Does LG TV Have Good Antenna Quality? Complete Guide (2026)

LG TVs have good antenna quality thanks to reliable built-in ATSC 1.0 digital tuners with roots in Zenith's pioneering broadcast technology. However, LG TVs do not include a built-in physical antenna - you need an external antenna connected to the RF input port to receive free over-the-air channels.

That distinction matters more than most people realize. When someone asks about "LG TV antenna quality," they're almost always asking about the tuner - the chip inside the TV that decodes broadcast signals. And on that front, LG has a genuinely impressive pedigree.

LG acquired Zenith Electronics in 1999, a company that literally invented the digital TV transmission standard the U.S. still uses today. That R&D heritage flows directly into every LG smart TV antenna tuner shipped in 2026. The company's ATSC 1.0 tuners are well-regarded among cord-cutters, consistently pulling in strong signals for users within typical broadcast range.

There's one caveat worth addressing upfront: LG removed ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) support from all models starting in 2024 due to a patent dispute. That sounds alarming, but it doesn't affect your ability to receive any currently available free channels - ATSC 1.0 covers every OTA broadcast in the U.S. right now.

This guide covers everything you need to know: tuner quality deep dive, the Zenith heritage story, model-by-model specifications, ATSC 3.0 context, brand comparisons, OTA picture quality expectations, plus a complete setup walkthrough, troubleshooting guide, and antenna recommendations. If you're ready to skip straight to installation, jump to our section on how to connect antenna to LG TV.

LG TV Built-in Antenna vs. Built-in Tuner: What's the Difference?

This is the single biggest point of confusion around LG TV antenna quality, and it trips up thousands of buyers every year. LG TVs do not include a built-in antenna. What they do include is a built-in ATSC 1.0 digital tuner - and those are two very different things.

A digital tuner (technically called a demodulator) is a chip soldered onto the TV's main board. Its job is to decode the digital broadcast signals that arrive through a connected antenna. Every TV sold in the United States since 2007 must include a digital tuner - that's a federal mandate from the FCC. Your LG TV meets this requirement whether it's a flagship G6 OLED or an entry-level UB series.

An antenna, on the other hand, is a physical device - a flat panel, a set of rabbit ears, or an outdoor Yagi-style unit - that captures radio-frequency signals from broadcast towers. You supply this yourself and connect it to the ANT IN (or RF IN) coaxial port on the back of your LG TV.

Here's a quick reference:

One important warning: don't confuse the "Live TV" button on LG's webOS with antenna input. The Live TV app on webOS shows LG Channels - a free internet-based streaming service with 300+ channels. That's completely separate from over-the-air antenna reception. To watch LG TV over the air channels through an antenna, you need to switch your TV's input source to "TV" or "Antenna" - not use the Live TV streaming app.

If you're curious about what other connectivity features your LG TV includes (or doesn't), check out our guide on whether LG TVs have Bluetooth. And when you're ready for the physical setup process, we walk through every step in the how to connect antenna to LG TV section below.

How Good Is the LG TV Tuner? The Zenith Heritage Advantage

Here's where the LG tuner quality story gets genuinely interesting - and where LG separates itself from the pack in a way no competitor can replicate.

In 1995, LG Electronics acquired a controlling stake in Zenith Electronics, the storied American company headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. By 1999, Zenith became a wholly owned LG subsidiary. Why does this matter for your antenna reception? Because Zenith invented the VSB (vestigial sideband) digital transmission system that the FCC adopted in 1996 as the foundation of the ATSC digital TV broadcast standard - the same standard your TV uses to receive free channels right now.

That's not just historical trivia. It's the technical foundation behind every LG TV tuner on the market. When people ask is LG a good TV brand, the Zenith connection is one of those under-the-radar strengths that rarely gets mentioned but absolutely matters for OTA reception.

Zenith's contributions to broadcast technology run deep. In 1997, Zenith and other members of the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance earned a technical Emmy for pioneering developments behind the ATSC standard. The Zenith R&D Lab continues operating under LG's umbrella, and core technologies developed by Zenith, LG, and partner GatesAir are included in the majority of the ATSC 3.0 Physical Layer transmission standard - at least 10 of the 15 building blocks in the standard, according to Zenith's own documentation.

