Ideally the aerial for your digital terrestrial TV service should be mounted outside and as high up as possible. You may also get good reception if it is inside, for example in the loft, but a set-top aerial may not be enough.
Reception problems
If the signal to your set-top box or digital TV is too weak then you might find that it results in picture break-up, clicking sounds or a total loss of picture. If this has been happening for a while then you should upgrade or replace your aerial.
If it's a recent problem then you could try resetting your set-top box or digital TV, or use the BBC's reception problems tool to see if your local transmitter is affected by maintenance work.
A TV set connected to a different aerial (e.g. a neighbour's TV) will help you determine whether it's just your reception that's affected. If only your set is affected, check the following:
- Is the aerial lead securely plugged in to your set-top box or TV?
- Have you checked the other connections? Your aerial may be broken or out of alignment.
- Is your external aerial pointing in the same direction as others nearby?
If there is still no improvement then you'll need to have the aerial and its connections checked for faults.
Checking, repairing or installing an aerial
Any work or repairs to your aerial should be carried out by a professional aerial engineer.
Communal aerials
If you live in a block of flats then you'll probably share an aerial. Check whether other residents are having reception issues – if they are then the aerial may be faulty.
If you want to go digital then you might find that the communal aerial needs to be upgraded. A good rule of thumb is that if you receive a strong analogue signal, you should be able to receive digital TV.
If you use a communal aerial then you'll need to get in touch with your landlord or the property manager, as it's up to them to have it upgraded.
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