The TV signalclosely resemble those of light waves. As with light, objects such as hills, buildings, or tall trees can obstruct or deflect the signals, creating deep shadow patterns in which reception is difficult.
TV and radio reception can be affected by changes in the area where you live. This could include:
- New buildings
- Nearby cranes or scaffolds
- Trees growing across the signal path
- New electronic or electrical equipment in your home
- Large aerials or masts nearby
Unfortunately the effect on TV reception - break-up and freezing orcomplete failure- is broadly the same regardless of the source. Therefore it's important to note any changes in your vicinity in case there is a connection.
What to do
If you spot something you thinkmight becausing you a problem, even if it is outside your control,there may be ways around the difficulty.
- If a new building is clearly blocking the path of the signal to your aerial or dish, re-siting the aerial can help. You may sometimes be able to point to a different transmitter
- Cranes and scaffolds are usually temporary, so provided they aren't associated with a new building, it may be best to wait until they are removed
- If you can reduce intervening trees, do so, but if they are not on your property and you can't persuade the owners to prune them, you could try moving your aerial or dish to a different position. Some types of aerial perform better than others where they are pointing through trees.
Where trees are above the level of the rooftop it may be necessary to install aerials so that they are above the trees. This can sometimes be achieved by mounting the aerial on a pole attached to the chimney stack or by using a remote aerial clear of the trees.
During wet weather, when covered in moisture, all trees can have an appreciable effect on signals. As trees sway in windy weather the screening effect varies, leading to fluctuations in the quality of reception.
You may also be able to get your aerial re-aligned and tune to a different transmitter where there are no obstructions. To see what transmitters are available in your area please visit our
Sometimes, installing a type of aerial called a ‘grid’ can give better results than a standard one. However, it may be a matter of experimentation by a competent installer to see which works best.
Qualified Installer
We cannot recommend individual installers. However theCAI ()is a recognised trade body which will be able to put you in touch with one of their members in your area.
