Are you wondering how to fix TV reception or have poor TV reception? The information below outlines what you need to know about where to point your TV antenna for best reception.
Antennas are normally directive, which means that they receive more signal, or transmit more signal in one direction than the other. To get the most out of your new antenna, it needs to be aligned or pointed in the right direction.
This antenna alignment or orientation is a key part of any good installation. Incorrectly aligned and pointing in the wrong direction, the antenna will perform poorly, costing you more money to get it fixed.
Often the placement of an antenna is just as important (or even more important) than accurate alignment.
Local buildings, trees and terrain, like mountains, can cause interference, making the antenna location very important. Sometimes there is not much choice in the location of the antenna, so make sure that you are aware of any nearby obstructions.
Where Do I Point My TV Antenna?
Antennas that are used for TV reception have a directional pattern and when they are installed they need to be pointed towards the television transmitter in order to get the best reception. For most television antennas they have a marked increase in performance in one direction, but reduced in others.
This is probably one of the simplest methods of aligning the antenna. When up with the TV antenna, simply point it in the direction of the television transmitter mast.
Obviously, this requires the TV transmitter mast to be visible, but if not, it is often possible to align the antenna in the same direction as other local antennas. This may be satisfactory in some instances.
There are several transmission towers in Sydney:
- Artarmon (Sydney’s main transmitter VHF)
- Gore Hill (VHF)
- Kings Cross (UHF)
- Kurrajong (UHF)
- Illawarra (UHF)
- Manly/Mosman (UHF)
- Newcastle (UHF)
- Razorback Range (UHF)
- Willoughby (VHF)
- Wollongong (UHF)
VHF = Very High Frequency
UHF = Ultra High Frequency
For more information about where transmitters are in Sydney, visit the myswitch website.
What Direction Should My Antenna Face In Sydney?
People often ask why TV antenna installation is so hard in Sydney? Well the answer is really quite simple. It’s not, if you know what you are doing.
You need to have the experience and knowledge in the industry. Sydney is a huge mass of land, it includes a CBD with high rises and large metallic structures, mountains and hills, many rivers and large coastal area. The terrain of Sydney as a whole has many obstructions that can affect TV antenna reception in all areas of metropolitan Sydney.
To ensure the job is done right, get an expert antenna installation company to come and have a look to see what solution will work best for you.
TV Reception Sydney – Areas in Sydney That Are Renown For Bad Reception
Some examples of areas in Sydney that are renowned for poor reception are:
- Avalon
- Bayview
- Bilgola Beach
- Church Point
- Coogee
- Cottage Point
- Cromer
- Maroubra
- Palm Beach
- South Coogee
- St George
- Terry Hills
In these suburbs you may need an extended mast or a high mast installation. Coastal areas may need a stainless steel mast to prevent rusting, other areas may need a TV signal booster.
Here’s a list of areas and the types of TV reception issues that we’ve found:
- Eastern Suburbs – TV antennas on coastal properties are prone to rusting and ground contours can cause issues
- Hills Shire District –As the name suggests, having many hills means this area is prone to poor TV reception
- Northern Beaches – Rusting and being at a low height are common issues for Northern Beaches
- South Sydney – The buildings in the CBD can block the line of sight to the main transmitter
- South West Sydney – Macarthur region is a long way from the main transmitter so signal strength can be an issue
- Sutherland Shire – Distance from the main transmitter means the signal strength is lower
- Sydney CBD – High rise buildings blocking the line of sight to the main transmitter
- Western Suburbs – Multi storey buildings can block the TV signal and distance from a transmitter may mean signal strength is an issue
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect My Reception?
Heavy rain, high winds, high pressure systems, and other extreme weather conditions like snow and severe storms, can all have an impact on your TV reception.
15 years ago, weather related interference resulted in static, unclear picture, or even ghosting, which is where the image appears distorted. Nowadays, with digital TV, you’re more likely to experience a blank screen. This is because the signal is seen as incomplete or compromised, and will not be displayed.
Our trained and experienced technicians can help with deciding the right TV antenna solution for your property.
Why Choose Sydney Wide Antennas For TV Antenna Installation?
If you call Sydney Wide Antennas before 2pm you can usually have a new high quality Australian made antenna installed the same day.
Our experienced technicians are available 7 days a week and will ensure your antenna tv reception is first class.
All Australians should be able to get free-to-air TV through the TV towers or satellite TV. For more information about TV reception and interference call Sydney Wide Antennas on 0428 442 828 or you can go to the Australian Communications And Media Authority website
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