We all know that trees are amazing. They’re a great part of the environment, and we need to plant more of them to take care of the Earth better. But one downside to having trees near your home is when they block your TV aerial or satellite signals. When you’re surrounded by trees, you might have poor TV reception.
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Whether you live in Preston or anywhere else in the country, TV aerials need a clear space to catch signals, and your satellite dish needs a line of sight to get signals from Earth’s orbit. Unfortunately, it only takes a handful of trees to interrupt your late-night TV binge.

​Trees can cause a host of problems for your TV reception, but, thankfully, there are steps you can take to help. There is always a way around your tree vs. signal dilemma. Trees do affect specific channels more than others, so you might have a tree issue but get some channels okay while others are missing entirely.

Satellite dishes used for Freesat & Sky TV receive signals from satellites in Earth’s orbit and come in at high frequencies. The frequencies have a small wavelength, and most obstructions (trees) are closer to the satellite dish (receiver) than the satellite (transmitter). This means that satellite dishes need a line of sight to the satellite, or you will have poor reception and may lose channels altogether. Higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths are more apt to absorb into the surrounding trees than hit your dish.
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Every satellite that delivers TV orbits around the equator. In the northern hemisphere, satellite dishes point south, and in the southern hemisphere, they point north. This means that if you have trees in the opposite direction, they will not affect your TV signals. If you have trees in the same direction as your dish, you will almost certainly have issues.
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Of course, another issue is that trees are growing throughout the year, and some trees can grow quickly. A tree that isn’t causing a problem one year can disrupt your signal the next. The more growth you have, the more likely it is that your signal will get interrupted.
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Trees are also prone to move in the wind, especially gales. Moving trees naturally cause disruptions with your TV signals. Your picture might break up or pixelate, and you could lose service entirely. Moving trees are typically not a permanent issue, but they can cause problems during a storm. Higher frequency signals are more likely to lose track during a gale.

​Trees also change during the changing of the seasons. Starting in spring and lasting through fall, your trees will grow leaves, which can contribute to poor TV reception. Leaves cause more organic material that the TV signals have to pass through to get to your home. You might have a situation where the signal is perfect during the winter and starts failing when the leaves grow.

The problems above can be detrimental to your TV watching experience, but there is a solution to every problem. Work through some of the fixes below and see whether you can get a better signal and reception. If all else fails, there are two fail-safe methods outlined at the end.
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One obvious answer to your issue is to move the satellite dish so that the trees are no longer causing a problem. This entails removing, moving, and installing the dish higher up on your house. One excellent option is using your chimney to hold the satellite dish. You can use a mast and brackets to attach to the chimney or another high part of your house. Call a professional to help with re-installation.

In some cases, after you move the dish, the trees still block your signal. You need to work to find the best position and get creative with placement.
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If you have an aerial instead of a satellite dish, you can also move it to avoid the trees. Try putting the aerial on your roof, or if it is already on your roof, place it in a higher spot. You can try using a crank mast to point the aerial around the trees. If none of this works, you might get a better signal by putting the aerial in a loft.

If you can’t move the position or you already have, and the signal still isn’t perfect, you can try re-aligning your device. You can also try a different transmitter that is less affected by the trees. There are other options, including a higher gain aerial or a TV signal amplifier.

Re-align your existing aerial from the old transmitter to the new and make sure that the aerial polarisation is accurate. The TV antenna should also be compatible with the new transmitter.
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Instead of changing your transmitter, you can also swap your aerial for a dish or vice versa. Trees that block an aerial may not block a satellite dish, and the same goes in the other direction. Swapping out your device might be the best solution to a tough situation.

​Changing the position and re-aligning your device doesn’t work in every situation. If you’re less worried about live TV and just want to watch your favorite shows when it suits you, you can switch to a streaming service. Streaming services like Netflix allow you to watch what you want on-demand, and they don’t require a satellite or aerial. All you need is a stable internet connection.

