Most homes contain at least one and often several TVs. That helps explain why 2021 saw over 200 million TVs shipped globally.
Of course, getting the TV is just the first step. You must still get the TV set up with all of your peripheral devices and, naturally, an antenna. While cable and streaming still dominate, millions of people still tune in to local channels to watch over-the-air network shows and news programs.
Even with an antenna, though, your signal can still prove weak. Ever wondered what triggers a weak antenna signal? Keep reading for seven causes of the problem.
1. Local Terrain
One of the more common reasons for a weak signal is simply the local terrain. Mountains can partially or completely block over-the-air signals. If your home is located in a valley, the surrounding hills can also degrade signal quality.
2. Large Buildings
Another major reason for signal problems, especially in urban areas, is large buildings. The buildings can disrupt the over-the-air signals or refract them.
Depending on where your signals come in from, you might also see problems with large outbuildings. Something like a pole barn could potentially do the same thing.
3. Trees
While small trees aren’t usually a problem, towering old trees can also interfere with signals. They are especially problematic in the spring and summer when foliage is at its thickest.
4. Power Lines
Power lines create electromagnetic fields as the electricity moves through the wires. These electromagnetic fields can reduce the overall signal strength of over-the-air transmissions.
5. Building Materials
The building materials in your home can also cause problems with signal strength. Concrete and metal can reduce or block TV signals entirely.
6. Cell Towers
LTE cell towers may disrupt your antenna signal. When TV channels moved over to digital signals, LTE carriers started using the old frequencies.
7. Weather
Most people also discover that the weather quality affects signal strength. Poor weather such as storms, rain, and fog can lower signal strength.
Signal Solutions
You have a few options that can boost antenna signal reception in your home. You can get an antenna with a signal booster. If you use an indoor antenna, you can move it to another part of the room.
If you use an outdoor antenna, you can adjust the position of the antenna to point toward the nearest transmission towers. You can also boost an outdoor antenna so it’s higher, which can improve reception.
Avoiding Weak Antenna Signal Problems
The best way you can avoid weak antenna signal problems is by tackling them as soon as you get a new TV or antenna. While you can’t predict precisely how the weather will affect your reception, you can hedge your bets with other common problems.
Get yourself a good indoor or outdoor antenna that has LTE filtering built right into the antenna. Find out where your nearest transmission towers are and aim your antenna at one of those towers. Use a signal booster.
Looking for more home tech tips? Check out the posts in our Home Life section.
