Start Shopping For An Antenna
Once you have figured out which PBS stations and other networks are in your area, its time to start shopping for an antenna. Youll need this antenna to actually receive the OTA TV broadcasts.
There are two primary types of antennae you can choose from. Both indoor and outdoor antennas cost between $20-$40, so you wont have to spend too much money on your antenna.
Indoor antennas: best for city dwellers
If you live within 10-20 miles of your nearest PBS affiliate station, you will probably only need an indoor TV antenna to get a crisp, high-quality HD signal. Indoor antennas tend to be lower profile and small. Usually, they either rest on your entertainment stand, or attach to the wall.
Most indoor antennas do the same thing. They connect directly to your TV, allowing you to receive over-the-air broadcasts. While there are some variations in style and range, the differences are not that important.
If you are looking for a very basic, low-cost antenna, the a good choice. This antenna is easy to set up, and because its an Amazon product, its available at a very inexpensive price.
Some other leading brands include Tablo and Viewtek. If you do a little bit of research, its easy to find an antenna that will fit your budget and your needs.
Outdoor antennas: best for rural viewers
If you dont live within 50 miles or so of your nearest PBS affiliate broadcast station, youre going to need to invest in a more high-powered antenna in order to get good HD reception.
Is Pbs Available On Live TV Streaming Services
Unfortunately not. PBS nature as a content distributor for regional channels makes it difficult to strike a deal with a national service, given that everything it produces is involved in various licensing deals. However, in a report by USA Today, PBS did say it wants to be included on streaming services like YouTube TV and Sling TV in the future.
Broadcast Channel Guides
How Do I Log Into My Passport Account On My Amazon Fire TV Amazon Fire Stick Or Android Smart TV
Once you have activated your PBS Passport account, you can follow the steps below to sign in with your Passport account on your Amazon Fire TV or Android Smart TV.
Open the PBS Video app on your device.
In the left navigation, scroll down and select Profile.
In the Profile menu, select the Change Account option.
Confirm that you would like to Log Out of the account on your app. This will deactivate the app.
The PBS Video app will ask you to activate the app. Select Activate Now.
Activation instructions appear on the screen along with a 7-character activation code. You’ll need this code for the next step.
Go to your computer and open a web browser to visit pbs.org/activate
Enter your device’s unique activation code in the “Activation Code” field. Click Continue.
You are taken to a new page asking you to sign in with a Google, Facebook, or PBS account.
Choose the same account you used when you activated Passport. If you sign in with a different email address, you will not be signed in with your Passport account and will be unable to watch Passport videos.
After signing in, your device has been activated.
Your device will automatically update. If you signed in with the same account you linked to your Passport benefit, you can now access Passport videos on your device.
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Great But Pay Model Needs Help
I love the App and want more than anything to see PBS gain more momentum without falling into the capitalist trap of conforming to viewership views to bring in dollars. Im not sure how that can be done while also enriching the access experience.What I mean is, I would love to simply sign up through the app and pay for it monthly but not dramatically effect the way that PBS is able to sustain. The advantage of the pay model is that the content could potentially increase in quality and in quantity but there is a lot more to maintaining public television than simply scuttling funds toward content and so my thought is either allow users to select a monthly contribution of their choice or Id even be willing to pay as much as $20 a month.I dont know what the best solution is. All I know is that as of today, accessing additional content can be cumbersome and confusing and because there is no way to upgrade through the app nor manage your account you can end up with multiple accounts or funding going to the wrong networks. I ended up sending donations to the network out of Pennsylvanian rather than my local network and then had to reach out to them to directly to cancel my donations.If the app could become the primary place to manage funding, accounts and networks to reduce the complexity Id be more than grateful.Also, please take advantage of being able to migrate existing accounts to Login with Apple.
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Can I Access Passport Content On All Devices And Platforms
Currently, PBS Passport content is available via:
- Desktop computers and laptops using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge
- PBS VideoApple iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Vizio SmartCast TV
*The PBS channel is not available on select older Roku models. The PBS channel is available on most Roku 2 models and newer.
UPDATE YOUR BROWSER:
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Go To Pbsorg/activate On Your Mobile / Desktop Device
Once you have your unique activation code, please go to your desktop or mobile device thats connected to the internet. Youll need to open up a web browser and type in the url bar: pbs.org/activate.