If all else fails and you’re not interested in streaming TV shows, your last resort might be cutting down some of the bothersome trees. You can call a professional tree surgeon to help prune our cut down trees that are blocking your TV signal.
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If the trees aren’t on your property, you can call your local government about cutting the trees, or talk to your neighbour about pruning parts of their trees — how you remove them depends on whether they’re on public or private land.

Of course, the most drastic option to receive a better signal is to move houses. It's rare, but it does happen that a household wants a better TV signal and decides that the best option for them is to change where they live. If you choose to go this route, make sure that you test the new property or home to see whether it does get a better signal than your old house.

The last thing you want is to buy or build a new home only to discover that you're in the same situation when it comes to the TV signal.

Conclusion
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Trees cause a lot of problems but, thankfully, there are plenty of solutions from which to choose. While not everyone is willing to cut down their trees or even move to a new house just for better TV signals, those are always options.

Many people can get better reception simply by following one of the milder steps outlined above. You can move your satellite dish or aerial, re-align your transmitter, or swap one device for another.
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If you end up frustrated and unable to get the best position, you can also forgo the aerial and satellite dish and switch to streaming your shows only. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu offer hundreds of TV shows and movies for a low monthly fee. Some streaming platforms also have the option of watching live TV at an additional cost. However, streaming does require a stable internet connection, which is not always feasible.
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At the end of the day, no matter what problem you have, there is a solution.

​Digitec Aerials Preston
​The Watermark, 9 – 15 Ribbleton Ln, Preston PR1 5EZ
https://goo.gl/maps/DJSyzCWAXBARELUa9

Most satellite television menus will provide users with some sort of measurement of the signal they are receiving. In most cases, this will be displayed in terms of “Signal Strength” and “Signal Quality.” But what do these terms actually mean? Can you alter them? Moreover, what impact do they actually have on the quality of the picture on your television set? As TV Aerial Installers in Preston we will attempt to clearly explain what the difference is.
 
Before we begin this discussion, it’s important to note that all televisions and television services are different. Not everybody will be able to find a reading on their signal’s strength or quality, and some will only see arbitrary numbers or percentages that seem to have no meaning. Still, regardless of what is displayed, it is still helpful to know what this information means for your signal. 

​Whenever I install aerials or satellite dishes, I use a device known as a Horizon Meter. This meter provides measurements on signal strength, potential interference, and more. I mention this because the signal measurements that you get from this device are far more accurate then what you will find in your television or satellite menus. So while you can technically get some information from these sources, you should take it with a grain of salt until you use a device like this. 

​One of the biggest issues with the signal readings you get from your satellite box or television is that these devices don’t tell you how they’re reading and measuring the signal. As I mentioned, you’ll usually only be given a percentage, signal bars, or a set of numbers that are meaningless unless you know how to read them. This can lead to a lot of misleading results and cause a lot of confusion as to why you might not be getting everything you paid for. In some cases, TVs will give you a Bit Error Ration (BER), which is far more useful than the generic data other models offer. 

​The problem with signals that are presented as percentages is that signals aren’t measured this way. This means that whatever number you see is practically useless as far as conveying information. If you see a signal rating of 100%, you might assume there is no room for improvement on the signal, but this isn’t true. You can always get a stronger signal by installing a TV amplifier or high-gain aerial. Of course, doing this arbitrarily – without consulting a professional – can lead to having too much signal, which can overload tuners and equipment and make your signal worse. 

​You should always expect your TV signal to be a full bar or (if we must use it as a measurement) a full 100%. This generally conveys that everything is working as expected, and the signal won’t cause any issues with your reception. If you are given a different reading, you should first check the tuning of your television and other equipment. In the end, your main focus should be on the reading for quality, not the reading for strength. This is the only real indicator that the signal might be worth looking into. 

