Digital TV appears to be here to stay. While the quality of digital picture and sound is generally much better than the analog signals that had been in use since the 1950s, the system is not without its problems. The analog signals allowed people to receive television broadcasts even if the picture quality was low, grainy, or fuzzy. With digital signals, you either have a crystal clear picture or nothing at all.

Improving digital TV reception hinges upon a number of factors, some of which can be controlled and some of which cannot. For instance, in times of inclement weather, digital signals will likely disappear entirely. Also, in rare cases, a person may live so far from the broadcast source that he will receive no signal no matter how tall or how large his antenna.

The good news is that if you live within range of a digital transmission tower, usually a maximum of 60 to 70 miles (96 to 112 kilometers), you can receive a signal. If within this proximity, your digital TV reception can usually be improved. It may take a bit of trial and error, but most people can achieve the quality picture promised in the promotions leading up to the digital transformation.

If you are experiencing poor digital TV reception, you should first make sure that your antenna is capable of receiving Ultra High Frequency (UHF) signals. Virtually all digital signals are broadcast on UHF bands, in contrast to the Very High Frequency (VHF) signals that were common to analog. Next, make certain that all coaxial cables are properly connected to your television or digital converter box.

If these criteria are correct, then the key to improving digital TV reception most likely lies with your antenna. If you reside within a few miles of a transmission tower, you can probably receive a signal with a small, indoor antenna. If you live a moderate distance from the tower, you may well need a larger antenna placed in your attic. If your home is in a fringe area, you require an outdoor antenna that can be aimed in the direction of the tower.

When reception is consistently bad, try raising the antenna a few feet. Make certain it is located away from power lines that may disrupt the signal. Also, trees, hills, and large buildings will block digital signals. Your antenna should be high enough, and placed on a sturdy mast, to allow for a line-of-sight signal reception.

If problems still exist, the culprit may lie in your coaxial cables. Always use cables marked as RG-6, rather than RG-59. Furthermore, RG-6 cables with a solid copper core work much better than cables whose core is merely copper clad. Also, never loop or coil the coaxial cable, as this will degrade signal strength.

Finally, if your digital TV reception is still of low quality, you might purchase a signal preamplifier. Digital signals degrade for every foot they travel through a coaxial cable, and a preamplifier can sometimes work wonders. Mount the device on your antenna mast, as close to the antenna as possible, and make the proper connections. If you live within reception range, this should cure the problem.