How to Watch Terrestrial TV?
Watching terrestrial TV is generally done by receiving broadcast signals wirelessly, although you can also access related content through online apps.
The most common way to watch terrestrial television involves receiving signals transmitted over the air from local transmitters.
What You Need
- An Aerial: This is essential for picking up the broadcast signals. The type of aerial (indoor or outdoor) depends on your location and proximity to a transmitter.
- A Digital TV or Set-Top Box: Your television needs a built-in digital tuner (like DVB-T2 in the UK for Freeview) or be connected to a separate digital set-top box to decode the signals.
- Freeview Service: In the UK, the digital terrestrial television service is known as Freeview. It provides access to numerous channels subscription-free.
Steps
- Install or position your aerial correctly, typically facing the nearest transmitter.
- Connect the aerial cable to the aerial input on your TV or digital set-top box.
- Use your TV or set-top box remote to perform a channel scan or auto-tune.
- Your device will find and save the available Freeview channels, allowing you to watch live broadcasts.
This method provides access to free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and many others, received directly from the airwaves.
Accessing Terrestrial Content Online
While not traditional live terrestrial TV, you can also watch programmes from terrestrial broadcasters via their online catch-up services and dedicated apps, often requiring an internet connection.
A convenient way to access content from these broadcasters on mobile devices is through the Freeview mobile app.
- Browse & Watch Catch-Up: With the Freeview app, you can browse great shows from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub (now ITVX), All 4 (now Channel 4), My5 and UKTV Play, wherever you are. This allows you to watch programmes on demand that have already been broadcast.
- Download the App: You can easily download the Freeview mobile app from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS on your device. Just search for "Freeview", tap get and the app will start downloading to your phone or tablet straight away.
Using the Freeview app provides a mobile-friendly way to find and stream content from the UK's main terrestrial broadcasters via their respective catch-up platforms.
| Method | Signal Source | Primary Viewing Style | Device Type(s) | Internet Required? | Example Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over the Air | Broadcasts | Live TV | TV, Set-Top Box | No | Freeview |
| Freeview App | Internet | On-Demand/Catch-Up | Smartphone, Tablet | Yes | iPlayer, ITVX etc. |
By understanding both the traditional aerial method and leveraging online apps, you can access a wide range of content from terrestrial broadcasters.
