Although most people have made a switch to streaming TV, a good number of people still use a TV antenna. A TV antenna gives you access to local TV channels like NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX, and other channels. Unlike the streaming service, using a TV antenna is free. You don’t have to pay a monthly subscription fee to get access to local channels. Little wonder most people are reverting to using antennas to save TV bills.
If you’re using the TV antenna and having issues with getting the CBS channel or any other local channel, this post is for you. This post will explain why the CBS channel isn’t showing on your antenna and possible ways to fix the issue.
Why Can’t I Get CBS On My Antenna?
There are several reasons why you can’t get the CBS channel on your antenna TV. It could be an issue with the tower distance, obstructions, and failure to receive signals. Below is a breakdown of the possible reasons why the CBS channel isn’t showing on your antenna TV.
a. Issue With The Antenna
If you’re having issues getting CBS on Antenna, it could be that your antenna is having issues receiving CBS signals. This could be caused by a damaged or broken antenna. If you’ve checked and the antenna is in good shape, check for any of the other issues below. Also, if your antenna is not placed in a direct line of sight to the broadcast tower, it will affect signal reception.
b. Change in Channel Frequency
Another reason could be that the local channels, including CBS, have switched to a new frequency. This is because not too long ago, Congress gave authorization to the FCC to hold a spectrum auction. The aim was to free up some over-the-air TV frequencies to give space for new high-speed wireless services.
c. Distance From Broadcast Tower
Also, it could be that the broadcast transmission tower is too far from your location. If your location is outside the range of the broadcast tower, you will have issues receiving signals. The best outdoor antenna has a reception range of about 70 miles.
d. Obstruction From Heavy Objects
Tall trees and tall buildings with thick walls can obstruct TV signal reception. If you’re in a location with many tall trees, you will have issues with receiving signals to show CBS channels and other local channels.
e. Interference From Cell Towers
4G LTE and 5G signals can weaken or block TV reception. If you live in a location with a cell tower nearby, it can affect your TV signal reception. Not just cell towers, some Wi-Fi routers, setup boxes, and some electronic devices can also interfere with TV reception.
f. Bad Weather Condition
The signal reception can be affected by bad weather conditions like heavy rain. If you scan for channels on a rainy day, you might not get all the local channels available.
Troubleshooting Tips To Get CBS On Your TV
a. Always Rescan The Channels
These days, some TV channels have digital subchannels. You need to rescan regularly to get both the main channels and the subchannels. When you rescan, the TV tuner automatically searches for and updates new channels. With a rescan, you can get CBS, weather, local news channels, and other favorite channels. Follow the Steps Below To rescan for channels
. Press the ‘Setup’ or ‘Menu’ button on your TV remote or a digital converter box remote if you use an analog TV.
. Check for ‘Channel Scan’ from the options. It may be listed as ‘Broadcast’ on Samsung TVs or ‘Live TV’ on LG TVs.
. You will find the option to tune manually or automatically. Click on ‘Autoscan or Autotune.
. Allow for a few minutes to complete the auto scan. After the first scan, it is advisable to run a second auto scan to pick up channels missed in the first scan.
b. Check The Antenna For Damage
A damaged antenna can’t receive the TV reception to show your favorite local channels. Thus, if you are having an issue getting CBS or other local channels, you need to check your antenna for damage. Follow the tips below to check for damage to your antenna.
. Check the antenna for any physical damage. Especially your outdoor antenna because an outdoor antenna is prone to damages due to weather conditions and other factors.
. Check the cables and cords for signs of damage. Also, check to see if the cables and cords are plugged in correctly.
. Plugin your antenna’s connector into another TV and check the TV input. If it functions well, then it means that it’s the TV that is faulty, not the antenna.
. If you’re using a splitter, disconnect the splitter and connect your cable directly into the TV or converter and rescan for channels.
c. Buy a VHF and UHF Antenna
Most old antennas only receive UHF signals. That’s including some so-called HD digital antennas. Those types of antennas can’t receive CBS channel signals. You need to buy an antenna that receives both VHF and UHF signals. Buy On Amazon
d. Remove Devices That Block Signals
Check for devices that interfere or block TV reception in the home especially if you’re using an indoor antenna. These include electronic devices like LED light bulbs, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and similar devices. Remove these devices and keep them away from your TV antenna.
e. Check For Reflector On Your Antenna
Some TV antennas have reflectors. Reflectors tend to block signals, especially from the back. In other words, the reflector can block signals even if it’s coming from the opposite direction. Check if your antenna has a reflector and remove it.
f. Check For TV Broadcast Tower
It was mentioned earlier that you will have issues picking up TV signals if the broadcast tower is far from your location. The solution is to use this TV station locator to find the broadcast tower close to your location. After you find it, apply the tips below:
- Find the broadcast tower with the strongest signal in your location.
- Check the level of signal coverage in your location
- Make sure you point your antenna in its direction
- Check for local channel frequencies in your location and confirm your antenna supports them.