To program your TV set to get the dozens of free local channels in your area, run a channel scan. Typically, this is done when initially setting up an antenna. However, it can be a good idea to run a rescan in a few situations.
Run a channel scan if you are missing a major network
Run a channel scan if you are missing one of the major networks in your area. Move the antenna to a new location, run a channel scan, and wait to see if the missing channel is added.
Run a channel scan to see what new channels are available
Another reason to run a rescan on your TV is to see if any new channels are added in your area. Make sure all channels on your TV come in well before running a rescan or your TV may remove the channels that don’t come in. If you’ve tried different locations for your antenna, run several rescans, and are still missing some channels you may need a better antenna.
When to not run a channel scan
Do not run a channel scan if some channels on your TV set are pixelating or say “No Signal.” This will remove the channels from your TV and you’ll have to keep running rescans while moving the antenna around to get them back. If you have issues, refer to the manual RF input option in this video.
Think you need a new antenna?
Take our simple quiz to help narrow down the options of what antenna may be best for you. You can also find a general list of recommended antennas here.
Pair your antenna with an OTA DVR device to record your favorite shows
Did you know you can use an antenna similarly to how you watch cable? Ditch the costly subscription fees, but keep the cable capabilities (record, pause, rewind and fast forward) with an OTA DVR device. Here are the products we recommend:
Tablo DUAL 128GB Over-the-Air [OTA] DVR: Record up to 80 HD hours and stream up to two free broadcast channels from your HDTV antenna simultaneously.
Tablo QUAD 1TB Over-the-Air [OTA] DVR: Record up to 700 hours and stream up to four free broadcast channels from their over-the-air HDTV antenna simultaneously.