Do I need a Digital aerial?
If you are using one of the old analogue aerials, you will probably have difficulty receiving certain Digital channels, get problems with poor signal strengths, or pixelation (when the picture breaks up into squares). All these problems will usually be resolved by upgrading to a new aerial which has been specifically designed for reception of Digital channels. We can supply and install the most suitable type of Digital aerial, test for signal strength and retune all your equipment, all for a very competitive fixed price.
When is the Digital switch over?
The Digital switch over is being introduced in stages, parts of the North West have already changed over and the rest of the country will be changed over during the next few years. We can quickly advise you when the date for the switch over is planned for your area. However, you don't need to wait until then, why not change your aerial now, so that you can enjoy Digital picture quality immediately, and know that when the switch over happens, you will have nothing to do at all.
What is HD?
HD or High Definition, is the latest innovation to vastly improve picture quality. Most modern TV sets are "HD ready", but they do require an HD box to make it work. You can obtain the service by subscription (i.e. Sky + HD), or apart from the cost of the box/dish, entirely free via Freesat. We can provide the whole package, or just upgrade your aerial/dish, if you already have your own HD box.
What is the difference between Freeview and Freesat?
Freeview gives you Digital TV from a land based transmitter, either through a set top box, or is built into most new TV's. There are approx 30 TV channels available and reception is via a normal Digital aerial.
Freesat is also received via a set top box, or is built in to a few new models of TV (mainly Panasonic), but with this, transmissions are from a satellite, so a dish is required.
Freesat often solves the problem of poor signal strengths in areas of the country where it proves difficult, or sometimes impossible, to get a picture from a land based transmitter.
The range of programmes available is greater than Freeview (currently about 140 Tv and radio channels) and it is also possible to receive certain programmes in HD (see FAQ no 3 above).
With both Freeview and Freesat, once you've purchased the equipment, there are no other charges at all - as the names suggest, the service is free!
Can I mount my TV on the wall?
Most modern LCD and Plasma Tv's have built in attachment points, to enable them to be mounted on the wall (or even hung from the ceiling). Please contact us and we will arrange to call and survey the proposed fixing point, to ensure that it is suitable, and quote you a price for carrying out the work, all entirely free and without any obligation.
What is DAB
Dab is the radio version of Digital TV. Broadcasts are made using Digital, rather than the old Analogue signal and this results in a better quality sound and virtually no interference to spoil your listening pleasure. We can supply and install a DAB aerial to ensure that you get the best possible reception.
I have neither a chimney, nor a gable end, but need an aerial mounted as high as possible, what is available?
There are now aerials that use brackets which slip under the tiles and attach to the roof timbers, enabling the aerial to be mounted on a mast which places it comfortably above the ridge of your roof.
If there are any other aspects of your television and radio reception, or distribution, you would like to discuss, please contact us and we will be pleased to submit our recommendations for your consideration, all entirely free and without obligation.
