If you’ve cut the cord with cable, or you’re maxed out on streaming services, purchasing a digital antenna to watch the Super Bowl is one way to watch the game on Sunday.
Best Buy Experience Specialist Trey Sacksteder said you may have to try a couple of antennas out, but once you find the right fit, it’s another option for watching the game on Sunday.
“In particular, especially being in Orlando, like with all of the major networks, CBS being very close, even in the surrounding areas, the outreaches of Clermont and things like that get a lot of visibility to the antennas,” Sacksteder said. “So you can get an HD antenna. They even have 4K capability now to where you can actually stream. So a lot of the the network connections are stronger. So we’re going to have the 4K ability on some networks and then you’re going to have high HD streaming as well through that network aspect through the antenna.”
Stacksteder said there are several digital antennas on the market depending on the distance needed and your budget.
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“Price point wise, the main antennas are going to be anywhere between like $50 to $200 depending on which (quality) you decide to go to,” Sacksteder said. “Range is the biggest thing to keep in mind. How far you live out from that base station is what matters.”
We also asked some of our own tech experts at News 6 about the benefits of using a digital antenna to watch the game.
“You have to really look at the pictures and it will look so much better with the color,” said Ervin Vanags, Assistant Director of Technology for WKMG. “There’s more data that’s transmitted in ATSC 3, the (next generation) style for color. It’s just so lifelike. It really looks good.”
Vanags also said purchasing an antenna may be more cost-effective than signing up for a cable plan or subscription service.
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“You buy the antenna once, and then if it’s an indoor type antenna, it may only cost you $25 to $30 and you never have to pay again,” Vanags said. “It’s free over the air. People forget about there’s no monthly cost associated with it.”
Maybe you’re also using the game as an excuse to upgrade your TV. Sacksteder said if you’re in the market you should keep lighting and angles of viewing in mind when making the purchase.
“There’s a lot of open options for TVs,” Sacksteder said. “That’s why people come in to shop for TVs because it’s a seeing thing. You just can’t sell it online and expect to stick.”
The Super Bowl will air Sunday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. on CBS.
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