Do VIZIO TVs have a tuner?

Answered by Robert Dupre

Vizio TVs do have a tuner. However, it is important to note that not all Vizio TVs come with a tuner. In recent years, many manufacturers have started to omit built-in tuners in their TVs, especially for models that are marketed as “smart TVs” or have advanced streaming capabilities. This is because the popularity of streaming services and cable/satellite boxes has increased, making the traditional over-the-air (OTA) channels less relevant for some users.

That being said, some Vizio TVs still come with a built-in ATSC tuner, which allows you to receive and stream OTA channels. The ATSC tuner is the standard for digital terrestrial television in the United States, and it enables you to watch free, over-the-air channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and more.

Having a built-in tuner can be convenient for those who want to enjoy OTA channels without the need for an external tuner or cable/satellite box. It allows you to connect an antenna directly to your TV and easily access local channels in your area, providing you with an alternative to cable or streaming services.

If your Vizio TV has a built-in tuner, you can use the TV’s menu system to scan for available channels and set up your antenna. Once the scan is complete, you should be able to navigate through the channels using your TV’s remote control.

It’s worth mentioning that if your Vizio TV does not have a built-in tuner, you can still access OTA channels by using an external tuner or a digital converter box. These devices can be connected to your TV via HDMI or other video/audio inputs, allowing you to receive and stream OTA channels.

In my personal experience, I have used a Vizio TV with a built-in tuner to access OTA channels. It was a simple and straightforward process to set up the antenna and scan for available channels. Being able to watch local news and other OTA content without the need for a cable or streaming subscription was convenient and cost-effective.

To summarize, while not all Vizio TVs come with a built-in tuner, some models do have an ATSC tuner that allows you to stream OTA channels. If your Vizio TV has a tuner, you can easily set up an antenna and enjoy free, over-the-air content. If your TV does not have a built-in tuner, you can still access OTA channels through an external tuner or digital converter box.