Nothing lasts forever and this is also valid for TV aerials. Of course, you don’t have to worry about purchasing a TV aerial each year. But, because they are placed outside the home and are exposed to all kinds of weather, it is normal for them to get damaged in time. So, what’s the average lifespan of a TV aerial?

Just as it happens in the case of other products, the lifespan of a TV aerial is influenced by the quality of the item. If the aerial is made to last, being manufactured out of high-quality materials, it will last longer than usual. But, if the product is a cheap one, you’ll have the unpleasant surprise to notice it failing in just a few years. In the article that follows you will find everything you need to know about this subject. Maybe it will help you look for more reliable aerials, which don’t need replacement too soon.

A rooftop aerial is subjected to a wide range of conditions. It rains and snows on them, wind challenges their position, the scorching sun of the summer heats it up, and branches of nearby trees threaten to hit it. Such an aerial can withstand quite a few challenges over the years. Not to mention that they may end up being struck by lightning. So, how many years will an aerial like this last? If the aerial is of reliable quality and it is installed by a professional, it can last anywhere between one and two decades.

Yes, you can have an aerial installed on the roof of your home for the next 20 years without issues. There are cases in which people used the same rooftop aerial even for 30 years, so they can last for impressive periods.
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Unfortunately, an aspect that diminished the lifespan of a rooftop aerial is not being installed by an experienced professional. Many people believe that it is not that hard to set an aerial on a rooftop. But, when this is a DIY project, there are many things that can go wrong. However, in the majority of the cases, the cable and fixings are the ones that get damaged sooner than the aerial itself.

There are two aspects that can diminish the lifespan of an aerial or antenna. The antenna is cheap and made without regard to the latest standards. Or the aerial or antenna has been installed by someone who is not professional or by yourself, as a DIY project. No matter how handy you may be, there are things you may overlook due to your lack of experience in this sector. Under these circumstances, you cannot expect your aerial to last 10 to 20 years.

For example, if you want to buy an affordable aerial, which is not made to answer to the needs of the professional market, you should seriously consider installing it in a loft, rather than on the roof. Inside a loft, an aerial is more protected and its lifespan may be prolonged. Otherwise, you may notice the aerial get damaged or fall apart in a rather short period.

How soon can a cheap and poorly installed aerial break down? You’ll be stunned to know that it can fall down as soon as within one single month from its installation on the roof. So, next time you consider the price of an aerial or aerial installation high, think twice before doing this part yourself.

​In the worst-case scenario, you may have to spend additional money to get a new aerial. If you want to install the TV aerial on the roof of the house, cutting costs is not a good idea, not even when it comes to parts. The aerial should be able to withstand any kind of weather without an issue and without generating any additional costs any time soon.

Even if you opt for a good quality aerial or antenna, its installation can lead to a series of problems that may end up damaging the aerial. So, if you were willing to invest in a good quality aerial, get a professional to fix it in place properly pointing to the correct TV transmitter and it will work fine for decades. Regarding installation problems, here are some that can trigger issues in time.

• The aerial was installed at great heights

Some homeowners may have their houses surrounded by trees, so they will want to make sure that the aerial’s signal is not affected by the trees. However, installing an aerial too high without respecting a set of rules may diminish its lifespan. An aerial mast should be used for aerials that are planned to go higher than usual. Just make sure the aerial mast is large and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the aerial in any weather conditions.

• “U” or “V” bolts that are too tight

This is probably one of the most common issues when installing a TV aerial. Out of the desire to make sure that the aerial is well-fixed, many tighten the “U” or “V” bolts way too much. In time, this will damage the mast and weaken it. Using a ratchet spanner, especially for the top bolt, will prevent this from happening.

• When the aerial is struck by lightning

These are rare cases, but they can happen, especially during a more violent electrical storm. Unfortunately, TV aerials cannot survive the strike of lightning and are, almost always, damaged for good, requiring a replacement. When a high voltage goes through the components of an aerial, it causes severe burns, beyond the possibility of making any kinds of repairs.

• Outdated technology

If a TV aerial lasts for extended periods, it is very possible for its technology to become dated. This may explain why you can’t enjoy all the available TV services in your area. Of course, do bear in mind that frequencies can change in time, so performing a TV tune once in a while will ensure that you have the right frequencies for the broadcasted TV services.

