How to Get CBS on Antenna
With the rise of streaming services and cable alternatives, many people are cutting the cord and opting for free over-the-air television using an antenna. CBS, as one of the major broadcast networks, offers a wide range of popular shows, news, and sports events that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Fortunately, getting CBS on an antenna is relatively easy and requires just a few simple steps. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining CBS on your antenna.
Choose the Right Antenna:
First and foremost, you need to have an antenna that can receive over-the-air signals. There are two main types of antennas: indoor and outdoor. Indoor antennas are small and usually placed near the TV, while outdoor antennas are larger and mounted outside your home. Depending on your location and the available signal strength, you may choose the appropriate antenna type. It is recommended to select an antenna with a long-range and good reception capabilities to ensure the best CBS reception possible.
Determine Your Signal Strength:
To determine the signal strength and availability of CBS in your area, you can use various online tools. Websites like www.antennaweb.org or www.tvfool.com provide maps that let you input your address and display which channels are available in your location, along with their signal strengths. By entering your ZIP code or address, you can easily find out if CBS is broadcasted in your area and what signal strength you may expect.
Positioning Your Antenna:
Proper antenna placement is crucial for optimal TV reception. Begin by finding the CBS tower in your area. Usually, broadcast towers are clustered in a particular location. Once you have identified the general direction, check if your antenna comes with a built-in signal strength meter. If not, you can ask someone to help you adjust the antenna while monitoring the signal strength on your TV screen.
Experiment with various antenna angles and heights to achieve the best reception. Sometimes a minor adjustment can make a significant difference in the quality and number of channels you can receive. Keep in mind that antennas may need to be repositioned or adjusted periodically, especially if your surroundings change (e.g., new constructions nearby).
Scan for Channels:
After connecting your antenna to your TV, navigate to the settings section of your television menu to look for channel setup options. There, you will find an option to scan for available channels. This process may be labeled as “channel setup,” “auto program,” “channel search,” or something similar depending on your TV’s make and model.
Start the channel scan, and your TV will automatically search for all available channels in your area. The process may take a few minutes while your television scans all the frequencies to find broadcast signals. Once the scan is complete, your TV will display a list of channels it has detected.
Adding CBS to Your TV Lineup:
Once the scan is finished, check the list of channels your TV has found. Look for CBS among them. In some cases, the channels may be listed by call letters (e.g., CBS, ABC, NBC) or by their actual channel numbers (e.g., 2.1, 4.1, 7.1). CBS is usually found in the UHF frequency band, so look for channels listed above 13 or in the 700MHz range.
If CBS is not initially discovered during the scan, try repositioning your antenna and running the channel scan again. Sometimes moving the antenna even a few inches can make a significant difference, especially if you are on the fringe of the CBS broadcast range.
Consider an Amplifier:
If you are having difficulties receiving CBS or any other channels due to weak signals, you may want to consider using an antenna amplifier. Amplifiers can boost the signal strength up to a certain level, helping you receive more channels and improve reception quality. However, it’s important to note that amplifiers cannot magically create strong signals if they are not available in your area. Consult with a local antenna expert or do some research to find a suitable amplifier that matches your needs.
Stream CBS Online:
In some cases, despite all efforts, you may still be unable to receive CBS using an antenna. In such instances, accessing CBS programming online can be a viable option. CBS offers a streaming service called CBS All Access, which allows you to watch live TV, sports, news, and a vast library of on-demand content for a monthly subscription fee. Additionally, CBS programming is also available on various streaming platforms that offer live TV bundles, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
Conclusion:
By following these steps, you can easily get CBS on an antenna and enjoy their extensive range of shows, news, and sports events without paying for cable or satellite services. Remember to choose the right antenna type, position it properly, and scan for channels to get CBS and other local channels in your area. In case you encounter signal issues, consider using an antenna amplifier or explore online streaming options. Happy CBS viewing!