With the average cable and satellite monthly bills running around $70 and steadily rising, millions of TV viewers are looking for some relief.

Americans are watching more TV than ever before, especially with the development of brilliant flat screen sets and high-definition TV (HDTV). In nearly 143 million U.S. TV households, the average American spends about five hours (20 percent) a day watching television, according to Nielsen.

How can you save money on your TV viewing? Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I pay more than $50 a month to watch TV?

2. Does every TV in the house need cable or satellite?

3. What programs do I typically watch?

4. Do I want HD quality without extra fees?

5. Would I like to lower or eliminate my monthly fees and still watch up to 90 percent of the most-watched TV shows?

You can get rid of cable or satellite altogether, or reduce the number of boxes you need. One money-saving solution is to embrace new, inexpensive high-tech antenna technology like the FlatWave, which makes a broader range of free TV reception possible. Hang it behind a TV or picture or better yet, in the window. This thin, flexible HD antenna is designed to be placed wherever the signal is the strongest.

“One advantage of this antenna is a patent-pending design that maximizes UHF, VHF and digital signal reception without the need for cumbersome rabbit ears protruding out from a great-looking flatscreen TV,” says Grant Whipple of antenna manufacturer Winegard Co.” And you can easily move it to get a better picture.”

Now, for about $40, anyone can buy one of these advanced antennas that delivers anywhere from a few channels to dozens of free over-the-air channels, depending on where they live.

“The FlatWave is slim and compact, which allows for easy installation in places that would challenge traditional antennas,” says Brett Thebeau, who works in the construction industry. “I don’t have cable, but I receive 18 unique channels and know for a fact that some people with traditional antennas don’t even know about some channels that are available. My HD reception is near flawless with this antenna.”

This technology means free TV from all the major local broadcast networks, such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and PBS, plus additional networks like Qubo, ION, The CW, Universal Sports and many more. It also includes some 24-hour news networks and sports channels, as well as 24-hour music, children’s, classic movie, travel and dining networks.

The FlatWave is a great complement to an existing TV system, since it can receive programs satellite or cable packages may not offer, like local TV channels.The FlatWave is made in the U.S.A and is available online through Amazon and Winegard Company, and will be available at major retailers soon.