As mentioned earlier, TV aerials installed in lofts have a longer lifespan because they are not exposed to the weather. Also, they cannot be struck by lightning, as they are covered by your house’s roof. It’s true that lightning can ruin the entire electrical system of a house or at least severely damage it, but the chances for this to happen are more reduced.

But, even if the loft looks like a more suitable place for your TV aerial, it is not recommended to do so. If you wonder why there are a number of reasons to choose otherwise. In general, lofts are at a lower height than chimneys, for instance, which means that there could be signal issues. Besides this, the signal will have to work its way through walls and roof tiles to make it to the aerial, which can also trigger issues in the quality of the TV services you want to enjoy. You may even experience no signal whatsoever.
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Then you should also bear in mind that installing the aerial in the loft will mean subjecting it to a set of interference, coming from other equipment present inside the house. For example, by simply turning on the hoover than triggering the appearance of pixels on your TV’s image. A TV antenna that is installed outside, on the rooftop, on the highest possible point, will provide a clear signal no matter what kind of activities are going on inside the house.

Any certified professional or company that provide services of installation for TV aerials must offer a warranty certificate for their work. This way, you can be sure that, at least for a period, you won’t have any issues with the installation of the antenna. But, again, a cheap aerial could create problems sooner than planned, no matter how well the installation has been done. The cheap materials present in the structure of the aerial may break down sooner than the average. This is why the warranty for an aerial installation is 1 to 2 years, depending on certain conditions. Of course, if the installation is done correctly, the aerial will last much more than this.
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It is also possible to find companies that offer 3 to 5 years of warranty, but this usually happens for an additional cost. In other words, it would be like paying for an extra insurance policy for your aerial. If it is worth taking these costs depends entirely on you and how much you invested in the TV aerial. But, as a general rule, if you’re hiring an experienced and reliable professional and choose a good quality aerial, the equipment should last for very many years to come.

Finding the best TV transmitter in your area means enjoying better TV services and shows, and reducing, if not even eliminating, the risks of signal disturbances and interruptions. Even if you’re already using a TV transmitter, it is still worth reading this post, as you may find out something new on this topic. It is possible to discover useful information that will furthermore help you improve the way you enjoy the available TV services in your area.
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For example, many people had to choose between pointing their TV aerial toward better signals or toward more TV channels or services. Did this ever happen to you? What would you choose, quality or a broader spectrum of services? Even if you apparently set the antenna in the right direction, you may experience blurred signals due to obstacles in its way. It may be a tall nearby building or even a tree. In this case, you will have to adapt your strategy and redirect your TV aerial. So, continue reading the article and see how you can improve the quality of your TV-related experiences or find solutions to existing problems.

It’s difficult, if not even impossible, to find the best TV transmitter if you don’t have sufficient information about them. So, it is worth knowing the different types of TV transmitters you can find and the differences between one another.

The most important TV transmitter is the main transmitter, which is usually the one that usually covers an entire area. More precisely, the main transmitters are located approximately 35 miles apart from one another, as they are capable of transmitting signals over longer distances than compared to relay transmitters. If you want to get all the TV services available in your area, it’s best to go for the main transmitter.

In spite of the fact the TV transmitters are rather powerful and capable of broadcasting TV signals over large surfaces of land, sometimes it is not possible to use them. This usually happens when the shape of the landscape, a high number of trees, or existing tall buildings in the area come in between your TV and the main transmitter. Thus, the signal never reaches your TV aerial due to large obstacles. To help those that cannot receive a signal from the main transmitter, relay transmitters were positioned in strategic points, allowing everybody to reach the signal, regardless of geography and obstacles. Of course, the frequency of receiving relay transmitter signals will be different.
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If you’re tempted to think that relay transmitters are the same, it’s time to know that there are also Freeview Lite transmitters. Many relay transmitters are part of this group. Unfortunately, the bandwidth for TV signal shrunk over the years, as large parts of it were sold for the 4G network and, recently, for the coming 5G technology. This means that they can only provide half of the available TV services, as there isn’t sufficient room for them to offer a full range of services.

Did it ever occur to you that you can use your postcode to find out TV transmitters? Well, if this is new information to you, it’s time to try it out. You will need not just your postcode, but also house number, for more accurate positioning. Use this data with the TV transmitter checker and allow it to find the closest TV transmitter in your area. This will unravel the TV services you will be able to enjoy in the area where you live as well. Of course, this is what happens in most cases. There are cases in which things are not that simple.

