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Why Does TV Antenna Work Better When I Hold It? (Explained)

I’m sure everyone at some point has experienced the frustration that comes with dealing with a signal loss on your TV antenna, especially when watching your favorite show. 

But another thing that many wonder about is why the TV antenna works better when you hold it. 

While many consider this a coincidence, others believe there’s a reason behind it, but what is that reason?

Your antenna works better when you hold it because your body acts as a conductor due to its electrolytes, maximizing gain and improving the reception. Also, your touch makes you become one with the antenna. And being a big antenna means you increase the bandwidth’s size, making it big enough to overcome several factors restricting its reach.

You likely have questions about an antenna working better after you hold them and how to improve your signal.

So stick around to find detailed answers, learn how to improve your TV signal, and even avoid some common mistakes causing this poor reception.

Does a TV Antenna Really Work Better When You Hold It?

Why Does TV Antenna Work Better When I Hold It

Your antenna works better when you hold it; that isn’t a myth. 

The human body is a great conductor and transfers RF voltage to receivers, increasing the antenna gain and boosting the signal without any amplifiers.

Also, in most cases, you don’t even need to hold the antenna for it to work better. Just standing beside it improves reception. How does this work?

Remember that an antenna works to move charges from one direction to another. So standing near the antenna influences its interaction with other charges. 

Since only one side has a different number of charges than the other, standing next to it causes that region to interact with itself and your body’s charges. 

And it results in increased charge density. Its effect also increases if metal objects like a belt or keys are on you. Also, this could result from ground effects. 

This ground effect is due to electron charges around the human body. And since electrons are negative ions, they move to positive ions.

When more electrons surround you, fewer charges flow through the ground. A lower flow means less energy for the television antenna to create a sturdy signal due to energy loss. 

So, in conclusion, being close to the antenna allows less energy loss, helping your TV antenna produce a stronger signal.

9 Tips To Improve TV Antenna Reception

The tips below will help you improve your TV’s antenna reception and avoid common mistakes that cause this signal loss.

Know the Distance to the TV Transmitter

Check the distance between your TV antenna and transmitters in your region to know how to set your antenna. 

If the stretch is too far, place it very high with a clear path line. And add a rotor in your antenna to help search for more channels and signals in all directions. 

Check the Antenna’s Position

Getting good reception also depends on your antenna’s position. Ensure to set your Tv antenna in less vulnerable locations to interference away from obstacles. 

You can install it near a window or on your chimney or roof. But ensure there’s nothing in its path, and you will notice an immense improvement in its signal strength.

Direction to the TV transmitter

Check the direction closest to the TV transmitters and position your antenna to face that angle. That guarantees you a straight line to supply strong reception without any hindrance.

Keep TV Antennas Away From Metal

Remember that metal objects near your antenna interferes with the signal and can stop your reception. 

Although installing antennas in windows or higher ground is best, change the antenna’s location if you notice any metal object near it or metal bars.

Strong Signals Areas

You’ll likely have a strong signal if you’re living close to broadcast towers with minimal obstacles along your path. 

But if you experience pixelation and signal loss most times, it means the signal is too strong, so check if your antenna has an inbuilt amplifier. 

If it does, switch your variable gain from maximum to minimum to reduce the amplifier’s strength and return the reception to normal.

Move Your Antenna Higher

Higher grounds give you a better chance of getting better reception because their height is above likely obstacles like buildings and trees. 

Getting rid of these obstacles in your path means minimal interference, which equals a better reception.

Longer Cables

Using longer Antenna cables isn’t advisable as it can reduce signal, except you’re using it because of the distance between your window and the Tv transmitter. 

But to be safe, avoid using cables that are too long when it’s not necessary.

Distance Your Antenna Cable From Other Cords

Ensure you’re cable and other wires for appliances aren’t bundled up, as that could cause interference. 

Keep them away from each other to minimize problems that can cause signal interference.

Amplified Antenna

If the signal in your area isn’t strong enough, you can use an amplified antenna, as it boosts signal strength and improves reception.

What Causes a TV Antenna To Lose Signal?

Several factors cause a signal loss in your TV antenna, and most are so conventional that you don’t realize it.

The first and foremost is interference from any obstacle in the antenna’s path. But this interference can result from many things. 

It could be due to the electric appliance in your house, like wires bundling up with antenna cables, LED bulbs with low voltage, metal obstacles, etc. 

Always install antennas on higher grounds as that ensures that the antenna is high above trees and large buildings that can cause incoming signals to bounce off and confuse the tv tuners. 

Also, another cause of signal loss in antennas that is beyond your control is the weather. 

During windy periods, signals become poor, and you might have to wait until it clears, even during rainfall.

Lastly, using signal boosters when you already live in an area with a perfect reception causes signal loss as it overloads your antenna. 

If you realize that you’re guilty of some of the mentioned causes of signal loss, try changing them, and you’ll notice an impressive improvement. 

But remember that while all these factors can cause signal loss, it doesn’t excuse that your antenna could also be a problem. 

Check if you have faulty antennas and try replacing any worn-out part or the entire antenna.

How Can You Prevent TV Antenna Signal Strength From Fluctuating?

Prevention is better than dealing with signal problems after they occur. 

Below are some key steps to help you prevent a fluctuating signal.

Check Your Aerials and Cables Beforehand

Your aerials and cables are exposed to harsh elements since antennas are placed at different locations, usually not within sight. 

It is crucial to have a professional antenna installer check them out frequently for loose cables, worn-out wires, or any problem at all and change them.

Know When to Use Amplifiers and Splitters

Amplifiers and splitters are essential equipment, but only some need them.

Always confirm your requirements before installing them, as that can save you from interference problems.

Proper Installation

Properly installing your TV antennas prevents signal fluctuations. If you know you need help to do it, call an expert. 

They know how to set these antennas to get the best signals, saving you from many problems.

The table below shows some essential equipment you need to improve your TV signal and whether you should use them. 

Necessary Tools for Signal Strength  UsesWhen to Use Them
PreamplifiersThey amplify signals and help to prevent system glitches. Use them for outdoor antennas far from TV transmitters.
Distributor AmplifiersThey overcome splitter loss and help in signal distribution over several locations. Use them for indoor antennas for multiple TVs
RotorsThey help in turning antennas 360° for signal search and precision aimingTo pick up weak channels or when between different TV markets
Tuner boxThey help to pick up distant and weak signalsFor poor signals, especially in older TV models
AttenuatorsThey help to reduce signals that are too strong and cause pixelationWhen you’re too close to transmission towers

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