Yes, it’s true that
LTE signals from local cell towers
can interfere with TV antenna reception. This is because LTE is now carried on
frequencies that used to be used for television, and so if an antenna isn’t
designed to block those signals there can be problems. In an ideal world,
signals in the air wouldn’t mingle, mix, or blend with other signals. Our world
would be simpler if wireless RF signals would dutifully follow separation
rules. However, they are freewheeling spirits that enjoy visiting their friends
in the cables. This means that using your cell phone near your TV can result in
interference.
In order for a TV
signal to interfere at all with a cell signal, it would have to first be
stronger than that cell signal. Over the ages engineers have done their very
best to keep the interference to a minimum. A simple way to do this is to have
the signals in the cable use a different frequency range than the signals in
the air. It turns out that signals at different frequencies don’t like to
mingle. However, the wireless spectrum has gotten crowded, and relatively
recently cellphones have begun using frequencies that cable TV systems use.
With our natural separation solution out the door we have to fall back to our
next line of defense: RF shielding. This includes using multiple layers of
shielding on our cables, tight connectors and well-designed cable modems and
set-top boxes.
Transmitter
Interference
Communication systems
that transmit signals capable of generating interference include amateur
radios, CBs and radio and television stations. Design flaws such as
insufficient filtering and inadequate shielding or frayed or corroded wires may
make equipment susceptible to transmitter interference. To determine whether
the interference is caused by a transmitter or electrical equipment, unplug one
household electronic component at a time to see if you can isolate any
electrical interference source. If your equipment is reacting to nearby
transmitters such as an amateur radio or CB, you will have interference only
when the radio operator is talking and you will be able to hear only half of
the conversation. If this is the case, you may be able to verify the
interference source if you see an antenna mounted on a nearby house or car.
Cordless telephones use radio frequencies and have no protection from interference.
If you are experiencing interference on your cordless phone, you should contact
the equipment manufacturer for assistance.
Electrical Interference and The TV
Electrical interference
appears on the audio and video portion of television programming. Short bursts
of interference may be caused by hair dryers, sewing machines, electric drills,
doorbell transformers and garage door openers. If the pattern is on
continuously, it may be caused by equipment that is in use full time.
Electrical interference may be caused by power lines or electrical equipment in
your home. Interference caused by your power company’s electrical equipment is
normally continuous and your power company should be notified. A simple method
of determining the location of electrical interference is by using a portable
AM radio tuned to a quiet frequency at the lower end of the dial. You should
hear static or a buzzing sound as you get close to the source of the
interference. The closer you get, the more intense the static will be.
What
Should I Be Doing?
If you find that
interference has befallen you and the video on your TV is breaking up when you
use your portable device, the first thing to do is check that the connector on
the cable leading to your set-top box is tight. Experts at https://longrangesignal.com/which-direction-should-a-tv-antenna-face/
are able to assist others with a step by step guide in helping diagnose and
solve the connection problems you face. So, whenever in a predicament on what
to do, try doing a little light reading before touching anything.
Tightening the
connector with your fingers is another sufficient solution, but keep in mind
that if you move the set-top box the connector may get loose again. Next, check
the cable feeding the set-top box. They’re not the least expensive in the
store, but they also aren’t much more expensive than poor-quality cables. You
will want to look for the cables with quad layer shielding. Finally, check for
any RF splitters in the line. Look at the back of the RF splitter if the back
plate is glued on instead of soldered on then you will want to replace the
splitter.
While some of these
problems can be fixed by yourself, it’s best to check with your cable provider
first. They may offer you cables or splitters for free or a nominal fee, or
provide you with suggestions for which ones to buy. Whatever the case, there’s always
a solution to these problems and all you need to do is ask the right questions.
