If you are dealing with a weak or distorted TV signal, here’s how to inspect the cable.
First things first:
When a wireless TV signal works perfectly, it’s like magic, giving you flawless HD visuals and an abundance of fresh content for free. But let’s face it when the TV signal degrades you start to look for solutions and eye every wire with suspicion.
Our guide is in the perfect position to determine the signal distortions on your TV cable. If you ask yourself: ‘Does the distance of the cable from the TV to the antenna impact the signal? Is my splitter box working? or does it need to be changed? By the end of reading this article, you will have your answers.
You must know:
Signal issues may arise for various reasons. These may include faulty TV hardware and unpredictable weather conditions, or the reception problem may lie in different cords connected with your TV. Remember to examine the cable length as it often has a noticeable effect on the quality of the signal being transmitted. With simple probing techniques shared in the article, you will be able to identify and rectify any transmission difficulties.
Troubleshooting TV Antenna Signal Problems
If you are struggling with signal issues at home, there can be several probable causes. To counter that, we offer several ways to enhance your reception so you can watch channels with improved clarity.
Now:
Let’s begin by troubleshooting your TV antenna. Because the cord is the source of concern, we’ll start probing there. A defective cable is quite easy to replace, making it quite easy to determine whether the wire is the root of the issue.
First, you must check the coaxial cable on its own, searching for kinks, nicks, or any indication of corrosion. If the shielding of the cord – the braided coating surrounding the insulated center – is damaged, you’ll notice an abrupt drop in the quality of your TV signal. You must avoid sharp bends in the cord and search for damage from any part that is crushed under the sofa or crumpled by nailing it improperly. You must staple it properly to ensure that the coaxial connections are secure at both ends. If your coaxial cable was placed incorrectly or damaged with vigorous crimping, that could be the source of your trouble.
Protip: Check that the centermost conductor in place, too.
The inner core doesn’t often deform, but sometimes, in the process of shipping and installing, it can get damaged.
You may also want to doublecheck the coax connectors linked to your TV and the antenna. Try to disconnect and then reattach each end, then fasten each connection securely – but only hand tight. Overtightening the cable can cause more damage than it fixes.
Are there other electronic devices next to the antenna cable? Coaxial cables are subject to interference from other cables like the ones powering your home-theatre system. Try to avoid keeping the cables from running parallel to any of the wires and maintain a 6-inch separation.
Here’s a short video to help you troubleshoot:
Watch this video on YouTubeLoss of Signal and Cable Length
The length of your cable can degrade your TV signal. While we could dig into the technical details of transmission frequencies radio-strength signals and cable resistance, there isn’t much need in this scenario.
Look:
When it comes to the loss of signal over cable length, the general rule of thumb is that you will experience a noticeable loss of signal with a 50-foot cable. With a 100-foot cable, you can expect the signal to drop by about one-third.
Therefore, if you have a 15-foot cable, it isn’t long enough to cause any significant signal loss. Assuming that there aren’t any other sources aiding the signal loss, and in that case, what your TV is receiving is pretty much the same as what your antenna is getting in the first place.
Here’s the science behind it:
The loss of signal strength because of the length of the power cable is primarily a function of two things: distance and frequency. Cable length is proportional to the wavelength of the signals being transmuted. You can study the science involved in determining the perfect cable length to buy.
Alternatively, you can follow this guide!
Several factors affect the performance of your cables, such as the external diameter of the central conductor, the internal diameter of the outer layer, the dielectric connection of the insulator, and the magnetic capacity of the insulator.
Does cable length matter?
Watch this video on YouTubeClick to play.Try Repositioning the Antenna
There’s a possibility that your signal isn’t affected by the coaxial cable at all. Improper antenna placement may be preventing your TV from picking up different channels available to you. You can check all the channels available in your neighborhood by using a fantastic tool available through antenna web’s address search and check with your exact location.
Once you’ve gained a fair idea of how many stations you can acquire, you can try repositioning the antenna to determine the perfect spot. Trial and error is the best method, as you’ll need to move the antenna and re-scan all the channels available on your TV every time. But give it a few tries, and you should be able to identify the perfect spot in your lounge for the best reception.
Here are a few tips for optimal reception:
Place your antenna near the window, not the wall. Windows tend to provide better signals than walls, which can block or restrict radio signals. You can also try positioning the antenna right next to the glass.Go high up. Signals are often dampened by the terrain, which makes hilly areas and mountains a real obstacle for quality TV reception. Try placing the antenna as far up as you can to clear low-level obstructions.Avoid being near metal. Metal objects such as radiators, support beams and circuit breakers can cause a wide array of signal troubles.Take regular weather checks, and hope for all sunshine. Cloudy weather, rain and snow will have a noticeable impact on reception considering how easily broadcast signals transmit through air. You can watch out for temporary weather troubles that will resolve on their own.Individual channels sometimes boost their signal during the evening when they have a greater audience tuning in to watch.Try to figure out where the broadcast towers are located in your area and place your antenna facing that direction. You can use online tools such as the one on TV FOOL to identify these broadcast towers to their precise location.Take a look to see if your TV is connected to the correct input, and try changing it to AV, TV or DTV if you haven’t done that already.
Don’t Forget:
Reception troubles may be temporary.
Know when to Upgrade
If you still have transmission strength issues, you can introduce a signal amplifier. These are smart devices that can be attached to your antenna or cable and offer a significant boost in the strength of the signal. They are inexpensive and can be easily added to your existing antenna system.
You must be wondering:
So why isn’t it as simple as finding a new antenna that offers superior reception, considering that an amplifier can only enhance the signal that’s already available? Amplifiers don’t create signals out of thin air, which is why a powerful antenna rated for greater range can help out a great deal.
Lastly, it’s possible to get the best out of both worlds by buying a high-range antenna that comes with an amplifier.
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