You see, even if the suggested TV transmitted is nearby, a large building in your proximity can come in between you and enjoying a clear signal. What does this mean? It means that you won’t be able to use that particular transmitter because the quality of the received signal will be undesirable. This will take you back to searching for a transmitter, more precisely one that will provide a much better signal. Or you have the possibility to use the suggested transmitter, but settle for a lower number of TV services. This can be possible by realigning the aerial so that you get a better signal, although this may mean that you won’t be able to enjoy all the services provided by the transmitter.
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In spite of the fact that it may sound simple, there is one major downside to using postcodes when looking for TV transmitters. And that’s the fact that you will find out about the most likely transmitters and not all the transmitters in your area. So, if you want to have alternatives, you’ll need to use more than one method to detect them. In other words, if the postcode-based search method returns one suggested transmitter, it doesn’t mean that there is only one in your area. There might be more, especially relay transmitters, which might work better. Thus, it is worth giving them a shot as well, once you manage to find them.

Checking out the aerials utilised by your neighbours is another good method that will take you closer to the best TV transmitter in your area. Ideally, you should already have an idea about your local transmitters, as this method will allow you to determine which transmitters are most used. Take a look at the aerials of more than one neighbour.

​If you see several aerials pointing toward one single direction, then you might just find the most used transmitter. But, if you notice that the aerials of several neighbours are pointing in different directions, like each searching for a different transmitter, then it’s an indication that you’re living in an area with poor signal. This happens when a TV user lives in a border area, which is around the outer limit of a transmitter’s signal.

If you see several high-gain aerials pointing toward a direction and a couple of smaller aerials set in a different direction, then there must be one main transmitter nearby, but also a relay transmitter, like a Freeview Lite transmitter. Again, the Freeview Lite transmitter will offer fewer TV services, but its signal may be of better quality for some users. Those that have high-gain aerials may have been fortunate enough to get a signal from the main transmitter in the area, enjoying a more generous offer of TV services.
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As a tip, look for the aerial polarisation and how it has been mounted on the aerial. This will offer even more clues that will lead to the identification of the main transmitter or, at least, the most used transmitter in the area. This is, as a general rule, the one that provides the best signal for the provided TV services.

As mentioned earlier, finding the nearest TV transmitter doesn’t mean that you’ll manage to enjoy the highest-quality signal. Yes, it is desirable to enjoy a wide range of TV services, but if the signal is poor, you won’t properly enjoy all these services. This is why many TV users prefer opting for a transmitter that provides a better signal, even if this means fewer TV services.

Ideally, you should do your best to align your TV aerial in the direction of the main transmitter. This is usually the best solution in terms of signal and available TV services. Doing so is even more important if you can’t seem to find a relay transmitter nearby, one that may represent a better option than the main transmitter. You should bear in mind that, in many cases, a relay transmitter may be much closer to your location than the main transmitter.

However, it is worth installing your aerial in the direction of the main transmitter instead. It’s not because the relay transmitter is not offering good quality signal, but because the main transmitter provides more TV services. So, if you have the chance to get a great signal from the main transmitter, in spite of the fact that it is further away, then you will also gain access to more TV services as well.

So, whenever possible, try to aim for the main transmitter, even if you have a relay transmitter closer to where you live. Main transmitters emit stronger signals, so there’s the chance for your aerial to get them if it is properly aligned. If this is a success, your TV will offer a higher number of TV services. Relay transmitters should be used only when there’s no way to get the signal emitted by the main transmitter. After all, this is why relay transmitters were installed in the first place.
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As a conclusion, when looking for the best TV transmitter in your area, do your best to find out as many as possible, if not all available in your area. This way, you will locate the main transmitter and existent relays, having the possibility to choose the one that works best in your case.

After a long and tiring day, you probably hope to relax on the couch, watching your favourite show on TV. But, without any previous warning, your TV decides not to work any longer, displaying that frustrating “no signal” message on the screen. So, what should have been a relaxing end of a day, turns into something annoying which adds to the stress you’ve been experiencing throughout the day.

Many factors can lead to the malfunctioning of a TV aerial. Thus, if you notice that your TV is not working, you’re probably dealing with an aerial problem, rather than having your TV broken down. The good part of all of this is that you could solve some of the issues that are messing with your TV program, without having to call a specialist (such as Digitec Aerials for Aerial Repairs) over. So, if you made it so far, take the time to read about the issues that can trigger a TV aerial malfunction and how to solve it on the spot.

