I have an antenna but can't pick up the basic channels. What's wrong?
Answer:
Without knowing what brand or type of set you have, only general instructions can be given. Here goes, make sure the antenna is connected to the RF input, and go to your channel setup menu. Put the set into "antenna mode" some sets will determine the proper band automatically. Then send the set through an auto-program sequence. it should look for, and add to memory all the channels it sees. If that does not help, there is something wrong with the set. Even if the set is in the "cable mode" channels 2-13 should show up. HTH.
Go into the menu and look for a setting that says cable or ant. if it's on cable, you won't get off air channels. Switch it to antenna!
Good luck!
Did you plug the antenna into the ATSC or UHF/VHF input? Sounds like you need to have your TV run through its auto tner set-up, which scans all the channels memorizing the active ones and skipping the blank ones. The antenna needs to be pointed in the direction of the TV station transmitters. There is a terrific website for finding the right direction to point your antenna and for determining the best antenna. See below.
Nothing beats a properly installed rooftop antenna, and it does not have to be expensive, but if you are stuck with only being able to have an indoor antenna, it will be trial and error with regard to placement.
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