If you’re part of the majority of UK homeowners who now use satellite or cable for your TV watching needs, then perhaps you’ll want to turn away; this one’s not for you.
But if you make up one of the approximately 17 million adults in Britain still using an aerial to access Freeview TV, then you might want to stick around.
Of that still seemingly vast number of TV viewers deploying antenna, we’d wager all of them have, at one time or another, been frustrated by bad reception, whether it’s when missing the winning goal in the World Cup final due to a gust of wind, or a sudden burst of static ruining the latest Mitchell outburst on Eastenders.
Never have those vital, era-defining TV moments be ruined again, with these tips on how to ensure you get perfect TV reception when using an aerial.
Appropriate Placement & Installation
Most often, the quality of your TV reception hinges on the placement of your aerial, as the expert UK aerial installers at Mike Harris emphasise the importance of. Ideally, your aerial should be installed as high as possible, usually on the roof. This strategy minimises obstructions and allows the aerial to receive signals more clearly.
However, do remember that safety comes first. If you’re not comfortable clambering onto your rooftop, consider hiring a professional installer.
Correct Aerial Orientation
Each TV transmitter has a precise broadcasting direction. Therefore, your aerial needs to be correctly oriented towards the transmitter to capture the strongest possible signal. Websites like the UK’s Freeview and UK Free TV can help you identify the most appropriate orientation for your aerial based on your postcode.
The apps Antenna Point (available on the App Store) and Digital TV Antennas (available on Google Play) can also help.
Use The Right Equipment
Not all aerials are created equal. For the best reception, you’d want to use a high-quality, wideband aerial capable of receiving all available channels. In some cases, an aerial amplifier might be beneficial, especially if the signal strength is inherently weak or you’re splitting it to multiple TVs.
Read: How to save money on your next broadband and TV deal
Consider An Indoor Aerial
While outdoor aerials generally give better reception, there are situations where an indoor aerial might be more suitable. For instance, if you live in a flat, you might be unable to install an outdoor aerial.
Today’s indoor aerials are compact, stylish, and quite powerful. They’re perfect for urban areas with strong transmission signals. However, their performance can dwindle in more rural areas or places with lots of buildings and natural obstructions.
Regular Maintenance & Inspection
TV aerials, especially outdoor ones, are exposed to harsh weather conditions, birds, and potential damage from falling debris. Regular maintenance, ideally once a year, can proactively spot and fix issues before they manifest as poor reception.
Use High-Quality Cables & Connectors
The quality of cables and connectors used in your TV setup can significantly impact your signal quality. Using high-quality coaxial cables and connectors to minimise signal loss is essential here. Low-quality cables and connectors can introduce interference and weaken the signal, resulting in poor TV reception.
There are a few essential cables and connectors that you will need. Here is a list of some of the best types:
- Coaxial Cables: This is the most important cable you’ll need for a TV aerial setup. The RG6 Coaxial Cable is considered one of the best options available. It’s widely used due to its quality and durability. It has superior shielding to protect against electromagnetic interference.
- F-Connectors: These are used to connect the coaxial cables to your equipment. The quality of these connectors can directly influence the signal quality. Hence, it’s good to purchase high-quality F-connectors.
- HDMI Cables: These cables are not directly linked to the aerial but are essential for connecting the TV to other devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, etc. A High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet is recommended for the best quality audio and video transmission.
- Coaxial Cable Splitters: If you wish to divide your TV signal into multiple outputs, then a good quality 2-way or 4-way coaxial splitter is recommended. This allows you to connect more than one TV set to the same aerial.
- Male Coaxial Plugs and Female Coaxial Sockets: These are used to connect your TV to the aerial cable. You may need these if you’re planning a DIY installation.
- Aerial Wall Socket/Outlet: If your TV is not directly connected to the aerial, you’ll need a wall socket to connect your coaxial cable to the TV. For best performance, a screened type is highly advised.
Remember, quality matters a lot when it comes to cables and connectors as it can directly impact signal quality.
Check For Signal Interference
Signal interference can disrupt your TV reception and cause pixelation or signal dropout. Checking for potential sources of interference near your TV setup is a wise move here. Common culprits include electrical appliances, wireless devices, and even neighbouring homes with powerful transmitters. Try to keep your TV setup away from these sources of interference or use shielding to minimise their impact.
This tool from Radio and TV Help is really useful for identifying any particular signal interference issues in your area.
Consider A Signal Booster
If you’re struggling with a weak TV signal, a signal booster can help amplify the signal and improve reception. UK aerial installers can assess your signal strength and recommend the appropriate signal booster for your needs.
Signal boosters work by amplifying the incoming signal, ensuring a stronger and more stable connection. However, it’s important to note that signal boosters should only be used if necessary, as they can also amplify any existing interference.
Professional Consultation
Sometimes, despite covering all your bases, you might still struggle with poor TV reception. In such cases, consider consulting with a professional TV aerial installation company. They can assess your setup, offer bespoke solutions, and handle any complex installations.
The Bottom Line
Achieving perfect TV reception with an aerial is completely attainable. With the right combination of equipment, positioning, and regular maintenance, your favourite programmes will always appear crystal clear. So, don’t let poor TV reception hamper your viewing experience anymore; take the lead and fine-tune your aerial setup today.