Did you know that you can access local channels on your TCL TV? From the latest news and weather reports to entertainment and regional sports, you can find tons of content to watch with local broadcast networks.
In this guide, we will walk you through methods for accessing local channels on your TCL TV, including using an antenna for over-the-air channels, utilizing the built-in live TV feature on smart TVs, and subscribing to cable TV and streaming services.
1. Access local channels on TCL TV using an antenna
You can access local over-the-air broadcasts on your TCL TV with an antenna. These channel signals are free, and you only need a good antenna to receive them on your TV.
Below is a step-by-step process on how you can access local channels on your TV using an antenna:
How to connect an antenna to your TCL TV
- Choose a TV antenna for your TV: Depending on signal quality in your area, you may need an indoor or outdoor antenna.
- Select a good location for your antenna. You should mount the antenna high, for example, near the window or close to the ceiling for an indoor antenna or on the roof with a clear line of sight to broadcast towers for an outdoor antenna.
- After choosing a good location for your antenna, connect it to the Antenna In (sometimes labelled ANT/Cable/Coaxial In) port on your TV.
Note: Some antennas come with a coaxial cable already attached, so you will only need to connect the unattached end to your TV. However, if yours doesn’t, you will need to buy a coaxial cable, attach one end to the antenna’s output port, and the other to the TV.
How to scan for channels on a TCL TV
With the antenna connected to your TV, you can start scanning for channels. To do this:
- Press the Input icon on your TCL TV remote.
- Select Antenna TV if prompted for a Source Choice, then press OK on your remote.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to start scanning over-the-air channels. A progress bar will appear on the screen showing the % scan completion and the number of channels found.
- Once the scan completes, select the Finish option. Your TV will then open the antenna TV app, where you can see a list of detected channels, including local and other free-to-air channels in your region.
Note: The local channels that you will receive will depend on your location. For example, in most places in the United States, you can get channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, and PBS, or their local affiliates.
Additionally, the number of over-the-air channels you get on your TCL TV can be affected by a myriad of factors, including signal strength in your area, the type of antenna used, antenna installation technique, weather, signal interference, and more.
2. Watch local channels on TCLtv+
You can watch local channels via TCLtv+, a free ad-supported streaming service built into TCL smart TVs.
TCLtv+ is available in the U.S. and Canada. If you are in the United States, you can access various local channels, including regional CBS, FOX, and NBC stations.
To watch local channels on TCLtv+:
- Ensure your TCL TV is connected to the internet with a fast and stable connection.
- Go to your TV’s home screen and select the TCLtv+ app.
- Browse through the channel guide to locate a local channel and start watching.
3. Access local channels using the built-in Live TV feature
You can access local channels over the internet via the built-in Live TV feature, if your TCL TV runs on the Google TV platform:
Below is a look at how to do this:
- Ensure your TCL smart TV is connected to the internet.
- Go to your TV’s home screen and select the “Live” tab. Alternatively, you can launch the Google TV Freeplay app.
- Browse the channel guide to find local and other free channels available in your area.
The Google TV Live TV feature is primarily available in the United States, where you can access several local channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and their affiliates. You can also enjoy over 200 other channels in various genres, including entertainment and sports.
Live TV is also available in other countries, including Germany and Canada, where you can access local channels on your TCL TV, depending on their availability in your location.
4. Watch local channels on Roku
Does your TCL TV run on Roku? Don’t worry, you can still watch local channels for free if you are in the United States.
Roku offers access to over 500 free live TV channels on The Roku Channel. These include several local channels, such as NBC News, ABC News, regional FOX channels, and affiliates of major broadcast networks, such as CBS and ABC.
In addition to local channels, you can also enjoy several other free channels on Roku, including news channels like Cheddar News, sports channels like beIN Sports Xtra, and entertainment channels like Hallmark Movies.
5. Watch local channels on free streaming platforms
You can also access local channels on TCL TV via free streaming apps/services.
For example, Pluto, Tubi, and Plex are some of the free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services available in the United States. These platforms offer several free live TV channels, including local channels and a wide variety of entertainment and sports channels.
Other free streaming platforms that offer local channels include NewsON and Local Now.
You can download the free streaming apps above on your TCL TV by installing them from the Google Play Store or the Roku Channel Store.
6. Subscribing to a cable or satellite TV service
So far, we have looked at how you can access local channels on TCL for free. However, you can also get local channels on your TV via a Pay-TV service.
Many cable and satellite TV providers offer local channels as part of their “basic” or “starter” packages. Top examples include:
- Xfinity: Offers local channels such as ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, and the CW in all of its main TV packages, with prices starting at $35 per month.
- Spectrum: Offers local broadcast channels in most of its TV packages, with prices starting from $100 per month.
- Cox: Offers local channels across various TV packages, including the Contour TV Starter, starting at $80 per month.
- Optimum: Offers local channels across its TV packages, starting at $50 per month.
- Mediacom: Offers local channels across all TV packages, with prices starting from around $69.35 per month.
- DirecTV: Includes local channels in all TV packages, with prices starting from around $89.99 per month.
- DISH: Offers local channels in most of its TV packages, with prices starting from around $68 per month.
7. Subscribing to a streaming service
In addition to cable and satellite TV, you can also get local channels on your TCL TV by subscribing to a streaming TV service that offers live TV packages.
Top options include:
- YouTube TV: Includes major local channels in its base TV package, with prices starting from $82.99 per month.
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers local channels on its live TV packages, with prices starting from $89.99.
- DirecTV Stream: Offers local channels across all plans, with prices starting at $89.99.
- Fubo TV: Offers local channels on its Pro and Elite plans, starting at $73.99 per month.