- Go to your computer, tablet, or phone and open a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
- Type in pbs.org/activate in the address bar at the top of the screen
America’s Test Kitchen Special: Home For The Holidays
Americas Test Kitchen is the most-watched cooking show on public televisionmore than 2 million viewers tune in each weekand this holiday season is a very special hour-long holiday-themed episode. The hour-long special features five of the test kitchens favorite holiday recipes, including new twists on classic holiday fare such as Turkey En Cocotte and Beef Tenderloin.
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How Can I Watch Passport Videos On My Smart TV
The PBS Video App is currently available on Samsung Tizen , and all compatible Android smart TVs will have a Google Play Store app on their TV where they can download the PBS Video app for Android. A separate streaming device such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick is needed to watch Passport on smart TVs that do not use Android. You will also be able to access Passport videos if you have a Roku TV.
What Content Is Available To Canadian Members With Pbs Passport
Canadian members with PBS Passport can view most Passport content on PBS.org.
Although we will be expanding our PBS Passport library for Canadian Passport members, there may be a small number of shows that will be restricted to the U.S. or have slightly different availability windows. PBS must obtain the streaming rights for every program offered on our site, and these rights can be different between the US and Canada.
If a program does not appear on our site when you search for it by keyword, the program is unavailable for streaming in your area.
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Explore More With Pbs Nc Passport
Passport is a PBS North Carolina member benefit that provides you with video-on-demand access to exclusive PBS programs. Existing members can simply visit our online video portal to start watching. New members can sign up on our Passport Membership page.These incredible programs and more are also available on the PBS Video App, available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Simply search for “PBS” to find all of your favorites!
If you have questions about specific programs or shows on Passport, or any other questions not answered on our FAQ page, please visit the PBS Help home page or contact our Audience Services team by email at or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Stream the best of PBS.
Anytime, anywhere.
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
Celebrate the holidays with the worlds best-selling soprano and legendary Grammy® Award-nominated artist in her first-ever Christmas special from the beautiful Christ Church Spitalfields in London. Transforming the iconic and historic setting into an intimate winter wonderland, Sarah breathes new life into holiday classics and fan favorites for the season. With special guest Andrew Lloyd Webber.
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A Chef’s Life The Holiday Special
Join Chef Vivian Howard for a taste of the holidays as she serves up the best of her Southern cooking heritage and the Chanukah traditions her husband Ben grew up with. From a simple corned ham to an upscale oyster dressing, from humble Hoppin John to an elegant red velvet cake, sample one of the most charming and delicious holiday celebrations of the season.
Watch The Holiday Special Sunday, 12/12, 8 PM and Thursday, 12/23, 8 PM on PBS NC and streaming only with PBS NC Passport.
Is There A Pbs App For Smart TV
Currently we do not have an app for most Smart TVs. The PBS Video App is available on select Android Smart TVs and Samsung Smart TVs. If you have an Android Smart TV, you can navigate to the Google Play Store app on your Smart TV and download the PBS Video app for Android to your television for free.
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Enter Your Unique Activation Key
After the page loads, you’ll be ask to type in your unique activation code on the website. Click the white text box space next to the blue button, and type in your code. Once you’ve typed in your code, click Continue.
- Make sure you have your unique activation code written down to proceed
- Enter your activation code into the text box that appears
- Click Continue
Can I Update The Email Address On My Pbs Account Without Using This Tool
You can update the email address for your PBS account by signing in to your User Profile and selecting Edit or Update Personal Information. However, you will only be able to update your account to an email address that is not already in use if you have set up multiple PBS accounts already, then you cannot use the same email address for two PBS accounts.
Did you find it helpful? Yes No
The Passport benefit is eligible for donors who meet their local stations requirement for the benefit. Most stations offer the benefit to donor who donate at least $5 per month or $60 per year, however each station can adjust this amount.
If youre currently a donor, you can try using the Passport Lookup Tool to see if you have a benefit waiting to be activated. Youll need to submit an email address previously provided to your local PBS station, and if you have a Passport benefit with your membership, youll receive an email with more information.
If you do not receive an email from the Passport Lookup Tool or want to check on your eligibility, pleasecontact your local stationdirectly.
