There is nothing worse than trying to watch your favourite TV show or live sports broadcast only to find you keep losing the signal. There are things you can do to try and solve the problem, some obvious and some less so. Here are our top 5.
Simple checks you can do yourself
1. Check the cables
The first thing to check is all the cables. It may be that the signal is fine, but you have a loosely connected cable or one that is damaged. So have a look at them all, make sure they are all secure and replace any that look old or damaged. If it is unusual for your signal to be poor, then it may be worth checking here to see if it might be a transmitter fault.
2. Move the aerial outside or to a higher position
If you have an aerial inside the house somewhere such as the loft, then it is probably worth moving it outside. Fix the aerial instead to a chimney, or to any high point where it is free of obstructions to the signal. As this can be a dangerous job it should ideally be undertaken by professionals such as https://steveunettaerials.co.uk/, a specialist in TV aerial repair Gloucester.
When simple fixes are not enough
3. Install a signal booster
If you live in a remote area that is renowned for having a poor signal, then it may be worth buying a booster. These relatively inexpensive devices work by boosting any signal that your aerial receives.
4. Adjust your aerial
While this may seem obvious, if you have easy access to the aerial it may be worth checking that it hasn’t been knocked out of alignment.
5. Consider a new or upgraded aerial
If these fixes fail to solve the problem, then it may be worth considering a new aerial. You should consult a specialist aerial company who can advise you on the local conditions. For example, it may be worth installing a higher-gain TV aerial, since these can provide better reception in some circumstances as they are larger than standard aerials.
Summary
This article gives five ways to fix a weak TV signal, starting with checking cables for damage or loose connections and moving an indoor aerial outside to a higher, unobstructed position. It then covers installing a signal booster in remote areas, realigning an existing aerial, and, if all else fails, upgrading to a new or higher-gain aerial for better reception.
Questions this article raises
- How do you know whether a poor signal is a transmitter fault rather than equipment?
- How much do signal boosters typically cost compared to a new aerial?
- Is it ever safe to reposition an outdoor aerial without a professional?
