If you have a Vizio M55-D0 and want to watch your local Fox station with a regular antenna, you’ve probably noticed there’s no coaxial input on the back.
That is because the M55-D0 is part of a group of Vizio models called “Home Theater Displays” instead of regular TVs. These models don’t have a built-in digital TV tuner.
Luckily, you can still connect an antenna to your Vizio display without a coax port. You just need a small external device to make it work.
Use a digital converter box
The easiest fix is to buy an affordable ATSC digital converter box.
These boxes work as TV tuners. They take the signal from your antenna, decode it, and send the HD picture to your TV through an HDMI cable.
- Plug your regular digital TV antenna into the coax input on the back of the converter box.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the converter box to one of your Vizio’s HDMI ports.
- To watch, switch your Vizio’s input to the right HDMI port. Then use the converter box’s remote to scan for channels and pick Fox.
Your Vizio treats the converter box just like a game console or Blu-ray player. This way, you can skip the missing port and watch local channels in high quality without cable.
Use a network tuner
If you want a more modern solution for the whole house, try a network tuner. Devices like the SiliconDust HDHomeRun or Tablo connect to your antenna and your internet router.
These tuners turn local channels into a digital stream you can watch over Wi-Fi. Plug a streaming stick like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV into your Vizio, download the tuner’s app, and start streaming local stations.
- Plug your antenna into a network tuner.
- Connect the tuner to your home internet router. It will send your local channels wirelessly across your home network.
- To watch TV, just download the right app (like HDHomeRun or Tablo) on your streaming device, or cast from your phone.
This setup keeps your living room tidy and lets you watch free broadcast TV on any phone, tablet, or smart screen in your home.
Stream it via live TV apps
If setting up an antenna feels like too much work, you can just use internet streaming. Paid live TV services offer local channels based on your zip code.
If you prefer free options, the native Vizio WatchFree+ platform provides an aggregate interface of hundreds of live streaming channels. However, it relies heavily on internet-delivered streams rather than traditional over-the-air digital signals.
Not having a coax port on your Vizio M55-D0 doesn’t mean you can’t watch free broadcast TV. With a converter box, a network tuner, or a streaming app, you can get your local Fox station working in just a few minutes.