When television broadcasting companies made the jump toward the digital era, the new format came with an improved audio and image quality and a wider variety of channels we’ve never seen before. Nowadays, manufacturers offer televisions equipped with Wifi connection to easily connect to the internet. However, some models may still need to have an antenna and receiver combo to access the latest protocols accepted by most companies worldwide. Here in this article, we will answer the question of how much you should spend on digital TV equipment.
Location, Location, Location
First things first, you may need to assess the costs based on where you’re living. Urban zones have lower costs compared to rural areas, where broadcasting coverage tends to be weaker. Currently, a single-TV antenna may cost between $10 and $40. But if you need an attic or outdoor antenna, the cost you need to cover will be higher, ranging from $60 to $150. And if you think that you can do the installation yourself, you may need to reconsider calling in an expert if the antenna has to go outdoors. This additional cost will save you from the headache that comes from weather and lightning damage, and weakened signals if the antenna installation isn’t stable enough. It’s always best to be safe than sorry afterward!
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Consider Your Original Setup
If you’re looking to cut the cord and upgrade from analog services, you will need to look at your original setup. There shouldn’t be any problems if you’re also planning to buy a new digital television, but in case you want to keep it as is, the costs may ramp up slightly. The most common way to access digital TV without having to purchase another screen is to get an antenna and a receiver compliant with your country’s signal. Since it’s a one-time purchase, you can consider the two devices as an investment rather than an expense. These devices can range between $50 and $600, depending on their quality and brand. In any case, it’s still best to consider the cost of a new screen if you decide in the end to buy a new one.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Asking Questions
Several companies may offer you tempting promotions to help you install their antennas at low prices and stay with their services. However, you must always read the fine print since it’s common that the price tag will go up as soon as the first month or trimester runs up. To avoid having any bad experiences, find out more about the costs by asking your neighbors who have the same provider, or look for online reviews of other customers using the same promotion. This way, you will know if you will incur additional expenses and you can avoid paying more.
The benefits of having a digital TV in your home not only include improved audio and video performance, but also wide access to free channels once you make the official change. Moreover, you can also lower your monthly costs with a one-time purchase of the devices you need to make your old TV function like a digital TV. Whether you decide to continue with a cable company or choose to get digital TV equipment yourself, you won’t regret spending your money on having this setup for your home.