You have been observing pixelated pictures for months. You have already called out a technician to tighten your cable, and the bracket has also been repaired. You are seeking an answer to the same question every Sydney homeowner experiences: should I patch the cable again or replace TV antenna gear altogether?
Quick answer: If your antenna’s age is between 8 and 10 years with no cracks, damage, or visible rust, it’s better to repair it. According to Australia’s Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the average age of antennas is between 10 and 15 years before reception issues occur. So, if your antenna is near that age and you are noticing that the same issue is returning, antenna replacement is generally recommended. The technicians at Fix TV Antenna inspect the strength of your antenna on-site before recommending repair or replace the TV antenna.
It’s worth finding out why this is important to make the right choice, rather than ignoring it. The Australian Government’s Television Consumer Survey Report 2022 finds that 59% of Australians watch free-to-air TV via antennas or broadcast signals. ACMA says that the weekly viewership of free-to-air between 2021 and 2022 rose from 64% to 70%. In the majority of Sydney households, working antennas with adequate TV antenna lifespan play a major role, and this is why it’s important to fix instead of avoiding.
Signs that Your Old TV Antenna Needs Attention
You can’t fix your old TV antenna at once; it will give you a few warnings:
- After a storm, it can get cracked or bent, or you may find any missing elements, as summer in Sydney is hard on rooftop hardware.
- You can notice visible rust, which weakens the signal and limits reception quality even before you notice any issue with your picture quality.
- Repeated call-outs for the same issue, and if after calling technicians twice within one or two years, generally means you are getting signals that your old TV antenna needs attention now.
- Constant pixelation across channels, even after the required signal test.
Antenna Repair vs. Replacement: Which Factors to Consider Before Making a Choice
There’s no one guaranteed single rule that applies to all situations. However, antenna repair vs. replacement can be analysed through some real-time checks.
- Check the age of your antenna first. If your antenna is under 8 years old and there is no physical damage, repair it. But if your antenna is over 12 years old and you are facing signal issues, you must replace TV antenna.
- Compare the costs. Generally, antenna repair is worth considering as it costs less than half the price of a new antenna installation. If you find that the cost of repair is higher in your case, then you can go for replacing the antenna.
- Find the actual reason, whether it’s a corroded joint, a loose connector, or misalignment. Fix TV Antenna will recommend the best choice after a proper signal strength analysis.
Things That You Will Gain From Antenna Replacement
New antenna installation goes beyond just fixing the faults. Modern antennas have the configuration for supporting the digital frequency range and can deal with interference from nearby mobile towers better compared to models that were installed around a decade ago. If your reception has weakened over time, Fix TV Antenna’s installation service gets you an antenna that matches your transmitter and suburb, ensuring proper cabling.
When Should You Consider Repair
If your TV antenna is relatively new and the fault is in a loose connection, aging cable, or misalignment, there’s no point to replace TV antenna equipment that’s working well. Antenna repair service at Fix TV Antenna covers all these required fixes, diagnosed after an on-site visit instead of just assuming things over the phone. Get a free quote today from Fix TV Antenna and get all the answers to your problem from an experienced Sydney technician.