​You might plug one TV in and find fully-rated signal strength and quality, then plug in another brand to find completely different readings. This has nothing to do with the signal per se, but with the way that different TVs and Set-Top Boxes read and display the signal info. Ultimately, there is no “industry standard” for how televisions do this. 

In order to read your television’s signal strength correctly, you need to know exactly how they are measured. Put simply: a TV signal is a voltage measured in units called dB micro-volts. The scale starts at 0dB, or 1 micro-volt, and continues upward. In most cases, when you have a weak signal, a small adjustment of the dB can really help. 
 
For reference, here is a quick guide to the MINIMUM signal strength levels of several types of televisions. 

• Terrestrial Digital TV – 50dB
  
• Analogue TV – 60dB
  
• Satellite TV – 52dB
  
  

​With digital television signals, the quality or the “robustness” is often measured by evaluating the signal strength minus the electrical noise that can come from various interfering sources. As these noises are present inside the actual signal, relying on the measurement of the signal’s strength alone will not determine the overall quality. In the end, the more actual signal that can be received by the TV transmitter, the more protection the device will have from noise and interference. 
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You can measure signal quality in a few different ways: 
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​​This is the measurement of the peak signal reading and the noise floor of the signal, but ignores noise present in the signal itself. 
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This measures the signal floor and compares it to the signal being received. It doesn’t measure any noise present in the signal, but it does account for it. 
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Considered the best measurement for digital TV signal reliability; this measures both the signal and the noise present inside of it. 
 

​There will always be some errors in a digital signal – it’s unavoidable. That is why signals have a built-in error correction known as FEC or Viterbi EC. When you see that 100% reading, you are seeing no errors because correction has already automatically taken place. When there are errors still present after correction, you will see pixelated or blocky images. 

Many people assume that the installation of a booster or TV aerial amplifier will increase the signal strength reading on their receiver. Such devices are a good idea if the goal is to overcome signal loss, and they should be installed as close to the aerial as possible (but not within one meter) in order to function well. 
 
If you place the device too close to your television, for instance, you will boost the levels of electrical noise in the signal and introduce new noise to the readings. You also risk overloading the equipment, which is just as bad for the picture as a weak signal. 
 
As a rule of thumb, amplifiers are best used where the signal enters the TV tuner in a weakened state. This should help boost the signal enough to maintain reliable reception. 
 
Conclusion

It’s important to remember – despite all this information – that the signal and quality readings reported by your TV should only serve as a rough guide. As you can see, there is much more that goes into the process, and those who try to make adjustments on their own often do much more harm than good. 
 
When in doubt, contact a professional and have them evaluate your signal, TV, tuner, and / or amplifier with high-quality equipment. 
 
As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to send them my way!
Cheers.

Digitec Aerials Preston
​The Watermark, 9 – 15 Ribbleton Ln, Preston PR1 5EZ
Tel: 01772 369629
https://goo.gl/maps/DJSyzCWAXBARELUa9

There are cases when the owners of a TV aerial or sat wish to cut or slice the coaxial cable that is feeding energy to the aerial or satellite dish. Considering that electrical power runs through this cable, many think that it’s risky to try cutting this cable. But, is it really the case? In the lines that follow you will find out everything, you need to know on this matter. So, if you’re looking to shorten a coax cable that is too long, at the end of the article you will know whether the operation is risky or not.
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Whatever you do, do not take this matter lightly. We are talking, after all, of cables that have a continuous stream of electrical power running through them. So, if you want to cut such a coaxial cable, turning off the power for the appliance it is connected to is the best way to go. We are not however, talking here about electrical cabling.

Let your family know that the power will be down for a small amount of time and turn off the power supply of the appliance. This way you make sure that your cable is no longer supplied with energy during the operation. If you have any concerns regarding the operation, you can always contact a reliable electrician or aerial fitter. It is even recommended to do so if you don’t know the best means to complete the operation in a safe manner.