So what does this mean for real-world reception? Community consensus on forums like AVS Forum and Quora rates LG's built-in ATSC tuners among the better options for consumer TVs. OTA enthusiasts generally report reliable reception within standard broadcast ranges.

To be fair, some older LG models (roughly pre-2017 vintage) occasionally drew complaints about tuner sensitivity in challenging reception environments. TV manufacturers don't publish tuner sensitivity specifications, which makes direct comparisons nearly impossible. But newer models have addressed these concerns, and for most users within 25–35 miles of broadcast towers, LG tuner quality is solidly dependable.

When you consider that LG is a good TV maker with decades of Zenith-derived broadcast expertise baked into its hardware, the tuner quality story makes sense. It's also worth noting that LG TVs are built for longevity - something we cover in detail in our guide on how long LG TVs last.

LG TV Tuner Specifications by Model Series and Year

Not sure what tuner your LG TV has? This reference table breaks down ATSC support across LG's major model lines from 2020 through 2026. Every model includes ATSC 1.0 (that's the FCC mandate), but ATSC 3.0 support varies - and it's been completely absent since 2024.

The pattern is clear: premium OLED models from 2020–2023 (GX, G1, G2, G3) included ATSC 3.0 tuners. Starting in 2024, every single LG TV - including the top-of-the-line G4, G5, and now G6 - ships with ATSC 1.0 only.

How to check your specific TV's tuner type: Navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV → TV Information. You'll see the tuner type listed in the specifications. Alternatively, look up your model number on LG's product pages. You can find your model number on the sticker on the back of the TV or through the About This TV menu - we have a dedicated walkthrough at how to find LG TV model number.

A helpful tip for decoding LG model numbers: the letter "U" in the suffix of U.S. LG TV model numbers indicates the ATSC tuner variant for the U.S. and Canada (e.g., OLED65G6PUA).

The practical takeaway? ATSC 1.0 receives every free OTA broadcast currently available in the United States. The FCC requires broadcasters to maintain ATSC 1.0 simulcast signals, with the current requirement set to expire in July 2027 - though that deadline is widely expected to be extended given the slow pace of ATSC 3.0 adoption. Your LG TV isn't missing any channels right now.

If you're in the market for a new set, our guides on what is the best LG TV and what is the best LG OLED TV can help you choose a model that pairs excellent picture processing with reliable OTA reception.

Why LG Dropped ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) and What It Means for You

If you've noticed that newer LG TVs no longer advertise NextGen TV support, you're not imagining things. Here's the full story - and why it matters less than you might think.

LG was actually one of the earliest champions of ATSC 3.0. At CES 2020, LG became one of the first TV manufacturers to integrate ATSC 3.0 tuners into its flagship sets. The Zenith R&D Lab co-developed critical parts of the ATSC 3.0 physical layer standard. LG had every reason to keep pushing the technology forward.

Then came the patent dispute. In 2021, a Maryland-based company called Constellation Designs LLC sued LG for patent infringement related to non-uniform constellation (NUC) technology used in ATSC 3.0. In July 2023, a jury in Marshall, Texas ruled against LG on four patents and awarded an effective royalty rate of $6.75 per ATSC 3.0-equipped TV. That more than doubled the existing royalty cost through standard patent pools, which charge around $2–$3 per unit.

LG's response was to suspend ATSC 3.0 from all 2024 and subsequent U.S. TV models. The appeal process continues, but there's been no restoration of ATSC 3.0 in the 2025 or 2026 lineups.

Here's what ATSC 3.0 offers versus ATSC 1.0:

The bottom line: ATSC 1.0 covers every OTA channel currently available. ATSC 3.0 deployment remains limited, and most 3.0 content is simultaneously broadcast in 1.0. You're not missing any channels with your current LG TV.

For LG owners who want ATSC 3.0 access, external HDMI-connected tuner boxes are available in the $90–$200+ range. Note that USB-based adapters (like the ADTH NextGen TV USB dongle) work with Android/Fire TV devices but not with LG's webOS. According to FlatpanelsHD's March 2026 reporting, the industry is working on sub-$60 set-top boxes expected later in 2026.

Keep your LG TV's software current to ensure optimal tuner performance - our guides on how to update firmware on LG TV and how to update LG TV software walk you through the process.

