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In the era of digital technology, one question that often comes up is, “Does a smart TV need an aerial?”
This is a valid question, especially considering the advancements in streaming services and internet connectivity.
Also, with smart TVs labelled as having Freeview, it is often assumed that all that is needed is in the box.
A smart TV is a television set that can connect to the internet. It offers a range of online features, such as access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, YouTube, and Apple TV.
Some smart TVs also have web browsing capabilities, allowing you to surf the web from your television screen.
This has broadened the use of TVs and increased their functionality from watching live TV to accessing applications on the app store with internet TV services, as we are used to with our mobile phones.
TV aerials, also known as antennas, pick up signals for television broadcasting.
They picked up signals broadcast by television stations, which are now digital. In the past, aerials were essential for watching TV.
This has completely changed due to the technology of smart TVs with internet TV apps and subscription streaming platforms.
They enable watching an extensive catalog of movies and playing games such as PlayStation, Xbox, etc., which offer engaging, high-quality games with a large user base.
The answer to this question depends on what you want from your smart TV. If you plan to use your smart TV solely for streaming online content, then you can use your TV without an aerial.
Your smart TV will use your Wi-Fi connection to stream shows and movies from the internet. This can also be hardwired with an Ethernet cable directly to the router.
However, you will need a TV aerial to access free-to-air channels or watch Freeview TV broadcasts unavailable on streaming platforms. You will not be able to watch live TV without an aerial.
An aerial will allow your smart TV to pick up digital TV signals broadcast by television stations and watch live TV.
Many properties in the UK have an aerial socket. If you are moving into a new property, please make sure a working aerial on the roof or a functioning communal external aerial if you want to watch live free-to-air channels.
An aerial will be needed to watch Freeview on your smart TV and receive Freeview channels, and an aerial socket will be needed to access terrestrial TV signals.
A coaxial cable will connect the smart TV to the aerial socket.
You could opt for an indoor aerial, as these terrestrial aerials are easily installed to enable you to watch live broadcasts.
Alternatively, broadcaster apps, such as BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, can be downloaded with most smart TVs and allow you to stream and watch catch-up TV.
This will require an active, fast internet connection.
Note that while watching live TV broadcasts, there is an abundance of free channels using a TV aerial, so a TV license will be needed, which has a cost associated with it.
To answer the question, does a smart TV need an aerial? It depends on the user’s viewing habits.
If you’re content with streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and don’t mind missing out on live broadcasts or free-to-air channels, there will be no need for an aerial.
However, an aerial will be needed to provide the full range of viewing options, including live TV and local channels.
Remember that while smart TVs offer a wealth of streaming services and online content, they do not render aerials obsolete.
Aerials still play a crucial role in delivering certain types of content. So, before you ditch the aerial, consider what you want from your viewing experience.
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