​This type of cables cannot work if the electric current is not going through them. Thus, they need electrical power to run through them so they can do their job right. The job of your aerial is to get radio frequencies that run across the atmosphere and then transfer them to the cable that goes to your TV. More precisely, the signal captured by the aerial is actually alternating current electricity. But its frequency is much higher than of your home’s electrical supply. However, this won’t make cutting a coaxial cable an impossible task. The voltage going through the cable will be much lower than that captured initially by the aerial.

The functioning principle of this coaxial cable is the same as that presented earlier, in the case of TV and radio aerials. The satellite dish will capture signals coming from a satellite providing TV services and will transmit the signals to a satellite receiver through a coaxial cable. The current is yet again involved to make this aspect happen. In most cases, a Freesat or Sky box is used or a TV that is equipped with a satellite tuner.

However, satellite dishes work in a different manner than aerials. When signals are captured by the satellite dish, they are first beamed down to earth before reaching the satellite receiver. Because of this, the satellite LNB will have to amplify the signal before sending it to the receiver, as it comes at a very low level. The LNB won’t be able to perform this operation without current. Thus, the satellite receiver will provide DC voltage in a continuous manner to the LNB. This means, usually, 13V DC, and in the case of Quad LNBs a value of 18V DC.
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The values mentioned earlier are much higher than the passive cables used for TV and radio aerials, but, even so, they are far from the limit meant to cause harm. Thus, these numbers should not scare you. Still, if you do get an electric shock from such a coaxial cable, you will feel it, without a doubt. This usually happens because, in most cases, when working on such a cable you’re anchored to a ladder made out of metal. And we all know that metal is a good current conductor. The “shock” feeling is more intense during rainy weather, as water makes it worse and propagates it faster. Again, all of this won’t cause you any harm, but it will be unpleasant and will trigger a level of discomfort.

If you’re TV is connected to a communal TV system, you should know that this system is different from conventional TV systems. The difference is set by the fact that one single system can feed a high number of TV equipment. For example, if there are 100 flats in the building where you live, all 100 will be fed by the same communal TV system. Thus, the number of amplifiers and other pieces of equipment will be much higher and, therefore, there will be an accumulated voltage effect in this case.
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So, if you end up working on a communal TV system, you may end up affecting the functionality of several TVs, if not of all of them. In other words, your neighbours may get out of their homes to yell at you that their TVs are not working any longer. Making adjustments, in this case, could be more difficult, due to the large number of users connected to the same system. If you don’t have too many neighbours using the same system, it may be worth talking to them, to all of them, and get their approval while also setting a time and date for the operation to take place.

​According to some specialists, the human organism is capable of absorbing electric shocks of up to 50V, without risking significant harm or injuries. Thus, considering the values mentioned earlier, the value of the voltage you’ll subject yourself to will not be in the dangerous range. Precisely because the upper limit is 50V, many systems are made to operate below this value so they won’t represent a threat to people’s lives. POE systems or Power over Ethernet range in the 24 to 48V area, as an example. Of course, this upper limit is a generally-set value and may not apply to everybody. Some may be more sensitive than others, so precaution is advised.

So far, we talked about systems and installations that are done according to standards. If the electrical installation you’re about to work on is faulty or poorly set, the risk you may be facing is greater. In other words, your coaxial cable may run current of a higher voltage than in a normal situation. The good news is represented by the fact that there is no outer case made out of metal, as it happens in the case of a fridge or washing machine. Also, in most cases, there isn’t an earth connection present in the main plug.

The conclusion is that the aerial plus is the only piece of metal exposed outside the TV that could represent a degree of risk. This is translated into the possibility of an unwanted voltage to reside in this particular piece of metal. However, most TV types, including LED and OLED, rarely go anywhere near a voltage that is high and dangerous.
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You should also know that even a poor electrical installation is incapable of delivering high voltage values. This could be possible only in the case of a very old installation that is away from today’s range of standards. Systems used nowadays generally include an MCB or RCD that will immediately cut down the power if anything out of the ordinary is sensed.

