Important advice before you start
Well over half of all reception problems are caused by deficiencies in receivers, inadequate or faulty antenna installations or by attempting to receive broadcasting services that are too far away for reception to be reliable. Many interference complaints investigated could be resolved in the home by the viewer or listener themselves or with the help of a service technician.
This booklet is designed to assist you resolving reception problems in the home. It provides illustrations and descriptions that will help identify the most likely cause of the interference and suggests appropriate steps to remedy the problem.
Getting started
Refer to the navigation bar on the left hand side or refer to the related pages on the right hand side of this page and click to the particular section covering the type of interference that you suspect is causing the reception problem.
In each section there are illustrations and descriptions of common reception problems. Compare the symptoms of the reception problem with the illustrations and descriptions. Each description concludes with advice on 'What to do'. If you have any doubts about the problem’s diagnosis you may need to consult a service technician.
If you need further assistance after following the advice in the reception problem, click in the Better TV & Radio Reception: TV - Interference investigation service page or contact an ACMA office.
A section of more technical information is provided to help you understand some of the more commonly used terms found in the television and radio industry.
Basic details of antenna installation procedures are also included.
Choosing a technician
Rectifying many interference problems will require the assistance of qualified tradespeople, particularly where mains voltages or working at heights is involved. If you require their services, you should be aware of the skills of the tradespeople you plan to employ. Contact details for relevant industry associations can be found in your local services telephone directory.
For safety’s sake, any repairs or modifications to equipment of any kind must be carried out by a suitably qualified person.
Note:
The images and descriptions in this booklet identify only generic forms of interference to television and radio broadcasts and should not be associated with any particular television network, radio station or other organisation.
No liability is or will be accepted by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the Commonwealth of Australia, or its officers, servants, or agents for any loss suffered, whether arising directly or indirectly, due to the accuracy or contents of this booklet.
Acknowledgments
The Australian Communications and Media Authority wishes to thank the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Service for their assistance in compiling this booklet.
Disclaimer
The information in this booklet is a general explanation of interference issues. Expert assistance may need to be obtained prior to taking any action.
