Bad Freeview Signal?

Question

Hey. I've had freeview for a few years now. I've been living in this house for about 2 and a half years and have never had a problem with it, until very recently. Now I have to move the aerial whenever I change channel, and sometimes even that doesn't make a difference. Also, if I move the signal will sometimes mess up.

I've tried several different aerials, but they've all been the same. The freeview built into the TV downstairs works fine.

Any ideas what this could be and how I can fix it?

Thanks for any helpful answers!

Answer 1

Is your TV connected to the same aerial as the TV downstairs? If not, that would seem like a sensible move. Also, you will get better reception with a proper digital TV aerial (ask an aerial company about it) and a signal booster might aid you in your quest, also.

Hope ya fix it!

Answer 2

I think the key to your problem is that you say you have a booster antenna. If I understand you correctly, this means an "amplified" antenna.

If this is the case, it is likely the amplifier has gone bad. So instead of boosting a weak signal to make it stronger, it is blocking the signal altogether by not passing any signal to your TV.

Most amplified antennas have a red LED to indicate the power is on. Check to see if your has such an LED, and that it is lit. This may not indicate the amplifier is working, only that the power supply is working. There may still be a shot transistor in the amplifier.

Most of the amplified antenna I have used have an on-off switch. When the switch is in the OFF position, the un-amplified signal is passed directly to the TV. If you have such a switch, and you notice an IMPROVEMENT with the switch in the OFF position, then the amplifier is shot.

BTW... don't be misled by "digital" TV Antennas. Most Digital over-the-air signals are broadcast on the UHF band, and any decent UHF antenna should receive the signals of any digital broadcast stations in your area.

Answer 3

- Are there any obstructions blocking aerial?

- Is the aerial now near any microwaves, mobile phones, radios, bluetooth receivers or other items like that?

- Is there a wireless network or internet transmission in the room?

- Is the aerial near a window?

If yes to any of the above, correct the situation and your signal strength should recover. Whatever change that has been made recently is likely causing the signal disruption.