WeGuard Antenna ~ A Backup For TV Reception When Cable Fails

WeGuard ~ A Backup for TV Reception When Cable Fails…. (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 If you’re a cable user you receive various broadcast channels via cable, or Roku, or even Apple TV via the Internet. What happens if and when your cable and Internet has an unexpected outage? Perhaps simply a local outage, or the result of a weather-related disturbance such as a hurricane. Did you know there’s a way to receive some broadcast channels by simply selecting TV in your input menu of your flat screen. To do this you need to take a few steps to prepare for such an outage. I’ve tested the WeGuard Indoor HDTV Antenna, an omnidirectional device that allows your TV to receive some local TV channels. This small antenna can be placed next to your TV, or for better results, on a window sill. Once plugged into the TV’s RF antenna jack and the USB power lead into a small USB power adapter, not supplied, you’re ready for the next step, programming your TV to accept the newly installed antenna. When the antenna input is selected, you’ll find another menu that asks you if you would like to auto-select broadcast stations that transmit their digital signals over the airwaves in your area, so press yes. The number of stations you can receive in this mode will depend on several factors. If you have obstacles, concrete walls and large outdoor objects in the way they may hinder the TV’s ability to program in these channels. Considering that receiving some programming is better than none when cable service fails the WeGuard Antenna could be an inexpensive and easy solution. Remember that not all stations you’re accustomed to viewing can be received. This means that some networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS may, or may not be available if you can’t receive their affiliate station’s transmission. Services like CNN, FOX NEWS, CNBC, THE WEATHER CHANNEL, HBO and SHOWTIME do not have local transmitters and thus will not be available at all. So, it’s easy to see how an indoor antenna like the WeGuard can provide an easy backup during a cable outage. Something is better than nothing! It’s easy to install at very little cost and it works! GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $19.99 Available at retail or no-line. For more information go to: https://amzn.to/32JpNnn Graphic credits: Amazon 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