FTA also refers to the concept of channels and broadcasters providing content for which no subscription is expected, even though these channels may be delivered to the viewer/listener by another carrier for which a subscription is required, e.g. cable, satellite or the Internet. These carriers may be mandated (or opted) in some geographies to deliver FTA channels even if a premium subscription is not present (providing the necessary equipment is still available), especially where FTA channels are expected to be used for emergency broadcasts, similar to the 112 emergency service provided by mobile phone operators and manufacturers.

If your preference is not to buy a subscription from a cable or satellite provider, then you can buy an indoor or outdoor TV antenna very similar to the antennas we used to see in the old days. Even some of the low-end units, such as the 360 Degree HDTV Digital Amplified TV Motorized Rotating Antenna are capable of increasing your Over The Air (OTA) TV channel selection.

A high-gain antenna or one with a signal amplifier designed for digital signals installed in the attic is capable of receiving up to 40 or more channels in HD depending on your viewing area. (Your results WILL vary. Most rural and urban areas may only receive 10-20 channels strong enough to view uninterrupted shows. With Digital TV signals, you either have a signal or you don't; you won't see static or a fuzzy picture, but may experience frame drop-out, checker-board or other artifacts, or intermittent loss of signal.)

Using a rotating antenna is not necessary, but does help you to pull in weaker stations or signals from farther away. To find out locations, channels and other detail, check out www.antennaweb.org and use your zip code or address to get single direction for optimized reception of the channels broadcasting in the area. The site also describes for the type of antenna and if a signal booster (amplifier) may be required to view a particular station.