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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

Get More OTA Channels With a Better Tuner

  1. The first step to troubleshooting this problem is to check the tuner’s functionality on the television that is having issues obtaining channels.
  2. Unplug the televisions with the tuner problems power and antenna cable and swap it with the television that gets all the channels.
  3. Then plug the antenna cable from the original television into the swapped TV.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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July 14, 2023 0

The Best Over The Air Antennas Based on Performance and User Feedback

Last updated: Friday, July 14, 2023Having a reliable over-the-air antenna is important. It can improve the reception of television stations and ensure a strong signal. In this article, we will discuss the best over-the-air antennas based on performance and user feedback. These antennas have consistently received positive reviews from users and are recognized for their ability to capture signals effectively. However, it’s important to research and consider your specific location, terrain, and distance from broadcast towers to determine the most suitable antenna for your needs. The Best Over-The-Air Antennas Based on Performance and User Feedback Channel Master EXTREMEtenna CM-4228HD The Channel Master EXTREMEtenna [...]
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About Johan
I started this site to educate the public on alternative ways you can watch television besides subscribing to cable. I have been in the audio-visual business for over 20 years. I also have an extensive computer networking background. I am a Microsoft Certified Professional and CompTIA Network+ Certified Technician. I hope you will find my articles and reviews helpful in conscious uncabling.

2 Comments

  1. 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.

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