How to get better reception??

Question

I had my cable cut off so I switched my t.v. settings from "cable" to "air" so that I can see the local channels. But out of about 12 channels, I only get 1 clear channel. I also don't have an antenna. I heard that putting a hanger somewhere will work, but i don't know how? lol....Any idea what I can do to get better reception?

Oh yea, I forgot to add...this is just to get by while I reconnect my cable again, LOL

Answer 1

I wonder why after studying antenna theory on reception and propagation and design did I see no mention of coat hangers !! The learned design engineers and other experts must all have overlooked this amazing device that most us think is simply for hanging clothes on !!!
Cheers Pete

Answer 2

Yes you need antenna. If you get one clear channel with no antenna at all, you can probably get by with a pair of $10 "rabbit ear" antennas from Walmart.

If you want to research this (Maybe you just want to risk the $10), see the links below.

Added comment:
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It's possible to make an antenna out of metal coat hangers and I've added to link to a place where they discuss this. Actually if you have a strong enough signal, attaching a random length of wire to the antenna input can have some results.

I predict that if you try to make one from a coat hanger, you will wish you had spent the $10 on a cheap pair of "Rabbit Ears".

Answer 3

Get an antenna. If you're close to the transmitters, you may be able to get decent reception. Try RadioShack or Terk for simple set-top antennas.

Answer 4

You could buy a booster box from a local electronics/tv shop.

You really should put up an aerial if you want to receive terrestrial TV.

Answer 5

Air sucks, get your cable back.