Poor digital TV signal

07Lapierre

Hi all

Out Digital TV has deteriorated recently. The signal quality is down below 40%.

Any suggestions where I should start looking for the cause? I checked the cables in the attic and the connections are all tight. I also got up on the roof and the aerial looked OK.

Any common causes of poor digital signals?

The Cush

Satellite dish or terrestrial aerial?

07Lapierre

Its a digital aerial.

I have a satellite for the UK channels..their fine.

Richie Blackmor

Since the advent of digital terrestrial tv, my neighbour's trees have taken on a new significance. Each spring as the leaves pop out, my digital signal deteriorates, especially when wet and when the wind blows from a certain direction, bending the trees further into the line-of-sight.
Any wet trees deflecting your incoming signal?

(I suppose this should really be in the Terrestrial section)

exaisle

07Lapierre wrote: »

Its a digital aerial.
.

No....you have an aerial. There's no such thing as a digital aerial....that's just salesman speak to make you pay more money than you need to.

Anyhow...do you happen to know which transmitter you're receiving signal from?

Did the signal disimprove immediately...or was it gradual? If it was immediate, you might just check with RTE to see if the power is reduced on your transmitter (maybe for engineering works).

Otherwise, you need to check that the antenna is pointing in the right direction and that it hasnt just been blown around a bit....

Next step would be to check the connection at the antenna is secure and dry.....and see if the coax is secured properly to stop it from flapping around in the wind...also check where it enters the house....if it travels unprotected under the edge of a roof tile or slate it may be damaged and letting in water...If you have more than one tv and reception has deteriorated on both, I'd be inclined to start at the antenna and work my way down, checking each joint and checking the coax to ensure that it isnt damaged.

Let us know how you get on...

07Lapierre

exaisle wrote: »

No....you have an aerial. There's no such thing as a digital aerial....that's just salesman speak to make you pay more money than you need to.

Anyhow...do you happen to know which transmitter you're receiving signal from?

Did the signal disimprove immediately...or was it gradual? If it was immediate, you might just check with RTE to see if the power is reduced on your transmitter (maybe for engineering works).

Otherwise, you need to check that the antenna is pointing in the right direction and that it hasnt just been blown around a bit....

Next step would be to check the connection at the antenna is secure and dry.....and see if the coax is secured properly to stop it from flapping around in the wind...also check where it enters the house....if it travels unprotected under the edge of a roof tile or slate it may be damaged and letting in water...If you have more than one tv and reception has deteriorated on both, I'd be inclined to start at the antenna and work my way down, checking each joint and checking the coax to ensure that it isnt damaged.

Let us know how you get on...

Thanks for that. The Aerial is pointing towards Howth. I'm of the opinion that the aerial has moved. In "The Good Old Days" you simply moved the Aerial while someone else watched the TV and told you when the picture was Ok. Is it the same process now or do I need some kind of Signal strength meter? (similar to a Satellite sinal finder)?

The Cush

07Lapierre wrote: »

I'm of the opinion that the aerial has moved. In "The Good Old Days" you simply moved the Aerial while someone else watched the TV and told you when the picture was Ok. Is it the same process now or do I need some kind of Signal strength meter? (similar to a Satellite sinal finder)?

Which transmitter does the coverage checker recommend for your location - https://www.saorview.ie/en/get/coverage

The receiver's internal meter will do the same job, move the aerial and wait until the signal quality/strength meter responds, do this until you get the best reading for both. Signal quality is the important indication.

07Lapierre

Saorview.ie recommends Kippure, which is due south! interesting...i'll have a go at re positioning the aerial this weekend. thanks for your help!

Digifriendly

I think this thread needs to be in the terrestrial section rather than satellite.

exaisle

07Lapierre wrote: »

The Aerial is pointing towards Howth.

Howth????

If you're somewhere in North or North County Dublin, you possibly have a choice of Kippure or Three Rock....is it possible that it's pointing at Three Rock?

Roughly whereabouts are you??

07Lapierre

exaisle wrote: »

Howth????

If you're somewhere in North or North County Dublin, you possibly have a choice of Kippure or Three Rock....is it possible that it's pointing at Three Rock?

Roughly whereabouts are you??

Yeah its possible...i've now moved the aerial and its pointing almost due south( Towards Kippure i assume) Signal quality is above 90% and signal strength 80%. Result! thanks for all the advise.. much appreciated.