Having a bad TV reception is terrible and it can lead to a lot of stress. Nowadays, everyone is saying different things when it comes to improving the signal, and some of these things work better than others.
In this article, we are going to give you more information on the things that really work, and that can make a difference in your reception. These are four simple ways that you can fix the signal and make your whole experience better. Remember that you should see what you can do yourself and when is the time to call the professionals to help you. You should never try and break down, or open up the antenna, and if you are using an outdoor device, remember that your safety is more important than fixing the channel.
1. Device
The first thing you should do is make sure that you have the right device for your specific needs. Nowadays, there are tens of different types and models for indoor and outdoor antennas.
If you don’t make the right choice when you purchase the unit, you may experience a lot of issues, interceptions, and the signal breaking. Before choosing it, think if it would be better for you to get an indoor or outdoor model. They both have their pros and cons, and it is up to you to weight things down and decide.
If you live in a rural area, then you should choose a model that will have no problem intercepting even the weakest signals. There are 3 or 4 different really popular antenna types that will achieve this, and the price varies depending on the model and the brand.
On the other hand, if you live in the city, then you probably need an indoor device that will be able to stop other signals from interfering with your own. Again, there are different types, makes, and models of antennas that will be a great fit for your needs.
The reason why you need the right type is that if you get a “city” model for a rural area, you won’t get all the channels, and you risk having a lot of issues with the broadcast. And if you get a “rural” model for a busy neighborhood, you will have issues with the signal getting interrupted all the time, and looking at double images from the show your neighbors are watching.
2. Place it as high as possible
The first thing you want to do to improve your reception is to put the aerial as high as possible. If you are using an outdoor device, then you should place it at the highest point on your roof.
This can be a little tricky and dangerous, so for this task, it is better to rely on a professional service. You should always do your research and read more about how the professionals can help you with the right type of device and installation process.
In case you have an indoor unit, then things are a bit easier for you. Place the antenna in the attic, preferably next to or on your sky roof. That way, it will be at the highest point on your home, and there won’t be any walls that may disrupt the signal.
If you don’t own an attic, or if you live in an apartment building, then you should put the aerial next to a window, or above it.
Once again, when the unit is placed really high, it is easier for the device to catch the signals without things getting in the way, and disrupting them.
3. Position
The reason why you are having an issue with your TV reception is probably that the signal is being interrupted. That can happen for many reasons, including big buildings, trees, or even hills getting in the way.
As you probably know, the broadcast tower sends signals to your transmitter, and that’s how you are able to watch the channels.
If the unit is placed in a place where there are too many things between the tower and the device, the signal may be weak or interrupted. Because of that, you need to do some research and find out where the towers are located.
If you don’t know how to find this information for your specific provider, you should call the tech support and ask them where the nearest broadcasting station is located.
Depending on that information, you should put the antenna close to the window that is on the side of the tower, and try to aim the device so that it faces the broadcasting station.
4. Interference
Did you know that your kitchen appliances can cause electrical interference and make the signal weaker? Well, the reason why your reception is bad may be because of the appliances that are placed near the aerial.
The first rule is that you should never put the antenna on top of your TV. The same goes for your DVD, router, modem, or any other device that you may place on or around the television.
You should place the unit at least 6 feet apart from other devices, and you should never put it in the kitchen. There are too many electrical appliances there, you will probably have a hard time looking or a space that will not cause electrical interference.
The only thing that can be placed near the antenna is the amplifier, so if you have one, you should talk to the seller about where it would work the best.
Try not to place anything metal to the aerial as well, even though some users suggest that putting a metal hanger can improve the signal.
These are some of the ways you can improve TV reception. You should never put tin foil around the antenna, and you should never keep it on the floor or in the basement. In case you cannot fix things on your own, and you notice that the signal is getting worse by the day, you should always contact your provider or a professional service that can help you out.
