Antenna Installations in Melbourne – Which Direction to Face Your Antenna?
Curious about how antenna installations in Melbourne work? While antennas work basically the same all over Australia, each region has specific frequencies and (more importantly) broadcast towers for getting a signal.
In this post, find out about the best antennas for Melbourne homes, what you need to know for your antenna installation, how your technician will set up your antenna (including what direction it’ll face), and factors like local signal strength and weather.
What’s the Best Antenna for Melbourne?
First of all, you’ll need a digital antenna for the best reception in the Melbourne area. Unless you have a clear line of sight to the broadcast signal tower, you’ll need to get an outdoor antenna so you can get the clearest possible signal. Indoor antennas may be acceptable in some areas, but only if you’re located close to the tower and it’s clearly visible.
An antenna installation expert in Melbourne will be able to advise you on the right antenna to buy, with local knowledge on frequencies used throughout Melbourne. They’ll know whether a VHF or UHF antenna is right for your area, and will help set it up, test it, and ensure it’s working to get you the best signal.
Does My Current Antenna Need an Upgrade?
If you’ve already got a functioning antenna, you may not need an upgrade (even if it’s the older style analogue antenna). However, over time, most antennas will need servicing or repairing. Some signs you need an antenna repair or upgrade include:
- Signal regularly drops
- Some previously available channels are no longer available
- Instead of viewing a channel, you get a message like “searching…”
If you’re experiencing issues like this, your antenna may have deteriorated (most last around 10-15 years). It’s also possible that weather, birds, or animals may have dislodged it. Or perhaps cords, cables, or another component need replacing. You’ll need to call in an antenna installation expert in Melbourne to run some checks, diagnose the problem, and fix your antenna. If your antenna is beyond fixing, they’ll recommend a suitable upgrade that fits your budget.
Find out more about what you can expect during an antenna repair.
What Direction Should Antenna Installations in Melbourne Face?
Throughout Melbourne and most surrounding areas, you’ll need to point your antenna towards Mt Dandenong, which is East of the city. Your antenna installer will use their equipment to install and adjust your antenna so it’s pointing in the right direction.
However, if you think your existing antenna needs adjusting, you can check its direction from the ground. First of all, see whether your antenna is pointing in the same direction as any neighbouring antennas. You can also use an app on your phone to check what direction Mt Dandenong is and see whether your antenna is lining up with it, or not. If it’s not lining up (or your antenna is facing a different direction to your neighbours’), you’ll need to get a professional to adjust it.
What’s the TV Reception like in Melbourne?
Throughout most of Melbourne, you can expect a good TV reception. However, reception can be variable and unreliable in parts of:
- Inner city Melbourne
- Fairfield
- Strathmore
- Niddrie
- Sunshine North
- Kealba
- Keilor Park
- Keilor North
- Bulla
- Oaklands Junction
- Sunsbury
- Konagaderra
- Bacchus Marsh
- Upper Ferntree Gully
- Lysterfield
- Belgrave
- Packenham
- Cockatoo
- Garfield
- Longwarry
- Warragul
- Drouin
- Athlone
- Poowong
- Korumburra
- Dudly
- Wonthaggi
- Smiths Beach
- Summerlands
- Flinders
- Red Hill
- Balnarring
- Cape Schanck
- Safety Beach
- Mornington
- Geelong
- Torquay
- Bells Beach
- Anglesea
Reasons for issues in these areas can include tall buildings, valleys, mountains, and distance from the broadcast tower. You can check your expected TV signal coverage by putting your home address in at the government’s MySwitch website.
How Will Melbourne’s Weather Affect My Antenna?
Melbourne’s weather does have quite the reputation, with changeable conditions and a broad temperature range. Fortunately, for the most part, Melbourne avoids the kind of weather that can mess with your TV signal or aerial. However, the occasional heatwave and strong gale can interrupt signals and/or dislodge your TV antenna. So, if you experience signal issues after some rough weather, check whether your antenna is still facing the right direction and call a professional in to make adjustments or repairs if needed.
I Can’t Get a Clear Picture – Help!
Experiencing TV reception problems in Melbourne? Here are some common issues and solutions your antenna installation expert in Melbourne may suggest:
| Problem | Possible solution |
| Weak signal due to interference from tall buildings, trees, or landscape features | You may be able to move your antenna or install a TV amplifier to boost your signal. |
| No TV signal because antenna outlet or connection has become loose | You can try adjusting your connection but if that doesn’t improve the issue, your technician may need to secure the connection at the wall. |
| Worsening TV signal because of an old antenna | Over time, antennas deteriorate – if it’s clear that your antenna’s time has come, your technician will recommend a suitable replacement. |
| Sudden loss of signal due to a broken antenna | If your reception suddenly drops (and never comes back), a stray tree branch, bird, or animal may have knocked over or bent your antenna. You may need a repair, adjustment, or a replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. |
| Gradually worsening TV signal due to an old cable | One of the first things to wear out after an antenna installation is the cable connection between your antenna and TV wall point, which can impact on your signal strength and reliability. This process can speed up if you have mice in the walls or if something’s bumped, bent, or broken your cables. Your technician will check the cable (and other potential elements) and replace it if necessary. |
| Local signal and environment changes affecting signal direction and antenna positioning | Occasionally, environmental changes like new buildings, growing trees, and even broadcast tower changes can affect your antenna’s ability to get a good signal. Your technician may need to adjust your antenna or boost your signal strength to improve your reception. |
Why Choose Install My Antenna for Your Antenna Installation in Melbourne?
For the best antenna installation in Melbourne, choose Install My Antenna. You can rely on us to do a professional job that gets results, every single time. When you work with us, you get:
- Expert technicians – We know antenna installations and Melbourne better than anyone
- Professional job – Our technicians are highly qualified and experienced in installing antennas to get the best signal in Melbourne
- Whole system service – We don’t just do antenna installations; we can get your whole TV installation sorted
- Satisfaction guarantee – We guarantee you’ll be satisfied with your antenna installation, so you can have peace of mind
Get a Quote for Your Antenna Installation in Melbourne
Ready to book your antenna installation in Melbourne? We’ve got experienced technicians near you, whether you need a new antenna installed or your current antenna repaired. Call our friendly service team on 1300 800 123 for a free quote or request a quote online.