An antenna is essential to receive signals from the Satellite network. After you set up an antenna, you can access local channels like PBS, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and other local channels. Most people opt for this over streaming TV because it’s cheap and saves money on TV bills.
If you are having issues getting PBS on Antenna or any other local channel, this post is for you. In this post, you will understand why PBS isn’t showing on your antenna TV and ways to fix the issue.
Why Can’t I Get PBS With My Antenna?
There are several reasons why you can’t access the PBS channel on your antenna TV. It could be caused by an issue with the frequency setting, distance from the nearest tower, or bad weather. Below is a breakdown of the possible reasons why the PBS channel is not showing on your antenna TV.
a. Change In Frequencies
The common possible reason why you are not getting PBS or any other local channel on antenna TV could be the channel has been switched to a new frequency. If you watch the PBS channel over-the-air using an antenna, the channel may not show because it has been moved to a new frequency. This is because of a new regulation by the FCC to free up space for high-speed wireless streaming services.
b. Bad Weather Condition
Bad weather can affect signal reception and this will affect local channels. Bad weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, or snow can cause this. If the issue is caused by bad weather conditions, it will affect all the local channels and not just a particular channel.
c. Damaged On The Antenna
Another reason you are having issues getting PBS on Antenna could be because your antenna isn’t receiving PBS signals. This could be caused by damage to the antenna.
d. Distance From Broadcast Tower
If the broadcast transmission tower is far from your home, it can affect signals. The best option is to invest in a good outdoor antenna. Good outdoor antennas have a reception range of about 70 miles.
e. Interference From Cell Towers
If there is a cell tower near your location, it can affect your TV signal reception. 4G LTE and 5G cell towers are known to weaken or block TV signals. Also, setup boxes, Wi-Fi routers, and some electronic devices also interfere with TV signals.
f. Obstruction From Heavy Objects
Tall buildings, trees, and thick walls can obstruct TV signal reception. If you are in a location with many tall buildings or trees, you may have issues with receiving TV signals.
5 Troubleshooting Tips To Get PBS On Antenna
a. Rescan Your Antenna TV
We mentioned earlier that most local channels were required by FCC to switch frequencies to provide space for wireless streaming services. This means that you need to rescan your TV to get the new frequencies for PBS and other local channels. When you perform a rescan, the TV tuner automatically searches for and updates a channel’s new frequency.
Follow the steps below to rescan the antenna for the PBS channel.
. Press the ‘Menu’ button on your TV remote or digital converter box remote if you use an analog TV. For some remote controls, the button to press is the ‘Setup’ button.
. Select ‘Channel Setup’ from the menu.
. Select ‘Tuner’ or ‘Antenna’ from the options
. Choose ‘Start a new Scan’. Wait for the process to complete. This may take 5 minutes or less to complete. It is advisable to run a second auto scan to pick up channels missed in the first scan. After that, check for the PBS channel again.
b. Check Your Antenna
If you are having an issue getting PBS or other local channels on an antenna, you need to check your antenna for damages. Follow the tips below to check for damages to your antenna.
. Check the cables and cord for signs of damage. Also, confirm the cables and cords are plugged incorrectly.
. Plug the antenna’s connector to another TV and check the TV input. If it works well, it means the fault is from your TV and not the antenna.
. Check the antenna for physical damage. Outdoor antennas are prone to damages caused by bad weather conditions.
. If you are using a splitter, disconnect the splitter and connect your cable directly to your TV or converter. Then follow the steps above to rescan for channels.
c. Remove Signal Blockers
Check for devices that interfere or block TV signals in your home especially if you are using an indoor antenna. These include Wi-Fi monitors, baby monitors, LED light bulbs, and similar devices. Switch the device to another location away from your TV antenna.
d. Invest in a VHF and UHF Antenna
Most old antennas receive just UHF signals, which includes some HD digital antennas. Those types of antennas can’t receive PBS channel signals. You need to buy an antenna that receives both UHF and VHF signals. Buy on Amazon.
e. Check For The Nearest TV Broadcast Tower
The final solution is to check for a broadcast tower close to your location and point your antenna in its direction. Follow the steps below to complete the process:
. Find the broadcast tower closest to your location using this TV station locator.
. Check for the broadcast tower with the strongest signal.
. Point your antenna in its direction
. Check for local channel frequencies in your location and confirm your antenna supports the channels.