In Australia free-to-air TV still remains the popular choice for watching local channels. Most of the smart TV owners wonder do I still need an antenna for my smart TV? Streaming services are becoming more common so it is worth knowing exactly how smart TVs work and if an antenna is required to get all the channels you enjoy. Let us look at this step by step whether your smart TV in Australia needs an antenna or not.
What is a Smart TV?
Smart TVs are the televisions that connect to the internet so you can watch shows straight from streaming sites like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and other apps. Unlike the older TVs that only picked up free-to-air channels, the smart tv give you more choices plus all the on-demand streaming services you want. Built-in Wi-Fi or a network port feature is to get online easily. This means you can enjoy lots of different shows and movies without paying the subscription of the cable TV.
Free-to-Air TV in Australia
Free-to-air TV is a big part of watching television in Australia. Channels like ABC, SBS, Seven and Ten give you news, sport and shows every day. You watch them for free with no monthly fee so they save money for lots of homes. But to get these channels you normally need an antenna and that is true if you live outside the main cities where the signal can be weak.
Do You Need an Antenna for a Smart TV?
The quick answer is it depends on what you want to watch. A smart TV does not need an antenna for Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube because those come through the internet. But if you want free channels like ABC, SBS, or live sport you must have an antenna to catch the signal from the air.
In short you can skip the antenna if you only stream online. You do need one to watch normal free-to-air TV on your smart TV.
Types of Antennas for Smart TVs
If you make up your mind to get an antenna for your smart TV you have a few main choices. Each one fits different places and needs. Here are the ones people use most.
Indoor Antennas
These stay small and simple to set up. They work great for people in city areas or close to the TV towers where the signal comes in strong. Indoor antennas do not reach as far as outdoor ones but they do the job well when the signal is already good.
Outdoor Antennas
If you live out in the suburbs or the country where the signal gets weaker an outdoor antenna is the smarter pick. They are stronger and grab signals from much farther away. You put them outside most times on the roof or up in the attic to get the clearest picture.
Amplified Antennas
In spots where the signal is weak an amplified antenna can fix a lot of problems. They make the signal stronger so you pick up more channels even when you live a long way from the broadcast towers.
When You Should Think About Getting an Antenna for Your Smart TV
Watching Local Channels
If you like free channels such as ABC SBS or Channel Nine you need an antenna. These channels come through the air and not from streaming apps.
Better Picture
Free TV signals that come over the air usually look sharper than some streaming services. There is no squeezing of the picture so you get full HD with no buffering. This works great for live sport.
Unreliable Internet
In some places the internet drops out a lot or you just don’t want to rely on it all the time. An antenna gives you free local TV even when the internet is down.
Special Events
Live sport local news and big regional shows mostly come over the air. They are not always on streaming sites. An antenna makes sure you never miss them.
Picking the right antenna depends on your location, signal strength, and the channels you want to receive. For a detailed guide on the best options available and expert recommendations, check out our Best Antenna for Free TV in Australia article.
Problems You Might Run Into When Putting Up an Antenna
Setting up an antenna for your smart TV can be hard at times. It depends on where you live. You might get weak signals or stuff like buildings and trees blocking the way or you might need extra gear. Here are the usual troubles people hit:
Where to Put It
The best spot for your antenna depends on how close the TV towers are and what is in the way. In the city it can be easy just stick it near a window. Out in the country you often have to put it on the roof or up in the attic to catch a good signal.
Things That Mess Up the Signal
Big buildings, trees and even bad weather can make the signal weak. Putting the antenna higher or using one with a booster can fix most of that.
FAQs About Smart TVs & Antennas
Do I need a special antenna for a smart TV?
No, you don’t need a special antenna for a smart TV. Any standard antenna will work as long as it’s compatible with your TV’s antenna input.
Can you get Freeview on a smart TV without an antenna?
You can get Freeview on a smart TV, but if your smart TV doesn’t have a built-in Freeview receiver, you will need an antenna to access these channels.
How to watch free-to-air TV on a smart TV?
Simply connect an antenna to the back of your TV, scan for channels, and you’ll have access to free-to-air TV.
Do Smart TVs have built-in antennas?
No, most smart TVs do not come with built-in antennas. You will need to connect an external antenna to access over-the-air channels.
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Conclusion
In Australia whether your smart TV needs an antenna or not comes down to only 2 options. If your plans are to use streaming apps you do not need an antenna at all. But if you want free-to-air local channels, live sport or sharp HD pictures then yes you do need an antenna. You can pick from indoor outdoor or boosted models so there is one that fits your house and area. Always check where you live and how strong the signal is so you get the best results.
Get it set up right and you can watch free HD and even 4K TV, save heaps of money and enjoy telly more than ever. If you are stuck with setup or bad reception contact us today. We are a local antenna pro installer to ensure you get the most antenna setup for your needs..