If the TV displays the “no signal message on the screen when you turn it on, there’s something wrong. Due to the problem, the TV is incapable of emitting images on the screen. The bad part is that such a problem can emerge in a variety of scenarios. So, in order to solve the issue, you will have to find what is causing it first.

​It is important to remember that the “No Signal” message is displayed in every case the TV is not working, not necessarily because it lost its signal, transmitted by the aerial. Whether some interference is scrambling the signal or the cable got water ingress, this is the same message that will appear on the screen when something is not working right.

You never know when this may happen, so it is worth getting ready for the day when you’ll see “No Signal” on the screen, instead of a TV show. In most cases, it is possible to deal with the problem without any help. Thus, here is a list of potential problems that may lead to having no picture on your TV and how to repair the situation.

​Although nobody thinks about it, it is possible for the aerial’s cable to simply fall out of its place. When this happens, it is impossible for the TV to receive any signal from the aerial. This may seem ordinary, but it is a case that happens rather frequently and it is one of the simplest to solve.

​So, when there’s no image on the TV, the first thing you need to look for is a loose cable. Look at the back of the TV and make sure the cable is in its place. If not, find the cable and put it back where it should be. Also, make sure it fits right, without appearing loosen in its spot.

​A simple press on the wrong button can mess up the input and make your TV show a black screen instead of images. Based on the TV model you own, this may be called an “input”, “source”, “AV”, or it may be represented in the menu in the form of a box featuring an arrow that is coming out of it. This is the second thing you need to check when you have image displaying issues, as it is one of the most common problems people experience.

When the TV’s input is set on the wrong option, it will be like the TV cannot see the signal coming from the aerial, as it waits for the signal to come from a different source. So, it doesn’t mean that the signal is not there. It means it is invisible due to wrong settings.

​How to deal with this? Locate on the TV’s remote control the button that can switch the input. Once you find it, press on it. A list of sources will appear and you’ll have to look for the one that says “TV” or “DTV”. What if your TV displays both options? Go for the DTV option because in this case, the TV option is an analogue connection.

​It is worth mentioning that not all TVs have a power supply unit or amplifier. So, if this is not the case, you may skip this part. But if you do have a power supply unit, it is worth checking if the unit is on and working.

​These units can get accidentally turned off especially when they are installed in different rooms around the house. Because people think that they don’t need to stay on, since the TV in a room is not used, they turn them off and then face the kind of problems we’re talking about.

​Most certainly you tuned your TV on the first day you got it. So, you may wonder why you have to re-tune it again. Well, you will have to perform this operation in order to make sure you’re getting all the channels and services available with the aerial you use. It is not uncommon for channels to change frequencies, for some of them to disappear, and for others to appear in time. This recently occurred for all BBC channels on the Freeview platform.
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Also, recently, additional room is prepared for the coming 5G network, so broadcasters are being moved closer to one another. This can impact the way you receive signals from them. Re-tuning your TV will solve this aspect. However, if it is possible, manual tuning is more recommended than the automatic version. When automatic tuning is done, the TV will look for signals coming from the closest transmitters, which may not always be the most reliable.

Are you using a wall-jack or wall-plate TV aerial? Then you will have a lead connecting the TV or set top box with the antenna’s socket. In some cases, this particular lead is the culprit for no signal or poor images on your TV. This is due to the fact that the lead is made out of bad quality materials, which triggers a set of defects in time and makes the lead faulty. How to deal with this problem? It’s best to make your lead out of a good quality coaxial cable. This way you know that the lead will never be faulty again.

Besides the coaxial cable, you will also need coaxial plugs and a few tools to make it happen. There are tutorials and how-to videos online that will guide you throughout the process. If you don’t want to take such a DIY project, just make sure to buy a good quality lead this time. You don’t have to spend over £50 on it. You only have to pay attention to the quality and reliability of the product.

If everything is plugged in and working, and you can’t detect any issues with the lead, input, and so on, you may begin suspecting your TV. Even a TV that is almost brand new can be faulty. To rule this possibility out, just swap your TV with another one, which is functional.

​Bear in mind that you may have to re-tune it as well if it doesn’t work. Even if you have just two aerials on the property, each of them can be served by a different transmitter. Thus, when you swap TVs, they may not work on the aerial right from the start, without proper tuning first.

So, the TV is working and you still haven’t found the issue. If the wall-plate you use becomes faulty, it will explain why you can get a signal on your TV. As a general rule, TV aerial wall-plates don’t break down easily, requiring special conditions or shocks to get damaged to this degree.

​A wall-plate can malfunction due to physical damage, like being struck by a large tree branch, if it gets waterlogged, or if a high level of current goes through it at one, like it happens when struck by lightning. Of course, there can also be a loose connection. This can be checked if you feel the wall-plate with your hand. If it feels wobbly, it may be worth tightening it a bit.  If this doesn’t work, you may need a new wall-plate.

​This is probably the worst-case scenario in case you don’t receive a signal on your TV. In case you can see your antenna or aerial appearing broken or lying on the house in an unnatural position, then it could be what is causing your signal issues. But, even if the antenna or aerial looks normal, it can still be faulty. Water ingress, lightning, or the age of the device can put an end to it.

​If you know you have an old antenna, then you should seriously consider getting a new one. Technology developed a lot in the past years and you can get your hands-on exceptional models at good prices. In case it’s broken or damaged, the only option you have is to replace it. As a recommendation, when replacing the aerial or antenna, it is worth replacing the coaxial cable as well, for a good quality & problem free signal.

Freeview is the free to air and watch (apart from requiring a TV licence), via a standard TV Aerial for digital television. It is transmitted from a terrestrial TV mast located various regions throughout the UK & Ireland. To be able to watch Freeview you will require a working and properly installed TV Aerial. With that being said, there are other ways to be able to watch many of the same channels broadcast on the Freeview platform. In this article the engineer at Digitec will explain for you other options and ways to watch TV without having to pay for a TV aerial installation. 

​In short, the answer is yes. You can watch Freeview play using either a smart TV, a set top box or by using an app from off a mobile device. There are over 100 channels available for on demand viewing, and these can be viewed. All that is required for viewing is one of the devices mentioned and a half decent internet connection for streaming. 
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​As of writing this article, it is not possible to watch live TV (Freeview) legally over an internet connection. For this option a good TV aerial set up is necessary.
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There are a few different ways in which to be able to watch the same channels broadcast on the Freeview platform. In this article I will only be covering UK based platforms and not any foreign systems.

For the UK there are 2 different satellite platforms from which to watch live TV. These are Sky & Freesat. Sky is probably more well known than Freesat, but all of the free to air channels can be watched on these. Sky is the subscription-based satellite TV provider. With it there is all of the free to air TV channels, plus a large range of other channels, for movies, sports etc.

Freesat has no subscription or paid channels and the platform only provides the free to air TV channels. This is a great option if living in a region where the TV signal from off the local TV transmitter is compromised.

​Virgin is the only option for the UK at this present time, and it is a subscription-based service. With this service you are able to watch both Free to air and the TV channels that have been subscribed to.

Using the internet to watch television is probably one of most revolutionary aspects of peoples TV habits coming into the 2020’s. 

​Most new televisions come with the ability to be able to connect to the internet and stream certain TV channels. These TVs’ are called a ‘Smart TV’. The type of channels available are the catch up channels such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 & My5. 

​If using an older television, there is still the option to watch these free catch up channels by purchasing a Smart TV stick. As well as having the catch up channels, these USB sticks will have a range of other channels to view. Some of these USB TV Sticks are the Kodi Stick, Amazon firestick, Chromecast by Google to name a few. Along with the free channels, with these there is the option to sign up to their subscription-based channels too.

​Set Top Boxes offer a little bit more than the USB Sticks. They can often offer a recording option. Plus, with games consoles like the X-box and PlayStation you can play video games on these as well.

​By using an ipad or other mobile phone you can mirror the program being streamed onto the television. If you have Amazon or apple TV, there is that option as long as the TV is new enough and has that you can set up the mirroring from off your device.

​To watch any live TV from within the UK, it is at time of writing this the law to pay for a TV licence. Although more and more households are ditching the licence, it isn’t yet legal to watch live TV without the licence.

When it comes to using any tradesman, many people prefer to use someone who is local. Why is that? Well, not that I’m privy to everyone’s reasons, I can only surmise that it is because of a few logical factors. One, being that if you use an aerial company such as Digitec Aerials, who are local, the money paid to the tradesman stays local, and he or she will spend that money locally putting the money back into the local economy.
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Second, I think is that if there was to be a need for the fitter to return for whatever reason, they are more likely if they’re local over someone that is from a national firm.

Not all national Aerial companies have their own accredited engineers, and rely on outsourcing the work to subcontractors. The subcontractor is expected to go to the house quote and get the job done. Quite often because of the overheads of these companies, with so many taking a cut of the profits, the prices of any repair or installation work is high. Along with that there is the inevitable VAT to be added on.
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Also, as opposed to using a local firm, if there is the need to have the national company call back due to a problem, this may be difficult to tie them down to do. A local firm is much more likely to call back and fix any fault as they are reliant on keeping their reputation in high standing in the local area.

So, this all depends on the turnover of the aerial company being used. If the business turns over less than £85,000 p.a then they are not obliged to charge VAT on top of their service charges. This then is another reason for someone to use a small local firm, in order to save 20% off their bill.
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Using a larger firm will almost always lead to a larger bill for the same service and equipment being fitted. This can seem a little unfair but it is what it is, and is often why National firms do charge more money for their services.

​With any service provided, there ought to be some form of warranty or guarantee. Along with this there should be a guarantee provided with any equipment installed at the property. This is because each piece of equipment will have a manufacturers’ warranty that can and should be passed onto the customer. For aerial installations, a minimum of 12 months should be given, and each piece of equipment, they will have their own separate warranty.

Good question! But, the question should be ‘how long SHOULD a TV aerial last?’ In all honesty a decent quality aerial should last well over 10 years and upwards of 20 years plus. However, there is a lot of different types and quality of Television antenna out there, and it really does depend on the quality of both the aerial and the installation.
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​There are plenty of aerial fitters still using the cheapest aerials on the market. Some of these aerials are lucky if they last out the year. Although they can survive and work well if set up properly in a loft, but they fair very badly if installed outside. Eventually the British weather causes them to fail.
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​However, if a decent quality antenna is fitted correctly by a qualified engineer, then you should really expect it to last a god 15 to 25 years. This also does depend on where about the property is that it is being fitted onto. Those near the seaside tend to weather worse due to the salt within the weather. But, even though it would still last over a decade.

​So, this can change a bit depending on what kind of aerial company being asked for a quote. National and larger firms will tend to charge more because they have larger overheads and charge VAT. Smaller firms and one man bands will usually not be charging Vat and have fewer overheads, hence the prices will be less. Plus, prices will vary depending on whether it is a loft aerial installation or one fitted outside.

On average the cost of an aerial installation to one room in the home costs approximately £165.00. However, it does depend on where on the property it is going, and other factors. So in reality prices will range from £130 - £200 for an aerial to be installed on the property.

All TV Aerials in the UK get their signals from a land-based Transmitter, and because of this depending where the transmitter is in relation to the aerial will relate to how much of a signal can be received. Other factors to take into consideration is the local geography such as hills, trees and valleys which will impact on the signal. Due to this most TV antennas are situated outside, but not all.

​The make up of a roof can negatively impact on the signal getting through to a loft aerial. That being said, it is possible in many homes to have adequate signal strength from an aerial fitted in a loft. The signal strength can be reduced by over 50% in a loft, but factors such as the type of loft lining, externally fitted solar panels should be taken into consideration.

Many if not all new build properties come with a stipulation in the contract that any TV aerial required is to be fitted internally. This is for aesthetics and not because it is a better way of doing it. Plus, in many installations an additional amplifier is required because of the reduced signal being received from within the loft.

​As previously mentioned, one of the major benefits to having it fitted in the loft or attic, is that it is out of sight and looks better than having it fitted externally either on the chimney or wall. Another benefit is that if fitted correctly, the aerial should last for decades and will always outlast an externally fitted TV aerial. This is because it's not being exposed to the weather year after year.

​It is generally when the signal strength being received is low or poor. When in a poor signal area, it is always better to maximise the amount of signal being received by fitting the aerial externally. This also gives the aerial fitter the option of using a tall mast in order to pick up more of the signal. Something that cannot be done within a loft.

This is often the case in the more rural areas where hills and the lay of the land tend to get in the way and also, generally because the transmitter is a long way away. In these kind of scenarios it can sometimes be impossible to pick up a good enough signal from within a loft, even if it was to be boosted, it wouldn’t be enough.

