If you’re experiencing a lack of signal from your TV aerial or the signal is weak, there are several things you can do to try and resolve the issue before you call a professional. Read through the following list of tips and tricks to try for yourself before calling for help.
Seeing the “No Signal” message onscreen: What does it mean?
A “No Signal” message on your screen is one you’ll see when the TV has lost its signal, which can happen for many reasons. It could be because of interference from a nearby device or some other cause, such as water reaching the cable that carries the signal. Whatever the reason, “No Signal” doesn’t necessarily indicate that you’ve completely lost your TV service. You can often take steps to get the signal back and continue enjoying your TV shows.
The best way to check if the aerial is working correctly is to perform a simple signal test. Such test can be done using a signal tester, available online or at your local electronics store. Alternatively, check if your TV has a signal strength indicator, which can be found in the TV’s settings or menus.
Let’s break down all the troubleshooting actions you can take when you want to check if your TV aerial is working correctly:
1 – Ensure TV is appropriately connected to the coaxial cable and connector.
First, check that your TV is connected to the coaxial cable. This cable should be securely attached to the back of your TV and plugged into the port marked “Antenna” or “TV Aerial.” Sometimes, after usage, cracks may appear on the cable, leading to a weak or no signal. Coaxial cables have an internal wire (usually made of copper) that transmits the signal from your aerial to your TV and an external mesh that protects and strengthens the inner wire, preventing interference from other devices or signals. Ensure these elements are installed and undamaged to ensure that your signal is coming through clearly.
Remember to check the wall plate and jack to see if they are damaged. If there are any cracks, that may be causing a weak signal as well.
2 – Test the signal strength using a meter
Next, you can use a signal meter to get a more accurate reading of the strength and quality of your signal. This tool is widely available online or at your local electronics store, such as Maplin, and will measure factors like the amplitude, frequency, and noise in your signal to give you an idea of how well it’s transmitting to your TV. If you notice that these readings are below average, this may indicate a problem with your TV aerial or its connection. Using a meter is the most accurate way to check for issues with your antenna, but we understand that you’ll probably be rushing to watch your favourite shows, so waiting to buy one of these meters is out of the question! In any case, you can always watch Freeview channels without an aerial, following the steps outlined in this article.
3 – Try re-positioning your TV aerial if necessary.
The antenna might have displaced itself further than usual during harsh weather conditions, such as a storm or hail. If it needs to be pointing in the direction of the broadcast tower, you may need to relocate it or try adjusting the angle of your TV aerial using the included mast pole. This slight adjustment can sometimes be required to get a strong signal back.
4 – Is it the TV itself that is the problem?
If all of your connections are working correctly, you may wonder if the TV is indeed causing problems. Even new TVs can experience issues, so you must take precautions to avoid this possibility. An easy way to do this is simply switching your TV to another one and ensuring it works. However, if the separate TV does not work right away, it could mean that it’s programmed to receive channels from a different frequency, so don’t make any assumptions. Run a new channel tune-up and see if the new TV picks up a signal correctly.
Ultimately, swapping your TV with a different one is the best way to determine whether it is at fault.
