Guide to Antenna Services: How Many Do You Need For Your Home?

When looking to install a new antenna system onto your home you may have a few questions about what you need and what’s involved in an antenna service. We’re here to answer all your questions with this guide.

How Many Antennas Do You Need in Your Home?

Do you need an antenna for every television in your home, or just one?

Generally, your home will only have one dedicated outdoor antenna servicing all your TVs, no matter how many TV points you have or TVs you own. To get digital TV reception on multiple TVs, you’ll need to split the signal and run cables to your different TV wall points.

It’s a little bit like the wireless internet connection at your house. You can have one modem that connects all your devices to the internet and one antenna that sends a signal to all your TVs.

But this can change depending on the type of antenna you’re using…

Indoor Antenna Vs Outdoor Antenna

If you use indoor antennas attached to each of your TVs instead of an outdoor antenna, you’ll need one for each of your TVs.

But generally, we don’t recommend you use an indoor antenna. Outdoor antennas offer a superior experience because there is less interference from other devices and a clearer path to receive a signal, so you’ll get much better reception.

Bad Signal Areas and Multiple Antennas

Do you live in a bad signal area? If so, you might have some special requirements for your antenna to make sure you get the best possible reception and viewing experience.

In some bad signal areas, the TV signal for some channels may be better from a VHF transmitter, while other channels will perform best with a UHF antenna pointed in a different direction. Your technician can then combine those two antennas, so you get the very best signal for all channels.

If you’re not sure what the signal is like, your antenna service technician will be able to test it for you. But if you live in an area with lots of interference (check if your neighbours are experiencing issues too) or you’re in a valley, on the side of a hill, or live in a remote area, your antenna may need some extra equipment to get a better signal. And there are lots of other things your technician can do to help boost your signal, like putting it in the best possible position for reception.

Best Antenna Placement Tips

When it comes to performance, one of the most important things your antenna service technician will look at is positioning. In particular: height.

Because UHF signals are high frequency and easily weakened by buildings and walls, it’s ideal if your antenna can get a clear path to the transmitter. So, for UHF frequencies and antennas, your antenna technician will check this and make sure it’s positioned up nice and high for good reception.

On the other hand, VHF signals are lower frequency and not as easily disrupted, so while still beneficial, installing it up high isn’t as crucial.

Of course, all signals to your antenna (no matter the kind) can still experience interference from buildings, trees, mountains, and even other signals. Your technician will take all of these into account when recommending the best antenna location and position for your home.

Experiencing Signal Issues? Do This.

Before you call up your local tech, you can do a few (perfectly safe) checks at home if you’re having trouble getting channels on your TV. Follow these steps:

Check your TV cables for signs of damage

If they’re damaged, replace them

Try a different TV to rule out TV hardware/software issues

Do a quick visual inspection of your antenna from the ground

Check your TV is auto-tuned properly to the right local transmitter

Make sure everything’s plugged in properly

If you’re still experiencing issues, call a professional in for an antenna service – they’ll diagnose and repair the issue.

Do You Need a Professional Antenna Service or Installation?

While it might be tempting to DIY, aside from the basic checks we listed above, antennas are best left up to the professionals for both installation and servicing. Here’s why:

Your safety is too important to risk – don’t go climbing on your roof or messing about with equipment
Don’t make costly mistakes – we so often get called in to do an antenna service to fix a botched DIY job, and it ends up costing a lot more than if they just got a professional in the first place
Speed and service – it’s always going to be quicker getting a professional to do the job and when you order your antenna through an installation company, they’ll offer a warranty on the work, so you’ll get guaranteed antenna service for decades to come
Everything will work how it’s meant to – a professional will know exactly what’s needed for you to get more channels, a better picture, and the best reception

Someone you can trust – you don’t have to spend hours trawling forums or Googling “how to fix a broken antenna”; your antenna service technician is there to support you so you can get issues sorted straight away

How Often Should I Get My Antenna Serviced?

You may be able to go years without getting an antenna service. Most homeowners only book a service if they need a new antenna installed or if they’re experiencing reception issues. But if you live in an environment where your antenna is prone to getting dislodged or need repairing, it’s likely you’ll need to book a service more regularly. That way, you can make sure your antenna is still working how it should and adjusted for the best signal.

Other Services That Might Come in Handy

When you book your antenna service, it might be worth looking into the other ways your local technician can help improve your equipment, your signal, and your overall experience with the technology. Or you might just pick their brain and see what they recommend based on their professional experience. It’s what they’re there for! So don’t be afraid to ask them about things like…

Antenna installation – and whether your antenna might need an upgrade
Repairing your antenna – if this could fix your reception issues
Foxtel installation – if you want more options for your TV than just free-to-air
TV point installation – if you want to connect TVs in different parts of your home
TV tuning – to make sure your TV is set up properly if an autotune doesn’t do the trick

Book Your Antenna Service with Install My Antenna!

With over 35 years’ experience, we’ve got unrivaled knowledge in how to fix just about any antenna issue. So you can relax, knowing you’re in safe hands and get back to relaxing in front of your TV sooner. Call us on 1300 800 123 for a free quote or to book your next antenna service with us.