TV channels & antenna towers in Hillcrest, Illinois
Hillcrest has 10 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and Telemundo. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WQRF-TV (Fox), 24 miles to the NNW.
Network channels in Hillcrest
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOXWQRF-TVFox | 39 | 24 mi | 347° NNW | Strong | Rockford, IL |
| ABCWTVOABC | 17 | 24 mi | 347° NNW | Good | Rockford, IL |
| TLMWFBN-LDTelemundo | 23 | 24 mi | 347° NNW | Fair | Rockford, IL |
| CBSWIFR-LDCBS | 23 | 24 mi | 347° NNW | Fair | Rockford, IL |
| CWWSLNCW | 19 | 24 mi | 347° NNW | Fair | Freeport, IL |
| NBCWREXNBC | 13 | 26 mi | 339° NNW | Fair | Rockford, IL |
Over-the-air TV in Hillcrest
Hillcrest, Illinois has a population of about 1,280. There are 10 licensed TV transmitters within 70 miles: 4 full-power, 5 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
By distance, 5 transmitters are within 25 miles, 5 between 25 and 45 miles, and 0 farther out. Five of the 6 network stations in range are licensed to Rockford, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Rockford's stations.
For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 17 (WTVO), CBS on channel 23 (WIFR-LD), NBC on channel 13 (WREX), Fox on channel 39 (WQRF-TV), CW on channel 19 (WSLN) and Telemundo on channel 23 (WFBN-LD). Spanish-language viewers can pick up Telemundo (fair signal).
Which way to point your antenna in Hillcrest
Point your antenna NNW, at about 344°. The main network towers for Hillcrest sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
Three network stations, WQRF-TV, WTVO and WSLN, transmit from the same tower site about 24 miles north of Hillcrest (347° NNW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.
Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Hillcrest at fair strength or better, all arrive from the north, so this is an easy place to aim.
All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Hillcrest, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Hillcrest
The farthest main network tower for Hillcrest is WREX (NBC), 26 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Hillcrest
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W27EJ-DLow power | 28 mi | 263° W | Fair | Sterling, IL |
| WAUR-LDLow power | 32 mi | 128° SE | Weak | Aurora, IL |
| WSPY-LDLow power | 32 mi | 128° SE | Weak | Earlville, IL |
| W35DY-DTranslator | 44 mi | 353° N | Poor | Stoughton, WI |
How Hillcrest compares with the rest of Illinois
With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Hillcrest ranks 716th of 766 places in Illinois: fewer than the typical Illinois town (17). Its nearest major network tower is 24 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
54% of Illinois's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is DeKalb, 16 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Hillcrest: step by step
- Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
- Point it toward 339° NNW, the direction of WREX (NBC), 26 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 7 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Hillcrest, IL?
ABC is on channel 17 from WTVO, broadcasting from 24 miles NNW of Hillcrest. Estimated signal: good.
What channel is CBS in Hillcrest, IL?
CBS is on channel 23 from WIFR-LD, broadcasting from 24 miles NNW of Hillcrest. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Hillcrest, IL?
NBC is on channel 13 from WREX, broadcasting from 26 miles NNW of Hillcrest. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is Fox in Hillcrest, IL?
Fox is on channel 39 from WQRF-TV, broadcasting from 24 miles NNW of Hillcrest. Estimated signal: strong.
What channel is CW in Hillcrest, IL?
CW is on channel 19 from WSLN, broadcasting from 24 miles NNW of Hillcrest. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Hillcrest?
10 transmitters within 70 miles of Hillcrest; around 7 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Hillcrest?
Point your antenna NNW, at about 344°. The main network towers for Hillcrest sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Hillcrest?
Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Hillcrest?
An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Hillcrest?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Illinois cities
- Rochelle1.9 mi
- Byron16 mi
- DeKalb16 mi
- Sycamore20 mi
- Amboy21 mi
- Genoa22 mi
- Rockford22 mi
- Dixon23 mi
- Belvidere24 mi
- Loves Park25 mi
- Earlville26 mi
- Machesney Park27 mi
- Mendota28 mi
- Hampshire29 mi
- Elburn31 mi
- Sandwich31 mi
- Marengo31 mi
- Poplar Grove31 mi
- Roscoe32 mi
- Plano34 mi
- Wasco34 mi
- Rock Falls34 mi
- Village of Campton Hills34 mi
- Sterling34 mi
More: all TV stations in Illinois · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Hillcrest; signal estimates ignore terrain.