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Comment by xp84 | Hacker News Reader

I'm mainly just annoyed that I can't sign up for a small package with any service. I want literally locals plus whatever cheap basic cable networks want to tag along just for the exposure. $15 sounds fair for what I could get with an antenna but can't due to HOA rules and being lazy and not wanting to poke holes in my house, but with inflation I can accept that the true number should be $19.99. I haven't heard of such a thing :(

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> can't due to HOA rules

In 1996, the FCC adopted the Over the Air Reception Device Rule, or (the unfortunately named) OTARD rule. In short, the OTARD rule prohibits homeowners' associations and condominium associations from placing restrictions on residents which impede the installation, maintenance, or use of satellite dishes, TV antennas, or wireless cable antennas.

HOAs can't stop you from putting an antenna, and honestly a $10 antenna from monoprice is surprisingly good. Works much better for digital broadcasts than old rabbitears

>$15 sounds fair for what I could get with an antenna

I happily paid $10 a month for Locast. All I want is the locals and whatever they piggyback on. I can't get it for less than $40.

I continue to do without. Don't tell me about antennas. I live too far away for my "locals" to be picked up with an antenna.

I bitterly resent the graft that allowed the major networks to get a 90+ year old judge out of retirement to specifically rule in their favor.

Exterior antennas for broadcast tv are obsolete. Get a coaxial antenna from any big box store, put it behind your TV, boom free HD broadcasts.

That strongly depends on your local conditions. There's plenty of places where an indoor antenna has been fine for receiving local stations for decades, and there's plenty of places where it's not. Digital broadcasting can be a little better than analog broadcasting, in that a good enough signal gets you as good of a picture as an excellent signal, but consistency is still important, and getting your antenna clear of obstructions is still key.

My metal roof blocks these signals pretty impressively. An external antenna is the only way for me.

You could setup an antenna for TV or Ham radio etc in your attic or similar space. Sticking them on the roof generally offers the best reception and doesn’t take up space in your house, but even just TV rabbit ears work reasonably well for local stations.

Local TV is rarely worth the effort, but it can be a cheap way to watch the Olympics or your local sports team etc.

True, but only in major cities. In secondary markets, especially ones in mountainous areas, you are lucky to get 1-2 major networks.

I would look into it, but I believe the FCC has preempted antenna rules. Last I looked (maybe 15 yrs ago) that was the case for me.

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