Are you experiencing poor signal reception? LTE filters might help improve the quality of your TV channels.
An LTE filter is a device that prevents frequencies from cellular transmissions from interfering with the signal reception of your TV antenna. Consequently, this can improve signal quality and prevent issues like blurry images, no sound, or no channels.
But before purchasing an LTE filter for your TV antenna, you should consider whether it is worth it. Below is everything you need to know about these filters, including how they work, their pros and cons, and whether they are worth investing in.
How does LTE interference on TV signals occur?
To understand how LTE filters work, you must first understand what causes LTE (Long Term Evolution) interference in TV broadcasts.
Cellular towers can interfere with TV reception in several ways, including:
1. Cell tower proximity
Cell towers produce powerful frequencies. Therefore, if a tower is too close to your TV antenna (and the TV broadcast tower is far), it can overwhelm your TV antenna and cause interference with the signal reception.
2. Crowded wireless spectrum
Over the past several years, the number of cell towers has significantly increased due to the increased demand for cellular infrastructure. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a saturated wireless spectrum, increasing the likelihood of LTE interference.
To make matters worse, in several countries, frequencies previously used for TV have been handed over to the LTE band. While this has allowed for more cellular infrastructure, it has also placed LTE frequencies adjacent to TV frequencies.
The handing over of TV frequencies to LTE bands also means that cellular transmissions now occur at frequencies that some TV antennas were designed to handle. Consequently, this can increase the likelihood of experiencing LTE interference.
3. Poor quality antennas
Some modern and high-end TV antennas are designed to handle interference from cellular transmissions. However, cheap or older antennas might not have this capability, thus leading to poor TV reception.
How do LTE filters work?
LTE filters work by filtering (blocking) out the frequencies used by cellular transmissions.
For example, a typical LTE filter in the United States will only allow frequencies between 5 and 699 MHz to pass. Consequently, the filter blocks out LTE signals, which usually transmit at 700-900 MHz (former TV frequencies) in rural areas and 1800-2600 MHz in urban areas.
The best part about LTE Filters is that they are designed to be used inline along the antenna cable.
Therefore, the filter only affects the signal traveling along your TV antenna cable. This ensures that the device does not interfere with the cellular reception of nearby mobile devices.
Pros of LTE filters
There are several benefits to using an LTE filter. Below is a look at some of them:
1. They are effective at reducing LTE interference
LTE filters are very effective in blocking out the frequencies from cellular transmissions. This helps to significantly reduce the interference caused by strong LTE signals near your TV antenna.
Consequently, reduced LTE interference can make your signal clearer, leading to better image quality on your TV screen. In some cases, the reduced interference can allow you to discover missing channels on your TV.
2. They are easily compatible with TV antennas
LTE filters are compatible with most TV antenna setups and are designed to be very easy to install. Most filters are inline and designed to be installed easily along your antenna cable.
To install one of these filters, connect it between your outdoor antenna and your antenna amplifier, signal splitter, or the antenna input port at the back of your TV.
Note: for the filter to work perfectly, install it as close as possible to your outdoor antenna and never after your amplifier or signal splitter.
3. They don’t usually impact nearby cellular devices
One danger of using a signal-blocking device is that it can interfere with the reception of nearby devices. However, since most LTE filters are inline, they do not affect nearby cellular devices.
Therefore, you can continue using your cellular device close to your TV, even with a filter installed.
4. They are inexpensive
LTE filters are inexpensive devices. On Amazon, for example, most filters cost between $8 and $25.
Therefore, they are a simple and affordable solution for improving the quality of your TV signal.
5. They offer a long-term LTE interference solution
LTE filters are a long-term solution for LTE interference. As mentioned, the wireless spectrum is becoming increasingly saturated due to the increasing number of cell towers erected to support the growing demand for cellular connectivity.
Therefore, an LTE filter offers a continuing solution against the increasing levels of LTE interference, which can make watching your TV a nightmare.
Cons of LTE Filters
Even with all the benefits of LTE filters, you can expect a few drawbacks. These include:
1. They won’t make your TV signal stronger
The biggest downside of an LTE filter is that it won’t strengthen your TV signal.
The filter can reduce interference and improve signal clarity. However, if the signal from the TV broadcast tower is weak, you won’t notice much difference in your channel quality.
2. They can inadvertently block your TV signal
Another drawback of LTE filters is that they can inadvertently block TV signals. This is especially true for TV channels transmitting close to blocked cellular frequencies.
Therefore, you might weaken your TV signal while attempting to block LTE interference.
3. They won’t work if you are not experiencing LTE interference
LTE filters will only offer visible results if you are experiencing LTE interference; they won’t fix poor signal issues caused by weak signals, weather issues, and noise from other unwanted wireless signals.
The problem is that when you experience a poor TV signal, you won’t know if it is caused by LTE interference or other issues. Therefore, you might invest in an LTE filter only to find that it won’t make much difference.
Are LTE Filters worth it?
The question of whether LTE filters are worth it depends on your individual circumstances. If you are receiving poor signal quality and experiencing LTE interference, a filter can be an excellent way to boost your TV signal quality.
However, you don’t need to buy an LTE filter if your signal quality is good or you are not experiencing interference.
The best way to determine if you are experiencing LTE interference is to check whether there are cell towers nearby.
You can also tell if you have cellular interference if one or more of your TV channels become pixelated or the signal gets lost completely when using cellular devices close to your TV.
An LTE filter may also be unnecessary if you have a high-end antenna or are using an antenna amplifier. These devices often come with built-in LTE filters; thus, adding another one won’t make much difference.
In fact, using an LTE filter when your antenna or amplifier features a built-in filter can make things worse by attenuating your TV signal.
Unfortunately, you won’t know if you need an LTE filter until you try installing one. The good news is that they are affordable; therefore, there is no harm in buying one if your TV signal quality is weak.