How to Get Reception on a Portable TV

Clear reception and sharp color enhances the enjoyment of watching your favorite game or TV show. What's even better is if you have great reception on your portable TV, which allows you to watch your favorite program wherever you wish. Getting reception on your portable TV can be quick and easy if you follow a few important steps.

Things You'll Need

• Portable TV
• AC adapter

Instructions

Get Reception on a Portable TV

1. Turn your portable TV on. You may need batteries, your AC adapter or your car battery (through the cigarette lighter) to power the TV.

2. Pull the TV's rod antenna out of its enclosure, if any, and extend it to its maximum height. Later on, in the process of obtaining a sharper display, you may want to experiment with the height of the antenna to see which position gives the best picture.

3. Look for the function selector. This button helps you choose between watching channels in a VHF band or watching channels in a UHF band. Switch to the band you prefer.

4. Look for the tuning keys. Use these keys to search for the available channels in the band you have selected. The tuning indicator will move past unavailable channels and go to the next available one. Continue tuning until you reach the channel you desire.

5. Adjust the picture quality, if necessary, by use of the brightness dial and the antenna. You may also need to change the angle of the TV to get optimal brightness.

6. Repeat these steps every time you change the TV's location or want to get reception of a different channel.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your portable TV properly by turning it off when you are not watching it. If you don't plan to use it for a long while, disconnect the TV from its power source and store it in a cool, dry place.

• You can purchase an additional antenna to connect to your portable TV. This can help boost the signal and improve reception.

• Reception will be poor if you are far away from broadcasting stations or surrounded by tall, concrete structures and mountains.

• You will be unable to receive reception underground or in a tunnel.

• Neon signs, high-tension wires and signals from radio stations also interfere with portable TV reception.

• It is rarely possible to use a portable TV while in a car or train.