​Even if the cases in which you can get hurt are quite rare and they mean the occurrence of particular conditions, you should always take proper safety measures and precautions. Because you are working with electric power, safety is advised at all times, no matter how small the voltage is. So, here is what you can do to make sure you’re working in safe conditions:

1. All TV equipment should be switched off before you start working on the cables;
2. It is strongly recommended to also switch off the electric supply leading to all your equipment in the house;
3. Utilise cutters and tools that are made to provide adequate insulation against electric current. An adequate set for an electrician will provide protection of up to 1000V;
4. You can increase the level of safety by earthing your TV system. You can do so on the spot, with the help of an earth bonding. This will allow you to work on the system without any risks involved;
5. If you have any doubts about how to handle this matter properly, you can always hire a trained professional.

So, in general, working on coaxial cables or cables feeding TV and radio aerials does not represent a danger to your health and well-being. The value of the voltage going through these cables is much below the limit that could make this kind of work hazardous. But, even so, taking safety measures is strongly recommended. Don’t start working on the cable until you made sure that you will be in complete safety. Also, if you don’t want to take care of this part on your own, calling over a professional is always best.

You’re planning to invest money in a satellite dish? In this case, most certainly you’re interested in the life span of such an item. How much will a satellite dish last before it needs replacement? Which satellite dishes are more resilient than others? And how to make sure you’re getting the right kind of satellite dish? Considering that some satellite dishes don’t come cheap, some more than others, you want to make sure your money will be well spent.
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Of course, the life span of a satellite dish also depends on the way it was installed and how it is maintained over time. The installation process is extremely important and can lead to significant damages to the dish if it is not done right. So, if you don’t think you can handle this correctly, it would be best to have a professional take care of this part. Also, if branches and debris end up on the satellite dish after bad weather, it would be ideal to clean it and check if everything is in place properly. Taking good care of your satellite dish will certainly expand its lifetime.

Just as it happens in the case of anything else, a quality dish will last longer than a dish of a precarious quality. This is because high-quality dishes are made out of more resilient materials, serving you well for extended periods. While it may be attractive to buy a more affordable satellite dish, bear in mind that you may need to replace it sooner than planned.

​So, instead of buying two satellite dishes in a rather short period, it would be wiser to spend a bit more money to get a more reliable dish. This way, you won’t end up in the unpleasant situation of not having any signal to watch your favourite TV shows.

As mentioned earlier, the materials out of which a satellite dish is made will significantly influence its lifespan. So, take a good look at this part before making a purchase.
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​The typical zone1 & 2 satellite Dishes made out of steel protected by a layer of paint are probably the most common types of dishes you can find on the market. The best part about steel is that it is quite resilient and it’s not expensive, which translates into more affordable satellite dishes. However, even if this kind of satellite dish seems like a good investment, there’s one downside you need to bear in mind. Once the layer of paint starts to chip and the steel is exposed, the dish will slowly begin to rust.

​Aluminium is also sturdy and, in comparison to steel, it does not rust. Thus, an aluminum satellite dish may last longer than a steel dish. So, if you are interested in this option, you will find quite a few aluminium satellite dishes on the market. But, be prepared to reach deeper into your pocket if you want to buy one. They cost more than steel versions, so it is worth seeing if the expense is really justified.

This particular type of satellite dish is the most resilient of all. Fiberglas will certainly not rust and will maintain its shape and particularities for a very long time, regardless of conditions. If you live in harsher conditions, like on the seaside where the air is saltier, investing in a fibreglass dish may represent a better option. But, no matter how great fibreglass dishes are, they are also the most expensive. So, you will have to check your budget and reasons for purchasing one first.
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​There are also dishes made out of painted metal frame, covered with a mesh, instead of having an entire body made out of metal. The mesh will take away a good part of the load created by winds, so this type of dish can be a better option for areas subjected to strong or frequent winds. Usually, this type of dish is light and easy to install. However, it still has a metal frame that could rust if the layer of paint gets damaged. But the fact that it is not expensive makes it a good option.

