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You can’t connect a TV antenna directly to an HDMI port. The antenna sends broadcast signals over coaxial cable, so you need a digital over-the-air (OTA) tuner or receiver to select channels and send the picture and sound to the TV over HDMI. If your TV already has a compatible built-in tuner, connect the antenna to its antenna input instead; no HDMI conversion is needed.
What you need to connect an antenna to HDMI
Use a digital TV tuner box with both an antenna (RF/coaxial) input and an HDMI output. Connect the antenna to the box, then connect the box to the TV with an HDMI cable. The tuner—not an adapter or cable—does the work of receiving and selecting broadcast channels.
Choose a receiver that supports the broadcast standard used in your region and provides an HDMI output compatible with your television. Standards and device support vary by market and model, so check the receiver’s official specifications and both devices’ manuals before buying. Without your location and equipment models, there is no single tuner standard or receiver that can be recommended for every setup.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check whether your TV already has a tuner
If the television has an antenna input and a compatible built-in digital tuner, connect the antenna coax directly to that input and run the TV’s channel scan. This is the simplest setup, and it does not use HDMI. LG’s guidance covers connecting an antenna to a compatible TV and scanning for channels: LG antenna connection instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Our ATSC digital TV converter box receives over-the-air ATSC digital TV broadcast via external antenna and converts it to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer Monitor. TV recording, Favorite Channel List, Parental Control Function.
- Full HD: The 1080p output resolution allows you to watch and record free to air television depending on signal quality. Closed Caption, Auto Tuning, Timing Start Up & Shut Down.
- You can select view Photos, play MP3 music files and view movie files, and recorded TV program from your USB storage device.
- TV Recording Function: The function allows you to record TV programs in USB hard drive and playback on your TV or Computer.Note: This device does not have built-in storage and requires an external storage device. It is best suited for external hard drives with a FAT32 file system capacity of up to 4TB or flash drives with a capacity of up to 32GB.
- What You Get: 1 x Digital TV Box,1 x Remote Control,1 HDMI Cable, 1 Composite cable,1 year Warranty.
Use an external receiver when the TV lacks a compatible tuner or you specifically need the receiver to provide the HDMI connection. Check the labels on the television and the receiver: the antenna cable goes into the receiver’s antenna input, and HDMI runs from the receiver’s output to the TV.
Connect the receiver and scan for channels
- Connect the antenna. Attach its coaxial cable to the receiver’s antenna or RF input. ADTH’s setup guide likewise instructs users to connect the antenna to the box through the coaxial connection: ADTH setup and support.
- Connect HDMI. Run an HDMI cable from the receiver’s HDMI output to an available HDMI input on the TV.
- Power on both devices. Connect the receiver’s power adapter, then turn on the receiver and TV.
- Select the TV input. Using the TV remote, choose the HDMI input number or name that matches the port you used. The TV may not switch to it automatically.
- Run the receiver’s channel setup. Follow its on-screen instructions to scan for available broadcasts. Menu names vary by receiver, so use its model-specific manual if you cannot find the scan option.
If your antenna cable does not fit
Some older antennas use 300-ohm twin-lead cable, while the receiver’s antenna input may use 75-ohm coax. In that case, a 300-to-75 ohm adapter (matching transformer) may be needed to connect the cable. TCL describes this cable-matching requirement for a 300-ohm antenna lead and a 75-ohm input: TCL TV quick-start guide. This adapter only matches the cable connection; it does not tune channels or convert the antenna signal to HDMI.
Rank #2
- Digital TV Converter Box: 2026 OWERSLYN Mini Digital Converter Box for TV receives ATSC broadcast signals from an antenna and outputs them to a TV, Projector, or a Monitor, allowing you to watch TV programs with ease. its compact design lets you conveniently hide it behind your TV.
- 75% smaller than normal ATSC tuner that can be plugged into your TV’s HDMl port and powered by TV’s USB or 5V USB Charger, can tuck neatly behind your TV. IR infrared sensor and 2-in-1 Remote control with learning function so you don't have to use the old remote control as well. Note: CH3/CH4 channel switching is not supported.
- TV converter box features an HDMI output that supports 1080P HD resolution and offers three video output options: HDMI, 3RCA, and component. Both HDMI and 3RCA cables are included in the package, so there's no need to buy additional video cables—just plug and play. *Note: Not compatible with TVs that only have an RF input.
