How To Get Free HDTV Channels Over The Air

If you have bought a new TV within the last few years, you do not have to pay for cable every month to get great-looking HDTV channels. Instead, you can get them for free over the air. All you need is a good antenna.

Any TV that was sold after 2007 has to have an ATSC tuner included in it. An ATSC tuner, also known as an HDTV tuner, lets you receive digital signals on your TV. All you need to do to receive these signals is attach an antenna to your television and plug it in.

ATSC Tuner/ HDTV Tuner
ATSC Tuner/ HDTV Tuner

All stations are now required to broadcast digital signals, but they are not required to broadcast HD signals. Whether they do or do not is up to the station, so it may be that in your area, there are no stations transmitting HD signals. In this case, you will have to settle for digital signals. With a good antenna, however, the quality of these broadcasts will still be a lot better than with analog.

 

HDTV Antenna
HDTV Antenna

If you are having trouble picking up many stations in your area, there are a few things that you can do. A simple adjustment of your antenna can often make all the difference. Try turning the antenna and changing the direction in which it is pointing. Often, just doing this can help you pick up some stations that you could not get before.

If you go to the website of the CEA and NAB, you can find good advice on how to orient your antenna to pick up the most channels. The site also has advice on which kind of antenna will help you get the most channels. You can also go to the website of the FCC and look at the information that they have about antennas.

A simple set-top antenna will often be enough to let you pick up the signals that are broadcast in your city. However, if you want to get even more channels, or if you live out in the country, you may need a bigger antenna. As a general rule, the larger your antenna, the more channels you will be able to receive.

Putting an antenna in your attic will help you receive more HD channels, but you will need to run the cable down from the attic to the inside of your house. This can take some work, so it may be worth it to hire a contractor to help do the job.

If you really want to pick up the most channels, mounting an antenna on the roof of your house is the way to go. By doing so, you may be able to pick up dozens of channels from hundreds of miles around. However, this can be quite a big job.

Watching HDTV Over The Air
Watching HDTV Over The Air

You do not have to pay a bundle to get great-looking HDTV channels. With the right antenna, you can get them for free. Depending on where you live, dozens of channels may be yours for the asking.

By Aria

The Top Accessories For IPhone 5 in 2014

Since the launch of the iconic smartphone known as iPhone 5, sales have rocketed. These phones are now offered with top rated accessories to enhance the usability aspects of the phone. Here are a few of the most popular accessories available for iPhones today.

1. Lightning to “30 pin Adapter”

Lightning 8 Pin to 30 Pin Adapter
Lightning 8 Pin to 30 Pin Adapter

One of the more significant changes or advancements for the iPhone 5 would have to be the “lighting” connector. The new connectivity and charging port, has created issues for individuals who have other accessories and existing docks. Fortunately, the lightning to “30 pin adapters allows for older accessories to work with the iPhone 5.

2. Screen Protectors

iPhone 5 Screen Protector
iPhone 5 Screen Protector

One of the appealing features of the iPhone 5 is the extended screen that offers an increased performance. There are various screen protectors now specifically suited for the iPhone 5 which will include privacy type screen guards, clear type screen guards and the popular mirrored effect option.

3. iPhone 5 Cases

Ballistic iPhone 5 Case
Ballistic iPhone 5 Case

One of the most popular accessories for just about all Smartphones will have to be the case. These cases offer stylish and attractive benefits while others focus on “heavy duty” protection. The cases offer individuals a unique method in personalizing the visual look of the phone. Otterbox offers various “heavy duty” cases which claim to protect the phone from brutal bumps, drops and knocks.

Various manufacturers sell cases that are ultra-slim along with attractive and enticing designs. These cases offer individuals a way to make their iPhone 5 stand out from the rest.

4. Speaker Docks

Logitech Pure-fi Express Plus Speaker Dock
Logitech Pure-fi Express Plus Speaker Dock

Previous versions of the iPhone used popular accessories such as speaker docks. The iPhone 5 introduced a new “dock connector” port which will encourage consumers to update their existing docking options. Top rated audio manufacturers sell docks for the iPhone 5.

