After a long and tiring day, you probably hope to relax on the couch, watching your favourite show on TV. But, without any previous warning, your TV decides not to work any longer, displaying that frustrating “no signal” message on the screen. So, what should have been a relaxing end of a day, turns into something annoying which adds to the stress you’ve been experiencing throughout the day.
Many factors can lead to the malfunctioning of a TV aerial. Thus, if you notice that your TV is not working, you’re probably dealing with an aerial problem, rather than having your TV broken down. The good part of all of this is that you could solve some of the issues that are messing with your TV program, without having to call a specialist (such as Digitec Aerials for Aerial Repairs) over. So, if you made it so far, take the time to read about the issues that can trigger a TV aerial malfunction and how to solve it on the spot.
What does No Signal mean?
If the TV displays the “no signal message on the screen when you turn it on, there’s something wrong. Due to the problem, the TV is incapable of emitting images on the screen. The bad part is that such a problem can emerge in a variety of scenarios. So, in order to solve the issue, you will have to find what is causing it first.
It is important to remember that the “No Signal” message is displayed in every case the TV is not working, not necessarily because it lost its signal, transmitted by the aerial. Whether some interference is scrambling the signal or the cable got water ingress, this is the same message that will appear on the screen when something is not working right.
You never know when this may happen, so it is worth getting ready for the day when you’ll see “No Signal” on the screen, instead of a TV show. In most cases, it is possible to deal with the problem without any help. Thus, here is a list of potential problems that may lead to having no picture on your TV and how to repair the situation.
Make sure the cable of the aerial is properly connected
Although nobody thinks about it, it is possible for the aerial’s cable to simply fall out of its place. When this happens, it is impossible for the TV to receive any signal from the aerial. This may seem ordinary, but it is a case that happens rather frequently and it is one of the simplest to solve.
So, when there’s no image on the TV, the first thing you need to look for is a loose cable. Look at the back of the TV and make sure the cable is in its place. If not, find the cable and put it back where it should be. Also, make sure it fits right, without appearing loosen in its spot.
Is the input or source set up correctly?
A simple press on the wrong button can mess up the input and make your TV show a black screen instead of images. Based on the TV model you own, this may be called an “input”, “source”, “AV”, or it may be represented in the menu in the form of a box featuring an arrow that is coming out of it. This is the second thing you need to check when you have image displaying issues, as it is one of the most common problems people experience.
When the TV’s input is set on the wrong option, it will be like the TV cannot see the signal coming from the aerial, as it waits for the signal to come from a different source. So, it doesn’t mean that the signal is not there. It means it is invisible due to wrong settings.
How to deal with this? Locate on the TV’s remote control the button that can switch the input. Once you find it, press on it. A list of sources will appear and you’ll have to look for the one that says “TV” or “DTV”. What if your TV displays both options? Go for the DTV option because in this case, the TV option is an analogue connection.
The unit supplying power is not turned on
It is worth mentioning that not all TVs have a power supply unit or amplifier. So, if this is not the case, you may skip this part. But if you do have a power supply unit, it is worth checking if the unit is on and working.
These units can get accidentally turned off especially when they are installed in different rooms around the house. Because people think that they don’t need to stay on, since the TV in a room is not used, they turn them off and then face the kind of problems we’re talking about.
You may need to re-tune your TV
Most certainly you tuned your TV on the first day you got it. So, you may wonder why you have to re-tune it again. Well, you will have to perform this operation in order to make sure you’re getting all the channels and services available with the aerial you use. It is not uncommon for channels to change frequencies, for some of them to disappear, and for others to appear in time. This recently occurred for all BBC channels on the Freeview platform.
Also, recently, additional room is prepared for the coming 5G network, so broadcasters are being moved closer to one another. This can impact the way you receive signals from them. Re-tuning your TV will solve this aspect. However, if it is possible, manual tuning is more recommended than the automatic version. When automatic tuning is done, the TV will look for signals coming from the closest transmitters, which may not always be the most reliable.
The aerial cable and fly-leads are faulty
Are you using a wall-jack or wall-plate TV aerial? Then you will have a lead connecting the TV or set top box with the antenna’s socket. In some cases, this particular lead is the culprit for no signal or poor images on your TV. This is due to the fact that the lead is made out of bad quality materials, which triggers a set of defects in time and makes the lead faulty. How to deal with this problem? It’s best to make your lead out of a good quality coaxial cable. This way you know that the lead will never be faulty again.
Besides the coaxial cable, you will also need coaxial plugs and a few tools to make it happen. There are tutorials and how-to videos online that will guide you throughout the process. If you don’t want to take such a DIY project, just make sure to buy a good quality lead this time. You don’t have to spend over £50 on it. You only have to pay attention to the quality and reliability of the product.
It may very well be your TV
If everything is plugged in and working, and you can’t detect any issues with the lead, input, and so on, you may begin suspecting your TV. Even a TV that is almost brand new can be faulty. To rule this possibility out, just swap your TV with another one, which is functional.
Bear in mind that you may have to re-tune it as well if it doesn’t work. Even if you have just two aerials on the property, each of them can be served by a different transmitter. Thus, when you swap TVs, they may not work on the aerial right from the start, without proper tuning first.
The socket or wall-plate of the TV aerial may be faulty
So, the TV is working and you still haven’t found the issue. If the wall-plate you use becomes faulty, it will explain why you can get a signal on your TV. As a general rule, TV aerial wall-plates don’t break down easily, requiring special conditions or shocks to get damaged to this degree.
A wall-plate can malfunction due to physical damage, like being struck by a large tree branch, if it gets waterlogged, or if a high level of current goes through it at one, like it happens when struck by lightning. Of course, there can also be a loose connection. This can be checked if you feel the wall-plate with your hand. If it feels wobbly, it may be worth tightening it a bit. If this doesn’t work, you may need a new wall-plate.
The TV antenna or aerial is not working
This is probably the worst-case scenario in case you don’t receive a signal on your TV. In case you can see your antenna or aerial appearing broken or lying on the house in an unnatural position, then it could be what is causing your signal issues. But, even if the antenna or aerial looks normal, it can still be faulty. Water ingress, lightning, or the age of the device can put an end to it.
If you know you have an old antenna, then you should seriously consider getting a new one. Technology developed a lot in the past years and you can get your hands-on exceptional models at good prices. In case it’s broken or damaged, the only option you have is to replace it. As a recommendation, when replacing the aerial or antenna, it is worth replacing the coaxial cable as well, for a good quality & problem free signal.