LG vs. Samsung vs. Sony: OTA Tuner Quality Comparison

This is the question that comes up constantly in forums: should you choose your TV brand based on tuner quality? Here's the honest answer, backed by what's actually known.

The first thing to understand is that no major TV manufacturer publishes tuner sensitivity specifications. This makes true apples-to-apples comparison nearly impossible. What we can compare is feature support, community feedback, and the strengths each brand brings to the OTA experience. If you're weighing the broader question of is LG TV better than Samsung, tuner quality is just one piece of a larger puzzle.

Here's what actually matters for most viewers: antenna quality and placement affect your reception far more than which TV brand you own. The difference between a well-positioned antenna and a poorly placed one is the difference between 60 channels and 15 channels. The difference between TV brand tuners, for most people within reasonable broadcast range, is negligible.

Where LG does have a genuine edge is in video processing. LG's OLED panels with α9 and α11 series processors excel at upscaling 720p/1080i OTA content. The infinite contrast ratio of OLED means dark scenes in broadcast content look remarkably clean, without the backlight bleed that LCD panels exhibit. For the visual experience of watching OTA channels, an LG OLED may actually deliver a better-looking picture than competing sets - not because of tuner differences, but because of display quality.

If ATSC 3.0 is a priority for you right now, Samsung's select QLED models, Sony's premium lineup, and Hisense offer built-in support. But for pure ATSC 1.0 reception quality, your money is better spent on a good antenna than on switching TV brands.

For a broader look at which LG model suits your needs, check out what is the best LG TV.

OTA Picture Quality on LG TVs: What to Expect from Antenna Channels

A common hesitation among cord-cutters considering antenna TV: "Will OTA channels look terrible on my 4K LG screen?" The short answer is no - they'll look surprisingly good. But setting realistic expectations helps.

Most ATSC 1.0 broadcasts transmit at 720p or 1080i resolution. ABC and Fox affiliates typically broadcast at 720p, while CBS and NBC use 1080i. That's a limitation of the broadcast standard, not your LG TV's tuner. No antenna, regardless of price or marketing claims, will give you 4K OTA content under ATSC 1.0.

Here's where LG earns its keep. The α9, α11, and even the mid-range α8 series processors in modern LG TVs include AI-powered upscaling algorithms designed specifically to enhance lower-resolution content. A 720p broadcast signal hitting an LG C6's α11 Gen 3 processor gets intelligently upscaled toward 4K, with edge enhancement, noise reduction, and detail refinement applied in real time. On an OLED panel with perfect black levels and wide color gamut, the result is genuinely impressive.

The comparison to cable is worth highlighting. As Matt Ferretti, the lead television tester for Consumer Reports, has noted, OTA signals tend to be less compressed than what cable delivers. Cable providers squeeze multiple channels into shared bandwidth using aggressive compression, which degrades picture quality. OTA broadcasts, by contrast, dedicate a full 6 MHz channel to a single station, resulting in a cleaner, less artifact-prone image.

For live sports and local news - probably the two biggest reasons people use antennas - OTA on an LG TV can look noticeably better than the same channel via cable or many streaming services. The lag advantage is real too: OTA broadcasts arrive seconds ahead of cable and as much as 60–80 seconds ahead of live TV streaming services.

Don't expect antenna channels to match the sharpness of native 4K content from Netflix or Disney+. But on a modern LG TV with AI upscaling, they look much better than most people anticipate - especially on OLED panels where the contrast and color rendition compensate beautifully for the lower source resolution.

To get the best visual results from OTA content, consider tweaking your picture settings. Our guides on how to adjust brightness on LG TV and what is Filmmaker Mode on LG TV are good starting points. For sports viewing specifically, you may want to check out how to turn off motion smoothing on LG TV - the TruMotion feature can introduce the "soap opera effect" on live broadcasts that some viewers find distracting.

How to Set Up an Antenna on Your LG Smart TV (Step-by-Step)

Setting up an antenna on your LG TV takes about 10 minutes. Before you start, check what channels are available in your area using the FCC's DTV Reception Maps or AntennaWeb - this tells you which direction to aim your antenna and what kind of range you'll need.

Here's the process:

1. Position your antenna.

Place your antenna near a window, as high as possible, facing the direction of your nearest broadcast towers. Even a 6-inch adjustment can make a meaningful difference in reception quality. If you're not sure where the towers are, the FCC DTV map tool shows their locations relative to your address.

