Why do I get poor TV reception?
What cause poor TV reception and how can it be improved?
The factors that you must consider first
Why do I get poor TV reception? Well you guessed it is not straight forward, but here are some guidelines from HDTV Info Port:
If you suspect the antenna or cable and it is an outside mounted up on a roof, etc., we strongly advise you to get a qualified person to work on it. It is dangerous working with ladders, or on the roof of a house
This guide covers TV's that receive over-the-air or through an antenna reception
- Is my TV Digital?
If it has a digital tuner, it will have a "Programme Guide" showing all the listings. You will see a button on the remote that has the title "guide" or similar.
- Has the antenna moved?
A visual inspection will answer this and if you are not sure look at where other aerials are pointing.
- Are the indoor cables causing the issue?
The cable that enters the TV, whether direct (cable directly from the antenna), or via a socket (coax) on the wall check the the plug is securely fitted. If the plug on the ends of the cable is not molded then unscrew the cap and check that the outside copper sheath is not touching the centre core (solid wire) of the plug.
- Do you have several TVs running of one antenna?
be careful, the more TVs you have connected can effect the quality. If you do have multiple sets running on the one antenna you can simply check if this is your problem by disconnecting the other TVs from the antenna cable.
- How old is the antenna and coax cable?
If this problem has been getting worse gradually then this could be due to an old aerial cable that has come to the point of replacing or the antenna itself. Often aerials get replaced but not the cable.
When the outer casing on an old cable is pealed back often it is green because the copper has deteriorated.
- Do I live in a poor reception area?
The simple answer to this is ask your neighbors if the have similar problems, or ask a local antenna installer.
- Would an Antenna Booster solve your problem?
Whilst you are at your neighbor's home, If their TV is fine, ask then if they use an "antenna booster"? This can solve a multitude of reception problems
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