Individual aerial reception
Posted on 27th April at 03:03 PM
About individual aerial reception systems
An individual aerial reception system is when a single TV aerial or dish feeds a single household. Individual aerial reception systems are relatively easy to convert to receive digital TV signals. Most households access television services using a dedicated aerial, satellite dish or cable connection. Aerials and satellite dishes can be self-installed or installed professionally, cable and broadband services are always installed by the service provider.
To check if your aerial needs to be replaced visit analogue teletext page 284 (p484 on S4C) and follow the teletext aerial checker summary. Most aerials should not require replacing but if you need to make sure, ask a qualified aerial installer to check.(see below)
If you are receiving your television signal through a communal TV aerial system (a shared aerial/ satellite dish serving multiple TV connection points) you should speak to your property managers, freeholder or landlord to find out if they have any plans to check or upgrade the aerial system.
Set top aerials
Usually a roof top aerial is more reliable for a digital television picture. However, if you get a good analogue picture now with a set top aerial it should work after switchover. Ricability the research centre for consumer affairs have tested the performance of set top aerials and have identified the best performers. For the full report visit http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk
Upgrading individual aerial reception systems
Upgrading individual aerial reception can be quite simple. However, if an aerial or “down-lead” (cable) is old or in poor condition, it may not be able to deliver an adequate signal for reliable reception of digital TV through an aerial (e.g. Freeview) signals, and will need to be replaced. It is generally straightforward for a qualified aerial installer to check the condition of a system; a meter can confirm that the strengths of all digital signals are adequate.
Another factor that may influence the decision to replace an existing aerial, is the “aerial group” - this defines the range of channels over which the aerial will perform satisfactorily. Today, where possible, digital TV through an aerial is transmitted within the same group of channels as analogue TV services. However, in some cases this cannot be achieved and “out of group” channels are used for these digital services. In this instance, the aerial needs to be replaced so that all channels can be received.
Installation of a standard new roof aerial is likely to costs between £60-180 and additional socket will costs around £45.
Masthead amplifiers
- Households in an area where the signals are weak, or need a very long downlead to feed their receiver, may require a Masthead Amplifier. Mounted close to the aerial and fed power via the downlead it will “amplify” or boost the signal. However, if they are already experiencing ghosting or interference it will amplify these problems along with the signal.
- If a Masthead Amplifier is used to boost signals from a distant station in the presence of strong local signals they may experience overloading. This is particularly true when trying to boost digital signals.
Distribution amplifiers
- It is possible to run two or more TV receivers off one aerial, as long as the signal is strong enough, by using a simple passive signal splitter (which halves the signal to each outlet) in the aerial cable downlead.
- If the signal is not strong enough to do this, or they wish to run more than two receivers, then a Distribution Amplifier should be used. This will not only split the signal but also provide some amplification to all the receivers. Distribution Amplifiers are mains powered (although electricity consumption is minimal) and designed to run continuously. Various types are available for domestic use and can serve up to eight receivers.
After switchover, while all public broadcasting services (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Five) will remain in the same group as before, this might not be possible for some other digital channels. An appropriately qualified local installer should be able to advise on the best type and group of aerial for each location.
When replacing the aerial, it is good practice also to replace the down-lead. It is advisable to use benchmarked aerials and cable - these will have been tested to ensure they meet requirements for satisfactory reception of digital television signals via an aerial.
Finding a qualified aerial installer
When selecting an installer, look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI). It provides assurance that installers are competent and trustworthy. Installers who have achieved a level 2 or 3 qualification in “Electrical and Electronic Servicing (Signal Reception Pathway)” within the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) framework, who have appropriate insurance and who have undergone an enhanced check by the Criminal Records Bureau can register as RDIs. RDIs, and companies employing RDIs, can use the 
. To find a RDI installer in your area visit http://www.rdi-lb.tv
If you cannot locate a RDI in your area, look for a CAI+ member or Associate RDI who have been security checked.
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