What Is Freeview?
Freeview is Australia’s free digital television service. The ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Ten Network, Prime, WIN and Southern Cross all broadcast on Freeview.
What Causes TV Signal Interference?
1. Line of sight from main transmitting towers.
Obstructions that block a clear line of sight between your location and the transmission tower impacts the quality of your TV reception signal. Trees, mountains, tall buildings and other structures can cause interference to the signal.
2. Distance from main transmitting towers.
The quality of TV reception is directly impacted by the physical distance between your location and the transmission tower from which the signal is broadcast. The further away from the tower the higher likelihood that reception can be affected.
3. Condition of existing antenna.
Antennas, like everything, have a lifespan. Australia’s climatic conditions can be harsh, and an antenna is subject to these conditions 24/7. An antenna will gradually deteriorate over time and if your TV signal is suffering from interference, it is possible that your antenna may be damaged and in need of replacement.
4. Your TV / Home Entertainment Equipment
The more TV outlets you add to operate additional TVs from a single antenna can weaken the signal and may require the installation of an amplifier (also commonly referred to as a booster) to increase signal strength.
- Antenna facing wrong direction
If your signal is poor, it may be because your antenna is not facing the transmission tower.
The age of your television, home entertainment equipment etc can impact on the quality of signal received.
5. Impulse Noise
- Impulse noise can be caused by household electrical items like appliances, light switches and hairdryers. Try moving items away from the TV and cabling.
What Is A Digital Ready Antenna System?
A digital ready antenna system has:
- An antenna designed to receive VHF Channels 2 to 12 & UHF Channels 28 to 48;
- Has a high quality cabling system with high immunity to electrical interference, eg. RG6 quad shield; &
- Has an F-type connector interface from the antenna throughout the system to the wall plate.
Can An Antenna Be Installed In A Roof Space?
An antenna can be installed in a roof space. However, we do not recommend this practice as this significantly increases the likelihood of a compromised TV reception signal.
How Many TV Points Can Be Taken From One Antenna?
Whether in use or not, each TV point reduces the signal by approximately 8%. The desired signal strength is between 55 to 80 dB. If there are four or more points operating from the one antenna, the signal would likely fall below the required standard and an amplifier with power supply would be required to boost the signal
Why Are There Different Types Of TV Antennas?
The government allocates VHF and UHF channels at various locations to avoid interference between transmitters. Polarisation can also be either horizontal or vertical as another means to avoid interference. Your particular location will determine what type of antenna will be required.
Where Should An Antenna Be Installed?
An antenna should be installed at its highest possible point on your roof or chimney in a location with as a clear line of sight to the transmitter as possible.
Do I Need An Amplifier?
When signal levels are weak an amplifier becomes an important part of the antenna system as it can boost the signal level to the desired range. An amplifier, where required, should be installed about 300-500 mm below the antenna to ensure the cable length is as short as possible to avoid adding noise to your receive system.
What Are The Benefits Of Digital TV?
There are many benefits to digital TV, including:
- Higher quality picture and sound
- Interference such as static and ghosting don’t occur
- It has an electronic program guide (EPG), which is an interactive programming schedule displayed on screen
- The digital signal takes up less broadcasting space, freeing room for more channels
- You can pre-record single shows or entire series
What Is A Set-top Box?
A set-top box can be connected to most analogue TVs to receive a digital signal, so in most cases, you won’t have to replace your old TV. A digital TV receives a digital signal, so there’s no need to add a set-top box.
What Is A PVR?
A personal video recorder (PVR) has the same functionalities as a set-top box with the added benefits of a built-in recorder and play-back device.
How Can I Fix My TV Reception?
- Retune your set-top box or digital TV
- Wait for poor weather conditions to pass over
- Check for obstructions or impulse noise
- Review your antenna system
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Most set-top boxes or digital TVs will slightly differ although most will follow similar basic steps to retune:
- Access ‘settings’ or ‘menu’ on your remote control
- Look for the ‘retune’ option. This may be found in the ‘set up’, ‘channel’ or ‘store channels’. The retune option may also be named ‘re-scan’, ’replace’ or ‘store channels’.
- Select the relevant option and your digital receiver should then automatically identify digital TV channels and store them in memory.
What Is Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST)?
Vast is the government’s satellite service that supplies free-to-air TV around Australia. If you reside in a regional or remote area, watch TV from a self-help transmission tower or have poor TV reception you may be eligible for VAST.
I’m Travelling Around Australia. Can I Get Free-to Air TV?
If you’re travelling around Australia in a motor home or caravan you may go through areas that are unable to receive television signal from from land-based broadcast sites. The option is available to access the digital satellite TV network, Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST), for the duration of your travel. You will require suitable equipment to receive VAST including a portable satellite dish and a VAST set-top box with smartcard. You are catered for as a special category that can be granted a six-month period of VAST access for which can apply for an extension of this period at any time during the final four weeks before scheduled expiry.
Once you have your equipment, you will need to register your new VAST set-top box before you receive all your services.
To fully register your VAST set-top box you’ll be asked for the decoder or model number, the serial number and the smartcard number inside the set-top box.
What Does A HDMI Cable Do?
High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, transmits high definition audio and video through the one cable.
I Am A Tenant. Who Is Responsible For Upgrading / Maintaining The TV Antenna?
If a TV antenna is provided at the time a lease is signed, in most cases the landlord is obliged to keep it in working order. This would include an upgrade from analogue to digital. If an antenna isn’t supplied when the tenant moves in, please check your tenancy agreement for any terms and conditions regarding the antenna.
I Am A Tenant And I Think I Have A Shared Antenna System. Who Is Responsible For Upgrading / Maintaining The Antenna?
If you rent a property in an apartment complex or a property that is one of several townhouses, it is highly likely that you will have a shared antenna system (Master Antenna Television System or MATV) servicing each apartment or townhouse. This antenna system would be classified as common property, and the responsibility for maintaining and repairing common property falls to the owners corporation (formerly known as a body corporate).
I Am A Landlord. Are Expenses Related To Antennas Tax Deductible?
As a landlord of a rental property, any maintenance or upgrade to an antenna system may be tax deductible. Any tax deduction should be discussed with your accountant or the Australian Taxation Office.