You’re enjoying your favorite TV program when everything goes dark. You let out a shout of frustration when the all so familiar “searching” message appears on the screen. Your TV antenna decided to go out once again.
This is the fourth time this has happened today. All you want to do is relax. It sounds like you should look into TV antenna repair.
The problem could be something so simple that you can take care of it, or you may have to get in touch with the professionals. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s wrong if you can’t figure it out. Check out this guide to learn when it’s appropriate to give them a call.
Is Having a TV Antenna Even Worth It?
With cable satellite and the countless streaming services out there, is it even worth it to still have an antenna? If you don’t watch that much TV or you only enjoy the occasional news program, the answer is yes.
There’s no sense in paying for more than you’re going to use. You don’t have to upgrade just because everyone else is. Stick to buying the best indoor TV antenna.
1. Physical Damage
When your antenna starts to show problems, it might be tempting to throw it in the garbage and upgrade. We’re here to say that you might be able to fix the issue on your own without things coming to that.
If you have an antenna on your roof, all it will take is a little wind to throw it off-kilter. You can call a TV antenna repair service to adjust it or do it yourself if you’re fine with getting on the roof.
We will say that a stronger storm might break the system. If this happens, it will take more than a little bit of adjusting to fix the issue. You’ll have to get someone to repair it or replace the entire thing.
2. Cable Problems
There is a long cable that runs from your antenna to your wall. The elements and various wildlife can do some serious damage to the cable over time.
The quick solution to this problem is to replace the cable. If buying and installing a new one doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need to call a TV repair company to figure out what the real issue is.
3. Outlet Issues
Chances are if the issue isn’t the cable, it’s the outlet that it’s connected to. It’s not unheard of for the connectors to face corrosion or loosen.
If you have some electrical experience under your belt, you can replace the outlet or makes adjustments on your own. If you’re not so experienced, get a professional to fix your damaged TV antenna. It’s too dangerous for you to tamper with it.
4. The Antenna Is Old
If your antenna is older than 2006, there’s no amount of repair that can fix it. You’ll have to get it replaced if you want to receive all your favorite channels.
Older antennas just can’t receive clear digital signals. If your antenna isn’t that old, you might be using an ancient TV. You’ll need to pick up a cable box to fix the issue.
5. Incompatible Inputs
Speaking of your TV, if you’re not getting a clear picture, the connectors might not be compatible with your TV antenna. To test this, either break out a second TV or borrow one from a friend.
If the antenna works on that television, you know that your antenna is fine. If you still can’t any of your favorite channels in, you might be dealing with a busted antenna.
6. “Searching” Message
No matter how much you fiddle with your antenna, all you’re getting is a “searching” message on your TV screen. What this means is that the antenna can’t pick up a signal in your area.
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact root of the issue without the help of professionals.
7. You’re Not in the Right Location
Sometimes the reason why you’re not getting a signal is your location. The signal is being blocked by trees and other obstructions. You might simply be too far out to receive any channels.
The only way to fix this issue is to pick up a signal booster. If you’re not sure what to look for when you’re shopping around for a booster, an antenna installer might be able to help you.
8. The Amplifier Is Acting up
Using a signal amplifier is a great way to get all your favorite channels if you’re using the right one. If you’re not using the right one, you’ll be met with blurry images.
Call a company to come over and test the strength of the amplifier. If it’s putting out too much power (or not enough), you’ll have to replace it.
When Is It Time to Replace the Antenna?
There are times when no amount of repair can do anything for your antenna. Age is only one factor. If you’ve tried all the fixes on this list without any luck, you might have to toss your system in the garbage.
Trust us, installing a new antenna will be a lot cheaper on your wallet than doing continuous repairs.
Seek Out TV Antenna Repair and Enjoy a Crisp Reception
Are you tired of “searching” messages and blurry images? It might be time for you to seek out TV antenna repair. An experienced professional will be able to figure out what’s going wrong with your antenna and help you solve the problem so you can start getting in your favorite channels again.
Are you looking for more ways to enjoy your television? Check out the Lifestyle section of our blog for all the latest tips and tricks.
