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you can try getting a better antenna other than that check the connection on the back of the radio for the antenna, the new radios do not have an adjustable antenna trim like the old ones used to.
It should- that splitter is generally used for factory telephone reception and also there is an antenna located in the rear window glass. It will work for radio reception but it will interfer with your phone if you have a phone installed. just make sure you have a good antenna ground. Try removing the grond and sanding the metal so that there is no paint or oxidation that causes higher resistance. This generally affects a.m. reception.
Use an Antenna that Provides Good Reception of All Channels
Most existing antennas used by consumers will provide good reception of DTV signals. (Before making any changes, try your existing antenna first to see of it allows you to receive all the stations you normally watch.)
For watching DTV signals, you will need an antenna that provides good reception of both VHF signals (channels 2-13) and UHF signals (channels 14-51) to reliably receive all of the digital signals broadcast in your area.
Many antennas are designed only for reception of either VHF or UHF signals (but not both). For example, the commonly used “rabbit ears” indoor antenna is only suitable for receiving VHF signals. To receive UHF signals, an indoor antenna should also include a wire loop or other feature for reception in that band.
The reception capabilities of TV antennas also vary considerably, so be sure to talk to retail consultants and look at information on the packaging and/or the Internet to make sure that any new antenna you may choose provides good reception of both VHF and UHF channels. In addition, if you use an indoor antenna and receive signals on VHF channels, you may need to use an antenna with amplification.
Many antennas currently being sold as “HDTV Antennas,” perform best at receiving UHF signals; some of these models state that they provide reception of signals on channels 7-13 but actually perform less well receiving those channels. If you obtain one of these antennas, be sure it provides good reception of all the VHF channels as well as the UHF channels.
To check for the DTV signals that are available at your location, use the DTV Reception Maps available at www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps.
Check Your Connections
Check that your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television is connected properly. Make sure your antenna is connected to the antenna input of your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television. If using a digital-to-analog converter box, also ensure that the antenna output of your converter box is connected to the antenna input of your analog TV. Refer to the owner’s manuals of your components if you are unsure of the proper connections.
Ensure that your components are plugged in and have their power turned on.
If you have a digital-to-analog converter box, tune your analog TV to channel 3. You should see a set-up menu or picture displayed on your TV screen. If you do not see a set-up menu or picture, tune your TV to channel 4. If you still do not see a set-up menu or picture, recheck your connections.
Perform a Channel Scan
Digital-to-analog converter boxes and digital televisions have a button, usually on the remote control, that is labeled “set-up” or “menu” or some similar term. Press that button to access the set-up menu. Using the directional arrow buttons on your remote, scroll to the option that allows you to perform a “channel scan.” The channel scan will automatically search for digital broadcast channels that are available in your area. Consult the owner’s manual of your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television for detailed instructions on how to perform a channel scan for your device.
Once the channel scan is complete, you will be able to tune to the digital channels received by your antenna. You should perform a channel scan periodically to check whether additional digital channels have become available.
Adjust Your Antenna
Small adjustments to your antenna can make a big difference in the number of digital channels you can receive. If you have an indoor antenna, try elevating it and moving it closer to an exterior wall of your home. After adjusting your antenna, perform another channel scan to see if your reception is improved.
While adjusting your antenna, it may be helpful to access the “signal strength meter” on your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television to determine whether your adjustments are improving the signals’ strength. The signal strength meter is usually accessed through the menu feature on your remote control. Refer to the owner’s manual of your device for detailed instructions on how to access its signal strength meter. Remember to do another channel scan after you have adjusted your antenna.
Television stations broadcasting in digital use both the VHF band (channels 2-13) and UHF band (channels 14-51). Many indoor antennas use “rabbit ears” for the VHF band and a “loop” or “bow-tie” antenna for the UHF band. Make sure you are using an antenna that covers both the VHF and UHF bands and have connected it properly.
If You are Still Having Difficulty:
Until June 12, 2009, some stations will be operating at reduced power levels. If you are not receiving certain digital TV stations, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your antenna or digital-to-analog converter box or digital television. Check with the TV station to find out whether they are planning changes that will improve reception.
When an analog TV signal is weak or receives interference, static, snow, and distortion will often appear on the screen. Digital broadcasting will provide a clear picture; however, if the signal falls below a certain minimum strength, the picture can disappear. This “cliff effect” means that if you watch analog TV stations that have static and distortion, you may have to adjust or upgrade your antenna system.
