What's the difference between good TV reception & bad TV reception?

 


The obvious question to ask to address the previous question: is your TV reception pixelating or isn't it? Those little squares on the screen, those clicking noises are signs of pixelation. This would be summarised as - bad tv reception. 

What are the signs of good tv reception?

This is a tricky one with digital. Because digital TV is always clear, you won't know if you have strong signals or not until you notice pixelation. You really could be at the good end of the spectrum or close to the disastrous end - you really cannot tell. If you are using an indoor antenna, you never really can expect good reliable TV reception. 

If there is thunderous cyclonic weather, you have 6 or more tv's in the house and channel sbs is not pixelating you could be one of the lucky one who has good signals. 

Where you live plays a big part in determining whether you are going to have good TV reception or not. The higher your location and the more line of sight you have to the transmission towers - the better.  

 

What causes bad TV reception?

Basically, a weak signal. Your antenna system is only as good as its weakest point. Due to there being many points of contact, termination and transfer in an antenna system, the signal loses its 'oomph' at all these points of contact & termination. This loss of 'oomph' is referred to as 'Signal Losses'. Loss of signal strength & signal quality are symptons of a weak signal.  

Signal loss is normal and to be expected. Without an amplifier there is no gain. Too many TV points off the one antenna can give you more loss than you can afford to lose. So get rid of a few, you're thinking? No, because 500 tv points in a sky scraper still only run off the one antenna. 

 

How do you get good tv reception?

If you are using an indoor antenna, I can give you a few tips and pointers. Otherwise, you will need to consult some professionals to get it fixed properly. 

For those of you who are using an indoor antenna, first of all - good luck! Indoor antennas nearly always cause more drama then what they are worth. And if you're thinking of buying a fang dangle one with amplification, depending on where you live - you may or may not be wasting every cent. There are indoor antennas from $100 plus! And for that price you should look at spending that money to just getting a TV point put in/an outdoor antenna installed.

The fang dangle indoor antennas that have power supplies have 'in built boosters'. Basically, the reason why these do not work all to well is because boosting TV signal collected by an indoor antenna (unless your indoor antenna is outside on the roof!) can sometimes just be boosting the pixelation! (Making your TV reception worse than better!)

An outdoor aerial is recommended. If you already have one of these, how old is it? How old is your cable, joins and splitters? Is your TV tuned correctly? All of these factors play their part in getting good TV reception. 

 

Back to Reception Repair

Back to Best tv picture

 

 

 

Having TV reception problems? Pixelation? One channel dropping out or freezing?  

Why does that happen? How is digital Tv different to analogue? Why do you only get problems on one TV point or only on one TV channel?

The following videos give you some answer to all of the above. These are very commonly asked questions. Basically, any problems you are experiencing will not fix themselves. They may come 'good again' however, this will be temporary. By Calling TV Magic we can ascertain by using our 'field strength meter' just how good or how bad your TV channels really are. When we test, we are looking to see if any channel is reaching minimum signal requirements. This will make sure there is enough 'head room' for fluctuation for bad weather, trees, a few broken elements and other factors that effect signal strength and signal quality. If these minimal requirements are not met, yes you may still have a 'perfect clear picture' however the BIG QUESTION is; for how long for? Yes your bald tyre does keep air in it and drives your car around, but obviously it's not going to take a nail or a bit of glass on the road as well as a brand new tyre.