One of the major goals of buying a shiny smart TV is to watch some of your favorite local channels.
But setting up a new TV, especially for local channels, sometimes seems to be overwhelming!
However, with the right guide, it’s as easy as eating popcorn.
In this article, I will walk you through how to set up your Hisense TV to watch local channels, whether you use an antenna or a cable connection.
Let’s move on…
Notes before we jump in
The first step to watching local channels on your Hisense TV is to connect it to a source of TV signals.
You have two options:
- An antenna
- A cable
Whether you choose an antenna or a cable connection entirely depends on the budget you have and what you are most comfortable with.
However, if you’re going to use an antenna (as I have been doing for the last 2 years), use a coaxial cable to plug the antenna into the port labeled “Antenna” or “RF In” on your TV.
If you’re going to use a cable subscription, simply let your provider handle it.
HiSense TV Channel Setup Using “Auto Channel Scan”
After you have connected your TV to an antenna or a cable, you need to perform an auto-channel scan.
This is necessary because different areas have different channels and frequencies, and your TV needs to know which ones to tune in to.
If you skip or interrupt the auto channel scan, you might miss some channels that you could otherwise enjoy.
However, here’s how:
- Turn on your TV and press the “Input” button on your remote control. Choose “Antenna” or “TV” if you use an antenna, or “Cable/TV” if you use a cable.
- Then press the “Menu” button on your remote and go to “Settings” > “Channels” or “Channel Setup“.
- Finally, select “Auto Scan” or “Channel Scan” and press “OK” or “Enter” on your remote control.
Your TV will start scanning for available channels and display them on the screen. This might take several minutes, depending on the number of channels in your area.
When the scan is complete, press “Exit” or “Back” on your remote control to exit the menu.
That’s it…
You can now watch local channels on your Hisense TV.
How to add channels manually on a HiSense TV
The exact steps for adding channels manually on a Hisense TV may vary depending on the specific model you have, but the general process is usually the same.
Here are the steps that should work for most Hisense TVs:
- Make sure you have an antenna connected to your TV. This is necessary for receiving over-the-air channels, which is what you’ll be adding manually.
- Go to the Settings menu. You can usually access this by pressing the Settings button on your remote control.
- Select the Channel option.
- Look for an option called Add Channel or Manual Tuning. The exact wording may vary, but it should be something that indicates you can add channels yourself.
- Select the type of channel you want to add. You’ll usually have options for Cable and Antenna. Choose the one that applies to your situation.
Finally, enter the channel number.
But for this, you’ll need to know the specific channel number you want to add. If you’re not sure, you can try scanning for channels automatically first (see the Hisense user manual for your specific model on how to do this).
That’s it…
Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, save the channel and it should be added to your list.
Tip: If the edit option is greyed out or you can’t add channels manually, it may be due to external device restrictions. Disconnect the antenna cable (and any booster), restart the TV, and check if the edit option is available.
F.A.Q.s
Q: How do I rearrange the channel order on my Hisense TV?
To rearrange channel order on your Hisense TV, access the channel list in the settings menu.
Look for the option to edit or rearrange channels, then follow the instructions to move channels up or down according to your preference.
Q: What should I do if my Hisense TV doesn’t find any channels during the scan?
If your Hisense TV doesn’t find any channels during the scan, ensure that the antenna or cable connection is secure.
Try repositioning the antenna for better reception.
If the issue persists, you may need to consult the TV’s user manual or contact customer support for further assistance.
Q: How often should I perform a channel scan on my Hisense TV?
It is recommended to perform a channel scan on your Hisense TV whenever you move to a new location, install new equipment, or if you notice changes in channel availability.
Regular scans help ensure that your TV is tuned to the latest available channels.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.