While living beside the sea is great, dreamlike even, the external conditions of such an environment will rapidly damage your satellite dish. The closer your home is to the sea, the faster your satellite dish will get damaged. So, you may just get a couple of years from your satellite dish, in these circumstances.

​If you want to avoid replacing your satellite dish often, choosing an aluminium dish or one made out of fibreglass is a much better option. As a piece of advice, the mounting brackets should be galvanised and the fixings or washes to be made out of stainless steel. This way, you prevent rust from dripping on your home’s walls.

A satellite dish will have to withstand all kinds of weather, as it sits outside, where wind and rain will always affect it. This is why a satellite dish should be installed correctly so that it won’t become unstable and risk falling off the house. If this happens, the damage could be permanent. Besides this, a dish that has not been installed correctly may lose its signal on windy weather. This is, obviously, something very unpleasant and frustrating. Plus, going up the roof in windy conditions is not a good idea, as it can put you in danger.
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While it is not that pleasant to get more money out of your pocket for the installation of a satellite dish, you should have a professional cover this part. Proper installation can prolong its life and, respectively, the use of a satellite dish. A professional will know how to take care of this matter so that your satellite dish won’t get damaged by the weather or hit by any nearby items.

The lifespan of a satellite dish is also influenced by the climate of the area where it is installed. If you live in an area exposed to hurricanes, you should expect such a violent climatic episode to take a toll on your satellite dish. So, what can you do to protect your satellite dish against bad weather?

​If you live in an area where the weather can turn out to be rather dangerous, you should find a location for your dish that keeps it safe for as much as it is possible. Again, the importance of having a specialist over for its installation, in this case, is even more underlined. A professional will look for the ideal spot for your dish so that it will get a proper signal while minimising the chances of weather-inflicted damages.

Are you considering placing your satellite dish next to a pathway or in reach of others? While this may be a comfortable option for you, take into consideration the risks to which you expose your dish. For example, if you can reach your satellite dish with your hands, others may as well. So, you may end up having the unpleasant surprise of having your dish stolen off the wall of your house. This can happen and has happened to some people because their dish was in easy reach.
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Also, having a satellite dish installed in reach or in the proximity of a pathway may get the dish damaged sooner than it should. For instance, balls can hit the dish and inflict damages or the dish may get vandalised by ill-intended people. You may never find the vandals, having to buy another dish if the damage is consistent. So, as a general rule, you should install your satellite dish away from the reach of others.

​Now that you know what can prolong and diminish the lifespan of a satellite dish, you’re wondering what’s the average value of this lifespan? If all the right conditions are met, how much can you use a satellite dish? Again, these values are approximate and are influenced by the area where you live. As a general rule, people living inland where climate conditions are normal could use a satellite dish for about 10 years. Of course, this period can be longer if you get a high-quality dish and you opt for proper installation. Besides this, there are the following conditions:

• The average lifespan for a satellite dish installed on the seaside is of 8 years;
• The average lifespan for a satellite dish installed on the seafront is of 4 years;

As a conclusion, use all the information you found out in this article to pick the right satellite dish for you. Take into account the materials, price, location, and weather to make an adequate choice that will allow you to enjoy your dish for as much as it is possible.

Are you planning to get Freesat or Sky services in the UK? Then you probably know that you’ll have to install a satellite dish to make this happen. However, this is not always an easy task. As soon as you start checking out the steps required to install a satellite dish, you noticed that there are two options. You either go for a Zone 1 or Zone 2 satellite dish. Now, the question is which one to pick. What are the differences between these two types of satellite dishes? We did our best to bring some light into this matter and help you make an informed choice.

