Reception difficulties are often the result of a weak signal. In some cases, an endorsed antenna installer may advise on ways of improving reception, even in areas with marginal signal coverage. Some antenna installers have been endorsed by the Australian Government under the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme. You can use mySwitch to find your nearest endorsed antenna installer.

You should check mySwitch to see whether digital television signals are available in your area, and whether coverage from the transmitter site is adequate. If a television service is not receivable in a particular area, contact the relevant broadcaster who can confirm if television service is available in the area. You can get contact details for commercial broadcasters from Free TV Australia.

Obstructions to signals

A number of factors can lead to poor digital TV reception. These can include:

  • weather conditions, which can cause digital reception to break up or ‘pixelate’
  • signal obstructions, such as the immediate local terrain, foliage, buildings and trees
  • an inadequate or excessive signal
  • ‘impulse noise’ interference, which can be generated by household items like appliances, light switches or hairdryers
  • inadequate antenna or antenna system (see Antenna Systems eToolkit).  

Re-scanning a set top box

A first step for trying to improve digital television reception is to re-scan your tuner or set top box. It may be necessary to re-scan more than once to tune into all available services in the area.

Antenna installation

If you experience difficulties with your television reception, it’s important to use an endorsed antenna installer who is:

  • experienced in digital television reception
  • able to measure television signal levels at residences.

An endorsed antenna installer should be able to measure digital television signal levels, and recommend ways to improve or make the most of your reception. The endorsed antenna installer should also be able to offer advice about:

  • antenna selection
  • positioning
  • orientation
  • choice of correct cables, connectors and distribution equipment.

Once measurements have been taken, the endorsed antenna installer should be able to advise you on:

  • which reception source provides the optimum signal
  • the best antenna location
  • which antenna type is used to receive the digital signals available in your area.

You can use mySwitch to find your nearest endorsed antenna installer.

Further information on television reception

In addition to the transmission information available on mySwitch for all television services, ABC TV specific reception information is on the ABC website; SBS specific transmission information is on the SBS website; Community broadcast information is available on the community television website.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have published information about digital television reception that can be downloaded from the ACMA website.
 

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