If you have decided to cancel your cable TV subscription and replace it with an indoor antenna, you are certainly worried about whether the picture will be equally good. Digital HDTV antennas have been significantly improved, and you will certainly not have the problems as before when it was very difficult to catch a strong signal. However, you may have certain problems, primarily due to the location where you placed the aerial. If you live in urban areas, there is a high possibility that you will have more channels and a better picture than with cable providers.
However, if you are in rural areas, the aerial on the roof is usually a better choice than indoor, although many people still opt for indoor, because it is much easier to install.
Today we will present you ways to make the most of indoor aerial and have as many channels as possible.
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1. Try a few locations in your house
Whatever sellers of antennas, amplifiers, and other related devices try to convince you, the most important thing is the location of the antenna in your home. While other things play a big role, it is absolutely crucial for the number of channels you will have, as well as the picture and sound quality.
The first place to put it is next to the window. Scan the channels and see if you are satisfied. If not, keep looking for a suitable place.
We also have two tips. The first is not to mount the antenna permanently, but to tape it until you find the ideal place. The second is to use specialized sites, where you type in your address and get information about towers in your area. That way, you will know where the ideal place is and if you want to watch a certain program, you know where to position it. Also, you can call experts, like Mike Harris Aerial & Satellite, to position it in the best possible place.
2. Pay attention to the length of the cable
You have to be careful when it comes to cable length. Here you have to decide whether to sacrifice cable length or signal strength. If your TV is near a window, then be sure to choose a shorter cable because the signal will be much stronger. However, if you have to choose between a bad location and a cable length, then it is definitely better to have a longer cable. The signal will be a little weaker, but you will sacrifice a lot more with a bad position. You can even try to move the aerial out, temporarily, if that is the only way to catch a particular program. Of course, the cable should not be too long, because you will compromise the signal too much.
3. Face it towards the TV transmitter towers
As we mentioned above, it is based on your address and zip code find where the TV transmitter towers are located. Set it so that it captures the signal best from the tower where there are the most channels that interest you.
4. Try unusual positions
Of course, first try the classic positions next to the window and as it says on the instructions. But if the signal is not satisfactory, try some different positions. For example, you can stick to the ceiling or even on the floor. You never know when you will catch the best signal.
Usually, the higher you raise the aerial, the better. Also, if you have a skylight window, be sure to take advantage of this, as it will be almost like having an outdoor antenna. A window blocks the signal much less than a wall.
5. Eliminate electronic interference
Any electronic device can create interference. If you think this is happening to you and that the device is interfering with the antenna, switch it off one by one until you have determined which one is causer. Start with computers, DVD players, soundbars, surround systems, as well as WI FI routers, gaming consoles, etc. Even LED bulbs can create a problem. Causer can even be some of the most common devices, such as hair dryers. If you find any of the devices interfering, move it as far as possible. Use extension cords to physically distance devices as much as possible, as well as to use different outlets.
If you have an Amazon Fire TV Stick, then make it the first device you will turn off. It emits a lot of electromagnetic waves and if you have it, it is most likely the cause of the problem. If this is the case, put it in sleep mode or turn it off while watching something over the aerial. Still, there may be another solution. There is a lot of talk on the Internet about the efficiency of wrapping an Amazon Fire TV stick with tin foil. In this way, you will reduce electromagnetic interference, and according to the experiences of users, you will not disrupt its operation.
6. Add or remove the amplifier
Depending on whether or not you have an amplifier, try adding or removing it. If you have it, remove it. It is well known that boosters can sometimes do you more harm than good. Because stations with a strong signal will be further amplified and that way, you may not be able to access those with a weaker signal. Try plugging the antenna directly into the TV. However, if your signal is generally weak, then an amplifier will be very useful.
7. Re-scan regularly
Don’t think it’s enough to scan channels just for the first time. Do this regularly to see if new ones appear. And that is almost always the case. Many influencing factors change and station might become available to you that was not before. But you won’t know that if you don’t scan regularly.
Conclusion
We have introduced you to ways that will almost certainly help you to have more channels with your indoor antenna. Still, don’t forget to try whatever comes to mind. Experiment and that’s the only way to get the most channels.
