better TV signal?

[silentbobdrummer]

What is a good way to get better reception on a TV with basic cable. Some channels come in clear and others, not so much. Any suggestions? The TV is standard diffinition.

[David M]

Have you tried calling the cable company? There may be a problem with your connection. Have you tried connecting a different TV to see if the problem varies with the TV or if it is the cable connection?

[TwoRails]

I see that just about anywhere I've been. Often it's the "higher" channels, like around 71, that give trouble. I've even seen it where the whole installation is a professional install, like in business, hospitals, and the like. My own cable is weak at 70-73.

[sgtspector]

The number of televisions hooked to it and the number and quality of splitters and distance of the cables will cause signal dropout also. If you have splitters you can try disconnecting them and see if the signal gets better. You can also get an amplifier that will boost the signal sometimes enough to eliminate the picture noise. It may also just be bad cable somewhere in your install and will only be corrected by running new cables. Call the cable guys and let them check it out. If it is the cable somewhere they will run a new one for your.

[glc]

If you use cable internet, do not connect that line through an amplifier, it must be a direct shot from the first splitter on your line.

[figarowa]

That depends on the amplifier, and the reason is that the amp ramps up the upstream too much causing time outs, and can also burn out the modem itself. The higher the band channel, usually the more power is required, so the amp "can" boost the signal to rectify it, Personally I would call for a cable tech, see if they can't bump up the power @ the node on that band.

[silentbobdrummer]

I get my cable through my apartment complex and I think it might be the cable inside the wall because I got one of my other TVs from home (I just moved recently) and i get noise on channels 3 thru 7 and 64 thru 70. It was the same as when the other TV was in there but in the bedroom, the picture is fine on all channels.

[Lespaul20]

I have the same problem in my apartment. It changes between my 2 tvs but only a little. I've lived in two different places and both had the same problem. Our cable is included in our rent so I don't think they are going to do much about it.

[TwoRails]

Seems like the problem is coast to coast. When I was in Virginia a few months ago on a business trip, the condo I was staying in also had the same problem with almost the same channels.

[tigstah]

i'd call the cable company. they will check the signal coming in the house. they check at each splitter. if the splitter is bad they'll replace it. also if needed they will usually add a house amp, depending on the company, for free. then again, its been a few years since i was a cable tech.