Nowadays, HD antennas come with an auto-tuning feature that will set the device to pick up strong signals from the transmitter and add local channels to a TV list.
However, many people make all forms of adjustments and augmentations when trying to improve the TV reception of over-the-air broadcast signals.
One common way is to wrap the antenna in aluminum foil. But can you boost a TV antenna signal using aluminum foil?
Wrapping an aluminum foil around an antenna will increase the conductivity and surface area of the antenna. It will then boost the signal that a TV receives.
The method works because most antenna wires are skinny. That means they are narrow in bandwidth and resonate at one frequency. Therefore, when used at different frequencies, their reception becomes poor.
Since aluminum is a conductive element, it will increase the bandwidth and the aperture. As a result, the TV will receive more of the incoming radiation and allow you to view channels better.
At radio wave frequencies, aluminum foil also becomes the best mirror for attracting TV signals. If the antenna cannot see the transmitter because of a blockage, it will mirror the transmitter into a line-of-sight to make a TV antenna signal stronger.
Furthermore, if there is interference from other unnecessary transmitters, aluminum foil will block them. As a result, it will provide the TV with the correct bandwidth.
What causes a weak TV signal?
The primary causes of a weak TV signal include:
1. Location
The distribution of TV signals happens through a concept called line-of-sight. That means the ideal TV reception occurs when the antenna is close to the local transmitters.
The antenna must “see” the towers with minimal or no obstructions to receive better signals.
If your location is further away from the local TV towers, the interference and obstructions to the transmitters will be higher. Thus, it will impact the ability of the antenna to receive better TV signals.
The best reception area for your TV antenna is within 40 miles of the local broadcast towers.
But even if you are further afield, you will still get better reception depending on the antenna placement and equipment. You can use a TV signal amplifier to boost your reception.
2. Height
If your antenna is lower, it will not receive the best reception. The higher you place the antenna the better.
Consider placing the antenna at least 30 feet above ground level to give you the clearest connection with a tower.
3. Digital Interference
If you live in an area characterized by trees, hills, or tall buildings, expect some interference with the signal that your antenna receives from the transmitter.
The signal from the transmitter should find a direct path to the antenna. An obstruction between the transmitter and antenna will bounce and reflect the signal, causing it to become weak and distorted.
4. Coax cable length
Cable length can impact the signal strength of your antenna. A longer cable can cause noticeable signal loss.
For example, a 100-foot cord can drop the signal strength by one-third. Therefore, consider keeping the wire short.
How to boost TV antenna signal with aluminum foil
Here is how you can boost TV antenna signal with aluminum foil:
- Wrap all the metal surfaces of the antenna with 2-3 layers of aluminum foil. This will increase the surface area of the antenna. Consequently, the antenna will then pick up stronger signals from the transmitter.
- Adjust the arms of the antenna to fine-tune the reception and get the best picture quality.
- Move the antenna location up higher to receive a better signal. Ensure to point it in the direction of the transmitter.
- After wrapping the antenna with aluminum foil, place it away from the metal. Metallic surfaces or items close to an antenna tend to cause interruptions and block the signal reception.
You can also boost the antenna’s power by using a signal amplifier. The amplifier runs in line with the coax cable between the antenna and TV.
Enjoy better TV reception
You can boost TV antenna signal strength by wrapping it in aluminum foil. But if you are using aluminum foil as a TV antenna booster, place the antenna away from obstructions and interferences.
Also, the location of the antenna from the transmitter can affect signal strength. However, you can solve location issues by using the best equipment.
