Today is the perfect time to go digital. Changing your analogue TV with a digital one certainly is a good move. And instead of subscribing to satellite or cable service providers, consider investing in a digital TV antenna to enjoy watching your favourite shows and news at absolutely free of cost.
But most Aussie homeowners say that switching to digital TV and buying an antenna won’t guarantee that you will enjoy superior quality TV viewing. Unless you have the expertise to install a digital TV antenna, it is highly recommended that you let professional installers do the job for you. After all, they have the knowhow, skills and tools to efficiently do the job.
Whether you have chosen to install your digital TV antenna yourself or let a professional do it, weak TV signals may still be encountered. Read further to learn about the possible causes and solutions.
4 Possible Causes of Weak TV Signals
1. Quality of the Digital TV Antenna
Not all digital TV antennas are created equal. So you need to be careful when shopping for an antenna. It is recommended that you go for an antenna that offers a good reception for both ultrahigh frequency and very high frequency. This is the only way you can receive all the available stations near you.
2. Location of the Antenna
When using an antenna for your digital TV, where it is installed will have a huge impact. Of course, it should be directed towards the source of transmission. And basically, outdoor antennas perform better than their indoor counterparts. Just make sure that there are no physical barriers like tall trees and buildings. When necessary, you may need to trim the hedges or prune the trees.
3. Transmission and/or Electrical Interference
Aside from physical barriers, there are other things that can impede the transmission. These include weather conditions like lightning and thunderstorms, passing airplanes or any objects near the transmission tower.
Electrical interference near your property and at the source of transmission can also weaken the signal. Oftentimes, the broadcast TV signal is interrupted by power lines and transformers, electric drills, and radio frequency transmissions.
4. Connection Issues
The quality and condition of all the connections between the antenna and your television will also affect the signal. Of course, damaged or worn-out cables will weaken the transmission of the signal. So make sure that everything that connects the TV to the antenna is working properly and still in excellent condition.
3 Ways to Boost TV Signal
1. Reposition the Digital TV Antenna
With the introduction of cellular service, TV signals may have become weaker. How far your home is to the broadcast tower, along with any obstructions, affects the transmission of the signal. If, for instance, you are near a huge building, this can block the signal.
The antenna height and direction can also be altered to boost signal strength. Generally, the higher the antenna is, the stronger the signal will be. Also, you will get the best possible signal if you direct the antenna towards the broadcast tower. In case there are two or more broadcast towers in your area, consider getting a multidirectional digital TV antenna.
2. Install a Signal Booster
Among the best ways to extend your antenna range is through the use of a digital TV antenna booster. If your antenna does not have a built-in booster, consider plugging in a signal booster to your TV.
A signal booster can clear up different issues with your TV by capturing as well as amplifying the signal – provided, though, that the signal is always intact. But once it works, you can surely enjoy clearer picture and sound.
3. Add a Coaxial Cable
A coaxial cable connects your digital TV to the antenna. Though most digital TV antennas come with a coaxial cable, they are often too short. By lengthening the coaxial cable, you can take the antenna higher, which can then give you a better chance of getting a stronger signal. In return, you can watch free yet superb quality channels.
With a digital TV antenna, you can watch free channels. But high-quality TV viewing is only guaranteed if you let professionals do the installation work for you.
With their experience and expertise, they surely know which is the right type of antenna to buy, where to position it, and how high it should be. More importantly, they know how to determine the cause of any problem with your TV reception and implement the right solutions immediately.
So if you are planning to install a digital TV antenna now, don’t hesitate to let experts do the job. This may initially entail an added cost but it is nothing compared to the stress and frustration of watching blurry pictures and unclear sounds you may experience on a daily basis.
Christine Kelley is a dedicated home blogger who has been blogging for over six years. She covers everything home related. Christine also loves writing posts about her travels to Europe with her husband and two children.