Did you find it helpful? Yes No
Did you find it helpful? Yes No
Yes. PBS Passport is a new member benefit from participating PBS stations, and in order to take advantage of it you must identify your station.
Did you find it helpful? Yes No
Video
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Years Of Christmas With The Tabernacle Choir
Former Tabernacle Choir guest artist and Tony Award-winner, Brian Stokes Mitchell, is back to remember and relive twenty years of inspiring Christmas concerts. From opera, gospel, and pop singers to Broadway and cabaret stars from Shakespearean actors and movie and television stars, the Choirs guest artists provide, not just formidable talent, but a little something for everyone.
Watch 20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir Monday, 12/13, 8 PM on PBS NC and streaming on the free PBS Video app.
How Do I Activate The Pbs App
If youre using an iOS or Android mobile phone or tablet, you dont need to activate, but you can sign in or sign up with a Facebook, Google, or PBS account inside the app.
If youre using a Roku, Apple TV , Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, or Samsung Smart TV, access the PBS website via the link below to activate your streaming device:
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Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days Of Tudor Christmas
Join Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza as she discovers that much of what we enjoy in contemporary Christmas from carols to gift-giving, feasting and drinking was just as popular 500 years ago, with some surprising Tudor twists.
Watch Lucy Worsley’s 12 Days of Tudor Christmas Sunday, 12/19, 8 PM on PBS NC and streaming on the PBS Video app. Want to watch sooner? It’s streaming now only with PBS NC Passport!
How Do I Log Into My Passport Account On My Roku Device
When you attempt to view a Passport video on the PBS Video channel on your Roku device, you may see a screen stating this video is exclusive to Passport members.
If you are signed in with an account that does not have the Passport benefit, either because you have not yet activated your benefit or your benefit is active with a different account, you can follow the below steps to switch your login account on the PBS Video channel.
Watch the following video to see the activation process:
Open the PBS Video channel on your Roku device.
In the left navigation menu, select Profile.
At the bottom of Profile menu, click Change Account.
A prompt will appear confirming you would like to sign out. Select Sign Out.
You will sign out of the PBS Video channel on Roku. A new screen will appear prompting you to reactivate the channel. Select Activate Now.
Activation instructions appear on the screen along with a 7-character activation code.
Enter your device’s unique code at pbs.org/activate and sign in with the same Facebook, Google, or PBS account you originally linked to your Passport benefit when you activated your benefit.
A screen should appear confirming that your Roku device has been activated. Return to your Roku device where the screen should update to show the home screen of the PBS Video app.
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Im Already A Donor At Levels Required For Passport How Do I Find Out If I Have The Benefit
If you are an existing sustaining donor at $5/month or more or have made a one-time gift of $60 or move this year, its possible that our system generated a Passport activation key for you!
To check, please visit and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in at which point you can set up your account.
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My Video Is Stopping And Starting How Do I Fix This
- If you have an ad blocker on your computer, youll need to disable it for pbssocal.org
- If Flash was disabled on your browser, the video wont play, so try enabling Flash in your browsers settings
- If cookies were disabled on your browser, then the video wont play so try enabling cookies in your browsers settings
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Go To Pbsorg/activate On Your Mobile Or Desktop Device
Once you have your unique activation code, please go to your desktop or mobile device thats connected to the internet. Youll need to open up a web browser and type in the url bar: pbs.org/activate.
- Go to your computer, tablet, or phone and open a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari
- Type in pbs.org/activate in the address bar at the top of the screen
Where Can I Watch Passport On My TV Or Smart Device
VPM Passport features over 1,500 episodes of national PBS and select local programming from VPM. Popular national programs include American Experience, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece including all six seasons of Downton Abbey! In addition to these signature series, the library features a plethora of public televisions acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs.
Passport is available through a wide range of apps and platforms. The full list of supported devices is posted on PBSs help website.
Please note: if you have downloaded used the PBS app before, then its important to deactivate and reactivate your PBS app in your settings. Log in with your account to re-enable access to Passport.
The main supported services include:
- All Major Browsers
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Happy Holidays With Bing & Frank
Celebrate the holidays with this timeless favorite featuring the magical combination of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby in an early color television special from 1957. The two legends swap Christmas carols, songs, and stories, pay a musical visit to Victorian England and duet on Christmas classics. Directed by Sinatra, with music conducted by Nelson Riddle.