My HDTV gets the free network stations, but the signal is very weak and the picture is often pixelated. Ideas?

Question

My TV is an Insignia 720p HDTV, it has an NTSC and picks up local PBS very well as well as local Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC. Unfortunately, the signal is very weak and frequently comes in and out of reception. When there is reception the picture will freeze at times and become pixelated at others. Are there amplifiers or antennae I can get at affordable prices that will remedy this situaion?

I have the 100 channel package from Time Warner, but everyone tells me the local networks broadcast seperate from the cable companies. This is very confusing and answers would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Get an outside UHF antenna and point it at the tower. You don't need a special 'HDTV' antenna. The UHF only antenna is fairly small. All HDTV broadcasts are on UHF so you don't need the big VHF/UHF antenna.

Answer 2

Are you referring to a cable signal or an antenna signal?

For cable, I had pretty much the same problem except the signal was too weak for any HD content to show up. I called Time Warner and they sent in a technician install an amplifier to help out with the weak signal. Sure enough, it worked. I would recommend you give Time Warner a ring to send someone out to install a signal amplifier for you.

Answer 3

No. You might get a few more channels (ie 2 channel 4's, 3 channel 34, etc). I bought a converter and it worked worse, with less channels, so I returned the converter box. Guess the TV will go in the trash in Feb 2009 if I lose the signals.

Answer 4

Digital signals are Very sensitive to direction.
a) Go to www.antennaweb.org and check the best way to point your TV based on your address
b) If you have an outdoor antenna, put it as high as you can
c) Finally, use the TV's strength meter for digital stations to fine tune the reception as much as possible.

These days, depending on the area, both satellite and cable can transmit local stations in HD.