When we moved into Orange County Ca., we didn’t need much of an antenna. There were a couple of elements in front and two more in back. I am pretty sure all the stations had transmitters on Mt. Wilson. This made aiming the antennas simple. We could actually see the mountain peak from our roof. That gave us channels 2, 4, 5, 7,11, and 13, very clear. At age 7, I had no idea how well that worked out for us.
Most places in the country required large complex antennas. Some areas had no TV reception at all.
However, most populated areas had an an antenna on every house. Some were beginning to complain about them. They were considered an eyesore. Some started looking for ways to rid the skyline of them.
I guess, inadvertently, cable resolved the problem somewhat. Mostly cable sprang up in areas of poor reception at first. Later, as more cable only stations were added, the antennas started disappearing.
At the same time, other antennas started popping up, satellite antennas. They were big round and ugly. However, those who had them were able to get virtually every station in the country. I came really close to getting one but it was just outside of my reach
Almost as quickly, the big antennas disappeared. They were replaced, first by cable, and then by smaller versions, which were aimed but once. They competed with cable.
One of the problems with cable and satellite is expense. Many, such as me, said forget the high prices. At one time, I was paying over $70 a month for basic cable. No telling what it is now.
I have reverted back to the old antenna. The only thing I really miss is Fox News. As near as I can tell, take the sports stations from cable and they just might be looking for another way to take our earnings from us.
Actually, I must admit I do have 1 weakness. I have considered getting cable back, just for a few months at a year. I do really enjoy college baseball and softball.
Still, not that much. I’m waiting for a college only cable network.
