When looking to upgrade to a ‘smart’ TV, some of the most common queries we’ll get from customers is in regard to the aerial, such as: Do you need an aerial for smart TV? Will the TV work without one? What can I access without an aerial?
Today we’ll be diving into aerials, their function for television sets, and why you may or may not need one when using a smart TV. Let’s begin!
What is a TV aerial?
A TV aerial is a device that’s used to allow your television set to tune into or receive over-the-air (OTA) television signals. These signals are broadcast by television stations that send the signals from a transmitter. Every TV station in the world, for example the BBC, will transmit their shows via a broadcast signal. The aerial is responsible for picking this signal up and showing the TV shows on your television set.
The aerial itself is a metal structure that is usually mounted to the roof of homes and buildings that is designed specifically to capture these broadcast signals. The aerial is also responsible for turning these signals into usable electrical signals the TV can understand.
Generally, there are two types of TV aerial:
- Indoor aerials
- Outdoor aerials
The difference is self-explanatory but there are a few key differences in how each type of aerial can be used:
- Indoor aerials are weaker, and are good for areas where a TV signal will be strong. For example, in big cities. Or areas close to the broadcasting source.
- Outdoor aerials are more powerful, and are good for areas where there may be more interference, or the signals might be weaker. For example, in a hilly area of a city or in the countryside.
What are TV aerials used for?
A TV aerial is responsible for providing your television set with access to various TV channels that are broadcast via OTA methods. OTA broadcasts can be both free and paid, depending on the kind of TV you have or any contracts you have with broadcasting companies.
Freeview is an example of an OTA broadcast that provides free television channels. To access Freeview, all you’d need is an aerial and television set. Sky TV is an example of a service where you can access exclusive, paid OTA broadcast channels. That is why the ‘sky TV dish’ was traditionally needed to access Sky OTA broadcast channels.
Smart TVs and Aerials
In the era of smart TV and internet streaming, many people wonder if they need an aerial to still enjoy the content and entertainment they want to see. So, do you need an aerial for a smart TV? Well, it depends.
If you are used to more traditional TV viewing on channels like the BBC, ITV, STV, Channel 4, and so on, then you’ll likely need to have your smart TV hooked up to an aerial to enjoy these channels.
If you are starting to shift more towards online streaming using services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and so on, then you may not need a TV aerial.
The good news is almost all smart TVs nowadays come with an aerial port on the back of the TV chassis that can be used to hook your TV set up to an aerial. In essence, this allows a smart TV to be used as a traditional TV while having all the benefits associated with a smart TV.
The question: “Do I need an aerial for my smart TV?” will vastly depend on how you want to use your TV.
At Cello Electronics, our customer service team are very knowledgeable and are happy to talk to you about what you’d need from a TV in order to make sure you make the right decision. Give us a call if you are at all unsure or visit our contact page for more details on how to get in touch.
Choose Cello for your TVs
At Cello Electronics we are UK industry leaders in providing affordable, high-quality TV sets. Every one of our products is manufactured right here in our UK warehouse under stringent quality control procedures to make sure our customers get only the best when it comes to a new TV.
For UK customers we also provide free delivery to the mainland, and provide a generous 14 day returns window to ensure you’re happy with your product.
No matter if you are looking for a smart TV, non-smart TV, or a TV for your caravan, we have a wide variety of TVs to pick from. Shop online with us today!
FAQs About Smart TVs & Aerials
Do I need a special aerial for a smart TV?
Not at all. All Cello’s smart TVs are manufactured to function normally with ordinary TV aerials, meaning you can enjoy all your favourite OTA broadcast channels.
Can you get Freeview on a smart TV without an aerial?
This will depend on the TV you choose to buy. Various of our TV units will come with a built-in Freeview Play receiver, but some TV units don’t. For the TVs units that don’t, you’ll need an aerial to enjoy Freeview. We have a list of our TV units that include Freeview receivers!
How to watch free-to-air TV on smart TV?
To enjoy access to all free-to-air TV channels on your smart TV, you can connect an antenna to the back of your TV. Depending on where you are, you may be able to use an indoor antenna. Equally, if you are in a more remote region you may need to use an outdoor antenna. Most homes will already have an outdoor antenna installed. If you are at all unsure, you should consult a professional before making any purchases to ensure you can get the setup that works for you.
Do Smart TVs have a built-in antenna?
Normally, no. You will need to plug your smart TV into an outdoor antenna you already have, or purchase an indoor antenna for use with your TV. However, certain Cello smart TVs will come with Freeview Play built-in, or satellite tuners built in, so be sure to double check what you need before purchasing anything. Our supportive customer care team can assist with this.