Setting up an antenna for digital television: how to accurately point to a TV tower and catch channels

Digital television has completely replaced analog television in Russia, however, the issues of setting up, choosing equipment, improving the quality of the transmitted signal, as well as choosing the correct direction of the antenna and reducing noise levels do not lose their relevance.

Self-tuning of the antenna for a digital signal

Setting up digital signal reception is not difficult on your own, it is not necessary to use the services of specialists. Thanks to simple instructions, it is possible to set up work between the broadcasting tower and
the antenna , and get a high-quality digital picture on the TV screen on your own.

Where to direct the antenna: we determine the location of the TV tower

To catch high-quality TV waves, orient the antenna to a television center transmitting a digital signal in
DVB-T2 format .

If the repeater is located in the visibility zone, it is not necessary to observe the accuracy of the direction; if the adjustment is carried out far from the television center, increased accuracy is required.

In small communities with one broadcasting tower, the location of which is known, it will not be difficult to orient the receiver. In large cities or remote settlements where the location of the nearest broadcast tower is in question:

1. Visit the “Digital TV Coverage Map” section on the official website of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network.
2. In the search bar, enter the address of the antenna installation, and click “find”. A tab will open with the distance to the nearest TV center, direction and frequency of broadcasting.
3. On the map, select the nearest tower, which is marked with a red TV tower. Click on the tower icon to find out if the address of the configured receiver is within the broadcast area, distance and direction to the repeater.
4. Select a channel package and see if the tuning location is within the coverage area highlighted in red or blue.
5. Point the antenna towards the nearest TV center.

Necessary equipment

To watch TV channels in digital format, you will need the following equipment:

• a TV of a modern model with an adapter that accepts a DVB-T2 signal;
• UHF
  Antenna :
  • room – suitable if the tower is located in the line of sight, no further than 15 km;
  • street – installed at a distance to the tower of more than 15 km and in the presence of obstacles in the form of relief and buildings;
  • collective – for apartment buildings above 5 floors.

Reasons for no signal related to the direction and setting of the antenna

It happens that the antenna is connected to the TV receiver, but there is no signal. Let’s take a look at the common reasons:

• problems with signal reception – when determining the direction of the antenna, the terrain and buildings are not taken into account, or the antenna is not directed towards the tower;
• the antenna is out of order;
• incorrect connection sequence between antenna and TV receiver;
• lack of coverage area – there are no towers transmitting a digital signal;
• incorrect connection from the connector to the antenna.

How to set up an antenna to boost the signal and avoid interference?

The quality of the image with uncertain reception of a digital signal deteriorates, and sometimes interference occurs in the operation of digital television, although less often than when receiving an analog signal. To avoid this and get a clear picture, you need:

• raise the external antenna higher – the quality will improve due to the reception of a direct signal;
• place the antenna as far as possible from electrical equipment and metal objects;
• avoid installing additional connectors and tees;
• specify the direction of the antenna to the source of signal transmission;
• place the amplifier as close to the antenna as possible.

Installing and configuring the T2 antenna with your own hands: https://youtu.be/nopjSi-DSuk Having the necessary equipment, it is worth trying to get a digital signal on your own. Strictly following simple instructions will help improve the signal and get rid of interference.