The latest round of analog-to-digital signal conversions that have taken place means that if you are within range of a broadcast television tower, it might be time to switch off the subscription television package you've been buying and go for the free, high-definition, over-the-air broadcasts. Your local television programming will be received just fine like this in many locales. If you find your reception is poor with an indoor antenna, you can adapt your disused satellite dish into an over-the-air TV antenna while also taking advantage of the cables in place.

Step 1

Remove the low noise block converter, or LNB, from the arm of the satellite dish to expose the existing satellite cables. You may have to unscrew the LNB to get it off. Then disconnect the satellite cables from the LNB by unscrewing the cable terminals and pulling the cables through the dish's arm.

Step 2

Clip the amplified outdoor satellite dish clip-on TV antenna onto the top of the dish's rim and then connect the cables you removed from the LNB to the connections on the clip-on antenna. You'll see a set of input and output connectors labeled "In/Out 1, " "In/Out 2" and so on. Usually, you have four sets. Ignore the inputs because they're related to applications for when you want to retain use of the dish. Connect each of the existing wires to the "Outputs." Often, you will have two, but connect them all if there are more.

Step 3

Turn off the television. Connect the one of the cables that was routed from the dish to the satellite receiver's "Input" to the television's coaxial jack often labeled "ANT." Turn on the television and scan for channels.

Step 4

Disconnect the cable you connected in the previous step and connect further cables, one at a time, if the channels you require don't come in properly with the first cable. The cables can be of differing ages, quality and condition. Try each one until you get the best selection of channels and picture quality. Try different permutations on the roof too.

Items you will need

• Terk TV44 amplified outdoor satellite dish clip-on TV antenna or similar
• Screwdrivers