A TV is easy to understand when you look at it from the front. But once you turn it around and face its back, things can get rather complicated. There are a few ports at the back of the TV that serve a variety of purposes. If you want to know what each of them does, it is worth reading the explanations mentioned below. This way, next time you want to perform a set-up process on your TV, & instead of calling a TV installation expert, you’ll know what to do.

It is impossible to miss the SCART connection because it is usually rather large and hangs on the outside. Regarding its functionality, the SCART connection is located in an inferior position compared to an HDMI connection. But, even so, it used to be one of the most used connections of a TV. What was it used for? People utilized this connection to install satellite receivers, DVD players, and other types of devices. The SCART connection is also known as Euroconnector, as it used to be very popular in Europe.

In the USA, this type of connection never managed to gain too much terrain. The fact that it was created in Europe is also reflected by the name of the connection, as SCART comes from the French “Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs”. If you use this type of connection and you’ve lost the sound but the image appears to be fine, or the other way around, it may be due to the fact that the SCART has moved from its position a little. Also, if you want to move your TV on the wall, a SCART connection won’t fit in the back, as it is too large for this.

​These days, this is probably the most used type of input in the case of TVs. When you want to connect any audio-video equipment to your TV, an HDMI input will make it happen. The modern TVs that can be found in stores today have more than one HDMI input available. This is due to the fact that HDMI inputs can be used for both audio and video and because we tend to use a number of pieces of equipment at once with our TV. Because it is so popular and used, the technology behind this type of connection is constantly improved. So, in the future, it will be able to transport even more data than today, being even more effective. This is why this type of connection is recommended in most cases.

​This type of input is available only in the case of smart TVs, as this connection allows the TV to gain access to the Internet. This connection is also known as RJ45 or 8P8C. What’s interesting is that even “non”-smart TVs, belonging to the previous generations, featured an RJ45 connection. This was used not to watch movies online, but to access local internet connection for software updates.

Also known as the Tos-link, the optical output is used for connecting digital audio equipment to the TV. So, with its help, you can enjoy soundbars, amplifiers, and AV receivers together with our TV. This way, the experience of watching a movie or listening to our favourite music will be much improved.

​This connection is a rather small and discreet one, compared to other types of connections, so you may need a bit of time to find it. Another aspect you need to remember about the optical output is the fact that it can take up to 5.1 audio systems. If you want to enjoy larger systems, like a 7.1 system, you will have to use an HDMI connection for it.

The auxiliary output, also known as a headphones jack, is useful when looking to connect a pair of headphones or other audio equipment to your TV. This connection is composed of an audio cable with one analogue channel, which means that the sound quality provided by this connection is much better.

​Thus, compared to a coax or Toslink connection, the aux connection will offer higher sound quality and is more recommended when looking to enjoy a better sound. It is worth mentioning that many TVs will mute their own speakers when the aux output becomes active. So, you should not be surprised if this happens in your case as well.

​This particular connection works very similarly with the Toslink connection, as it was made to support audio devices like a 5.1 audio system. However, there are differences between a digital coax output and a Toslink one. The main thing that separates the digital coax connection from the rest is that a conductor cable serves as a path for the digital audio signals, while the Toslink uses a fibre connection. So, if you want to add a piece of audio equipment to your TV or DAB Radio, you can use the digital coax output, as it is capable of supporting AV receivers, soundbars, or surround systems.

This type of input is rather popular and used these days, is provided by a wide range of gadgets. So, it’s no wonder that modern TVs also offer this type of input. In fact, people prefer buying TVs that can offer this feature, as it can be used for a variety of purposes. For instance, you can connect a USB memory stick to your TV with the help of this input and see photos, videos, or listen to music this way.

​Besides this, the USB input can be used to connect an external storage device or hard drive to the TV, which can help you record data provided by your TV. It is also possible to utilise this input to connect your TV to the available Wi-Fi unit, which will enable you to enjoy online streaming services on the TV. Of course, new generation TV has a built-in Wi-Fi receiver, so there’s no need to use a USB input for a wireless adaptor. If you have this kind of TV, you’ll be able to use this input for other purposes.

​When it comes to TV ports, the RF connection can be placed on the most used list. The RF connection is a radio frequency connection in the UK and Ireland, it can provide Freeview and other similar services. Because of this, it is not uncommon to find TVs that have a separate screw in the existent RF connection, which will allow a direct connection to the satellite dish you’re using. It is worth mentioning that the compatibility with Freesat is determined by the model and mark of TV you are using, as not all models allow such compatibility, in spite of the separate screw they may have installed.

There are TVs that feature one set of white and red phono connections and TVs that provide several sets of these kinds of connections. These connections can be used for sound only. These connections exist because they are meant to accompany the connections destined for video signals alone.

