If you have recently purchased an antenna, you might be wondering why you are getting only a few channels. Location and landscape interference can have a huge impact on the signal strength and prevent you from picking up important cable TV channels.

There are a myriad of reasons you might be getting a bad signal. From antenna placement and angle to materials in your home that cause interference. But there are a few easy steps you can take today to get a solid antenna TV signal.

If you are not particularly tech-savvy, or do not consider yourself a DIYer, it might be time to call the professionals. But if you feel up to it, follow this easy and quick guide to improve digital TV antenna installation reception.

1)     Go High

There is a simple rule in getting the best reception for your TV: “the higher, the better.” It’s good to  keep in mind this concept, as the signals are usually stronger and when your antenna is at a higher altitude. An antenna set high will pick up all channels available. If you are planning a TV antenna installation, the best that you can do is to put the antenna in the highest possible location. You can place your indoor TV antenna on the second floor to get the best reception or place your TV on or near a window.

2)     Get Amplifier and Splitter

Amplifiers amplify and heighten weak signals. It also filters out signals which intervene with reception. Some are small and may even be too small for  the USB on your TV. However, if you are struggling to select a station, a much bigger amplifier will help greatly.

If you plan on TV aerial installations connecting multiple TVs to one antenna, we recommend a powered amplified splitter to ensure the signal stays strong. Each time you split the antenna between TVs you weaken the signal, and an amplified splitter will help ensure each of your TVs get a robust signal.

3)     Reset Your Digital Tuner

This 5-minute fix may enable your TVs to get better TV reception. A digital tuner converts your incoming signal into a digital format your TV recognisers. But from time to time, broadcasters will change their metadata which can interfere with your tuner’s ability to understand the signal.

4)     Antenna Type

You might have several station transmitters in your local area, but they may not be in the same location. One station might transmit from the north, another from the west, and another from the east.

If you have got an antenna, it’s not going to receive signals from multiple transmitter locations. If you have a multi-directional or Omni-directional antenna, interference is more likely.

5)     Run A Channel Scan

After checking antenna placement and TV aerial connection, enter your TV or DTV converter box setup menu, and run a replacement channel scan. New channels could also be added that weren’t available previously. If a station registers, you should be able to watch it.

Takeaway:

If you are using a flat type antenna, experts recommend that you use adhesive tape to help position your antenna in place as you run your scans. You may have achieved  a little better reception by using this guide, but it may not be perfect. In case these suggestions fail, it is probably time to call someone who knows exactly what they are doing. Call us on 1300 016 017.