Affordable Ways to Fix Poor TV Reception in Australia

Poor TV reception can be a serious mood killer—especially when you’re just settling in for your favourite show or the big footy match. In many Australian households, it’s a familiar frustration: glitchy images, sound that drops out, or a stubborn “No Signal” message on the screen.

The good news? You don’t always need to call in an expert or spend too much money. There are plenty of simple, cost-effective steps you can take to fix poor TV reception in Australia. Let’s walk through the most practical and affordable ways to get your TV viewing back on track.

1. Check Your TV Cables and Connections

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many reception problems come down to one thing: loose or dodgy cables.

Start by checking every connection between your TV and antenna point. Make sure everything is plugged in tightly and look for signs of wear and tear. If any cable looks bent, frayed, or damaged, it might be time to replace it.

Using a high-quality coaxial cable helps reduce signal loss, especially over longer distances. Don’t just grab any cheap one from the drawer—look for shielded cables designed for TV use. They’re not expensive, and they can make a noticeable difference.

2. Reposition or Adjust Your Antenna

If you’re using an indoor antenna, placement matters—a lot. The wrong spot can ruin your reception. Ideally, it should be near a window and as high as possible. Avoid placing it behind large furniture or electronics, which can block or distort the signal.

If you’re not sure where to aim your antenna, try using the Australian Government’s mySwitch tool. It helps you find the nearest transmission tower and gives you advice on the best direction to point your antenna.

Repositioning an outdoor antenna is a bit trickier, and sometimes even a few centimetres can make a difference. If you’re brave and have a safe way to do it, you can try adjusting it manually—but if ladders and rooftops aren’t your thing, this might be a job for the pros.

3. Use a Signal Booster (Only If You Really Need It)

Signal boosters, or amplifiers, can help if you live in a weak-signal area—like a valley or far from the nearest tower. They amplify the signal coming in from your antenna before it reaches your TV.

But here’s the catch: if your original signal is strong and you use a booster anyway, it might do more harm than good. Over-amplifying the signal can create interference and make things worse.

Only consider a booster if you’ve tried everything else and you’re sure the signal coming in is too weak. A good technician can test your setup to see if a booster is worth it. You don’t want to buy one just because it sounds helpful—this isn’t one of those “the more, the better” situations.

4. Replace an Old or Damaged Antenna

Antennas don’t last forever. If yours is older than 10 years, it might not be built for digital TV signals—or it could be partially damaged from wind, rain, or even a curious cockatoo.

Signs your antenna may need replacing:

• Missing channels even after rescanning
• Frequent pixelation or glitchy audio
• It’s leaning, rusty, or visibly broken.

Upgrading to a modern, high-gain antenna can significantly improve your reception. You don’t have to go top-of-the-line. Just make sure the new antenna is designed for your area and tuned to the right frequencies.

If you’re unsure what type you need, speak to a local expert or installer. In fact, this might be the right time to consider a professional TV antenna installation to ensure everything is set up perfectly the first time.

5. Reduce Electronic Interference

Modern homes are full of electronic devices—and many of them can interfere with your TV signal without you even knowing.

Common culprits include:

• Wi-Fi routers
• Microwaves
• LED lights
• Mobile phone chargers
• Even washing machines (no, seriously)

If your picture drops out every time someone heats up leftovers or turns on the laundry, you might have an interference problem.

To fix it, try keeping your antenna and its cables away from major electronics. Switching to better-shielded cables can also help block out unwanted signals.

6. When DIY Doesn’t Cut It — Call a Pro

If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still getting patchy reception, it’s time to call in the experts.

Professional antenna installers have tools to test your signal strength, identify the problem quickly, and set you up with a long-term fix. They can also help with multi-room setups, wall-mounted TVs, and complex wiring jobs that would take most of us hours (and a lot of swearing).

At Same Day Trades, we offer fast, reliable TV antenna installation services across Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and beyond. Whether it’s a fresh setup, a repair, or just some help fixing those annoying reception issues, our local technicians are here to help.

📞 Call 1300 632 094 to book your same-day service today.

A Note on TV Reception in Australia

Australia’s wide-open spaces and varied landscapes mean that not everyone gets the same quality of signal. If you live in a rural or regional area, you may have fewer towers nearby, or your home might be shielded by hills, trees, or buildings.

That’s why reception issues in one suburb might not exist just one street over. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but following these affordable steps can solve the problem in most homes without spending a fortune.

And if you’re in doubt? It never hurts to ask a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions