The majority of televisions manufactured within the last decade are smart TVs, which means that they can connect to the internet and stream thousands of your favorite programs whenever you want from apps as opposed to having to watch whatever is on over-the-air broadcast. But if you still want to watch free programming on your Insignia television, you may be wondering: do you need an antenna for Insignia TV?
Insignia TVs do not have an internal antenna, so you will need to purchase an external antenna to be able to enjoy over-the-air broadcasting. The good news is, connecting an external antenna is quite simple and should not take more than a few minutes.
If you want to learn which antenna is the best purchase for your Insignia TV, as well as how to connect the device, and even how to scan for channels once the two are paired, keep reading! We have absolutely everything you need to know about free broadcasting and how to enjoy it on your Insignia TV.
What Kind of Antenna is Best for Insignia TV
You may be disappointed to learn that while most model televisions include a built-in antenna, Insignia televisions do not, and therefore you will need an external antenna in order to enjoy free local broadcasting.
Luckily, external antennas are quite reasonably priced and there are a variety of options so that you can choose the best antenna for your home entertainment system.
When choosing an antenna, you first need to decide if you are looking for an internal or external option. Internal options will stay close to your television while the outside variety lives outside your home.
Aesthetically, if you are looking to cut down on tech devices in your living room or bedroom, the outside choice may be the one for you. Outside antennas are also known to be more sensitive, and you are more likely to pick up a better signal, especially if you live in a rural or wooded area.
However, internal antennas are usually on the cheaper side and if you live in a populated area are really all that you need!
Now that you know, and have maybe already purchased, the right antenna for your Insignia TV, it’s important to learn how to connect the appliance.
How to Connect an Antenna to Insignia TV
The good news is, your Insignia television is set up for a quick installation of your external antenna, just follow the instructions listed below:
- Find the coaxial port on the back of your Insignia TV (it is not usually labeled but it is typically silver and has a small hole in the center.)Connect the coaxial cable that came with your external antenna. Plug the AC, or power cord, into any available outlet.
That’s all there is to it! Depending on which antenna you chose, you can either run the cable to your attic or roof or simply choose a location near the television itself.
Once the antenna is connected, scanning for channels is the next step towards enjoying free over-the-air programming!
How to Scan For Free Local Channels on Insignia TV
So, your antenna is all set up, now it’s time to scan for channels, and you can do so with just your remote from the comfort of your living room or bed! While some models have slightly different menu settings, the general directions are as follows:
- Press the MENU button on your Insignia remote. Select the option that says CHANNELS.Click AUTO CHANNEL SEARCH.Select ANTENNA.
Your TV should now automatically scan for any available free broadcasting channels in your area and they will then be available to enjoy.
How to Watch Free Broadcasting on your Insignia TV
Now that your Insignia TV has scanned for channels, you will of course want to know how to actually watch these programs!
In order to do so, you will need to press the INPUT button on your Insignia remote and navigate to the TV input setting. Your TV will then switch to the free broadcasting options and you can change the channel easily for the channel buttons on your remote.
Final Thoughts
Do you need an antenna for Insignia TV? Unfortunately, yes, you will need to purchase an external antenna for your Insignia TV if you want to watch over-the-air broadcasting.
It’s important to note that your television does not need an antenna to function! If you connect the TV to your home WiFi network, you can simply use the many apps available in the app store to watch and even download hundreds of movies and TV shows.
However, if you want to enjoy free local programming, buying an antenna is the only option! But fortunately, you now know what type of antenna might be the best option for you, as well as how to connect it and set up your TV to watch the news, sports, television, or movies provided in your area!
