To check your TV reception, use Australia's government mySwitch website (myswitch.digitalready.gov.au) by entering your address, which reveals transmitter details, signal strength, and antenna setup needed, helping you find the best channels or if you need satellite (VAST) for poor signal areas. If mySwitch shows good signal but you still have issues, check your physical antenna, cables, and connections for damage or obstructions like buildings/trees, as these also affect reception.
To confirm the weak signal, you can check your configuration settings and at the signal strength information panel. You can also get a signal message on the screen. In some TVs, the signal strength is shown in percentages. A lower percentage typically implies a weak signal.
Go to the mySwitch website and enter your address to find out:
Use the free broadcast signal-finding tools we mentioned above — Antennas Direct, TV Fool or the Antenna Point app — to find the optimal direction to aim your antenna, using a compass to find it.
Restart both the TV and external devices like cable boxes or streaming players. If using an antenna, adjust its position for better reception. Updating the TV's firmware can also resolve signal issues. Regularly inspect cables for damage and replace if necessary to maintain a stable connection.
Here's a guide to boosting your signal and ensuring a clearer picture.
How Long is an Aerial Expected to Last? If the TV aerial is of good quality and was installed by a professional, it may last between 10 to 20 years. It could last longer, though. Many people have been using the same aerial for 30 years with no issues at all.
Antennas need to be installed facing the closest television transmission tower and clear of obstacles - such as trees or other buildings - which could affect the transmission signal.
Outdoor TV antennas are traditionally mounted on a rooftop and have a better line of site to the broadcast towers, with fewer obstructions – trees, buildings, walls, or roofing materials – and they have a distinct advantage over indoor and attic antennas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Your TV Antenna Signal
A sudden loss of TV signal usually stems from simple issues like a loose cable, wrong input, or temporary device glitch, but could also be due to bad weather, a damaged antenna, or a service outage, often fixed by checking connections, restarting devices, ensuring correct input/source, and checking for provider outages or antenna issues like obstructions or damage.
To find your TV aerial direction, use an online tool or app with your address to locate the nearest broadcast towers, then point your antenna toward them, ensuring it's in the correct polarization (usually horizontal but can be vertical) and clear of obstructions for the best signal. For "rabbit ears," aim one element at the tower and the other towards the ground.
Our Editor's Pick, the Diswoe Indoor TV Aerial, stands out with its dual-polarisation technology, sleek design, and reliable signal reception. If you want another great choice, the Coolfell Indoor TV Aerial delivers exceptional 4K quality and a wide 560+ miles range.
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10 ways to improve OTA antenna reception
Connect your coaxial cable and HDMI Matrix to your cable box. Use one port on your HDMI Matrix to make a wired connection to your first TV. Connect your wireless HDMI extender's transmitter to another port on your HDMI Matrix. Set up your 2nd TV by connecting the wireless HDMI extender's receiver.
A smart TV does not need an antenna for Netflix, Disney+ or YouTube because those come through the internet. But if you want free channels like ABC, SBS, or live sport you must have an antenna to catch the signal from the air. In short you can skip the antenna if you only stream online.
While smart TVs typically come with built-in antennas, they are used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity — not for picking up free-to-air channels. You can always try using a less sophisticated analog antenna, but there's a good chance you'll experience signal problems.
For rural Australia, the best TV antenna is usually a high-gain, directional Yagi antenna (like 15-16dBi for long distances) or a versatile Log-Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA), combined with a signal booster/amplifier, mounted high and aimed precisely at the nearest transmitter, but if terrestrial signals fail, a satellite dish (VAST/Foxtel) is the ultimate solution for remote areas with no coverage.
For the best viewing experience, the middle of your TV should be at eye-level, which is usually around 42 inches high. This means a 55-inch TV should typically be mounted about 28.5 inches from the floor to the bottom of the TV.
Smart TVs can combine both Freeview (via aerial) and streaming apps, giving viewers the best of both worlds. This trend suggests aerials will continue to be relevant, especially in homes where diverse and cost-effective viewing options are preferred. In conclusion, TV aerials are not being phased out anytime soon.
TV aerial installation costs typically range from $200 to $700+, depending heavily on the complexity (new install vs. changeover), property height (single vs. multi-story), number of TV points, cable runs, and local signal strength, with basic replacements starting around $299-$300 but complex jobs with multiple points or difficult access costing more. Factors like antenna quality, mast height, and roof access significantly influence the final price.
Leaving The Screen On
Don't worry, we've all done it. However, consistently leaving a TV screen powered on when not actually in use can very easily shorten its total lifespan. Whenever you know you'll need to step away from the TV for a good amount of time, it's good practice to turn it off!