Digital Television Troubleshooting Guide

We have already covered a good deal of information on Digital TV reception.

Still, there may be a few points worth considering when it comes to troubleshooting problems that may arise in the process.

Antenna Repositioning and Pointing

A significant improvement in the received signal level and quality can often be achieved by repositioning the outside digital television antenna, either by using a longer pole or by moving the mounting point to a different location on the roof.

If you are using an already existing antenna - originally used for the reception of analog TV, this may need to be realigned to pick up the new DTV services as further detailed in this article below.

1. Replacement TV Antennas

Because of the channel re-allocation associated with the digital television transition process, some DTV signals may be out of group from the existing analog channels. If this is the case, than you will require a different group antenna. In this case, always ensure that you get a CEA certified TV antenna.

Sometimes, a higher gain antenna may be necessary. In DTV overlap areas where the same digital television broadcast channel is used on two different transmitters, it may be necessary to use a highly directional antenna.

This should then be pointed towards the required broadcast station to minimize RF interference from the intruding broadcast station. In this case, the use of a TV antenna rotator such as the Channel Master 9521A Remote control antenna rotor, may be necessary to help position the antenna for optimum reception when viewing DTV programming from different broadcast stations.

2. Cables and Connections

The use of high-quality UL-rated dual- or quad-screened RG-6 coaxial cable such as the Monster Quad-shield RG-6 UL-approved 75-ohm coaxial cable for the digital television antenna downlead and all RF connections between equipment within the household, is essential for best DTV reception results. The use of inferior cable with poor screening, often referred to as 'low loss', should be avoided. Always check with your local supplier to ensure that you get the right quality cable for the job.

Furthermore, downleads should run as directly as possible from the DTV antenna to the tuner; minimize the number of splices - these increase signal loss. Also, avoid sharp bends in the cable as these can impair performance.

PCT International Coax Grounding Block

Outdoor digital television antennas should be grounded for lightning protection. Place an inexpensive coax grounding block such as the one shown here - at the point where the antenna cable enters the house; then run a wire from the grounding block to your home's ground rod. This is not only an important safety consideration but also a potential code requirement. Any outdoor connection should be protected from exposure to the elements by applying silicone grease to the connection and covering it with a weather boot.

Finally, all outdoor antenna installations - including cables and connections, should be regularly checked for deterioration due to the elements, and for corrosion at connection points.

3. Use of amplification

In case of insufficient signal strength, it may be necessary to use amplification in the form of a masthead amplifier, either as a separate add-on unit, or integrated as part of an active DTV antenna. We have already touched upon the subject of amplification in our digital television antenna guide.

Keep in mind however the limited extent to which reception can be improved in this way - in particular because amplification increases not only the DTV signal level but also noise and interference signals. In other words, the use of amplification is recommended only as long as you can receive a good quality DTV signal. Good quality does not imply a strong signal level, but one that is free from noise and interference.

This means that amplification is there to amplify a weak signal but not to restore poor quality reception. This 'signal quality - signal level' issue is an extremely important aspect in the reception of digital television.

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Important: TV Antenna Return Policy and Technical Support

Always ensure that you get a good return policy when purchasing TV antennas and related gear. This applies irrespective of whether you buy on-line or direct from a brick and mortar store.

Equally important is good technical support from your DTV antenna supplier; similarly, this applies for any related RF amplification gear.

This in view that digital television reception is highly dependent on local conditions; therefore, what may apply under normal conditions, need not necessarily apply in your case.

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Useful Digital Television Resources

Government organizations and other interested parties have set up various websites with the scope of helping the end consumer throughout the digital TV transition process. We have already mentioned a few in our discussion; here is our full suggested list: