Your TV antenna gets most of the attention, but the components that carry the signal from the antenna to your TV are just as important. Coaxial cables, splitters, connectors, and wall plates form the backbone of your home's antenna system.
When they are in good condition, you get clean, reliable reception. When they are not, no amount of antenna upgrades will fix the problem.
Coaxial Cable Quality Matters
Coaxial cable is the cable that runs from your antenna down to the TV points in your home. Not all coaxial cable is the same.
Professional-grade quad-shielded cable provides excellent signal integrity and resists interference from nearby electronic devices, mobile towers, and other sources. Cheaper cables with less shielding allow interference to creep in, degrading your picture quality.
Good to Know
If your home has old or budget cabling, upgrading to quad-shielded cable can make a noticeable difference to your reception, even without changing the antenna itself.
What Splitters Do
A splitter divides your antenna signal so it can be sent to multiple TV points. A two-way splitter sends the signal to two outlets, a three-way to three, and so on.
Each split reduces the signal strength at each outlet. A two-way split typically results in roughly half the signal at each output. This is normal and expected, but it means your antenna needs to be producing a strong enough signal to handle the number of splits in your system.
Connectors and Joins
Every connection point in your antenna system is a potential point of signal loss. Connectors that are loose, corroded, or poorly fitted can cause significant degradation.
Barrel connectors used to join two lengths of cable together are a common source of problems, especially if they have been exposed to moisture. Using high-quality compression-fit connectors and keeping the number of joins to a minimum helps maintain signal integrity.
Wall Plates
The wall plate is the visible outlet where you connect your TV to the antenna system. Like other components, wall plates can deteriorate over time.
Corrosion on the internal connector, loose fittings, and poor-quality plates can all introduce signal loss right at the point of connection. Replacing old wall plates with quality units is an inexpensive upgrade that can improve reception.
Signs Your Cabling Needs Attention
If you are experiencing reception issues that seem inconsistent, the cabling system is a likely suspect. Common signs include:
A professional technician can test the signal at each point in the system to identify any weak links and recommend the appropriate repairs or upgrades.