A SIMPLE GUIDE TO OVER-THE-AIR TV

CUTTING THE CABLE CORD ~ A Simple Guide To Over-The-Air FREE TV (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Have you wanted to drop your cable provider for some alternative to the traditional cable TV service? Perhaps it’s a desire you’ve had, but don’t quite know where to begin, or even what’s available much less the cost savings and how to understand it all? These days cable costs have skyrocketed since the inception of early cable TV, plus all the hidden charges can kill your budget. Andrea Polk is a former criminologist turned freelance writer, housewife and mother. She’s not a techie by any means, but just simply someone who decided to explore the options for providing broadcast television at an affordable price for her family. After much research she discovered many options that are either free, or available at a low subscription, cancelable cost. This persistent research provided her the knowledge to author the book, “SIMPLE GUIDE TO OVER-THE-AIR FREE TV”. This book is written in easy to understand, layman’s terms. Andrea takes you through her pros and cons and the steps she personally experienced to aid her in making it happen. It’s broken into fifteen chapters that include subjects like how to make the cut, explanations of technical terms in layman’s language, digital and over-the-air antennas (OTA) and easy steps to make it all happen. An explanation of Analog and digital broadcasting is explained as well. As she points out some stations transmit different programming on several different digital channels they transmit. An example would be 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and so on, all from the same station. A bit more explanation for the reader would have been helpful on this topic, as few people understand the concept. She explains how to obtain broadcast services like ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and independent broadcast stations for free. She also includes an extensive list of low-cost subscription apps and services that provide specific types of programming that can easily be received on a subscription basis with an add-on device such as Roku. This information is most valuable in that she includes the type of programing they provide and typical associated costs you could expect plus how to become a subscriber and what equipment you may need to make it all happen. One does have to consider that this book was originally copyrighted in 2014 and updated in 2019, so the fees and providers that she mentions may have slightly changed plus even more services may have become available. Also included is a section on international TV programming, something that normally could be difficult to find. “SIMPLE GUIDE TO OVER-THE-AIR FREE TV”, is an easy to read and understand step-by-step book that easily guides you to cutting the cable cord. You’ll want to keep this one handy, as it’ll become your reference for many years to come! GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $6.99 paperback (Also available in a Kindle Edition) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3elKqur Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore