Local TV Aerials and Satellites

Call 0800 802 1791
local tv aerials satellites logo
Call 0800 802 1791

Local TV Aerials and Satellites

enquiries@localtvaerialsandsatellites.co.uk

local tv aerials satellites logo

LTV - big enough to cope, small enough to care

TV Channels Breaking Up or Pixelated?

 

Here’s What’s Usually Causing It

If your TV picture keeps breaking up, freezing, or turning blocky, it’s usually a sign that the signal reaching your TV isn’t strong or stable enough. This is one of the most common TV reception problems we’re asked to look at, and it’s rarely caused by the TV itself.

Below, we explain why this happens, what you can safely check, and when it’s time to get the aerial system looked at properly.

TV channels breaking up

What “Pixelated” or Breaking-Up TV Pictures Mean

When a TV picture becomes blocky or freezes, it means parts of the digital signal are being lost before they reach your TV. Unlike old analogue signals, digital TV doesn’t fade gradually — it works properly or it doesn’t.

This can affect:

  • Just certain channels
  • Groups of channels
  • All channels at once

It often comes and goes, which can make the problem frustrating to pin down.

The Most Common Causes of Breaking-Up TV Channels

  • Aerial slightly out of alignment
  • Weak signal in certain weather conditions
  • Ageing or poor-quality aerials
  • Water-damaged or loose coaxial cables
  • Signal split too many times inside the property

Even a small drop in signal quality can cause heavy pixelation on digital channels.

Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself

Before calling anyone, it’s worth checking:

  • All aerial cables are firmly connected
  • No visible damage to wall plates or fly-leads
  • The problem affects more than one channel or TV

Avoid repeatedly retuning — this can sometimes make the problem worse if the signal itself is unstable.

Why This Often Gets Worse Over Time

Breaking-up pictures are often an early warning sign. Over time, minor issues such as cable corrosion, aerial movement, or signal interference tend to worsen, eventually leading to complete signal loss.

Addressing the cause early usually avoids a bigger problem later.

When It’s Time to Call an Engineer

It’s best to get professional help if:

  • The picture regularly breaks up
  • Weather seems to affect reception
  • More than one TV is affected
  • The issue has been ongoing for weeks or months

At that point, the fault is usually with the aerial system rather than the TV.

Local Experience Makes a Difference

We regularly fix pixelated and breaking-up TV pictures across Sussex and surrounding areas, particularly in coastal locations and older properties where signal conditions can be more challenging.

Related TV Signal Problems

Get in Touch

0800 802 1791

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Why Choose LTV?

Affordable prices – we won’t be beaten
Same-Day Service with free estimates and convenient 2-hour time slots
Minimum 12-month guarantee on all parts, equipment and labour
Fully trained, DBS-checked engineers, insured and certified to work at height
Fast, friendly, and professional service you can rely on

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you attend my property?

In most cases we can offer a same-day or next-day visit, with a two-hour arrival window so you’re not waiting in all day. Emergency TV aerial and satellite faults are treated as a priority, and we’ll always be honest about the earliest slot we can realistically make.

We don’t charge just to talk to you. We’ll usually visit, test the signal and give you a free, no-obligation estimate before any work is done. If you’re happy with the price, we can normally complete the installation or repair during the same visit. You’ll always know the cost upfront.

We’re based in the South East and regularly work across East Sussex, West Sussex and surrounding areas, covering both towns and rural locations. If you’re unsure whether we cover your address, just give us your postcode and we’ll confirm.

We install and repair TV aerials, satellite dishes, Freeview and Freesat systems, as well as multi-room TV points, TV wall mounting, Starlink and satellite broadband, communal systems, CCTV, Wi-Fi alarms, network cabling and home/office networking. If it involves reception, cabling or connectivity, we can usually help.

Most modern aerials will cope with digital services like Freeview and Freely without issue, but older or damaged aerials can struggle after the digital switchover. We can test your existing aerial using professional meters and advise whether a repair or upgrade will give you the best long-term reliability.

Yes. Break-up or pixelation can be caused by a misaligned aerial, a damaged dish, water-damaged cables, worn connectors or issues with boosters and splitters. We test the signal at your aerial and at each TV point to identify the fault, and most reception problems can be fixed during the first visit.

We install roof-mounted aerials, loft aerials and specialist high-gain or log-periodic aerials. Roof aerials usually give the cleanest signal. Loft aerials are suitable where access or appearance is an issue, but they can be more sensitive to interference. We’ll recommend what gives you the most reliable reception in your specific location.

  • Freeview (and the newer Freely-style services) use a standard TV aerial.
  • Freesat and Sky use a satellite dish.
  • Subscription services offer more channels and on-demand content.
  • Streaming services (Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, etc.) are delivered through your broadband, not your aerial or dish.
  • We can help you set up whichever combination gives you the best choice and the most stable signal.

Yes. We can add extra aerial or satellite points in bedrooms, kitchens, loft conversions and offices, and we can design proper distribution systems so that every TV gets a strong, balanced signal without interference. For satellite and Starlink systems we can also route new cabling neatly and safely.

Yes. We install and mount Starlink systems, providing safe cable routing into the property, secure brackets or poles, and integration with your existing Wi-Fi and network hardware. Starlink is especially useful in rural areas where broadband speeds are low or unreliable.

Yes. We install CCTV, Wi-Fi alarms, Ethernet cabling, access points, network switches and 4G/5G router setups. This allows us to give you a complete, reliable setup for TV, internet and security systems using one team.

All engineers are fully trained, insured and DBS-checked. Our team works to industry standards, uses modern equipment and follows best practice for safety and reliability. You’re always dealing with professional, experienced installers.

Yes. We design and maintain communal aerial and satellite systems, as well as IRS systems and commercial TV networks for flats, hotels, pubs, offices, gyms and other multi-screen environments. We regularly work with landlords, property managers and building contractors.

All new installation work comes with at least a 12-month guarantee on parts and labour. Many components carry longer manufacturer warranties. If anything related to our work goes wrong during the guarantee period, we’ll return and put it right.

Your engineer will arrive within the agreed window, discuss the issue with you and check access. They’ll test the signal, inspect your existing equipment, explain the options and confirm the price before starting. Once the job is done, they’ll retest everything, show you it working, and tidy up. Old or unsafe equipment can be removed if needed.