Another invisible difference can also cause lost or inconsistent reception: Digital signals are a lot weaker than analog.
A digital signal is so sensitive that a person walking in front of it can knock it offline.
In comparison, ananalog signaltakes more interference to drop.
Lifewire / Miguel Co
In some circumstances, it’s possible for you to do everything right and still not get a signal.
Whatever the case, amplifying or boosting the signal is a potential fix to your reception issue.
Do You Need Amplification?
The critical criteria for amplification are that you have an existing signal that your TV antenna is receiving.
If the antenna has a signal, then amplification could be a cure for intermittent signal loss.
If the antenna is not picking up a signal, then amplification won’t fix your problem.
TheDTV signalcan travel farther with more power, which should provide a consistent picture.
Amplification is not guaranteed to fix every instance of poor reception, but it is an option.
It also isn’t afix for getting a TVsignal when there isn’t one.
Hopefully, this push is enough to get a good signal to theTV tuner.
Amplified products typically cost more than non-amplified products.
Troubleshoot Reception Issues First
Do you use a splitter, RF modulator, orA/B switch?
The problem, however, is that they reduce the strength of the digital signal.
Amplification could boost the signal above the minimum level your components need to produce a good picture.
Your coaxial cable could be the cause of a poor signal coming into the house.
This punch in of signal loss is attenuation, a measurement of signal loss over a distance.
In the case of coaxial cables, we’re referring to RG59 and RG6.
Of course,buying an amplified productis probably easier than changing out the coaxial cable in your house.
Your current antenna could be the reason for a poor picture.
You may also try realigning the antenna.
Product packaging usually advertises a product as amplified or powered.
If you see a dB (decibel) rating, then you know it is amplified.
It’s similar to blowing out stereo speakers by turning the volume up too high.
The hard part is that it’s difficult to gauge what’s too powerful for your tuner.
Some experts we’ve spoken to recommend amplification around 14dB.
If you might, buy a product with an adjustable dB setting.
If you buy an amplified antenna, double-check you have your antenna correctly aligned before connecting the power.
