Briant Communications get dozens of calls regarding poor TV reception, pixelation, and channels dropping out while others remain fine. Since we’re in the business of installing and maintaining satellite dishes and aerial antennae it’s no problem for us to send one of our engineers to look at the problem and fix it, but that’s not always necessary.
It really helps us if you could trouble-shoot before calling us. Many problems are solved simply by turning equipment off and on again, or by re-initiallising your TV or Freeview box. Depending on the make and model this process can be started by simply turning the device off at the mains for a few moments. Once you power on again you’ll be told that the channels have changed, and do you want to re-scan for channels? Select ‘Yes’ and let it do its thing. (Pro tip, if you hate shopping channels, sports, or those seedy ‘dating’ channels, take this opportunity to delete them, that way, next time you’re scrolling through you’ll be able to see the channels you like without being bothered by the ones you don’t ever again.)
Sometimes channels will change their name, cease broadcasting or change the channel the broadcast on. They’ll tell you in advance that you’ll need to retune, but if you don’t you may not notice any problems with reception to begin with, but these changes mount up and re-tuning from time to time keeps your channel listings spic and span.
If It’s Not Fixed By Re-Scanning, Maybe It’s Your Aerial Or Cable. Here’s What To Look For:
When you try retuning and nothing helps, take a look at your aerial and cabling. If you have an external aerial on the roof it can be buffeted by strong winds, and collect snow in winter. If the antenna is old and the fixings are corroded these environmental factors can misalign or knock the aerial loose which will mean an interruption to your usually good reception. We’re not suggesting scrambling over the roof yourself, but if you can see that your aerial has a droop, the bolts connecting it to the wall or chimney stack are rusted and loose then it’s time to give us a call.
While you’re looking up, see if you can tell if the cable connection is faulty. Does it look corroded? Is the cable loose and able to blow about in the wind? If the connection isn’t stable because it’s been damaged or the cable itself gets frayed from moving and rubbing on brickwork then it needs replacing. Once it’s been fixed we’ll ensure that everything is up and running again by testing that the reception received is perfect.
Broken Or Damaged Plugs And Sockets
You’ll often find damage where the cable ends in plugs and terminal sockets too. If the decoder is pulled sharply, dropped or the cable gets caught up when you’re vacuuming then damage can be done to the connectors. If the plug moves in and out or from side to side then the connector has been damaged. When checking this please ensure that the devices are not plugged in to the mains electricity supply. While there is very little power in the cabling which goes from the aerial to your decoder, or from the decoder to the TV you are checking cabling which may be live thanks to any damage it has sustained. Better safe than sorry!
Cables And Leads
If you’ve got children or pets they can often get behind the equipment and interfere with the cabling. They can unplug things, or damage the terminals, damage which may not become immediately apparent but which results in poor quality picture or sound. The damage can just as easily occur to the SCART lead or co-axial cable which goes from your decoder to the TV. If this is the root of the problem, you’re in luck! SCART leads and co-ax lines are among the easiest connections to replace yourself and are available from most hardware and computer shops on the high street, or online.
If you’ve checked all that, and you’re satisfied that everything you could have identified yourself has been, but you’re still having trouble getting a good picture, then it’s time to call Briant Communications on 01273 465377!
Call us or fill out our online Contact Us page and tell us what the problem is, what you’ve done and where you live and we’ll arrange for one of our engineers to drop by at a time to suit you. All our field staff are fully insured, have years of experience installing, maintaining and repairing aerials and satellite receivers, and the work they carry out is covered by a year’s warranty.