severe interference on digital tv from traffic

[robotica71]

Apart from fitting a digital ariel,is there anything i can use to stop this?

[Nilfennasion]

You are going to have to provide a lot more in the way of details before we can even begin informing you of anything remotely approaching a solution.

What, exactly, is the problem? How does it manifest? What events cause the problem? Things like that.

[Richard_G]

In a word, no. With analogue TV as the signal strength drops the picture quality gets worse. It will deteriorate to the point that the TV cannot sufficiently decode the colour sub carrier at which point it will drop back to black and white. However, all the time it is still there and just about watchable. Digital either works or it doesn't. If you have sufficient signal, it is fine. If the signal is marginal (ie. within 3dB of the minimum required level for your receiver), it will drop out, freeze and pixelate in the presence of any other interfering signal. If it is less than that, tough, you'll get nothing.

If the level is either just too low or marginal, some people try to increase the level by fitting an amplifier (often sold as a booster). This may work on odd occasions if you live in an electrically quiet area. If you don't, as you obviously don't if traffic is a problem, it will probably make things worse. Not only will the amplifier increase the level of the wanted signal but any interferring signals too.

The recommended way of checking if a received signal level is adequate is to insert a 6dB attenuator in line. If the signal continues to be fully usable (with no drop outs), it is sufficient. The 6dB margin allows for variations in signal strength due to changes in propagation caused by weather, atmospheric pressure, sunspot activity and local influences.

Bottom line, unless you can spit at your local TV transmitter, you need a proper aerial (as opposed to an ariel, which is a washing powder!).

[edDV]

Try a directional antenna.

Omni directional antennas pick up interference from all directions, also DTV multipath reflections.

[robotica71]

Thanks all, i live next to a very busy road.And the traffic causes severe disruption on the tv.I cant fit a digital ariel ,as i live in a block of flats and the ariel is shared.Is there no gadget that i can attach to the cable to cut out the interference.The tv cost me a fortune and i cant friggin watch it apart from dvds.

[Richard_G]

If you are in a block of flats you will almost certainly have a clause in your tenancy agreement that prevents you from fitting your own TV aerial anyway. As the aerial system feeds all flats, it is the landlords responsibility to ensure that it is working properly. If you can't receive off air digital transmissions it clearly isn't, assuming you are in an area that is shown as covered by DVB-T. Point out the problem to him/them and don't take no for an answer.

I might be able to help, what part of the country are you in?