- You can play video,music and view photos, or recorded TV shows from your USB storage device.Real-time DVR recording of digital converter box allows you to record TV shows for future watch, timer setting can be scheduled recording at any time you want. (Incompatible with streaming programs)
- What You Get: 1 x TV Tuner Stick,1 x 2 in1 Remote Control,1 x HDMI Cable, 1 x 3RCA Cable, 1 x USB to DC Cable, 1 x lR Receiver with display, 1 x Manual.📞 Enjoy lifetime support, one-year warranty, and quick responses within 24 hours. Important Note: This device receives Over-The-Air signals via an antenna. It does NOT work as a replacement for a Cable Box. An external antenna (sold separately) is required.
Fix a blank screen or missing channels
- No picture or “no signal” on HDMI: Confirm the TV is set to the HDMI input used, the receiver is on, and both ends of the HDMI cable are seated. For its receiver, ADTH also advises checking the HDMI connection and power adapter.
- The receiver opens but finds no channels: Check that the antenna is connected to the receiver’s antenna input, then repeat the receiver’s channel scan. Channel availability depends on reception at your location; a scan cannot guarantee that broadcasts are available there.
- The antenna connector does not match: Check whether the cable is coax or 300-ohm twin-lead. Use a matching adapter only when the cable and input types require it.
- Setup steps do not match your menus: Consult the receiver’s instructions for its exact model. The available input labels and scan process differ between devices.
Do not buy an HDMI-to-RF modulator for this setup
An HDMI-to-RF modulator works in the opposite direction: it takes video from an HDMI source and sends it over RF to a TV’s antenna input. It does not receive antenna broadcasts and deliver them to the television over HDMI. For that, you need a tuner or receiver with an antenna input and HDMI output.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [DIGITAL CONVERTER BOX] The digital TV converter box, converts digital air channels to your analog TVs. Allow you to watch TV channels on your analog TV or computer monitor.
- [CLEARQAM COMPATIBLE] This converter box supports ClearQAM and can be used with a cable provider to watch unscrambled cable channels
- [SAVE TV PROGRAM] iView-3300STB digital converter box with clock function supports TV program saving function. You may save TV programs for future watch
- [UNIVERSAL MEDIA PLAYER] This digital converter box is also a media player. You may save your media files in the USB drive and play videos, music, and watch photos via the converter box’s USB port. Supports up to 4TB portable hard drive.
- [New Firmware] A new firmware update is now available to resolve existing issues and enhance overall performance. Please contact iView technial support for detail
Rank #4
- 2026 Latest Batch from Mediasonic Store. The new improvements included LARGE Remote Control, 5 ft HDMI Cable, Front Display Panel, Support hard drive up to 2TB, reception sensitivity, and 12 hr. AM / PM feature.
- Clear QAM function can be used with cable provider to watch unscrambled cable channels. The channel must be UN-Encrypted signal
- Front Display to show Channel number and sub-channel, and show Clock in standby mode.
- Receive Over-The-Air ATSC Digital Broadcast to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer Monitor.
- Record and Pause Live TV: You won’t miss your favorite show. (Requires USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 external hard drive up to 2TB connect to this unit; USB flash drive is not recommended)
Rank #3
- 📺【TV Tuner】 ZJBOX 2024 Mini Digital Converter Box is used to receive ATSC broadcast signals from antennas or cables, and output them to TVs, projectors, or even monitors for watching TV programs. The converter box can be hidden behind the TV and is powered by a 5V USB adapter included in the package, making it especially suitable for wall-mounted TVs.
- 🔍【HDMI&1080P】The converter box with HDMI output supports 1080P HD. It provides three types of video output interfaces: HDMI, 3RCA, and component. HDMI and 3RCA cables provided in the package, so there's no need to purchase additional video cables; they can be used directly. Note: This depends on the resolution supported by your TV.
- 🔦【Two-in-One Remote Control】The two-in-one remote control features a learning function, allowing you to control both the digital converter stick and the TV without the need for two separate remotes. Pairing is required before use, with four programmable buttons (SET, TV/AV, VOL-, VOL+) available. It supports only infrared remote control.Battery Requirement: Requires AAA batteries (not included). Customers need to prepare batteries separately.
- 📼【DVR Recording】Record all your favorite TV shows and movies for future viewing. You can schedule recordings using a timer, and the TV programs will be stored on your external hard drive for convenient access whenever you want. Note: This device has better compatibility with external hard drives of up to 4TB with the FAT32 file system or up to 32GB flash drives.
- 📲【Many Features】This device has a variety of functions, including auto-channel selection, electronic program guide, channel favorites, instant/scheduled recording, CC subtitles, multifunctional remote control, timer power on/off, parental controls, and multimedia playback. These features can meet most of your needs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
