FAQ General TV & Radio Broadcast Recption Issues

Most Digital TV Interference problems can be resolved by checking for Interference with Analogue TV Reception. If there is no interefence to Analgue TV then you will require someone who has expertise in resolving RF Interference issues to resolve this for you. You may want to obtain the booklet from the Australian Communications & Media Authority prior to making a complaint to them to send out an expert to resolve this problem for you.

The Free Booklet ACMA - Better TV & Radio - Identyfying your interference problem

This is a must have before trying to resolve any of your TV & Radio Broadcast TV Interference Recption Problems.

FAQ Radio Interference

Q1. At times I see two bands of white specles on my Analog TV,

A1. These are electrical related noise caused by some type of electrical equipment causing a spark or an arc.

Causes can be: High Voltage Powerlines 22KV, Thermostat in a fridge or Electric Hot Water System, Bildge Pump etc.

To solve this use a small wireless radio tune it off station in the AM band and see if there is a buzzing sound which correlates with the bands on the TV. If the problem is intermittent then compare the white bands TV with the the buzzing sound on the wireless. The TV bands and the buzzing sound should stop simutaneously. If this is confirmed then you can try switching things off around the home using the process of elimination. Remember it may not be in your house but in neighboring properties. Do not attempt to switch items in other homes or in your own place if this is going to cause you problems, or if someone is using medical equipment in your household. If in doubt do nnot attempt to do anything but consult a professional to resolve this for you!

Q2. I hear Buzzing Noises when trying to listen to my favourite AM Station. The buzzing is intermittent and comes and goes from time to time.

A2. Unfortunately with AM Broadcast Radio is most succeptible to interference from many electrical and electronic devices. The cause can be anything from thermostats, right through to a neighbour using a computer. Some AM Receivers use the mains power as the antenna. This is more problematic because the mains power is subject to interference by electrical/electronic goods connected to it from your house and neighboring homes. You really should use a receiver which has its own antenna or an external antenna..

To diagnose the problem you will need a portable wireless radio, tune it on station to ascertain the interference is there. Once you have established the interference is also evident on your portable wireless receiver on the same station you are trying to listen too, then begin by walking around your home and neighbouring homes. Gnerally if the interference noise gets louder, you may be getting closer to the source. Be careful when using this method because if you go close to the mains power you may get a louder noise which gives you a false indication you have found the source. Again you will need to switch things off and on again to prove you have found the source. By diagnosing the interference won't mean that you can solve it either, it just means you have found the cause and now possibly look at ways of managing it. Remember do not attempt to switch off things in your home if they cause you any problems or if you have medical equipment that isn't to be switched off. If in doubt do not attempt it and consult a professional.

Q3. Will the interference go away if I use an external antenna?

A3. Not necessarily. By using an external antenna especially for AM reception will improve the signal received by your radio receiver. By improving the signal compared to the interfening signal will make reception of the station you are listening much better. In some cases the reception is improved so much that the interfereing signal is no longer a problem.

Q4. Where do I find a wireless with an external Antenna.

A4) Usually HIFI equipment have external antenna connectors at the back of the receivers. You may be able to purchase them from electronic stores such as Dick Smith Electronics. I personally reccomend Sangean Receivers with an external antenna socket. These receivers can be expensive although they are worth considering. Canohm Pty Ltd is the importer of Sangean Receivers. They can point you to the nearest distributor.

Q5. Where do I get an external AM antenna?

A5) Genrally you do it yourself. ABC Australia has information on outdoor AM antenna. You may be able to purchase The long wire antennas from HAM Radio Spoecialists and possibly Dick Smith Eletronics Stores. There are some contractors who also may be able to install this prfessionaly for you. We can also provide installation if required. Usually the cost will be about $350 on a single story roof.

Q6) From time to time my FM reception on my radio is bad, what can I do?

A6) Generally FM reception is less pron to interference. You may have a weak reception problem. This could be location, the antenna is in a bad spot-too small or too close to other electronic equipment causing it problems. The best case is to connect an external Antenna. Genally TV antennas are best suited as they are also designed for FM reception.