking for and ordered one from Best Buy. I would like to be able to subscribe to certain cable channels, but they seem to be locked up with the cable model (for now).
For those that can receive ATSC 3.0 channels, the new model does not have that capability so that could be an issue for some:
Another strong recommendation for Channels and the Channels DVR Server.
do you still use Spectrum for your internet connection.?If not what did you switch to? It really ticks me off that they continue to entice new subscribers with a $40.00 per year plan and mine just got raised to $79.00 and the TV just keeps going up and up. I’m wondering about the speed and reliability of Verizon or T-Mobile
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I am still using Spectrum for the base internet, though ATT has just out a fiber line in our neighborhood for $55 a month, and I may move to that.
If you live in an area where you can receive OTA signal via an antenna, that’s free.
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You can plug that directly into your TV, or you can use a separate tuner like HDHomeRun or Tablo. A separate tuner like the HDHomeRun lets you view programs on your TV (via Apple TV, or maybe a smart TV app), on your iPad, even on your iPhone. I have and use an HDHomeRun (older model, still works great).
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A rooftop antenna (real antenna) is dramatically better at pulling in OTA signals. I went from barely getting half of the major stations (with a flat, indoor antenna) to reliably getting all of the main channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, etc.) available in the area (with a rooftop antenna).
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Your HOA can’t prevent you from putting an antenna on your roof, that’s illegal (apparently, IANAL). Your spouse/partner, however, can. (Personally I like the look of an antenna, but I’m old, and live in a city with a strong Mid-Century Modern vibe.)
If the OTA signal strength in your area is too tenuous to pull in with a rooftop antenna, you’ll likely want one of the “live TV streaming” services. YouTube TV, SlingTV, Hulu, Fubo, etc. Jason Snell has several articles on sixcolors.com about his own cord cutting adventure (he picked Fubo), which might be useful if you’re not sure what to consider when picking a service.
Thanks for mentioning Jason Snell’s articles. He suggested the Suppose.tv site for comparing different streaming services with local content. Looks useful.
Thanks to everyone for their collective wisdom and links. This is one of the reasons I have been a Tidbits supporter since the HyperCard era.
I will try the internal antenna first and go from there. With all the streaming options available, it is amazing the amount of content that is still cable only.