There are five major commercial broadcasting networks in the United States: ABC, CBS, CW, FOX and NBC.
PBS is the national public broadcasting network that offers some local programming. You may be able to receive these channels without having a cable hook-up or satellite dish. You will receive those channels and possibly hundreds of others – such as CNN, ESPN and HBO – by subscribing to a cable or satellite television service. Some rural areas may not have cable service available.
Many cable television companies also offer telephone service and, along with satellite providers, broadband Internet access. Often times these services – television, telephone and broadband – may be bundled in packages to save money.
The American transmission standard is 525 lines rather than the 625-line PAL standard used in most of Europe. So although some television units are equipped with a dual standard switch, most European models will not work in North America.
The links below will help you get started in setting up television service in your home.
Adirondacks/North Country
Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and Warren Counties including the cities of Plattsburgh and Glens Falls and the villages of Lake George, Lake Placid and Speculator.
Capital Region
Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington Counties including the cities of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Troy and the towns of Bethlehem, Colonie, Guilderland, Greenwich, Mechanicville and Schoharie.
Hudson Valley
Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange and Ulster Counties including the cities of Hudson, Kingston, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie and the town of New Paltz.
Mohawk Valley
Herkimer, Fulton and Montgomery Counties including the cities of Amsterdam, Gloversville, Herkimer, Johnstown and Little Falls.