2. Connect the coaxial cable to your LG TV's RF input.

Find the ANT IN or RF IN port on the back of your LG TV - it's typically located near the HDMI ports (our guide on where HDMI ports are on LG TV can help you locate this area). Screw the coaxial cable's F-connector into the port. Finger-tight is fine - don't use pliers.

3. Run an auto channel scan.

Power on your TV. Navigate to Settings → All Settings → General → Channels → Channel Tuning → Auto Tuning. For a detailed walkthrough of scanning options, see our guide on how to scan channels on LG TV.

4. Select "Antenna" as your signal source - NOT "Cable."

This step is critical. When prompted to choose between "Antenna" and "Cable," select "Antenna." Choosing "Cable" will search for cable TV frequencies and likely find nothing (or fewer channels). Start the scan and wait 3–5 minutes for it to complete.

5. Check your signal strength.

After the scan, go to Settings → Channel Tuning → Manual Tuning and check the Signal Strength and Signal Quality bars. LG recommends signal strength above 80% for reliable, artifact-free reception.

Important: Make sure you've switched your TV's input source to "TV" or "Antenna" using how to change input on LG TV. If you see LG's internet-based streaming channels instead of broadcast channels, you're on the wrong input.

webOS version note: The exact menu paths vary slightly between webOS versions. On older webOS (3.5–5.0), the path may be Settings → General → Channels. On webOS 6.0+ and webOS re:New, look for Settings → All Settings → General → Channels. The terminology is consistent ("Auto Tuning," "Antenna"), but the menu depth differs.

If the scan finds zero channels: First, confirm you selected "Antenna" and not "Cable." Second, check that the coaxial cable is firmly seated in the correct port. Third, try repositioning the antenna. If your TV's remote isn't responding during setup, our guide on how to turn on LG TV without remote offers alternative control options.

Troubleshooting LG TV Antenna Reception Issues

Antenna problems on LG TVs almost always have a straightforward fix. Here are the four most common issues and how to resolve them.

Issue 1: "No Signal" Error Message

This is the most reported LG TV antenna problem, and it's usually a simple input or connection issue. If you're seeing this on other inputs too, our broader guide on why your LG TV says no signal covers all scenarios.

1. Verify the antenna's coaxial cable is connected to the RF/ANT IN port - not an HDMI port

2. Switch the TV input source to "TV" or "Antenna" - not HDMI 1, 2, etc.

3. Run Auto Tuning with "Antenna" selected (not "Cable")

4. Power cycle the TV: unplug it from the wall for 2–3 minutes, plug back in, and rescan

If the power cycle doesn't help, try a soft restart - how to restart LG TV and how to reboot LG TV cover both methods.

Issue 2: Antenna Option Is Grayed Out in Settings

This frustrating issue usually has one of two causes.

First, check whether your LG TV is stuck in Hotel/Hospitality Mode - this is common on models originally deployed in hotels or commercial settings, and it restricts access to tuner functions. Our dedicated guide on how to turn off hotel mode on LG TV walks through the fix. While you're at it, verify the TV isn't in Demo/Store mode either - how to get LG TV out of demo mode covers that scenario.

If neither mode is active, try a factory reset: Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings. Our guide on how to reset LG TV and how to factory reset LG TV explain the full process. After resetting, update your firmware before rescanning.

If the grayed-out option persists after a factory reset and firmware update, it may indicate an RF tuner board hardware failure. Contact LG Support or an authorized repair service.

Issue 3: Channel Scan Finds No Channels

The most common culprit: selecting "Cable" instead of "Antenna" as the signal source in Auto Tuning. This one mistake accounts for a huge percentage of "no channels found" complaints. Go back to Channel Tuning and re-run the scan with "Antenna" selected.

If "Antenna" is already selected, try repositioning your antenna closer to a window. Check the FCC DTV Reception Maps to confirm broadcast towers are within your antenna's range. If towers are 30+ miles away, you likely need an amplified antenna.

Issue 4: Weak, Pixelating, or Dropping Signal

When signal strength drops below LG's recommended 80% threshold, you'll see pixelation, audio dropouts, and intermittent picture freezing.

Repositioning the antenna is the first step - even small adjustments matter. Keep the antenna away from microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, and large metal objects, all of which cause interference.

