“My OTA TV Channels Just Disappeared!”

Have your over-the-air TV channels disappeared? If so, here’s what you need to do, cord-cutters.

Did you recently cut the cord? If so, you might encounter a phenomenon that many veteran cord-cutters have experienced. It’s the total disappearance of all your over-the-air TV channels. It can be shocking if this happens, especially to anyone who’s just cut the cord. If this happens, the best advice we can give you is “Don’t panic!” Those channels haven’t disappeared, your antenna just needs to find them again. Here are five steps to relocate those missing OTA TV channels.

 

Step 1: Check Connections

If your OTA TV channels suddenly disappear, remember Occam’s Razor. This philosophical tool says that “the simplest answer is most often the correct one.” In other words, if you can’t find your channels, DON’T assume your TV antenna and gear “blew up.” It’s probably something as simple as a loose connection. That’s why checking your connections is the first step in the plan. Go over each one and tighten up anything that’s loose. You’ll probably discover that your channels have returned. (Hint: They were there all along!)

Step 2: Re-Scan for Channels

Let’s say all your connections check out. What do you do now? We recommend re-scanning for those lost local channels. If you’ve cut the cord and have been enjoying free TV, then you’ve already done this. You know how easy it is, so it won’t be hard to do it again. Sometimes lost channels can be “found” again with a simple channel scan. If this is all your TV needed, you just saved yourself a trip to the roof!

Step 3: Check Your Antenna Aiming

The aim of your TV antenna might be another reason your OTA channels are gone. Yes, we know you got up on the roof, used a signal meter, and secured your TV antenna in the best possible position. But what if you had a bad storm the night before? Or you were working on the roof? Or someone kid crashed kite into your antenna? It’s time to get up on that roof and see if antenna aiming is the problem. Once you relocate your signal, do another channel scan when you get inside.

Step 4: Look for Obstructions

Sometimes things just get between our TV antennas and the local transmitters. It might be a fallen tree branch or your neighbor’s new pole barn. Whatever the case, you’ll have to climb atop the roof to readjust/re-aim your TV antenna. Unless the obstruction is HUGE, you should be able to redirect your TV antenna to receive free HDTV. Once you reestablish the signal, you’ll need to re-scan for your local channels. Once you find them, you’re back in business with all that free local TV.

Step 5: Call Solid Signal

So, let’s say you go through all four of these steps and still can’t find your channels. What do you do? Call us here at Solid Signal, of course! Our TV antenna experts will help diagnose your problem over the phone then guide you through the fix. And if you need a new TV antenna, amplifier, or other electronics equipment, we carry that, too. Just give us a call at 888-233-7563. We’re always willing to help a cord-cutter in need.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.