Need non-technical advice on setting up an HDTV without cable.

Question

Can you help? I have an HP plasma TV. It says DTV on the front, so I know I don't need the new DTV converter box. My question is, since I brought it home 2 years ago, (purchased from my ex - so no manual), I cannot see any regular TV on it. No channels come through. I have only been using it to watch DVD's. What am I missing? Do I need to buy rabbit ears? I know this sounds ridiculous on an HDTV, but I absolutely refuse to buy cable. Is there any way to get just the basic channels to come through?

Answer 1

You have to attach a TV antenna to your HDTV to watch any over the air TV broadcasts. If you are within 10 miles or so of the TV stations, you might just need a $10 rabbit ear antenna.

The best source of information on what kind of antenna you  need is to ask neighbors what antennas they have had luck with.

If you enter your location at the first link below, you can find the direction and distance to your local TV transmitters.

In North America, DTV and analog broadcasts use the same antennas. Once you have an antenna connected and can see old analog channels, you need to look at your DTV's menu and find out how to scan for digital channels.

Some TV manufacturers have electronic versions of their user manuals on the internet. The make & model # of your DTV should be on a label at the lower back of the TV.