Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clear TV?
A government mandate requires television broadcasters to convert from analog to digital broadcast. Now, only
digital signals are available over the air in the United States and Canada. Clear TV is an antenna that receives over-
the-air digital and HD signals for free. The signal is a better visual and audio quality than analog. Digital television
enables broadcasters to offer multiple programming choices on a single channel (sub channels), greatly expanding
viewer choices.
How many channels can I receive over the air?
Reception will vary based on factors like geography and location of the broadcast signal; antenna, hills, buildings
and even tall trees can impact reception. It is recommended that you be within 35 miles of a broadcast antenna.
Most households can receive these popular networks: PBS, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, ION, CW, Qubo - a children’s
channel, 24-hour sports programming, a 24-hour classic movie channel, 24-hour news and weather, and popular
Spanish-language channels: Azteca, Univision, Telemundo, TeleFutura, may also be available.
Will I receive Cable shows?
No, Clear TV does not receive shows that are produced for cable only.
Will it fit all Televisions?
Clear TV will connect with televisions that have an Antenna IN or a Cable IN port on the back of the television.
Most televisions sold after May 25, 2007 are required by law to have an ATSC (Digital) tuner built-in and will
receive digital broadcasts. If your television was purchased earlier, but has a menu option for scanning digital
channels, then your television has a digital ATSC tuner. Check for the letters ‘ATSC’. If it does not say that it is
equipped with an ATSC tuner, you will need to purchase a converter box.
Can I use it outside, in my attic, or basement?
Clear TV is designed as an indoor antenna only. We recommend Clear TV be hung on the inside of an exterior wall
or window that is facing the broadcast towers. Placing it in a basement or attic is not recommended. Exposure to
outside elements such as moisture or temperature extremes can be harmful to your antenna.
Can I add an extension cable to my Clear TV?
Yes, if you would like to move your Clear TV to a location that exceeds the reach of the cable connected to your
antenna you can purchase an extension cable.
Are all broadcasts now in High Definition?
Not all digital signals are High Definition.
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Is the picture better than cable?
All cable companies compress their HD signals; the result is a degraded signal that is usually inferior to
Over the Air (OTA) broadcast.
What is signal compression?
Signal compression is a method of making video transmissions smaller. The quality of the signal is degraded in
order to fit in more quantity. All cable companies compress their signals in order to make room for all of those
extra channels. OTA broadcast television signals are not compressed and are therefore better quality.
Does Clear TV work with my DVR or TIVO?
Yes, Clear TV is compatible with TiVo and other digital video recorders (DVR) so you can watch what you want,
when you want. Since Clear TV is a HD antenna and can receive a HD broadcast signal there is no need for an
HD converter box.
Will the channel numbers be the same?
With the digital system, the channel number that appears on your television screen and the actual channel number
can be and often are different. Many stations have sub channels (channel 2, channel 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc.). Keep in
mind reception will vary in your area due to geography and location of the broadcast antenna.
What if I can’t receive a signal with Clear TV?
Signal strength will vary based on certain variables, such as distance from the transmitter, hills, buildings, and
even tall trees can impact reception. To check the exact distance from your residence to the nearest transmitters,
and get an idea of what to expect in the way of reception, go to antennaweb.org and type in your address. It is
recommended that you be within 35 miles of a broadcast antenna.
Clear TV Reception Tips
Place Clear TV in the location with the strongest reception, typically this will be on an exterior wall or window. A
television signal can become weak or intermittent by passing through walls that are exceptionally thick or contain
large amounts of metal. In this case, consider attaching Clear TV to the inside surface of a window pane using the
provided suction cups. This will help to capture a weak station. However, Clear TV or the cable should never be
allowed to interfere with the normal operation of the window.
For optimal performance
Place Clear TV on the inside surface of an exterior wall, ideally a wall facing the general direction of local
transmission towers. (You can find out the location of your towers by going to antennaweb.org.) If there are
multiple tower locations, optimize the position of Clear TV to the weakest signal. Clear TV can pick up the stronger
signals from any direction. Experiment with different walls and even different rooms to find the best location.
Concealing Clear TV behind your Television or Artwork
Hiding Clear TV behind your television, artwork, wall hangings, or even furniture should not affect its performance.
We recommend that you find the best location for your antenna, which may or may not be behind these items.
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