You ever get that feeling when you finally plonk down on the couch after a long, knackered day, remote in hand, ready for a bit of telly… and BAM—nothing but static? No channels. No signal. Just that annoying blue screen or some frozen pixel nightmare? Well, that’s probably because your Kogan TV hasn’t scanned for channels yet—or it’s just forgotten what it once knew. Sounds like a techy hassle, right? Don’t worry, it’s not. Scanning for channels on a Kogan TV is easier than trying to pick a side in a family BBQ argument. And mate, I’ll walk you through it, step by step.
How to Scan Channels on a Kogan TV?
To scan channels on a Kogan TV, press the Menu button on your remote, go to Channels or Broadcasting, then select Auto Tuning. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the scan. This will find and save all available digital TV channels.
What Do I Need Before Scanning Channels?
Before you start fiddling around with menus, make sure your setup isn’t already fighting against you. Let’s set the stage first.
To begin with, you need:
- A working TV antenna, firmly plugged into the antenna port (usually labelled “ANT IN”).
- Your Kogan TV plugged into power and turned on.
- The remote control handy—yes, the actual Kogan remote, not the dodgy universal one that’s missing half the buttons.
You need a properly connected antenna, power to your Kogan TV, and the correct remote control before scanning channels. If your antenna isn’t pointing the right way or the cable’s dodgy, the scan might not pick up much of anything.
Think of it like trying to toast bread without plugging in the toaster—won’t work no matter how long you wait.
How Do I Manually Scan for Channels on a Kogan TV?
Manual scanning gives you a bit more control, especially if you’re trying to pull in specific channels or dealing with a stubborn signal.
Here’s what to do:
- Press Menu on your remote.
- Head to Channel, Broadcasting, or Installation (depends on your TV model).
- Look for Manual Tuning or Manual Scan.
- Select Digital TV (DTV).
- Enter the channel frequency if you know it, or browse through available ones.
- Hit Scan.
To manually scan channels on a Kogan TV, navigate to the Menu > Channel > Manual Scan, then enter the desired frequency and press Scan.
This comes in handy if your automatic scan misses something—like that rogue SBS channel that only shows up if the wind blows just right.
What’s the Difference Between Auto and Manual Tuning?
It’s a bit like fishing: Auto Tuning throws a big net in and catches everything it finds, while Manual Tuning goes after the specific fish you want.
- Auto Tuning: Good for first-time setup or when you’ve moved house and need to grab everything your antenna can catch.
- Manual Tuning: Best when you know what you’re looking for—say, just the ABC stations, or you’re fine-tuning a weak signal.
Auto tuning scans all available frequencies for digital TV channels, while manual tuning lets you scan specific frequencies individually.
So, if you’re the type who likes to do things the “quick and dirty” way—go auto. If you’re more hands-on, manual’s your go-to.
Why Am I Not Getting Any Channels on My Kogan TV?
Ah yes, the age-old question. You’ve done the scan, maybe twice, and still—nada. No channels. Blank screen. You start doubting everything, including your life choices.
Here’s what might be going wrong:
- Antenna not connected (or broken)
- Poor signal strength in your area
- Outdated firmware on the TV
- Wrong input source selected (TV should be set to DTV or Live TV)
- Scan type error (maybe you scanned for analog channels when you need digital)
If you’re not getting any channels on your Kogan TV, check the antenna connection, switch to DTV input, and ensure you’re scanning for digital—not analog—channels.
Still stuck? Try moving the antenna or, if you’re in a rural area, consider an amplified one. The digital signal can be fussy like a toddler who only eats chicken nuggets on Tuesdays.
How Often Should You Rescan for Channels?
This one’s a bit like checking your smoke alarms—you should do it more often than you probably do.
In reality:
- Rescan when moving to a new location
- Rescan if channels disappear
- Rescan after firmware updates
- Do a scan every few months just in case new channels are added
You should rescan for channels on a Kogan TV every few months or whenever channels go missing, you move house, or the TV receives a software update.
TV networks sometimes shift things around or add new channels, and your TV won’t catch them unless you tell it to look again.
Do I Need Internet to Scan Channels on My Kogan TV?
Nope! You don’t need to plug in the ol’ Wi-Fi or run an Ethernet cable through the hallway just to scan for free-to-air channels.
Scanning channels on a Kogan TV does not require internet—only a working TV antenna connected to the antenna port.
Of course, if you’re using Kogan SmarterTV with built-in apps like YouTube or Netflix, that’s a different kettle of fish. But for your local ABC or Seven? No internet needed, mate.
Why Are Some Channels Missing After Scanning?
It’s annoying when your favourite channel just vanishes. Like, where’s SBS Viceland gone? Did it elope with Channel 10?
Possible culprits:
- Weak antenna signal
- Interference from nearby devices (microwaves, cordless phones)
- Out-of-date software
- Scanning for analog, not digital channels
If channels are missing after scanning, rescan using the digital option, check antenna positioning, and update your TV’s firmware.
You can also try unplugging the TV and antenna, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, then scan again. A little tech reboot can work wonders.
Can I Scan Channels Without a Remote on Kogan TV?
Now here’s the spicy one. Let’s say the dog chewed the remote or it’s living its best life somewhere under the couch. Can you still scan channels?
Yes—sort of. Most Kogan TVs have physical buttons on the side or bottom edge. You can use these to:
- Turn on the TV
- Navigate the menu (though it’s clunky)
- Access the Settings
You can scan channels without a remote on a Kogan TV by using the physical buttons to access the menu and manually select the auto scan feature.
But honestly? It’s like writing a novel using a microwave keypad. Just do yourself a favour and download the Kogan Smart Remote app or grab a replacement remote.
Quick Fixes for Common Scanning Problems
Here’s a handy cheat sheet to slap on your fridge:
| Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| No channels found | Check antenna connection and rescan using DTV |
| Missing specific channels | Try manual scan with correct frequency |
| Remote not working | Use side buttons or mobile app |
| Still nothing? | Factory reset and start from scratch |
| Weak signal | Upgrade to an amplified or rooftop antenn |
“The difference between watching static and a smooth telly night is just one proper scan away. Don’t fear the Menu button—it’s your best mate when the screen’s blank.”
FAQs
How do I scan channels on Kogan SmarterTV models?
Go to Settings > Channels > Auto Tuning. Select Digital only, and let the scan run.
Can I scan for both digital and analog channels at once?
Yes, but it’s best to stick with digital as analog is being phased out across Australia.
How long does the scanning process take?
Usually around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on signal strength and TV model.
Do I lose my saved channels if I rescan?
Yes. Rescanning replaces your current channel list with whatever it finds during the scan.
What should I do if the auto-scan gets stuck?
Unplug the TV, wait a minute, plug it back in, and try again. If it continues, do a factory reset.
Conclusion
Scanning channels on your Kogan TV isn’t some tech-wizard ritual. It’s a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes, but it makes all the difference between staring at static and actually enjoying your favourite shows.
Whether you’re setting up the telly for the first time or chasing down a missing channel like a lost sock, just remember: Menu > Channel > Auto Tuning. That’s the golden path.
And hey, if all else fails—give it a good ol’ unplug-and-plug-back-in. Works more often than not.