Forums Forums Enthusiast Forums A - Z Gadgets & Tech How to improve the freeview signal

Yeah, it might not like the aerial being so close to the pre-amp, if the aerial picks up any RF leakage from the output then its the same sort of effect as sound with microphones and speakers, loads of feedback (or self-oscillation for a better term).

If the tin-foil makes any significant difference then its a fair indicator that something untoward was happening.

No saying whether a cable between the aerial and amp would help or not, just to give it some distance - if you've got one handy, give it a go, I wouldn't risk buying one just to find out though.

You probably need more aerial, the amplifier can't amplify something that's not really there to start with. Helix aerials are only about the same effectiveness as a quarter wave rod, the advantage is that they are shorter not better performing.

A possible analogy is looking at something through a mist, using a magnifying glass whilst making it bigger, doesn't make it clearer, but if you use three separate cameras in parallel and amalgamate the 3 pictures it becomes clearer.

Have you tried a cheapo set-top TV aerial like they sometimes have in Poundland? They are directional and might make a difference.