A guide to the many different types available, plus common issues and how to fix them
Those analog televisions that were so prevalent in the country for half a century? They’re now officially obsolete. A few years ago, digital television replaced the old analog version. And while you might have a digital TV – you might not be aware of just how important the digital TV antenna is. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide to digital television antennas; check this out before you purchase anything for your household.
Television antennas are meant to connect the television stations broadcast to your entertainment unit. This broadcast signal is actually a radio wave set to a specific frequency. An antenna receives these signals and relays them to your system, where they are converted into images and sound. The division of these frequencies has been broken down into VHF or Very High Frequency, which is used for analogue channels and UHF or Ultra High Frequency, which is used for digital broadcasts.
Fortunately, just because digital television uses an alternate frequency band, it doesn’t mean consumers need to purchase a new antenna to get the new digital signals. The problem lies in the fact that while any antenna can pick up both UHF and VHF signals, they tend to not be effective enough at picking up all the available signals.
With all the different antenna varieties on the market today, it might be hard to decipher between which one will work best for your setup. With all the complex features that make up a quality antenna, the configuration of each separate part can really make a difference.
So what does your average antenna do? Simply, it takes the broadcast signals sent through the atmosphere and brings it straight to the television. You can pick up digital signals from your analog antenna, but the picture won’t look very good. A digital antenna also offers you the opportunity to pick up a larger range of frequencies and channels. You’ll need to purchase a good, new antenna that is configured specifically for your household; if you live in a remote area, though, you might have to put in a signal amplifier to get better television reception.
Prior to rushing out and buying a new antenna, it is suggested that you try to adjust your current antenna to fix the trouble. The first thing you want to do is take note of the channels and the position of your antenna that works best. Then, adjust it accordingly.
Antenna cables, like anything else, can suffer from wear and tear, whether indoors or external. It is possible that the exterior layer of the cable has deteriorated, letting in other matters that can damage the cable and reduce your signal strength. A good way to test this is to take note of how your antenna is affected by wet weather.
A common issue that affects antenna strength is the quality of the socket used. In some cases, the outlet may have gradually loosened over time, impacting the antenna’s ability to receive signals effectively. The connection between the socket and the lead to the external antenna could also be a contributing factor. It’s also worth checking for any leftover insulation that might be obstructing the signal transmission. This issue can occur with various types of sockets, including Telstra cable sockets. By addressing these potential problems, you can improve the signal reception and ensure a reliable antenna performance.
If you find your antenna is losing strength because of a damaged fly lead, you are in luck. It is one of the easiest problems to solve. Essentially, a fly lead connects the antenna to the television. Fly leads can easily become damaged because they get knocked about. If you think the problem may lay with the fly lead, test it out by replacing it with a spare.
Everything is becoming digital, so you need the right equipment to accommodate that. Ensure that your antenna can receive a digital signal. A lot of older antennas are not able to receive digital signals, so you may need to think of upgrading to one that does.
One of the common misconceptions about antennas is that they can be put in any direction. Antennas that face the wrong way can really have a negative impact on the strength your reception. If you think your antenna may be facing the wrong way, then you can call out a professional to help you change that. It is best to have your antenna facing the direction of the local broadcast tower and not towards any large buildings that could weaken or block your signal.
The Oneflare Cost Guide Centre is your one-stop shop to help you set your budget; from smaller tasks to larger projects.