RoofTop Antenna, Close Tower, Good Signal, Lousy Reception On only 1 Channel

Lukester1980 · 30-Jul-2019, 1:19 AM

I am confused. Looking for thoughts and advice. I have a Clearstream 2V Antenna mounted on the roof, approx 30' up. Antenna is about 5-6 years old. Clear line of reception. TV transmitter stations are only 7.4 miles away. ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox all have their transmitters is this same place, same compass direction, same distance. I get nearly identical signal strength numbers from all 4 stations. Initially, I got all 4 stations crystal clear for several years. Last year or so, I get lots of pixelation on the NBC (5.1) channel only and mainly on 1 tv only. Lately, I have been getting some pixelation on a 2nd channel. Have 100' cable running from roof, into attic, down a chase, into the crawl space, then into one main splitter, then to two more splitters. I am thinking of doing the following: check all connections and disconnect/reconnect. Replace one or more splitters. Eliminate extra splitters and cable where possible. Replace cable one at a time. Last step is to replace antenna. Why does only one station have pixelation and not the others. Thoughts? TIA.

GroundUrMast · 30-Jul-2019, 1:31 AM

If moisture has entered the coax you can get some rather unpredictable results... Some channels affected more than others.

I'd start by checking for signs of moisture or corrosion at the antenna, particularly at the coax to antenna connection.

If no obvious moisture or corrosion are present, run a new piece of coax from the antenna to a single TV, keeping the run as short as practical (50' or less) If you can verify good signal from the antenna, then move on to trouble shooting cable and splitters that are not out in the weather.

Also, consider the possibility that some stations may be running on temporary antennas or transmitters if they are transitioning to a new channel due to the repack. If you post a link to your TV Fool Reception report we can help investigate that possibility.

ADTech · 30-Jul-2019, 11:58 AM

Without any specifics like location, station involved, or installation specifics, it is impossible to provide any concrete advice.

That said, unless there are technical problems at the station, the usual culprits boil down to antenna installation issues that are not at first obvious.

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