Visit antennaweb.org to determine which local TV channels can be reached through your location. Click "Choose an Antenna" on the main page of the site. Enter your full address, including street number and name, city, state and ZIP code. The website will map your residential location. Confirm your location on the map and click "Continue." Antennaweb.org will present a list of channels available for receipt in your area, including broadcast signal type and the distance of the broadcast station from your home.
Note the average distance from the broadcast stations to your home. Confirm the distance of your favorite channel. If you live in the center of a major city, you can opt for rabbit-ear antennas. If you live in a suburban area, installing a rooftop antenna is best. The best-sized rooftop antenna matches the greatest distance of broadcast channel you wish to receive.
Install rabbit ears. HDTV rabbit-ear antennas can be purchased from Radio Shack or any antenna retailer, such as the online retailer Antennas Direct. Purchase rabbit ears and assemble them according to the instructions that came with the box. Unplug your television from its power source. Unplug the antenna wire from the back of your television. Plug the rabbit ears into the antenna jack on your TV. If you are using an DTV converter box, connect the rabbit ears to the input jack. Connect the coaxial cable from the out jack on your DTV converter box to the antenna jack on your television. Extend the antenna wires as far as they will go.
Install a rooftop antenna. Rooftop antennas can be purchased from antenna retailers and installed by professional installers. Most rooftop antenna kits come with a packet of brackets and screws for convenience. Assemble and install the rooftop kit according to the enclosed instructions.
Point your antenna in the direction of the preferred broadcasting station. Move the antennas around to adjust the picture.