Thread: Is there a simple solution? pixelation????

Yes, it's the dreaded pixelation.....OTA antenna is on top of our two story house. We are even having trouble when a vehicle drives down the street!!! Very frustrating.
Sometimes, even during rain or overcast weather we are unable to get a signal strong enough to watch.
I've also noticed that during the weekdays, after 8:00 in the morning we receive absolutely no signal from a major network. After the afternoon hours, 3:00 or so... it magically re-appears.
I don't imagine this is going to be simple, is it?

Seeing you have provided no information about your system I would call it IMPOSSIBLE.

Pixellation is usually caused by two things: weak signal or multipath interference. The solution to weak signal is easy; buy a bigger antenna. The problem you're describing sounds more like multipath, which can only be solved by cutting down trees, demolishing buildings, or moving the antenna. Sometimes moving the antenna as little as six feet makes a difference. Sometimes bringing the antenna downward on the mast (lowering) also works. It all depends on the exact source of the problem.

Start with telling us your zip code, so that we can figure out where you are. Then, describe your current antenna. Is it shaped like a fishbone, or is it shaped like a barbeque grill? How tall is it? How long is it? How wide is it? If you knew the make and model of the antenna, that'd be super. How tall is your roof, and how high is the antenna from the roof? We need more information to help.

Hi Rita.

What the others said is correct. A zip code will enable us to be able to help you. You can go to
TV Fool

and enter your zip code and that will tell you quite abit.

Sometimes, the answer to your problems can be as simple as re-aiming your antenna in the right direction. A bad connection between the antenna and the wire/cable that is attached to it can be the problem. Again, an easy fix.

On the other hand, it could be complicated/expensive if you need a new antenna or new wiring and if you need to hire someone to do the work if you cannot do it yourself or do not have the proper equipment/tools.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, lets start at the beginning and get some info. We need to know your zip, how many TV's will be connected, and if possible, what kind of antenna you have now along with its age and the kind of wiring being used.

Thanks to all for the info..we have a rotor and a booster that helps us be able to adjust to try and get the best signal in. We have quite a few high trees and we are in town and there are lots things that are probably could interrupt our signal to begin with .
The wire is new to the antenna and we just put on the new rotor and booster. In fact, everything is new but the antenna. Since we have a two story house we thought we would try and see whether or not the antenna would work. (It's quite a core to get one up there to begin with!)
It has the VHF-UHF, and I believe it was a Channel Master, probably 20 yrs. old.
I guess my biggest problem is the vehicles that drive past the house and when the weather is bad we have much more trouble.
Stupid question I know, (but that's why I'm here) but how could that interrupt my signal so bad we lose our signal all together?
We have three T.V.'s and two of them have the converter boxes on them. The newer T.V. didn't need the converter box.
Come to think of it, my T.V. faces the street where the vehicles pass by. I guess I could try moving my set and see if it makes any difference?
Any suggestions welcome...
Thanks again.

We still need your zip code. We're not asking for your street address and the code to your security system, we just need to see where in the world you are, and make a solid guess as to which towers you're trying to hit.

The next thing you need to do is eliminate variables and noise. That's probably going to mean disabling [removing] your amplifiers. You mentioned a rotator; this suggests to me that you're in a deep urban location, and amplifiers are a VERY BAD idea with digital tuners. You need a straight shot from the antenna to the first TV to start troubleshooting.

Vehicles driving by your TV set has nothing to do with your problem; the problem is vehicles driving in front of your antenna, and becoming a source of noise (reflection). Your amplifier is taking this reflected noise, amplifying that, and your TV loses it's lock on the transmission, consequently dropping the audio and pixellating.

If the antenna has been up there for 20 years, you probably need to replace your transformer (the thumb-sized thingie that attaches your antenna to your signal wire). You may be as well off buying a new antenna, depending on which city you call home and which channels you're trying to pick up. If you're feeding four TVs with less than 200' of cable (50' each), you're likely using the wrong amplifier if you need one at all. Does your new TV or any of your converter boxes have a signal meter? That could come in handy, too.

Why is it like pulling teeth to get information from people? With 5 posts all we know is they live in Illinois, have a 2 story house with a 20 year old antenna, somehow connected to 3 TVs, 2 using converter boxes unknown brand. I guess they think we can see there house through a webcam and we know how the cable is run from the invissible antenna. We must instinctively know what their distribution system looks like how many splitters what they have for cable and wether they are on top of a mountain or sitting in a valley.

Please we will try and help but we need information to be able to help.

Hey guys..sorry for the slow response on the info you need to help. I can figure out the measurements you ask for but we are in the winter season, so I'll get it.
First off...zip code 61061. Two of the converter boxes are Coship and yes, they do have the signal meters. My antenna looks like a fishbone (with a tail). I will try turning off the booster we have and see what happens.
I understand this is complicated and when I know the questions, I can get the answers. Again, sorry.

NBC is a VHF broadcast from Rockford about 20 miles away and 15degrees . ABC is also from Rockford and Fox both UHF and 25degrees also about 20 miles away. CBS is listed on antenna web as Freeport and must just cross a township line they are 20.7 miles and 24 degrees. All 4 of your major networks should come in on a UHF/VHF antenna without any amplifier connected. Even with a 4 way splitter connected it should still provide enough signal for the 3 TV sets. Knowing that you are that close to the broadcast towers and your comment about traffic causing viewing problems I would guess that your TV antenna isn't even connected. The balun over 20 years may have broken wires at the antenna so that it isn't passing the signal down the cable. It could be that the small end of the antenna is pointing South rather than North. Seeing it is winter up there outside antenna work may not be possible. If you have a second story window pointing north you could try a Eagle Aspen DTV2BUHF antenna mounted in the window and run to at least 1 of the 3 TVs. Depending on the house you maybe able to connect all 3 tvs if it works. You should be able to find that antenna under $25 on the internet