A signal amplifier can help if broadcast towers are far away. But here's a counterintuitive warning: amplifiers can make reception worse if you're too close to towers. Signal overload causes the same symptoms as a weak signal. If you live within 10–15 miles of broadcast towers, try removing any amplifier first.

For persistent signal issues that other TVs on the same antenna don't experience, the LG TV's tuner board may have a hardware problem. If your screen is also displaying visual glitches, how to fix LG TV screen problems is worth checking.

Best Antennas for LG Smart TVs in 2026

First, an important clarification: there's no such thing as an "LG-specific" antenna. Any antenna with a coaxial output works with any LG TV's RF input port. Antenna selection depends on your distance from broadcast towers, not your TV brand.

Before buying, check your distance from towers using the FCC DTV Reception Maps or AntennaWeb.

Here are tested recommendations based on distance ranges, drawing from Tom's Guide and PCWorld's 2025–2026 antenna testing:

A few practical tips for LG TV owners specifically:

Your antenna pairs perfectly with any LG TV - from an antenna for LG OLED TV premium set to a budget-friendly QNED model. The TV brand doesn't affect antenna compatibility at all.

Amplifier caution: If you live within 15 miles of broadcast towers, skip the amplified antenna or buy one with a switchable amplifier (like the Mohu Gateway Plus). Over-amplification causes signal overload - the exact opposite of what you want.

Cable quality matters: Use RG-6 coaxial cable rather than the thinner, older RG-59 standard. RG-6 has better shielding and lower signal loss, especially over longer runs.

If you decide an antenna isn't right for your situation, our guide on how to get local channels on LG TV without antenna covers streaming alternatives. And once you've set up your antenna and scanned for channels, what channel is Fox on LG TV can help you find specific networks.

How to Maximize Antenna Reception on Your LG TV

Getting the most out of your LG TV's tuner means optimizing everything between the broadcast tower and the coaxial port on your TV. Here are the adjustments that make the biggest difference.

• Elevate and position near a window. Height and line-of-sight to towers are the two biggest factors in reception quality. A window-mounted antenna at head height will outperform the same antenna sitting behind your TV on a low shelf.

• Use RG-6 coaxial cable. The thicker shielding in RG-6 cable reduces signal degradation, especially over longer runs. If you're running cable from an attic antenna to a ground-floor TV, RG-6 is essential. Use compression-style F-connectors for the most secure, signal-tight connection.

• Eliminate interference sources. Keep your antenna at least 3–4 feet from Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, cordless phone bases, and large metal objects (filing cabinets, refrigerators). These are the most common household sources of RF interference. If your LG TV keeps disconnecting from WiFi, the same interference affecting your antenna may also be disrupting your wireless connection. Setting up your WiFi on a different channel can help - our guide on how to connect LG TV to WiFi covers optimizing your wireless setup.

• Understand amplifier placement. A preamplifier (mounted at the antenna itself) boosts the signal before cable losses degrade it - ideal for long cable runs or distant towers. A distribution amplifier (at the TV end) is only useful when splitting signal to multiple TVs. If you live close to towers, remove any amplifier entirely - signal overload causes the same pixelation as a weak signal.

• Rescan for channels every few months. Broadcast frequencies change periodically as stations adjust their transmitter configurations. A quick rescan catches new stations and sub-channels. You can also label antenna names on LG TV to organize your channel list after each scan.

Check your signal strength through LG's Manual Tuning menu - aim for above 80% on any channel you want to watch reliably.

OTA Antenna vs. Streaming on LG TVs: Which Is Better?

For cord-cutters with an LG TV, this isn't really an either/or decision. Most people benefit from using both. Here's how they compare:

LG's webOS platform makes streaming easy - you can download apps on LG TV for Pluto TV, Tubi, and hundreds of free streaming channels. LG Channels (built into webOS) offers 300+ free internet-based channels without installing anything. For live TV, services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV provide cable-like channel packages. If you're a cable subscriber considering the switch, how to get Spectrum app on LG TV covers that transition.

You can also add apps to your LG smart TV for virtually every major streaming platform. And if you want to cast content from your phone, check whether your model supports Chromecast on LG TV or AirPlay on LG TV.