Simple indoor antennas provide minimal performance that may not be suitable for your location. If you are unable to obtain satisfactory DTV reception with your current indoor antenna, you may wish to obtain an indoor antenna that includes features for better reception of UHF signals, as well as VHF, and/or an amplifier to boost the received signal (often referred to as an active indoor antenna).
Generally, an outdoor antenna will get better reception than an indoor antenna. However, the performance of outdoor antennas can degrade over time due to exposure to the weather. If you are having problems, check for loose or corroded wiring, broken antenna elements and that the antenna is pointed in the right direction.
Try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and digital-to-analog converter box or digital television as short as possible for best reception.
“Splitters” that are used to connect a single antenna to multiple digital-to-analog converter boxes or digital televisions reduce the amount of signal available to each device. If you are having problems, check whether reception is improved without the splitter. In some cases an “active” splitter that includes an amplifier can solve the problem.
If you are near a station’s broadcast tower, reception of that station, as well as other stations, can be impeded by strong signal “overload.” Consider using an “attenuator” or removing amplifiers to improve your reception.
If you decide to replace or upgrade your indoor or outdoor antenna, many types are available from electronics retail stores at a variety of prices. Websites such as www.antennaweb.org provide information on the locations of broadcast towers and the types of outdoor antennas appropriate for the stations you wish to receive. If you need assistance with upgrading your antenna system, check with a local antenna retailer or antenna installer.
To check for the DTV signals that are available at your location, use the DTV Reception Maps available at www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps.
I was having the same problem with a jvc kd hdr 30. I Installed it myself over a year ago and never wanted to deal with the issue. Finally, I decided to take a look at it today.
On my head unit, all wires were connected except one blue one with a tag that says "do not connect to power, for remote device or power antenna only." This unit is in a '97' MBZ E320 with no visible antenna; I think it is part of the windshield. In any case, between the wiring diagram in the manual and the harness that is part of my car, I was left with 2 blue wires to choose from, one with a white stripe and one with a gray stripe. After testing both for power or ground, I determined neither had power with key on or off. Both had high resistance ground when compared to the chassis ground. In other words, I measured between chassis and these wires. First, I took a wire and connected it to the chassis ground and connected the other end to the blue wire coming from the unit while tuned to a local am station. This simply killed all reception am or fm but did not harm the unit. Next, I connected the blue wire with gray stripe of the car harness to the blue wire of the unit and again this killed all reception. Then I connected the blue wire with white stripe of car harness to the blue wire of unit and presto magic I had great am reception.
I am guessing that this blue wire with white stripe must be part of the antenna itself or perhaps is a connection that increases antenna power. Maybe 'power antenna' on tag refers to an actual powered antenna (like as in amplified?) and not as in an antenna that rises up out of fender, as I believed.
This may not help the first person with the question, but maybe it will help someone out there who searches for these kinds of answers like I do from time to time.
That's a problem with the digital broadcasting. Signal strength is critical, and the frequencies used are more directional. Some people are finding they get no reception at all. Your antenna may not need to be higher, but aimed in a different direction. Did you have a rotator installed as well? An outside antenna really should be pointed toward the station. You might also be able to add an amplifier to the antenna to boost the signal. But get a mast-mounted version that mounts right at the antenna, not the kind that goes at the TV set.
You may have a bad antenna or antenna cable.
FM signals are measured in microvolts and are easily influenced by poor antennas or a mashed antenna cable.
First, you don't need a Smart Antenna, the manual is simply stating that your converter will use one if you have it. Any standard antenna will work, so there is no need for a coupon to pay for a new one, whether indoor or outdoor depending on your location and distance from each channel transmission tower. Since you don't give details of what antenna you are using, I will assume you have rabbit ears for each converter. Rabbit ears are notorious for poor reception and any metal or persons nearby will change the reception quality. I would recommend a roof mounted external antenna with splitters for the 3 converters if you have the option. If not, use an amplified internal antenna and mount it closest to the channel towers you will watch most and as high as possible. If you can find a smart antenna, which is an amplified indoor/outdoor antenna with a control cable for changing the direction of reception, for a decent price, you can use that but keep in mind that to use the control feature you will need one for each converter. Also, check antennaweb.org for information on digital channels in your area and their direction and distance. Antennaweb.org will also tell you if any digital channel in your area uses VHF frequencies. If they don't then a UHF only antenna will work fine.
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