What causes bad TV reception?

In this post we cover the most common factors that can affect your TV reception. This information is intended to help you understand and help identify the cause of bad TV signal.

Distance and “line of sight” from main transmitting towers.

The quality of reception received is directly related to the physical distance between your location and the transmission towers of your local TV station. Good reception should be expected up to say 50km from your nearest transmission tower, though this is not the sole criteria.

Also important is whether there is a relatively clear line of sight (i.e. no major physical obstacles such as mountains or tall buildings) between your location and the transmission towers.
Generally speaking, the closer you are to a transmission tower and the clearer your “line of sight”, the better your chances in receiving good TV reception.

Physical environment

Should your line of sight be impeded by physical obstructions, then this may affect the quality of TV reception you receive.
Do you live in a valley surrounded by high mountain ranges? Are you surrounded by a number of tall buildings? Tall Trees? You could be living in what is known as a reception “black spot”. Indeed, any number of factors could be preventing you from receiving the best possible TV reception.

If you are experiencing reception problems we suggest a site inspection and antenna system check from one of our trained technicians. They are best equipped to advise what problems you may be having – and how to fix them!

Condition, Age or Type of existing antenna.

There are approximately 7 million households in Australia, yet only 600,000 antennas are estimated to be sold in Australia every year. Looked at another way, a householder may only ever consider servicing or upgrading their antenna system once every 10 to 15 years, with the average age of antennas probably somewhere around 10 years.

A lot can happen in that time, from a gradual deterioration of the antenna and cabling itself, changes to the local environment, or even changes in network transmissions.

Antennas older than 5 years may not digital compatible therefore they will need to be upgraded in order to pick up good digital signal.

Changes to your TV / Home entertainment set up

This is quite common (especially if there is a DIY/Handyman in the house!). Not many people realise that this has a direct effect on the quality of TV reception they receive.

Consider this. Have you recently:

• Added additional TV points
• Extended the distance between your TV reception point and your antenna
• Changed the physical location of your external TV antenna
• Manually (or inadvertently) adjusted the direction of your external antenna
• Upgraded your Home Entertainment System (particularly to Digital TV!) All of these factors may have a bearing on the quality of reception received.

Condition of your TV!

This sounds obvious, but often isn’t. Despite advances in television manufacturing technology, the age of your television may be a contributing factor to TV quality.

Network transmissions

Generally speaking the transmission quality from the major networks is unquestioned.
Much has been written recently regarding the increase in general interference (in certain areas) to existing TV reception caused by test Digital transmissions by the major networks. Much of this testing has now been completed. The Federation of Commercial Television Stations (FACTS) is able to update customers on the current status of such transmissions. Their contact details are facts@facts.org.au , Mail: 44 Avenue Road Mosman NSW 2088, Telephone: (02) 9960 2622 or Facsimile: (02) 9969 3520.

Local interference

Finally, poor TV reception could also be caused by local (and sporadic) interference such as the usage of electric devices, machinery, cheap LED lights, Mobile phone towers and the new LTE band and so on.

Need professional help?

If you are still struggling with a bad or no TV signal, request a free quote in seconds and see how our team can help you. Alternatively call us on (07) 3272 2991 or contact us through our online form to speak to our friendly staff.