You would think that setting up your TV in your preferred space is simple until you find yourself dealing with poor signal reception.
Location and antenna placement are crucial to getting your TV the best quality signal reception. You must consider both factors and avoid certain obstructions.
The question is, “Where should you mount your antenna to avoid signal interference?”
People often assume that we’ll get a stronger TV signal when we mount our antenna by the window. Ironically, your window can contribute to signal obstruction and interference!
Does your window block TV signals? Let’s find out. This article will uncover the connection between windows and TV signal interceptions.
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Do Windows Block TV Signals?
Yes — in some instances — they do!
For decades we have learned to mount our antenna beside windows so that our TVs can receive good signal clarity. The theory is that windows are not as obstructive to TV signals as walls.
However, this theory is not always correct. Sometimes, windows are just as obstructive (or even more so) than concrete walls.
We’ll explain.
TV stations transmit their signals through the air as electromagnetic waves. The antennas receive over-the-air broadcast signals from TV stations and process them through the TV’s tuner.
The TV is the final destination of the processed electromagnetic waves; it absorbs and extracts the signals.
Any significant obstruction between your TV and the electromagnetic waves in the air can interfere with the transmission process. These obstructions can reduce the signal quality or block it out entirely.
When it comes to windows, signal blocking results from the material they are made of or coated with. Metal castings, security bars, and metal mesh on your window will interfere with signal reception.
Why Do Metals Block TV signals?
Electromagnetic (radio) waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation. Steven W. Ellingson reported in his book Radio System Engineering that radio waves are generated by the flow of electrical currents.
TV antennas are made with conductive copper wires for receiving radio waves. However, metals are also conductors of electricity and magnetism; they intercept and absorb the radio waves in transit, blocking TV signals from reaching the TV.
Since the metals on your window cannot translate the captured electromagnetic waves into television data, they receive the signals and render them obsolete.
The more metal components your window has, the poorer the signal reception for your TV.
Windows with metal castings and security bars are not the only kinds to look out for. Energy-efficient (Low-E) windows can block radio waves — even more than a wall does.
The panes of Low-E windows are coated with metal or metal oxides which creates just as much interference.
Windows — as a feature in architecture — do not block TV signals. Instead, the conductive materials on and around windows do.
Does a TV Antenna Have to Be Near a Window?
No, your TV antenna does not have to be near a window. Windows are great, but they are not the only option.
We have established that some windows include metallic materials that can obstruct TV signals. If the windows in your home fall into this category, you must consider other alternatives.
You need a location that allows minimal obstruction between the TV antenna and the TV broadcast tower. It is also best to avoid walls, cabinets, home appliances, and other objects that can cause interference.
If your windows are not a viable option, you can mount your TV antenna somewhere near the ceiling. This option is excellent for buildings with non-metal roofing.
If your ceiling and windows are not viable, you can purchase a rooftop/outdoor antenna instead.
They are larger than indoor antennas and can also pull in weak signals. If you properly position one on your rooftop, you can avoid the multiple interferences from other buildings in an urban area.
What Can Block the TV Signal?
Metals and conductive materials are not the only enemies of signal transmission. Several things can disrupt over-the-air broadcast signals. In this section, we’ll explore a number of these contributors.
1. Trees
Yes, big ol’ trees. If you live in a heavily wooded area, you’re probably used to having poor or non-existent signal reception.
Three factors make trees a nightmare for TV signal reception, and the first is wet leaves. Water is a conductor of electricity, so the water absorbs the electromagnetic waves intended for the antenna.
Tall trees with thick branches and leaves also break up the line of sight of the antennae and deflect TV signals.
Also, on windy days, the trees’ movement can disrupt over-the-air signal transmission, causing pixelation on your TV image.
2. Large Buildings
This is the prevalent cause of signal blocking in urban areas. Tall buildings bounce off radio waves before they can reach the reception point.
If the buildings in your area are tall enough to block the ‘line-of-sight’ between your signal broadcast towers, you’ll experience a lot of signal disruption.
Also, buildings with glass walls interfere with signals by bouncing or refracting the radio waves off their shiny surfaces.
3. Power Lines
If you live close to a power line or high tension lines in your environment, you will face some signal interference issues.
The power lines reflect TV signals from broadcast towers and reduce signal visibility for your TV antenna.
4. Construction Material
As we have established earlier, metallic materials used to construct windows and other building parts can intercept and absorb TV signals.
Other construction materials such as concrete walls, metal bars, metal roofs, and burglar-proof bars can block TV signals.
5. Weather
Weather is a known enemy of TV signal transmission. However, it is an unpredictable factor that is often out of our control.
Harsh weather like storms, severe rain, and fog can abruptly cut off radio waves in transmission. The signals reflect off the moisture in the atmosphere or are absorbed and earthed by falling rain droplets.
6. Topography
The natural landscape of an area can contribute to signal blocking. If you live in a valley, the line-of-sight of your signal broadcast towers may pass right over your antenna.
On the other hand, if a mountain or hill separates you from the broadcast towers, it will block the signal path.
Conclusion
Your TV antenna receives signals transmitted over the air from broadcast towers. As long as the line of sight is free of obstacles, you will receive clear images on your TV.
The window side is a great spot to set up your antenna. However, if your window contains metallic components, it will absorb the signal waves and block them from reaching your TV antenna.
If your window is not a viable spot, you can install your TV antenna close to the ceiling or invest in an outdoor antenna.
Gabriella ‘Diogo is a content writer with a vested interest in tech hardware and equipment. She shares her knowledge and processes in an easy-to-grasp, lighthearted style. When she’s not testing or researching device performance, you’ll find her writing short stories or rewatching episodes of her favorite sitcoms.