Before 2009, televisions in the United States could receive analog television signals, but now only digital signals are used and special adapters are needed for older-style televisions.
Television stations broadcast with an analog or digital signal. Many countries have switched from traditional analog broadcasting to digital due to the many advantages that digital broadcasting offers. While this change provides better picture quality for many viewers, some people using antennas have difficulty receiving certain stations. A digital TV signal booster, also called a preamplifier, can sometimes solve this problem. A signal booster consists of an amplifier that is mounted on the antenna or antenna mast and a power supply inside the building.
A digital TV signal amplifier, also called a preamplifier, can solve the reception difficulties of certain stations.
While a digital signal will generally provide a sharper TV picture than an analog signal, the digital signal is significantly weaker and doesn’t travel as far. If the individual uses an outside antenna and lives far from where the station’s signal is transmitted, there may be reception problems that did not occur before. Also, digital reception is most affected by weather and antenna type, as well as objects in its path, such as buildings and even trees. Viewers who live in low-lying areas may have more problems with digital TV reception than their neighbors who live on a hill.
Without an amplifier, a digital television signal can typically reach antennas located up to 70 miles from broadcast towers.
If reception is poor, options to resolve the problem include redirecting the antenna or moving the antenna. Adding a digital TV signal booster is another possible solution. These boosters are available in various brands and powers. A very powerful signal booster can cause just as bad signal loss as a weak signal.
Cable providers often provide a box to decode a digital cable signal to their subscribers for a small monthly fee.
A digital TV signal booster will only work if the antenna is actually receiving a signal, because the booster does not extend the range of the antenna. The signal booster amplifies the signal between the antenna and the digital tuner, where the signal can get weak. A viewer can determine if the antenna is receiving a signal from a station by setting the TV to that station, clicking “menu” on the remote, and choosing “check signal strength” or a similar option on the TV screen . Even if the signal is weak, a signal booster can usually solve the problem.
A digital TV amplifier helps to boost the signal that a television receives in wireless transmissions.
It may be easier said than done to find a digital TV signal booster locally, with so many viewers switching to cable or satellite systems. If no local stores that sell televisions or electronic equipment have signal boosters, the equipment can be found at online retail stores. These sites also often provide information on the size of amplifier needed in relation to the type of antenna installed.