The optimal setup for most LG TV owners: antenna for live local channels (news, sports, network shows, events) plus streaming apps for everything else. The antenna handles the content that benefits most from live, uncompressed delivery, while streaming fills in with on-demand libraries and cable channels. Before setting up streaming apps, you'll need to connect to the internet - how to turn on WiFi on LG TV gets you started.

The killer advantage of maintaining an antenna connection? During internet outages, your LG TV keeps working. Streaming stops completely, but antenna-connected channels keep coming through - no internet required.

Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Antenna Quality

Do all LG TVs have a built-in antenna?

No, LG TVs do not have a built-in antenna. They have a built-in ATSC 1.0 digital tuner that processes broadcast signals, but you must connect an external antenna to the RF/coaxial input port on the back of the TV to receive free over-the-air channels. This applies to every LG TV model, from budget LCD sets to premium OLEDs.

Can I watch local channels on my LG TV without an antenna?

Yes, you can watch some local channels without an antenna through streaming apps. LG Channels (built into webOS) offers 300+ free channels, and services like Pluto TV and Tubi provide free content - all require internet. However, these may not carry all your local network affiliates. For guaranteed access to local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and PBS stations, an antenna is still the most reliable method. You can also connect your phone to LG TV to cast local news apps, or screen mirror on LG TV from a device running a live TV app.

Why does my LG TV get fewer channels than my Samsung?

If your LG TV receives fewer channels than another TV on the same antenna, the issue is more likely cable connections or scan settings than tuner quality differences. Make sure the coaxial connection is tight, confirm you selected "Antenna" (not "Cable") during Auto Tuning, and run a fresh scan. LG recommends signal strength above 80% for reliable reception. If problems persist, try clearing the cache on your LG TV and rescanning - sometimes cached channel data from a previous scan causes conflicts.

Will a "4K antenna" improve picture quality on my LG TV?

There is no such thing as a "4K antenna." All TV antennas receive the same broadcast signals regardless of marketing claims. Current ATSC 1.0 broadcasts max out at 720p/1080i - that's determined by the broadcast standard, not the antenna. Picture quality improvements come from your LG TV's built-in upscaling processor, not from a more expensive antenna.

How many channels can I get with an antenna on my LG TV?

The number of channels depends entirely on your location, not your TV. Urban and suburban areas near major broadcast markets typically receive 50–100+ free channels, including sub-channels. Rural areas farther from towers may get fewer. Check available channels at fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps or antennaweb.org before purchasing an antenna.

Is OTA picture quality better than cable on LG TVs?

Often, yes. Over-the-air signals are typically less compressed than cable TV because OTA dedicates a full 6 MHz channel to each station, while cable providers squeeze multiple channels into shared bandwidth. On LG's OLED and premium LCD displays, OTA content benefits further from AI-powered upscaling processors that enhance the broadcast signal in real time.

Does LG TV support ATSC 3.0 in 2026?

No. LG TVs sold in 2024, 2025, and 2026 do not include ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) tuners due to an ongoing patent dispute with Constellation Designs. All current LG TVs include ATSC 1.0 tuners, which receive every OTA broadcast currently available in the U.S. For viewers who want ATSC 3.0 access, external adapter boxes are available in the $90–$200 range, with lower-cost options expected later in 2026. If you'd like to use your phone as a secondary remote while setting up these accessories, check whether you can use your phone as a TV remote for LG or learn how to control LG TV with phone.

Is LG TV Good for Antenna? Final Verdict

LG TVs deliver reliable, good-quality OTA reception through their built-in ATSC 1.0 tuners, backed by decades of Zenith broadcast technology heritage. The tuner inside your LG TV descends from the same R&D lab that invented the digital TV transmission standard the entire country uses.

The right external antenna paired with proper positioning will determine your reception quality far more than the TV brand itself. ATSC 3.0's removal from newer models doesn't affect current channel availability - every free OTA broadcast in the U.S. works with ATSC 1.0.

Your next steps: Check the FCC DTV Reception Maps to see what's available at your address, choose an antenna based on your distance from towers (our recommendation table above has you covered), and follow the setup guide in this article. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll have access to free local channels - news, sports, network shows - with picture quality that often beats cable.

Ready to get started? Our full walkthrough on how to connect antenna to LG TV has step-by-step instructions for every webOS version. And if your remote needs pairing first, how to pair LG remote to LG TV and how to program LG TV remote will get you sorted before you begin your channel scan.