A clear, uninterrupted TV signal is essential for enjoying your favourite programmes. Poor reception, pixelation, and signal loss can be very annoying. You might lose many scenes that may be detrimental to the plot. There are several possible reasons for these issues, and understanding them can help you troubleshoot the problem effectively.
Weak or Poor Signal Strength
A weak signal is one of the primary causes of poor TV reception. This can happen due to factors such as distance from the transmitter, obstructions, or even poor-quality aerial equipment.
How to Fix It:
Verify whether your location is known to have signal problems using an online signal checker. Make sure your aerial is properly aligned and in good working condition. If you are in an area with poor signal, switch to a higher-gain aerial. Utilise a signal booster to boost the strength of the signal.
Faulty or Misaligned Aerial
A misaligned, damaged, or low-quality aerial can lead to poor reception. Storms, strong winds, or normal wear and tear can affect its positioning and performance.
How to Fix It:
Check your aerial for any movement or signs of damage. Have the aerial pointing towards the nearest transmitter. Call a professional to realign the aerial or replace it if needed.
Interference from Nearby Devices
Electronic devices and other wireless equipment can cause interference that disrupts your TV signal. Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, cell phones, and LED lights are common culprits.
How to Fix It:
To improve your TV reception, keep your aerial cable away from other electronic devices that may cause interference. If you experience signal problems, switch off nearby devices and see if the reception gets better. Additionally, using shielded coaxial cables can improve signal quality and lessen interference.
Weather Conditions
Extreme weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, can affect TV signal quality. Signal reflections brought on by high pressure can also interfere with reception.
How to Fix It:
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to fight the weather. Wait for the weather to get better and check if the signal stabilises. If you frequently experience weather-related issues, invest in a high-quality aerial built to withstand challenging weather conditions.
Poor-Quality Cables and Connections
Using low-quality or damaged coaxial cables can lead to signal loss and poor reception. Loose or corroded connectors can also affect signal transmission.
How to Fix It:
Because damaged cables affect signal quality, check your cables for wear and tear regularly. To enhance performance, swap out frayed or worn-out cables for high-quality coaxial cables if you notice any issues. Additionally, to guarantee a steady and high-quality signal, make sure all the connections are securely fastened.
Signal Overload
While weak signals can be a problem, having too much signal can also cause interference. This usually happens if you have a high-gain aerial or signal booster and are directly next to a transmitter.
How to Fix It:
Try removing any signal booster to see if the problem resolves. Install an attenuator to reduce the signal strength if you need to.
Shared or Communal Aerial Issues
If you live in a shared building or apartment complex with a communal aerial system, any issues with the shared setup may affect your reception.
How to Fix It:
If you’re having problems with the signal, talk to your landlord or building management to see if other residents are experiencing the same issue. If the problem continues, try asking for a professional inspection of the communal aerial system to detect and fix any possible faults.
Re-tuning Your TV
Reception can sometimes be poor because your TV has old channel settings. When broadcasters change frequencies, your TV might have to be retuned to locate the right channels.
How to Fix It:
Choose the retune or rescan option from the settings menu on your TV. To update your channel list, comply with the on-screen directions.
Trees and Buildings Blocking Signal
Large buildings, hills, and even trees can obstruct the signal path between your aerial and the transmitter, leading to weak reception.
How to Fix It:
Try moving your aerial whenever you can to avoid obstacles interfering with the signal. If nearby trees are causing reception issues, pruning their branches could make the signal clearer. Consider installing an outside aerial or loft higher up to boost signal strength.
Outdated or Faulty TV Tuner
Your TV may have trouble efficiently processing digital signals if its built-in tuner is old or broken.
How to Fix It:
To diagnose reception problems, plug another TV into the same aerial point to check if the fault is still present. If the reception is better, your original TV could be the problem. Alternatively, you can use an external set-top box with a more advanced tuner for improved reception. Replacing your outdated TV with a new model could improve performance and signal quality.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and still experience poor reception, it may be time to call a professional aerial engineer. They can precisely identify the problem and provide customised solutions to strengthen your TV signal.
At The Aerial Man, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving TV reception issues. Whether you require aerial realignment, new installation, or troubleshooting help, our professional team is at your service. Call us today for professional guidance and reliable solutions.
If You’re Struggling with Persistent TV Reception Issues
If you’re having persistent issues with the TV reception and require professional help, The Aerial Man is at your service. Our skilled engineers will diagnose and fix any signal issues so you receive the best view possible. Don’t let dodgy reception spoil your favourite programs, contact us today!
