LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- The Better Business Bureau says to beware of a TV antenna that doesn't deliver as many channels as its ads might lead you to believe it does.

The BBB says it's gotten hundreds of calls about the Clear-Cast HDTV antenna.  The company is running large newspaper ads nationwide, including in the Courier-Journal, as well as sending ads through the mail.

Here's what the ads claim -- that the antenna "pulls in Free over- the- air broadcast signals that the cable and satellite companies get and then re-transmit to you for a hefty charge every month…there's never a monthly bill, you get all the free channels with Clear-Cast and you won't pay for hundreds of channels you never really watch."

The problem is that the antenna only pulls in over-the-air signals from local stations, as any TV antenna does.  It does not receive satellite or cable signals.  The BBB says it's received hundreds of calls about the antenna and its ads. 

People have complained that they were under the impression that they would receive 953 channels on the antenna.  But the ad actually says they could receive up to 953 shows.

The Better Business Bureau is giving these ads its lowest rating, an "F."

More information from the Better Business Bureau:

When considering using TV antenna's versus cable or satellite TV the BBB recommends the following:

  • Location is everything. If you live in a valley or rural area, you will have fewer channels available to you than others who live within a 40 mile radius of a TV station.
  • You will not receive all the same channels and programming as your cable or satellite TV packages.
  • Different types of antennae's provide different results; you can view all your options through the FCC's website at http://www.fcc.gov/guides/antennas-and-digital-television. 
  • Make sure you are aware of return and exchange policies before making a purchase.
  • Do not fall victim to sense of urgency claims. Make sure you research any product before buying.
  • Contact the BBB to check out any business before purchasing a product or service at http://www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

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