Analogue TV – Radio interference

Radio interference can affect your TV screen with moving, wavy or herringbone patterns, a 'waffle' effect, 'S' patterns or a loss of colour.

It can be caused by anything that emits radio waves, such as a baby monitor, a cordless phone, equipment used by taxis and emergency services, amateur and citizens' band radio, and mobile phone services. Most of this equipment is properly licensed and filtered, though some is not.

Radio interference can also be caused by equipment connected to your TV set, such as a video or DVD player or recorder or a signal booster.

• If you have a baby monitor or cordless phone, make sure it isn't close to the TV.
• If you have equipment such as a video or DVD player or recorder and the aerial lead is plugged into it, first disconnect it from the TV and then plug the aerial lead directly into the TV. This will show whether the equipment is causing the interference. If you have several units connected, reconnect each one until you find out which one is causing the problem.
• If you suspect that the interference is caused by an illegal broadcaster (pirate radio) or some other local transmission, the BBC can help you to diagnose the source of the problem, and will liaise with the appropriate body to notify them of the issue. Please see our reception problems tool for further help and information.