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.

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.

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.

There are many new build sites in and around Lancaster that a requiring TV aerial installation in their lofts. The builders such as Barratts and Storey Homes will happily install the TV sockets for the home in which ever room the new home owner requires, yet they don’t install the aerial or amplifier to service these TV points. This is where we come in and get the loft aerial installed and working for you. When we arrive we will have all of the correct equipment on our vans so that we will be able to complete the job within the time of our visit. We will not need to nip out to pick up some piece of equipment that we may need. Having installed plenty of digital aerials in the new builds in and around Lancaster, we know exactly what is required to carry out a successful aerial installation in Lancaster

​With the aerial in the loft situation, usually the builders will have coiled up the coax cable connecting to all of the TV sockets around the house, and left the cable coiled near the loft hatch, making the ability to finish the job that bit quicker. Once in the loft we use a log periodic digital aerial and by connecting this to a spectrum analyser direct the aerial into the best position to pick up the strongest signal. We then fit an aerial spike to the most suitable rafter and set about attaching the aerial head to it. After this we run a length of coax cable to where the embedded coax cable is. Now, depending on how many TV points there are in the house will determine whether or not we use a passive splitter or an amplified one. If there are 4 or more TV sockets in the house, then we would generally use some sort of amplified splitter such as a set-back amp or a masthead amplifier. 

With the Storey homes, they go to that little bit more effort in the construction of the homes and will equip the loft with a light and also a power socket. This is usually located near the loft hatch and is there for the amp to plug into. If there is no power socket and the home has 4 or more points, then we would use a masthead amp. This kind of amp is split into 2 parts, the splitter device, and the power unit. The power to the amp is sent to the splitter part via the coax cable going from the TV point to the loft. It doesn’t matter which one is used just so long as it is used. As with the pictures shown of one of the aerial installation jobs we did in Lancaster, it shows a set-back amp having been installed and it is plugged into a power socket in the loft. With this aerial installation we were able to provide a quality Freeview signal for all 7 aerial sockets in the home.

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.

TV Aerial Installers In Blackpool

An Aerial installation should accomplish two things: It shouldn’t be ludicrously expensive, and it shouldn’t cause any damage or substantial alterations to your home. We are TV aerial installers who have installed and repaired aerials for a wide variety of homes. We are proud to serve all Aerials Blackpool needs and beyond. You can trust us to make certain the work is done quickly and efficiently at a price you can easily afford.

Any TV aerial installers you’re going to consider should be able to do the following:

·         They should be able to come to your home at your convenience for a free assessment of your home and the work that will be required.
·         They should be able to offer you a price that everyone can agree upon ahead of time.
·         This price should not be subject to a sudden increase at the last possible minute.
·         They should not charge VAT.
·         They should have a level of experience with various commerical and residential properties that ensures they will know exactly what to do in your situation.
·         They should be able to give you a TV aerial installation that doesn’t have cables visible when they don’t need to be. The cables should be completely obscured as much as humanly possible.
·         They should be able to walk you through every aspect of the TV aerial installation process.
·         They should be able to answer any questions you might have before or even after the work has been completed.
·         They should be able to complete the job within the time frame specified.
·         They should have all the tools and equipment necessary to complete the job properly.

Whether we’re installing TV aerials or satellite dishes, one thing should remain the same: You should be pleased with the quality of the work. TV aerial installation is not something that should be stressful or expensive. Once we have given you the free on-site estimation of the costs, as well as how long it is going to take to complete the job, you should be able to breathe easy. We want the work to be completed quickly as much as you do. When the installation has been handled properly, you can get on with your plans.

This is work that can be done discreetly and at a minimum cost. We stand by that belief, and we stand by the quality of the work that we do.