​To maximise a signal, for those living in a poor or weak signal area as previously mentioned, it is best to use an externally fitted aerial. But there are more ways in which to increase a weak signal, such as;

1. Use a high gain aerial
2. Increase the height of the aerial by using a tall mast
3. Use only high-quality copper cable
4. Make sure all connections are fitted correctly
5. Use some sort of powered amplifier such as a masthead amp, with a 25db variable gain.

By employing these methods, a decent aerial installer will be able to get a good enough signal in most locations in the country. And for the aeras' which it really is impossible, there is always the option of installing a satellite dish or either Freesat or Sky.

Recently got s call to a property in St.Annes to do an aerial installation on a chimney to supply Freeview to 2 rooms in the house. It was a fairly straightforward job. No need to remove any old coax cable or remove an old antenna from off the building as there was none there. 

The best way to ensure a quality fit is to bolt a galvanised bracket to the chimney stack. Then, to bolt a galvanised steel mast to the bracket using 'V' bolts, with the antenna firmly attached to the top of that mast. By using a digital aerial meter it can be aligned to the best position for picking up all of the transmitted signals from the winter hill transmitter.

Finally coax cable is connected from the aerial to a passive splitter within a waterproof housing for the coax cables going to the individual rooms to securely connect to.

Since there is very little to get in the way from the transmitted signal from off the transmitter at winter hill, the signal strength is very good. Also, the quality of the signal is good with very little in the way of interference.

With that being said, when the TV Aerial is installed in the Lytham St.Annes area it is very simple to fit it and feed cable to upto 4 rooms from a passive splitter. No need to use an amplified splitter or booster, so long as the aerial is set up correctly.

Located next to the Irish Sea, Southport is a town in north-west England and the 11th most populous city in this region. It is also a very popular seaside resort in the UK, the beautiful shorelines attracting thousands of visitors to the city every year. The city is also famous for the numerous events hosted throughout the year.

If you come here during the right time of the year, you can experience the largest independent flower show in the country, an air show at the beach, and even golf championships. Southport is very charming, having a laid-back atmosphere and gorgeous building facades.
 
The history of Southport appears to have begun a long time ago. The parts of the city that have names of Viking origins stand as proof that this part of England was indeed inhabited long before the country emerged. The Domesday Book also mentions settlements in the area. In fact, the earliest record that attests the presence of man in the area comes from the Middle Stone Age.

The hunters of those days liked the area for its woodlands, fish, shellfish, and large populations of elk and deer. Also, Roman coins were found in the area of the city as well, more precisely at Crossens and Halsall Moss. The Romans did not settle in the area, but the coins indicated that they traveled here or had settlements in the proximity of the city.
 
The Domesday Book mentions the existence of “Otergimele” as the name of the first settlement where Southport was going to develop much later on. In the book, there’s a mention that Otergimele had 200 inhabitants in a number of 50 huts. A primitive church was also built, the parish receiving the name North Meols. Due to the abundant fish in the surrounding waters, the fishing industry thrived here and led to the appearance of the first hamlets around the parish.
 
Toward the end of the 18th century, spa towns emerged across the inland and people visited the seashores to bathe in the salty waters of the sea, for improving their health and well-being. Bathing houses appeared, partially due to the recommendations of doctors to use saltwater for bathing, as a remedy for better health. During the 19th century, Southport developed even more and exceeded Blackpool’s popularity with its finer resort reputation.

This was also due to the fact that the resort enjoyed a canal system as a convenient access way. Other resorts of the kind were accessed with difficulty until a proper railways system was put in place. It is worth mentioning that Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte lived in exile on the Lord Street in Southport before he returned to France to be elected president and end up the Emperor of France.
 
In 1912, Ainsdale and Birkdale, two adjoining villages, contributed to the expansion of Southport, by becoming part of the county borough.  In 1925, the town was left without a lifeboat and, after a set of tragedies that struck its inhabitants in the 1980s, the families in Southport began raising money to get their much-needed lifeboat. The lifeboat operates entirely on the donations made by the public. Up to this date, the city developed beautifully and it truly deserves its name of a fine seaside resort. 

​Brought to you by Digitec Aerials Southport 
https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/southport.html

Wigan is a town that lies in the Greater Manchester region in England. It lies on the River Douglas and is 16 km (10 miles) south-west of Bolton, 19 km (17 miles) north of Warrington and 27.4km (17 miles) west-northwest of Manchester.

