Get More OTA Channels With a Better Tuner
I have received many comments about people having issues with tuner reception. Several readers are frustrated that one TV gets more channels than the other one. I am experiencing the same problem. I have two TVs connected to one OTA antenna in my attic. My Samsung TV has better reception than my RCA television. Both televisions have different tuners. Samsung televisions generally have better tuners. If you are having the same issues, there are several ways to receive more OTA channels with a better tuner.
Check The Tuner
- The first step to troubleshoot this problem is to check the tuner’s functionality on the television that is having issues obtaining channels.
- Unplug the televisions with the tuner problems power and antenna cable and swap it with the television that gets all the channels.
- Then plug the antenna cable from the original television into the swapped TV.
- If the swapped television gets all the channels then you know it is a coaxial wiring issue or you may need a preamp or powered splitter to that room where the swapped television was located.
- If the swapped television does not get the same channels that the original TV got, then most likely it is the tuner.
Solving The Tuner Problem
Listed below are several ways to resolve your OTA tuner issues. Each solution is based on the outcome of the troubleshooting test we did earlier.
Preamp
If you’re over the air antenna does not have a preamp you should consider adding one to improve the quality of the signal. This can help boost weaker OTA signals. They are simple to install.
eBay
Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier
Amazon
Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier
Powered Splitter
If you determined you need a powered splitter, this is an easy addition. Basically, adding a powered splitter will amplify the signal to the weaker television. This will boost the signal going to the tuner, and hopefully, you will gain the lost channels. You can read our article on how to set up a splitter for more information.
eBay
Channel Master Ultra Mini 4 TV Antenna Amplifier
Amazon
Channel Master Ultra Mini 4 TV Antenna Amplifier
New TV With Better Tuner
Many older televisions built before 2015 don’t have the best tuners and have trouble decoding weaker signals. So one option is to buy a new television with a more modern tuner. Samsung makes television with good tuners.
eBay
Samsung Business 55 Inch BE55T
Amazon
Samsung Business 55 Inch BE55T
Converter Box
Another effective option is to buy an OTA converter box. This converter box plugs directly into the HDMI port of your existing television. This allows you to use the tuner in the converter box instead of the televisions. Most of these converter boxes have excellent tuners. It is a cheap solution to fix your channel reception issues. The other benefit is you can record, pause, and time-shift TV shows. An OTA converter box also gives you an on-screen television guide that a standard TV tuner does not provide.
eBay
Ematic Digital TV Converter Box with Recording, Playback
Amazon
Ematic Digital TV Converter Box with Recording, Playback
Conclusion
Improving your OTA tuner can have a positive impact on your channel lineup. If you have over the air tuner problems, try implementing one of these solutions. Hopefully, you can continue to watch your favorite channels without any issues.
The Best Over The Air Antenna Resources
Still having problems with Boston channel 5. I seem to remember a delay in repacking that may be causing those issues. Do you know if that’s complete? I
My reception got better for a while and then I noticed within the last few days it has gotten worse. It seemed like the issues was resolved and now back again. Hopefully it is a minor glich that they are fixing.