​However, some TVs will feature a set of phono connections for connecting supplementary sound systems. You just need to make sure that each additional device, whether it is used for video or audio, is connected properly. If not, you’ll end up with a TV that will provide an image, but no sound.

Standing for Digital Video Input, the DVI input serves only for connecting digital video devices with the TV. This type of input existed before the HDMI connection came around, but you can still make good use of it if there are no HDMI connectors available on your TV.

​You can use a DVI-HDMI adapter for connecting a DVI input, which saves you from having to use a special DVI cable. However, if you want to use this particular connection you should know that it provides images only. For sound, you will need to use audio cables that are separate from the DVI connection.

​This is not a common kind of connection that can be seen on all TVs. This is due to the fact that the VGA connection is mostly used to connect the TV with a computer. VGA means Video Graphics Array and it can provide only video connections. Just as it happens with many types of connections that were once popular among TV users, the VGA output was exceeded by the newer and improved HDMI connection. Considering that the VGA connection is rather bulky, having two side screws meant to keep things in place, no wonder people opted for the more versatile and discreet HDMI.

​If you have advanced TV setting knowledge, you can easily use the RS-232 connection to make these settings happen. In terms of aspect, the RS-232 output looks very much like the VGA connection, so it won’t be that hard to notice. What does it serve? This connection is utilised for more complicated connections, like integrating the TV within a system meant for home automation or for controlling the TV with the help of a computer.

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.

How to tell if you need a new TV Aerial for your television. As an aerial & satellite installation engineer, I often get phone calls from people asking if they need a new aerial as they are experiencing problems with their TV picture. This is a question that is not that had to find the answer for if the customer just did a few. Firstly, if experiencing problems with the Television reception, the first thing to do is to check the connections. This means looking at the back of the TV and checking to see if the aerial cable which has a coax plug on the end of it is firmly plugged into the correct port in the TV. You'd be amazed at how many times I have been out to customers houses and found that the reason they are experiencing picture glitch is because the aerial is not correctly plugged into the back of the TV. Its such a simple thing to check too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TV_aerial_plug  

Secondly the next thing to check is whether the aerial cable is still attached to the TV Aerial Antenna . These are usually fixed on the chimney using a lashing kit and mast. Or the aerial & mast is fixed on a stand off bracket on the wall of the house. Finally the last place to check is in the loft. What you need to look for is any obvious damage or , such as the cable has come loose or the aerial antenna is in some way damaged or pointing in the wrong direction.  

There is another DIY check that can be done if you have another working aerial socket in the home. If you have the extra TV point, then take the TV into that room and plug it in, if experiencing problems with it then it would definitely point to there being a problem with your Aerial Antenna. If not then it maybe just the aerial cable that is the cause of the interference. This maybe just a simple cabling replacement job, and you can avoid going to the expense of changing your whole TV digital aerial system.  

At the end of the day there maybe nothing that can be detected through these checks and you would need the assistance of a qualified TV Aerial Installation Engineer to run a full test on the system using a spectrum analyzer. But if you have performed the checks mentioned above first you will rule out having to pay for a call out charge just for the aerial fitter to plug the aerial into the back of the TV. 

Having problems with your you view box? Then our not alone. When ever we as 'Aerial & Satellite Engineers' have attended a property where the home owner has a you view box, invariably the frustrated customer is pretty unhappy with the functionality of the you view box and the service received from either BT or Talk Talk. However, this is not to say that this is the beginning of the end for the problematic platform as a report published just the other day reveals...

Want to talk through your options for free to air TV such as Freeview or Freesat, then call our Aerial & Satellite Engineer for the best advice tailored to you.

The reasons why you get picture Freeze is due to a few common problems with digital signals in general. Digital signals are more affected than analogue signals by poor carrier to noise and impulse noise. Of course, other forms of interference affect both analogue and digital signals, but impulse noise is by its very definition impulsive. The susceptibility of DTT signals to impulse noise is an important factor when making a good digital installation since it interrupts the data stream of picture information & corrupts that data. This can result in locked pictures, pixilation or total blanking. The well known ones are car ignition picked up on the aerial, electric fences, mercury arc lighting, or a home heating thermostat arcing causing spikes which travel through the coax cable. Both will eventually arrive at the digital tuner. Although increasing the signal level could help by improving the carrier to noise ratio, impulse noise is often greater than the wanted signal.

It is not difficult to protect the digital signal from impulse noise by using well screened components. However a TV Aerial is designed to collect signals, so cannot be screened. What a good aerial does is collect only the good signal and reject the bad signals.

The Log Periodic TV Aerial is ideal for the purpose as it rejects the impulse noise noise by a 15db margin whilst picking up the good TV signal just like a high gain aerial would. We generally will only use these TV Aerials in our installations for obvious reasons.