Origin

Wigan started as a village. It wasn’t until the 13th Century that it became a town. It was granted a charter by the king in 1246 which allowed the people to hold weekly markets. The town grew slowly so that as the Middle Ages neared their end, it had a population of about 3000.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, coal mining started around Wigan. However, the main economic activity in the town was making wool. The first process involved weaving the wool. Before it was dyed, it was made clean and thick by getting pounded in a mixture of clay and water. This was known as fulling. Wooden hammers that were driven by watermills pounded the wool.

Civil War

In 1642, civil war began between parliament and the king. The occupants of Wigan were mostly behind the king. However, in April 1643, Wigan was invaded by parliamentary forces. A year later, it got captured by the Royalists. However, their hold was not for long. In July 1644, following the battle of Marston Moor, the Royalists gave up the entire north of England.

In 1651, in an attempt to regain power, Charles II led a campaign with the Scots. He was joined by many of the Englishmen. However, the Royalist force suffered defeat in the hands of Parliamentarians during the battle on Wigan Lane.

Industrial Growth

In the 18th Century, Wigan continued to grow rapidly as it was an important market town. Furthermore, clock makers set up shop and made clocks in the town while whitesmiths crafted pewter goods. 1779 saw the completion of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal up to Wigan. In 1764, a waterworks was set up in Wigan while 1798 marked the opening up of a dispensary where the poor got free medicine.

At the close of the 18th century, coal mining drastically increased in Wigan. Also, in 1790, Wigan got its first iron works. Additionally, the late 18th century saw the cotton weaving business boom in Wigan.

Social Amenities

In the 19th century, there was a considerable improvement in amenities. From 1823, there was gas light in Wigan. In 1848, Wigan was linked to Liverpool and Manchester by railway. In 1856, a cemetery was established while in 1873, the Wigan Infirmary was started.

Written by Digitec Aerials Wigan
https://www.digitec-aerials.co.uk/wigan.html

On the banks of River Mersey lies Warrington, a large town that is strategically positioned in that it is 20 miles (32km) to the west of Manchester and 20 miles (32km) to the east of Liverpool. It has an estimated population of 209,700 and is the largest town in the whole of Cheshire County. In addition to this, it is wonderful business hub for entrepreneurs looking to pitch tent in the town and this is why:

• Good transport

It is crucial for every business to be able to reach the rest of the country regardless of its location. You want to get to your suppliers, clients and other contacts in record time. As a young company in Warrington, this is made possible by the very good transport links that will be vital in getting to your clients. While in Warrington, you are only minutes away from the M6, M56 and the M62 which will link you to the rest of the country. Additionally, it boasts of two train stations. It’s proximity to Manchester and Liverpool means that you have access to airports should you have to travel internationally.

• Business environment

Every entrepreneur is concerned with whether there are potential clients and Warrington will have you at ease. It is the home of multiple businesses that include Rolls-Royce, BT and TalkTalk. It is also home to other industries. For instance, Arcadis, a worldwide leader in design and consultancy for built and natural assets, calls Warrington home as well as Nuvia, the nuclear specialist. Regardless of your business niche, you won’t be short of clients, contacts or if need be, a business partner.

• Talent pool

When a business starts growing, there is the need for employees and this calls for recruitment. Warrington is anything but short of talent as it is home to a labour pool full of enterprising and skilled people. Additionally, being near to both Liverpool and Manchester means that it has access to the talented graduates from the respective universities. Warrington also plays host to a University of Chester campus which gives you a talent pool to recruit from.

• Support for business

Having a support system for new businesses is one way to ensure success and Warrington is full of diverse organizations that are bent on leading your company to growth. For example, there’s the Warrington Business Exchange which is a valuable networking organization that will link you to the contacts you need for the success of your business. Other organizations include the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Hub and for internet access, the Connecting Cheshire Superfast Business.
You might be wary about setting up business in a town that is not often on the media headlines but this doesn’t mean that the town is bad for business. In fact, there are so many opportunities to take advantage that you can’t afford to miss out on.

• ​Small Businesses 

As asmall business Digitec Aerials operates in and around the area as TV Aerial Installers. Using the excellent transport links and roads it is fairly easy to get from job to job. for more info click here