Digital Channel Signal Strength Is Low – (What Does It Means & How To Fix!)

Your Digital channel signal strength is low all of a sudden? This error message appears when the connection from your converter to your TV is not performing well.

Keep reading to learn how to identify the cause and solve the problem as soon as possible.

Make sure your converter is connected to the power and working. Next, inspect the coax connection between the converter and TV. In case the issue is caused by something else, you can simply factory reset the converter.

You’re already into the troubleshooting process, so let’s learn more about the possibilities behind the problem and then attempt to solve the problem.

What Does Digital Channel Signal Strength Is Low Means?

The below bullets are describing technical issues that can actually occur and trigger the signal-strength message.

There are quite a few things that can impact your digital signal so let’s take a look at each of them:

Problem with Converter

If your converter is not turned on, or not connected to the TV, you will be seeing the error message.

Port Issues

If any of the HDMI inputs/outputs, connecting your TV and converter are damaged, you might need to switch to another pair of ports.

Cable Problem

The cable of your choice (HDMI, A/V or Coax), connecting the TV and converter, might be loose or not working.

Antenna Problem

The problem could be caused by improper positioning or interference by nearby devices.

TV Problem

You could be seeing the error message related to another empty port on your TV. Make sure to select the right coax cable input from your converter.

Note: You should also be aware that the error message might also appear during bad weather.

With the possibilities upfront, you are ready to solve the problem. Proceed with the solutions below to identify and resolve the problem.

How To Fix Digital Channel Signal Strength Is Low?

To form a digital signal, your TV must have a converter box connected to your TV to convert the analog signal to a sharper digital signal.

In addition to your setup, there must also be an antenna that will acquire the signal in the first place.

Let’s start with setting up your converter properly:

Solution #1 Setup Converter

The quickest fix you can attempt is re-connecting both your antenna and converter. This will refresh the reception and resolve any misconfigured connection.

1. Disconnect ALL cables.
2. Make sure that the coax antenna cable goes in the ANT IN of your converter.
3. Use HDMI, A/V or coax cable to connect your converter to your TV.
4. Connect the cable to the respective converter output and correct TV input.
5. Choose the correct source on your TV.

Tip: Double-check if the cables are connected to their respective slots. If the signal strength is still low, proceed with repositioning your antenna.

Solution #2 Adjust Your Antenna

Moving and repositioning your antenna can actively improve the digital signal reception your TV converter is receiving.

If the issue appeared all of a sudden, simply check if something is obstructing it’s sight to the sky. There would be no need to reposition the antenna if it worked well yesterday.

Take your antenna as high as possible, regardless of if it’s indoors or outdoors. This will definitely strengthen the signal and ensure a clear sky sight.

Note: For indoor antenna users, you should reposition the antenna as close as possible to a window in the room.

The fastest way to adjust the signal would be to have someone observing the digital signal on the TV, while you adjust the antenna.

When you find the sweet spot, fixate the antenna position and enjoy high-quality channels. If the problem persists, proceed further.

Solution #3 Shuffle The Input

There might be a problem occurring with the input port on your converter box or TV itself.

We suggest switching the coax’s ends and choosing another TV input to see if this is why the digital channel signal strength is low.

Follow the steps down below if you’re not familiar with the inputs:

1. Unplug the coax cable from the splitter (if any)and the converter.
2. Switch the cable’s sides.
3. Connect the cable into a different converter output.
4. Plug the cable into a different TV input (if possible).
5. Tighten both ends.
6. If nothing works, try with different cables (HDMI, A/V or coax cable).

If you’re using a coaxial cable or A/V cables, your TV will most likely have only one dedicated input. As far as HDM, your TV should have multiple to try with.

Note: Don’t forget to change your TV source accordingly to the input port changes.

Solution #4 Prevent Interference

Antennas are unusually sensitive towards interference caused by their surroundings, especially when it comes to RF transmitters and other sorts of radios.

We suggest checking the surrounding area of your antenna as well as the converter box in order to resolve potential interference.

Note: Users with their antenna outside, make sure it has a clear line of sight to the sky.

Here are some of the objects to avoid placing near your antenna:

RF Transmitters/Radios

Remove any radios and other devices that work with RF signals in close proximity to your antenna and converter box.

Solid Objects

Make sure your antenna is not behind any solid objects that might be blocking the signal from reaching your device.

Electronics

Laptops, smartphones phones, tablets and basically any wireless device can interfere with the signal’s strength of your antenna.

When you’re sure that your antenna is not an object of interference, proceed with factory resetting the converter to solve any software issues.

Solution #5 Factory Reset Converter Box

When factory resetting a device, ALL settings and configurations will be permanently lost, so keep that in mind.

This type of reset has the highest chance of solving your issue if the problem is related to the converter.

Follow the steps below to reset your converter box:

1. Turn ON the converter and go to the Menu (Function).
2. Navigate and choose the Factory Reset option.
3. Enter your PIN (created during the first setup).
4. The factory reset will take about 3 minutes.

When the device is reset, you can choose Auto Scan or Rescan to refresh your channels list and check if the problem is gone.

Digital Channel Signal Strength Is Still Low…

In case your antenna setup is recently installed, you should know that some areas have lower reception in general.

Maybe installing your antenna higher outside might help, but not necessarily.

The solution would be to install a booster/amplifier. The device installs between your converter and antenna and boosts the signal strength.

To boost the digital signal strength, you should reconnect the antenna, reboot the converter and TV. Next, you should reposition the antenna, as high as possible, and prevent interference. Lastly, you can perform a factory reset on the converter.

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Bottom Line:

Now when you know why the digital channel signal strength is low, you should be able to address the problem and at least find out where the issue is coming from.

Keep in mind that the antenna signal is over-the-air and in case of a furious thunderstorm or heavy rain/snow, the signal might be slower than usual.