Watch free HDTV with an outdoor antenna

For this step, it really helps to work with a partner near the HDTV itself. Today's HDTVs and digital receivers have signal-strength meters built in, which are designed to help aim an antenna properly. This meter will go up or down drastically depending on the orientation of the antenna, and the goal is to position the antenna in a way that achieves maximum signal strength for as many stations as you want to receive.

Once you have a station locked in, cross-reference the chart and make sure it's coming from the main broadcast location. Then adjust the antenna's angle, height, and other parameters to arrive at a nice strong signal for that location. Sometimes the slightest adjustment can make a major difference in signal strength. Check other channels from that tower--they should come in with a similarly strong signal.

If you're missing major stations and channels, you can try positioning your antenna to split the difference between more than one tower, but again, this may result in too-low signal strength from your main broadcast tower. If you want to address towers that are farther than 30 degrees apart, your best bet is to get an antenna rotator or use more than one antenna.

Tip:
If your reception is still spotty or you're getting only a few stations, you can do a couple of things:

• Try another antenna.
• If you live within five miles of the main tower, the signal may be too strong. Attach an attenuator (10db or 20db) to reduce the signal.
• If the tower is also broadcasting FM, it may interfere with HDTV reception. Attach an FM trap to filter out the unwanted frequencies.
• If the line is being split, combined, or rerouted in any way, use a direct line from antenna to box.