TV signal + Fast Speed = Bad picture

**ODYSSEY** · 11-18-2002, 05:42 AM

I'm using my radio's antenna as my TV tuner's antenna. It works great while the car isn't moving. But as soon as I reach speeds faster than 30mph the picture starts to go; the faster I go the worst the picture gets. I've been trying to find a fix for this, but have come up empty handed. Any suggestions.

**mp3z24** · 11-18-2002, 09:12 AM

2 things to think about... i dont know if im way off here, or if this is going to make sense.

first of all, is it related to electrical noise. remember when we all had cheapo radios in cars, and the electrical nosie (whine) would increase with the speed of the car.....

or perhaps, the radio antenna isnt designed to pick up signals within the broadcast frequency range of television. i know that i have never seen a car/van/limo that has a tv in it, that doesnt have one of those boomerang antennas. you might have to look into getting an antenna specifically designed for television frequency reception...

or perhaps where you live, the tv signals only travel at 30 mph. after all, tv's dont usually move

~mike

**Telek** · 11-18-2002, 11:22 AM

check into getting a radio noise supressor. you can get those adapters that slip inline with your antenna cable to remove alternator noise and whatnot, that should help you a lot. Alternatively try using a whip antenna instead.

**felix99** · 11-18-2002, 11:36 AM

Hi,
The reason is simple :You cannot watch TV while driving . Its technically (exeption is free field ) impossible !. Due to reflections by buildings trees etc etc - the signal doesn't stay proper nor level-equal- .
Also the Radio Antenna isn't designed for TV frequency range - but thats the minor problem in this case .
The only way to watch TV incar while moving is watching Digital TV

Sorry

Regards

Felix

( Student of Media - Technologies )

**Telek** · 11-18-2002, 11:49 AM

umm, unless you plan on driving at a significant percentage of the speed of light, then you can get a TV signal in car while you're driving.

Check out this search at google or this company (sells special antennas $17-$34) or this company that sells another one.

Additionally the type of antenna is not very important at all. Haven't you ever used a piece of clothes hanger as a makeshift antenna? You can use anything from 6 guage to 20 guage wire for an antenna, as the whip type of antennas use very very fine wire and some antennas use very thick wire. you can get antennas of any shape and/or size as well. Although it is true that there are certain sizes and shapes that will work better, you can get signal on just about any piece of wire that you can try. Most antennas that come with TVs are of a telescoping nature as well, again different style than a whip or solid wire antenna, and it works just fine as well. In a pinch I've even used an extension cable as a makeshift antenna

Try my suggestion about a radio antenna noise filter first (maybe go to a place that you can return an opened product if it doesn't help you). Additionally try to use a normal TV antenna and see if you have any problems while driving. I've watched handheld TVs while walking, in a car in downtown Toronto and while on a bullet train and they work fine.

**freestyler** · 11-18-2002, 01:45 PM

too bad rat shack doesn't sell more mobile antennas for like tvs, the guys by my house let me drop my drivers license with them and I walk in and out of the store usually trying things out in the jeep

**phil.45** · 11-18-2002, 02:55 PM

I hate to be negative here, but I have to agree with Felix99, TV reception will always be poor if your moving, its the nature of the signal.

If you think that using a antenna designed for TV reception will help at speed then give it a go. However, my in-dash display uses two seperate whip antennas that are both electronically boosted and are Diversity, and the picture is crap at speed.

**CrazyLittle** · 11-18-2002, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by phil.45
I hate to be negative here, but I have to agree with Felix99, TV reception will always be poor if your moving, its the nature of the signal.

In my experience I have to agree here. Even small portable TV's with their own built-in antennas have problems at speed, and work just fine when not moving.