​We will start by first describing the particularities of the Zone 1 satellite dish. With a diameter of 43 centimetres, the Zone 1 satellite dish consists of a steel round frame covered with a mesh. It usually has a dark colour, like navy blue, but if this doesn’t suit you, you can easily pain the dish according to your preferences. This particular type of satellite dish is mostly used in the midlands and south part of the UK, to get the Freesat or Sky services installed on the TV.

Then there’s the Zone 2 satellite dish. This one is larger, featuring a diameter of 60 centimetres. It also features a body made out of a steel frame, covered by a mesh of a dark colour. Regarding the area of usage, Zone 2 satellite dishes are most commonly used in the north part of the UK and Scotland.

​Besides the visible size, there are other particularities that set this dish apart from the Zone 1 version. It features a distinct mounting arm, utilised for the mounting of the dish. So, you will have to clamp the dish onto this arm and then safely insert the arm in the mounting bracket. In the case of Zone 1 dishes, this arm is part of the dish, not being a separate part, and the mounting is done by simply inserting it in the mounting bracket.

The main purpose of satellite dishes is to get signals from satellites, which broadcast the TV services we are looking to enjoy. In order to serve all areas, satellites are located in the sky at different distances. So, the reason various areas across the UK use different types of satellite dishes lies entirely in the distance between these satellites. In other words, if you want to get a signal from a particular satellite, recommended for your area, but you use the wrong kind of satellite dish, you won’t be able to enjoy a proper signal.

Now, the satellites broadcasting Freesat and Sky signals are orbiting around the earth’s Equator, as all satellites do. Bearing this in mind, the south of the UK will get better signals than the north of the country, which will require larger satellite dishes to enjoy a proper signal.

​The frequencies used by satellite broadcasting TV services are already very high. This means that toward the north, the signal gradually dissipates, becoming weaker, which means that larger satellite dishes are needed. Of course, this doesn’t mean a smaller dish won’t work in the north part of the country. It will work, but there are higher chances for it to fail to provide a signal of the desired quality. This is more frequent when the weather is bad, like when it rains.

As mentioned earlier, Zone 2 satellite dishes are larger and, therefore, more capable of providing a stronger signal. Thus, if you’re living in the south of the UK or Midlands, using a Zone 2 dish will give you the possibility of enjoy better signals. So, although you can opt for a smaller dish, using a larger one will help you avoid any issues.

​However, you need to decide whether you won’t be bothered by the presence of a larger dish on your home. With a larger diameter, the Zone 2 dish will be easily noticed. Besides this, it will cost a bit more than the Zone 1 dish, (it is also worth noting that a larger dish may not last as long due to exposure to the weather). In other words, you will have to consider budget and aesthetics before making this decision.

While no one stops you from using a Zone 1 satellite dish if you’re living up in the north or Scotland, specialists won’t recommend you doing so. The installation of this satellite dish can be done with ease and it is rather discreet, in terms of size.

​The reason it is not recommended to use a Zone 1 satellite dish in Zone 2 is that the signal is weaker in this part of the country. Thus, a smaller dish like Zone 1 may encounter problems when it comes to providing a good signal. In this case, you may experience pixels or blocks appearing on the TV’s image, blurry signal, or no signal whatsoever.

The Zone 1 and Zone 2 satellite dishes are mostly used for Freesat and Sky services, and they do a great job in this direction, but can they be used for other purposes? For instance, is it possible to enjoy foreign signals? Well, it is worth knowing you can, but the options are limited. So, you may want to exploit these options and see what you can find. However, if you have a Zone 1 satellite dish, especially if you live in the north, don’t expect too many. A larger dish, like the Zone 2 satellite dish will be much more appropriate if you want to expand its uses and enjoy foreign satellites, as it is more capable of capturing signals coming from satellites.
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At this point, you know the differences between these two satellite dishes and you’re more than capable of making the best choice in your case. Besides taking the area where you live into consideration, think about whether you want to enjoy foreign satellites, for instance, or whether you’ll be bothered by a large dish at your house.