Want To Improve The Reception Quality Of Your Antenna? Read These Tips!

It's so frustrating to have a poor TV reception when you're about to watch your favourite show. So if you want to improve the reception quality of your antenna, read these tips!

1. Distance To TV Transmitter

Know the distance between your home and the TV transmitters broadcasting in your area. There are many free tools online that you can use, including mySwitch.

2. Position Of The Antenna

Reception not only depends on the distance from a broadcast tower, but also on the terrain and the surroundings (nearby houses, buildings, trees, etc.). Therefore, the height of your antenna is a critical factor. When placing indoor, try installing it in the attic near a window. Keep in mind that objects in a room can interfere with the signal, so try different locations to find out the most optimal place. Pick a spot where the antenna will be secure and where you get the best coverage. Like analog antennas, a digital antenna works better the higher you can place it and the closer to a window. Move your TV antenna to the highest point possible and close to a window, and you will probably see drastic improvement!

3. Direction To TV Transmitter

Check the antenna of the neighbours to get the right direction towards the nearest TV transmitter.

4. Polarisation TV Network

TV transmitters broadcast the TV signal using vertical or horizontal polarisation. In most countries, the TV signal is broadcasted in horizontal polarisation (check your terrestrial TV operator's website to get the latest information). The antenna needs to be placed in the same position as the TV transmitter. Because most of the TV transmitters are horizontally polarised, it would be best to start putting the antenna in a horizontal position.

5. Keep Your TV Antenna Away From Metal

Keep in mind that metallic surfaces near your antenna can cause interference with the digital signals and can even block your reception. For example, when placing your antenna in a window, even metal burglar bars in your window can cause issues (metal blocks both TV and Radio signals). Try to keep as much distance as practical from metal objects (1.5 metres or greater is ideal).

6. Strong Signals Areas

If the signal strength in your area is really strong and you are using an antenna with a built-in amplifier, it might be possible that the TV receiver gets too much signal. This might reflect in the loss of TV signal. The amplification of the antenna can be reduced by turning the variable gain control from max to min. Put it on min and scan for TV channels again.

7. Telescopic Antennas

If you are using an antenna with telescopic antennas, make sure that they are extended to the maximum length to get the best performance. When using an antenna with two telescopic antennas, the best way to start with is positioning them at an angle of 90° away from each other.

8. Longer Cable

Extending the antenna cable will slightly reduce the signal level that gets to your TV. However, if the longer length allows you to reach the window that is facing the TV transmitter it might improve your TV signal. Try not to use an unnecessarily long cable though, as that will reduce your signal level.

9. Cables Other Devices

Keep all other wires and cables as far away from the antenna as possible. The close proximity of other cables can interfere with the reception.

10. Amplified Antenna

Adding a signal booster to your antenna, or using an amplified antenna can give you better results than a passive antenna. Hopefully, these tips will help set you on the path to getting the best reception possible from your TV antenna in Waterloo, Sydney.

But if you are convinced that the problems lie with your TV antenna, contact AntennaPros, the best TV Antenna specialist in Waterloo, Sydney NSW!