How can I fix my interference?

Check your equipment

Check your aerial system

Weak signals

Ghosting

Radio transmitter interference

Co-channel interference

Electrical interference – power lines

Electrical interference – household appliances

Check your equipment:

• Disconnect all your receiving and recording equipment from the 230V mains at the wall socket except for your Television receiver.

• Plug your aerial cable directly into your Television receiver so it is directly connected to the aerial system and not connected to or through any other equipment.
• If the interference is still on your Television try an alternative television. Make sure the original television is turned off at the wall socket.
• If the same interference is still present it is likely that the interference is created in your aerial and aerial feeder system or external to the aerial system.
• If it is not present then it is likely to be created within the original television and it is suggested that the television be serviced or replaced.

Check your aerial system:

• Indoor aerials do not work as effectively as outdoor aerials. The best reception is usually obtained with an outdoor aerial.
• Make sure the outdoor antenna is pointing in the right direction. If you are not familiar with the aerial type and how it should be oriented it is recommended that you enlist the services of an aerial specialist.
• Check the aerial is in good working order as it may be damaged by corrosion, have loose bolts, broken or loose elements, broken feeder, or other fault. A visual inspection will often show these faults. Aerials fitted in coastal areas are especially susceptible to corrosion. If damage is noticed repair the aerial or have the aerial replaced.
• Check your aerial to Television feeder cable as it may be water damaged and will partially fill with water in some situations. Aerial baluns are, internally, particularly susceptible to corrosion.
• Check any joints or splitters in the feeder system for faulty connections or faulty splitters. If splitters are suspected remove them and reconnect the coaxial cable so the aerial is directly connected to the TV receiver.
• If the aerial and feeder system are repaired or seen to be in good condition then it is likely that the interference is being received by the aerial. If in doubt enlist the services of an aerial specialist.
• The interference will be either generated in your premises or external to your premises.

Weak signals

• Check your aerial and aerial feeder system for any signs of corrosion or water damage.
• Ensure the antenna is mounted correctly and pointing towards the transmitter. Use stand-offs for vertical aerials to avoid losses created by the mounting pole.
• Where the signal level is being reduced by an obstruction, it may be possible to find a new location for the aerial where the signals are not blocked. Installing a higher aerial may also be a solution.
• Often, a higher performance aerial will help overcome problems cause by low signal strengths. Sometimes, a mast-head amplifier may be necessary, to overcome cable losses. In this situation, use the lowest gain amplifier needed, to avoid system overload. Note that interference that is present at the aerial will be amplified along with the wanted signal.
• Check the cable and all connections from your aerial to the television receiver including any splitters in the system. Improperly connected cables and splitters create loss. Remove splitters and connect the cable directly from the aerial to the television receiver.
• Video recorders, DVD recorders, and satellite receivers if used in the loop configuration (as they normally are) all add a measure noise to the system. Remove them and feed the aerial cable directly into the television receiver.
• Each television and radio broadcast station is designed to service a particular geographic region. This is called a coverage area, within which there should be sufficient signal strength to override the background level of interference that is usually present. It is often impossible to cure interference to the reception of distant broadcast stations that are not intended to cover your location.
• If there is no improvement, contact a service technician or aerial specialist for further assistance.

What does weak signals interference look or sound like?

Ghosting

• Better picture or sound quality can sometimes be obtained by altering the alignment of the aerial. This will require someone to watch or listen for the best reception whilst the aerial is slowly pointed from side to side, up or down, or twisted.
• If that is unsuccessful, it is usually possible to find another position for the aerial which results in better reception. There are aerial configurations that null unwanted signals. Talk to your aerial specialist for information on these.
• Poor installation of an antenna and cabling can also cause create ghost images. A faulty joint or improper cable connection will often cause ghosting.
• In some cases, the phenomenon may persist regardless of the type of antenna used, because the unwanted signal may be very strong.
• Where the problem persists, ask an aerial specialist if there is another type of aerial available, which may be more suitable for reception in your area.
• In severe cases the most effective option may be to fit a satellite receiver and dish combination.

What does ghosting interference look or sound like?

Radio Transmitter Interference

• Check your antenna and antenna cable for any signs of corrosion or water damage. A fault will increase the susceptibility to interference.
• Ensure the antenna is mounted correctly and pointing towards the transmitter. If you are uncertain of the correct orientation of your aerial please contact your aerial specialist for assistance. Use stand-offs for vertical aerials to avoid the mis-match created by the mounting pole.
• In some instances relocating your aerial to a new location, through placing a barrier (e.g. roof or house) between your aerial and the interfering signal, may lessen or remove the affect of the interference. A change of aerial height may also reduce the effect.
• Often, a higher performance aerial may help lesson interference caused by nearby radio transmitters. If you have an aerial amplifier, use the lowest gain amplifier needed, to avoid possible system over load caused by the nearby transmitter. Note that interference that is present at the aerial will be amplified along with the wanted signal.
• Check the cable and all connections from your aerial to the television receiver including any splitters in the system. Improperly connected cables and splitters may create the interference in your system. Remove splitters and connect the cable directly from the aerial to the television receiver.
• Video recorders, DVD recorders, and satellite receivers are usually used in the loop configuration and will make your system more susceptible to interference caused by nearby transmitters. Remove them and feed the aerial cable directly into the Television receiver.
• If there is no improvement, it is recommended you contact a service technician or aerial specialist for further assistance.

Co-channel interference

• Usually this condition occurs in unusual weather conditions and fortunately is usually an infrequent and temporary problem. There is not normally a practical solution.
• If this interference is frequent and severe, an aerial specialist can advise you as to whether a different aerial or aerial configuration would help.

What does co-channel interference look or sound like?

Electrical interference – power lines

• Eliminate the possibility of electrical appliances as being the cause of the problem.
• If power lines interference is found to be the cause of your TV or radio reception problems, we recommend you report this to your power company.
• Rectification of power line interference is usually an expensive exercise. As such it is recommended that you engage the assistance of qualified person to make this determination and to track the interference.

What does power lines interference look or sound like?

Electrical interference – household appliances

• Check your receiver and aerial. A faulty outdoor aerial, a break in your aerial lead, or the use of an indoor aerial may cause your receiver to pick up background electrical noise.

• Check for potential sources in your own home. This can be done by turning off all electrical products in the house, one by one (while the interference is occurring), until you find one that stops the interference. Note that some products when turned off may still be partially operating so turn them off using the 230V mains wall connection. Some products use batteries as a back up when the mains supply is disconnected e.g. alarm systems. In this case you will likely have to gain assistance from the applicable electrical service firm.
• Ask your neighbours if they had the same problem. If they do, interference is the likely cause. However, be sure that they get exactly the same problem at the same time on the same station, or their answer may be misleading. Preferably, check the problem yourself on their receiver.
• If you are unable to identify or locate the source of the interference, contact your local service technician in the first instance.

What does household appliance interference look or sound like?