Wondering how to set up antenna on LG TV? It’s important that you get it right when selecting the kind of antenna you need and connecting the TV to the antenna cable.
But more importantly, how to troubleshoot signal-related problems, such as “No Signal,” will save you tons of time.
This article explains everything you need to know about setting up an antenna for your stylish LG television successfully.
Table of Contents
- How to Connect LG TV to the Antenna Cable
- What Kind of Antenna Do You Need For an LG TV?
- What to Do If LG TV Says No Signal
- How to Scan for Channels
- How to Get Local Channels
- FAQs
- Conclusion
How to Connect LG TV to the Antenna Cable
To connect an antenna to your LG TV, do the following, locate the antenna port at the back of the TV.
Typically, it’s the same port that the set box connects to.
Now plug in the end of the coaxial cable to the TV, ensuring you don’t damage the copper wire in the antenna cable.
Otherwise, damaging the wire would make it impossible for the antenna to transmit the signal needed.
(Caption: Coaxial cable)
Since different models have different antenna plug-in ports, it’s important that you refer to the user manual for appropriate guidance.
Doing so will help you identify the correct port to insert the antenna cable.
Once you’re done connecting, the TV will automatically search for the available channels to which your antenna is receptive.
What Kind of Antenna Do You Need For an LG TV?
You can have either an indoor or outdoor antenna for your LG TV. Thus you will need to choose between the two antennas depending on the following factors:
- Signal strength: You can connect an outdoor antenna with either VHF or UHF using an RF cable. These antennas have strong signals. In contrast, indoor antennas have relatively weak signals.
- Also, indoor antennas are susceptible to signal interference due to walls and household electronic appliances and devices.
(Caption: Indoor digital TV antenna)
- Installation complexity: While outdoor antennas have strong signals, they entail a complex installation. On the other hand, indoor antennas are easy to set up. Also, they’re compact, requiring minimal space.
- The number of screens The number of LG TV screens in the household will also influence the choice of antenna. For example, multiple screens require an antenna plug-in socket. However, a single screen will work on any compatible antenna that supports the signal frequencies for the TV channels you need.
- Digital or analog: You can also choose between a digital or analog antenna, bearing in mind the cost of each and the compatibility with your TV.
What to Do If LG TV Says No Signal
Even after correctly installing the antenna, it’s possible for your TV to display a “No Signal” notification. Although there may be some slight variation in different LG models, the following steps can help you fix the issue:
- Check all input sources: First, counter-check that all the connections are correctly done.
- Switch input ports: Usually, TVs have several input ports, and it’s likely yours does too. Changing to a different port can help determine if all the ports work well.
(Caption: Input ports on a smart TV)
- Check HDMI or antenna cables: Next, check the cables for any visual damage that may compromise the transmission of the signal. Also, you can try using a different cable to ascertain that the issue does not lie with the cables.
- Weak signal: Sometimes, despite every effort, you may still have TV antenna issues, like receiving a weak signal. If so, you can try changing your outdoor antenna placement. In other cases, the weak signal could be due to harsh weather conditions. Thus, you can only wait it out until it regains the signal.
- Check your channel tuning settings: Go to the Settings option on your remote and press OK. Then under Program, select Program Tuning and Settings. Now carry out an auto-tune search and see the available channels.
- Select antenna option: If the problem persists, check your settings to ensure that you have selected the antenna option as the only source of signal transmission to your TV. Then select the Digital Only option ad scan for channels again.
- Restart or reset TV: A factory reset should be the last option. What it does is delete all the accounts on your TV. But if after resetting you still get a failed signal, then you require a professional’s or manufacturer’s assistance.
How to Scan for Channels
Now here’s an important factor to note about the TV channel structure of LG TV models.
Generally, it’s divided into four main groups, DTV, TV, CADTV, and CATV. And it’s important to ensure that you switch to the correct one.
Also, ensure you’re using the TV’s tuner, not the cable box one. Otherwise, using the cable box tuner would mean needing the intervention of your local satellite provider.
Additionally, if you use a coaxial cable connection directly to your TV, ensure it’s tight and secure.
After you’ve done all of the above, perform a channel scan. So select Channel Tuning and allow your TV to search all the available channels.
Why Is My Antenna Not Finding Channels
If your TV does not detect any local channels, the problem could be the position of your antenna.
Therefore, you’ll need to adjust the antenna’s placement accordingly.
For an indoor antenna, try moving it near a window or a relatively higher place to limit signal interference.
If it’s an outdoor antenna, rotate it toward the transmission tower until you get a strong signal.
Check if other TVs in the house or neighborhood are receiving the local channels.
If they are, it’s likely your TV has a problem, and you may need to have it checked out by a professional.
How to Get Local Channels
The method of obtaining local channels on an LG TV depends on the model, as their settings differ slightly.
Before 2013 LG
If your television is a model before 2013, you must carry out an Autotune. To do so, press the menu button and then select the channel.
Then select Auto-Tune and allow your TV to search for the available local channels.
After 2014 webOS TV
With these models, there is a slight difference in the layout of the Settings.
So go to Home, select Settings, then scroll to Advanced Settings and select Channel.
After that, scroll to Channel. Next, scroll to channel Tuning and then Autotune.
Now your TV should be able to detect all local channels your antenna supports within minutes.
2018
It goes without saying that many of the 2018 and onwards LG TV versions are smart TVs. If yours is a similar model, follow the steps below to get your local channels.
- Enter your ZIP code. After you have connected your RF antenna, enter your ZIP code to locate all programming information on your available local channels. Your TV will download all the details to air the local channels.
- Scan for channels: It will take a few minutes for your TV to scan the available channels. Once the scanning is complete, the TV will display all the channels available and give you the option to retry scanning. You can re-scan for more if you’re not satisfied with the channels because they’re fewer than you anticipated. But if you have all the channels you need, then select Done.
FAQs
How to Set Up Antenna on LG TV: What TV Stations Can a Smart TV Get With an Antenna
Typically, a smart TV can obtain all local TV channels whose signals the antenna can detect.
Just keep in mind that depending on the model of your TV, you may need a different setup and scanning procedure to get these channels.
How to Set Up Antenna on LG TV: Do I Need a TV Antenna With a Smart TV?
Yes, you need one. That’s because smart TVs don’t have an inbuilt antenna, which you need for free viewing of over-the-air TV channels.
An antenna helps you access these channels based on their respective signal frequencies detectable by your antenna.
Conclusion
So that’s how to set up antenna on LG TV. As we’ve seen, different LG models have different tuning procedures.
But it’s easy to do. Just settle on the type of antenna you need and then connect your TV to the antenna cable, then scan for channels.
And should you face any issues finding a signal or channels, thankfully, you know how to troubleshoot.
