COMET AUDIO VISUAL

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Commonly asked questions answered including general information on the industry.

Will I lose signal if I install additional TV outlets?

If you have multiple TV outlets in your home run through a splitter you will lose signal for each additional outlet installed. The signal loss is constant regardless if you use one outlet or all of them. If you have multiple outlets and a good quality antenna in good condition then the best way to increase TV signal is to install an amplifier (sometimes called boosters) in the roof before the splitter.

If you are in a poor signal area the antenna may need to be installed on a higher pole to enable enough signal to get to the amplifier in order for the TV signal to be amplified cleanly. The amplified signal will only be as strong as the signal going into it.

Which is the strongest analogue TV signal?

Channel 2 analogue is generally the strongest TV signal received by the antenna. This is due to the low frequency it is transmitted on. However, Channel 2 analogue is usually the first channel to give problems when there is a fault with the antenna or antenna system. 

This type of problem is easily fixed by rectifying the faulty antenna system. Channel 2 analogue is also very susceptible to electrical interference. If this type of problem is occurring the best solution is to change over to digital.

Can all TV's receive digital TV?

Yes, digital TV can be received by all TV's with a Digital Set Top Box.

A good signal is still needed from the antenna system to receive digital TV.

Why can't I get SBS or Channel 31 clearly?

TV signals on UHF (SBS and Channel 31) are harder to get if there is a nearby hill or building in the way of the TV transmitters. This is because TV signals on higher frequencies take longer to bend over hills, buildings etc. Channel 31 transmitter is weak relative to the SBS transmitter. This causes problems in receiving a good Channel 31 signal in many areas of Perth. This can be overcome by the use of amplifiers and or more powerful antennas installed correctly.

Do more elements on an antenna ensure a stronger signal is received?

The number of elements on an antenna is not a good indication of its performance capability. This is because all manufacturers do not use the same guide for counting elements. In some cases UHF elements are even doubled up with no real benefit to the performance of the antenna.  More elements on an antenna may lead a consumer to believe they have a better antenna, however this is not the case.

There are a large range of antennas available on the market today. Apart from the performance consideration the construction of the antenna is very important. Comet Electronics only use Hills antennas as they are without a doubt the market leader and the very best product on the market. They are also Australia's oldest and most experienced antenna manufacturer and are Australian owned. When you buy a Hills antenna you can be confident you are buying into a wealth of knowledge provided by the Hills antenna systems.

What is digital breakup?

Digital break up occurs when there is a problem with the digital signal quality or electrical interference. It is identified by a pixelating or frozen picture commonly accompanied by a 'sound blich' from your TV. This is not doing the TV any harm but can make TV viewing annoying or impossible to view.

Digital TV reception is also susceptible to 'impulse noise' which can result from flicking on a light switch, opening a fridge door or turning on a washing machine. This commonly causes a spit second of picture breakup or longer if the interference is more severe.

How do I know if I have a problem with my digital signal?

The only real way of identifying why you have a problem with the digital signal is to get a technician to check your digital signals from your antenna system with a good digital meter. If the signals are good and you still have the problem then the problem is more than likely impulse noise interference or a faulty Digital Set Top box. If the digital signals are good on all channels and the breakup occurs on all channels then the problem is more than likely the box as it is extremely unusual to have interference on all channels.

If the digital signals are all good and the problem only happens on a few channels then the problem is probably electrical interference. The Australian Communication Authority can be contacted and they will be able to trace the source of the interference.

Prior to doing this it is recommended that your antenna system is installed to the highest standards. Achieving good signal levels from your antenna (in some cases this is easier said than done), ensure all cable where possible is RG6 quad shield coax, and installed as far from electrical cables as possible.

I have intermittent interference problems with my TV reception.

Interference problems are hard to trace when they are intermittent.

If you are having intermittent problems with your TV reception take note of the time of day, weather conditions and which channels are being affected.

There are so many variables that can hinder good TV reception. In the vast majority of cases at least 99.5% a good result can be obtained with cooperation between the technician and the client.

If there is a problem after you have had your new antenna system installed by Comet Electronics we will always provide a courtesy service call to check out the problem. We will run through a standard check list to identify the problem and make a recommendation to fix the problem. If the problem is obviously caused by user error or user's equipment then our standard service call will be charged.

If the problem is intermittent and not happening whilst the technician is onsite the problem will be discussed and guidance will be given to try and identify the cause of the problem. In some cases numerous service calls are required to solve the problem or identify the cause of the problem. This is not standard and our normal charges will apply for this service.

The Technician will follow these steps when a new system has been installed and a problem is being encountered:

Step one - check the system and the signal levels.

Step two - check how the customer is operating their equipment.

Step three - make up a written check list flow chart that has definite outcomes and clearly shows customers the system and steps we are taking to solve the problem.

Step four - go through the check list flow chart with the client to try and identify the problem.

In times of uncertainty install a test digital decoder box to try an isolate the problem.

When all avenues have been covered it may be necessary to get in contact with the Australian Communications Authority to identify the source of the interference.

At times when there are odd problems it can be extremely frustrating for all involved. Please remember you are dealing with a professional well established business with an excellent reputation and track record. Our system for solving difficult reception problems has been fine tuned over 16 years in the industry as well as backed up by some of the best and most expensive test equipment in the industry.

All of our technicians follow the same system which always leads to the same conclusion. In the majority of cases our technicians find a solution, whether it be upgrading the antenna system or identifying a problem caused by interference which can then be dealt with by the Australian Communications Authority.

This service is not a standard installation and will incur additional charges after the initial first, courtesy service call. Your understanding and courtesy in these cases is most appreciated. You will find our level of service unmatched by any company in the industry.