What influences digital tv reception or alternatively, why does my tv go on the blink?

For example, when my girlfriend uses her hair dryer upstairs, the tv goes on the blink.

Also, I swear when a certain type of vehicle goes past our house or parks outside with the motor running, the tv reception breaks up until the so and so drives off.

What's that all about then?

Is it real and if so, why (scientifically) does it happen?

Alternatively, am I going mad?!

What influences digital tv reception or alternatively, why does my tv go on the blink?

You might have a ground problem. That would explain the hair dryer. You should have something on your system that looks like the first link bellow. It will ground your outer shielding of the cable from your antenna.

As for the car going by thats from reflections. Grounding your system properly may reduce this, and thats where I would start, but you may need to get a more directional antenna. The grounding will cost less.

What influences digital tv reception or alternatively, why does my tv go on the blink?

You may just need a better aerial.

What influences digital tv reception or alternatively, why does my tv go on the blink?

If you are using an internal ariel, things like that can affect the signal, like mobiles and hairdryers etc... it'll probably cost around 鎷?0 but get a digital ready external ariel on to the roof.

Crystal clear signal after that.

Electrical appliences seem to give off radio waves which combine with the signal waves and distort them

What influences digital tv reception or alternatively, why does my tv go on the blink?

The TV on the blink sounds like you need a qualified electrician to take a look at your wiring, if its more than just interference on the screen.

If it is just interference it sounds as if the hairdryer needs replacing, little or no RF suppression on the motor.

As far as digital reception goes, if your in the UK, currently all digital transmissions are on reduced power until the analogue switchoff so almost a pin dropping could affect the digital signal.

But as previously suggested the best place to start is with a Wide Band Roof mounted aerial.