MirstsTV on reception: a guide to over-the-air, satellite and antennas

An independent reference about home TV reception. We don't sell equipment or install antennas, and we're not connected with the former site on this domain.

No signal

Troubleshooting

A "No signal" message is alarming, but most of the time the cause is something simple: the wrong input is selected, a cable came loose or the settings got changed. Below are common situations and a calm order of checks to help you figure out whether you can handle it yourself or it's time to call a pro.

Start with what you can check by hand in a minute, and only then think about replacing equipment.

— Editor's note

How this section works: the tips are written in general terms and fit most home setups. Anything that means opening a case, climbing up high or working with wiring is a job for a professional.

When something goes wrong

My TV says "No signal." Where do I start?

Check the input selected on the TV: with a set-top box connected, you need to choose the box's input, not the built-in tuner. Then look over the antenna cable and make sure the box is on.

The picture breaks into blocks and freezes

That's what a digital signal looks like when it's right at the edge. Open the quality meter and try moving or turning the antenna slightly. Check the cable for kinks and loose connections.

Channels disappeared after a rescan

The scan may have run while the antenna was in a bad position, or the wrong reception type was selected. Put the antenna back where it was, check that digital over-the-air mode is on and scan again.

There's a picture but no sound

Make sure the sound isn't muted on one of the two remotes and isn't routed to external speakers. The audio track can sometimes change in the set-top box menu, so check that setting against the manual.

The remote doesn't work with the set-top box

Check the batteries and clear anything between the remote and the box. If you're using the TV remote, keep in mind it doesn't always control the box; you may need the box's own remote.

Nothing works after a thunderstorm

Don't touch the outdoor antenna or its cable until the storm is over. Then check the power to the set-top box and TV. If the devices won't turn on or you smell burning, unplug them and contact a professional.

When the signal drops

  1. Check the input

    Press the input or source button on the remote and make sure the input your receiving device is connected to is selected. This is the most common cause of a black screen.

  2. Inspect the cables

    With a flashlight, check that the plugs are seated firmly at both ends, the cable isn't pinched by furniture and no pets have chewed on it.

  3. Restart your devices

    Unplug the TV and set-top box for a minute, then plug them back in. That's often enough to clear a random glitch.

  4. Look at the signal meter

    Open the signal information menu. If the readings are zero on every channel, the problem is the antenna or cable; if they're weak, try repositioning the antenna.

  5. Find out if the transmitter is down for maintenance

    Broadcasts are sometimes interrupted temporarily for maintenance. Planned outages are usually posted on the broadcast network's official website.

  6. Call a professional

    If everything indoors checks out and there's still no signal, the problem may be in the outdoor part of the system. Don't climb up there yourself; leave it to someone with the right gear.

  • Guides

    Step-by-step guides: scanning for digital channels, finding a spot for the antenna, hooking up a set-top box and taming the cables. Plus our article catalogue.

  • Tools

    What to keep handy: a digital TV coverage map, your TV's manual, the signal menu on your set-top box, the right cable, labels and a flashlight.

  • Safety

    The real risks around TV reception: working at height, outdoor antennas in a thunderstorm, cables underfoot, an overheating box and pushy "mandatory upgrades."

  • Glossary

    Key terms in plain English: multiplex, UHF band, coverage area, LNB, receiver, auto scan, and signal strength versus signal quality.

  • Questions

    Answers to common questions about over-the-air digital TV, satellite reception and home equipment: what your TV needs to show channels.

Sources

  • RTRS (Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network): official information on digital terrestrial TV
  • TV and set-top box user manuals (general provisions)
  • Mirsts editorial materials

This information is given in general terms as of the date it was prepared. Channel lineups, TV menus and contract terms change over time, so when in doubt, go by your device's manual and the official information from your broadcast network.