How to Improve Your Digital TV Signal

Make sure you have the right antenna to pull in TV signals in your area.

If you are having trouble getting a strong enough signal to receive digital television through your rabbit ears or rooftop antenna, try a few troubleshooting techniques to pull in the station you desire. Improving your reception may involve slightly reorienting your antenna or checking for defects in your home's wiring.

Things You'll Need

• Antenna rotor (optional)
• Signal attenuator (optional)

Instructions

1. Adjust your antenna. If you are using a converter box, you can use the signal strength indicator to monitor improvement. If someone is on the roof doing this for you, you can communicate by cell phone to make things easier, but make sure your helper is taking proper safety precautions.

2. Consider purchasing a rotor that allows you to position the antenna from inside your home if you find yourself frequently readjusting the rooftop antenna's aim.

3. Keep the length of the wire between the antenna and the receiver as short as possible to optimize reception.

4. Determine if you are near a broadcast tower. Being too close to such a tower can actually interfere with your signal. To find the location of the towers near you, go to AntennaWeb.org. You'll be able to input your location and see the locations of towers near you. If you are too close to a broadcast tower, it may help to buy a signal attenuator.

5. Use the AntennaWeb website to determine the best antenna for you. Enter your address into the site using the link in Resources. The site will display the locations of towers near you, the direction you should point your antenna to receive each station's signal, and which type of antenna is recommended for each station.

6. Check to see if you're using signal splitters in a way that would weaken reception, or if your coaxial cable or connectors are defective. Replace any defective equipment.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful about going up onto your own roof. Improving your TV reception isn't worth risking your life. If you aren't experienced at this, get professional help.

References

• Federal Communications Commission: Antennas and Digital Television

Resources

• AntennaWeb: Enter your address to view reception options for your location