5. Headsets and “Bluetooth” Car Kits

Multipoint Bluetooth 3.0 EDR Speakerphone Hands-Free Car Kit
Multipoint Bluetooth Speakerphone Hands-Free Car Kit

These accessories are fantastic for individuals who spend much of their day driving. For individuals who already own car kits and Bluetooth headsets for an iPhone. These devices will work accordingly with the iPhone 5. However, the latest release for car kits and Bluetooth headsets will complement the slender design of the iPhone 5. These updated versions offer more features and added benefits in advancements.

Top rated accessories for the iPhone 5 have become available upon the launch date of this fantastic Smartphone. New accessories are soon to be released to keep up with the demand for these types of Smartphones. Individuals can benefit from new ideas and innovations from accessory manufacturers. With the right accessories, individuals can protect their Smartphone and discover methods in enhancing the features of their iPhone 5. It is always advisable to only purchase accessories that are designed to suit the iPhone 5 capabilities and features.

The iPhone 5 has been regarded as one of the hottest smart phones ever launched and the accessories available add to the attractive features of the phone. Protective casing is a necessity in protecting the screen of the phone and avoiding unforeseen damages caused from bumps, drops and knocks.

By Aria

 

What Are The Essential Tools For Computer Repair?

When you need to get your PC working again, it helps to have the right tools for the job. By investing in a good set of tools, you can make computer repair go a lot more easily. Having the proper tools on hand means that you do not have to waste a lot of time searching for the item you need, or trying to jury-rig something that may not work as well.

1. Screwdriver

9-in-1 Led Screwdriver
9-in-1 Led Screwdriver

As with many tasks, a good Phillips screwdriver is key when you are fixing a computer. For most jobs, this may be the only screwdriver that you need. However, it is still a good idea to keep a variety of different screwdrivers on hand, since you never know when you might run across something that uses an unusual or uncommon kind of screw.

2. Precision Screwdriver

Precision Screwdriver Set
Precision Screwdriver Set

Since the screws used in many computer components can be quite small, a set of precision screwdrivers can be very useful. This way, you can easily get into small spaces and unscrew something without having to worry about damaging another part of the computer or destroying the head of the screw.

3. Wire Stripper

Plastic Network Wire Stripper
Plastic Network Wire Stripper

Another vital tool for anyone working on a PC is a wire stripper. Wiring problems can be quite common in computers, and being able to remove the insulation without damaging the wiring is key. You should also invest in a pair of tweezers or some needle-nose pliers. Anyone who has worked on a PC has dropped a screw at some point, and tweezers or pliers make it easy to pick it back up. You can also use them to move wires or connectors around in tight spots.

4. Flashlight or Headlamp

200 Lumens High Power Headlamp
200 Lumens High Power Headlamp

Even in rooms with good lighting, working on a PC can be tricky. The insides of cases are often dark, and it can be hard to see what you are doing. A headlamp or an adjustable flashlight make it easy to point the light exactly where you need it. Few things are more frustrating than trying to make tiny adjustments when you can’t see exactly what you are doing.

5. Multimeter

Mini Digital Multimeter with LCD Display
Mini Digital Multimeter with LCD Display

A power-supply tester or a multimeter can be very handy if you are having trouble locating the source of an electrical problem in your PC. Without one of these tools, you might have to waste many hours swapping out different parts of the system until you finally locate the problem. A power-supply tester lets you quickly and easily make sure that your power supply is working properly and that the power switch is not the source of your problems.

6. Cleaning Kits

Professional Camera Clean Set
Professional Camera Clean Set

Finally, cleaning materials are important when you are working on your PC. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate inside the case, so cleaning swabs, canned air, and microfiber cloths are useful for getting rid of all this grime. Even when your PC is running well, it is still a good idea to give it a regular cleaning.

Repairing your PC is a much easier job when you have the right tools at hand. Invest in these supplies to make fixing a computer go more smoothly.

If you are working on your computer and looking for computer repair tools, please visit our tools section.