Aeriel for freeview - how much?

larmy16

Hi I know there are many threads on this subject but hoping someone can give me some specifics.

Live on an estate, in a terraced house. The reception from the communal aeriel was terrible and about that time(10 years ago) NTL came a calling, so we all got cable - it was the new best thing etc...and it ensured I could actually watch a picture without thinking it was snowing on everything.

OK, now I want to get freeview. I hate NTL - want to get rid of all of it, TV, phone and Broadband. Go back to BT and get Freeview, then sort out new broadband.

My questions are these. The original aeriel - not even sure where it is or if it is still there? So I gather I need a good aeriel to pick up digital. Will I need to get a roof one or someone said you can get them in the loft. Freeview is available in my area. My main question though is how much??? Anyone know how much you would pay approx. for a roof aeriel or loft aeriel to be installed?

They say forewarned is forearmed so before I ring any companies for quotes, thought I would see if anyone knows.

Would appreciate any help on this.TIA.

ManAtHome

Depends on where you live, but I get excellent freeview reception on a very old standard roof aerial (must be over 20 years old). Dunno about installing one, but I put a radio aerial in the loft a few years ago - dead easy, just the odd hole in the corner of each ceiling to run the cable, although could take a bit of time to align for TV (there are directional, FM generally isn't).

You could always be a bit cheeky and walk around looking for roof aerials, then knock on the door and ask... or note the style, check out Maplins, then try it in the loft (with cable through the hatch until you know it works, then you can start drilling..).

larmy16

Manathome,

Thanks for that. As a woman at home (alone), much as I would like, I cannot see me taking this job on, so would have to pay someone. Is Maplins an aeriel shop???

Browntoa

Wlikinsons do some for £20, high gain digital, if you can get in the loft it will work up there (mine does in a poor reception area)

grumpyoldgit_2

Maplin sell electronic and electrical gear icluding aerials etc
They will probably seell compatible kit and may well be able to point you towards a reliable installer
Failing that talk to the neighbours there is usually someone reliable in the area who can do a job like that.
Shopping around is wise - otherwise you could get ripped off - I have always done my own stuff like that so can't help with a comparative quote - maybe others on the board can?????
Good Luck

Lorian

larmy16 wrote:

My questions are these. The original aeriel - not even sure where it is or if it is still there? So I gather I need a good aeriel to pick up digital.

I quite like the high-gain 52 element aerial from Focus DIY. It's £29.99 inlcuding a bracket and mount suitable for loft or chimney, but if you're not going to fit it yourself that is academic.

There is a search page over at the CAI to help you find a local reputable installer. A local installer will either know what type of aerial you need from experience in rigging in your local area, or he'll come and take some readings.

I'd get quotes from 2-3 companies, and ask them what type of aerial they will fit for the money (specifically you want to know the gain figure for the aerial), and where they would fit it. Also ask them what type of co-axial cable they will use. Then there are plenty of people here that can then give you an idea which one is best option for the money.

You can find the fitter search page here:

http://www.cai.org.uk/asp/domestic_search1.asp

larmy16

Lorian, thanks for that. Apparently there is one just in my village! How convenient is that???

Lorian

larmy16 wrote:

Lorian, thanks for that. Apparently there is one just in my village! How convenient is that???

Very, if he turns out to be good *and* reasonably priced. I'd still get the quote and post up the details here first if you want to be sure you're not being ripped off. PM it to me by all means, as I tend to "loose" threads over time.

aylesby

Just paid £69.50 in Cheshire to supply and fit an aerial on the chimney to run a freeview unit. This area is not good for reception and needs more than a basic aerial. One man on site for an hour who claimed he had nine jobs on that fine day.
I waited a week for this contractor after a different one failed to show on two occasions.

rich_jtg

aylesby wrote:

Just paid £69.50 in Cheshire to supply and fit an aerial on the chimney to run a freeview unit. This area is not good for reception and needs more than a basic aerial. One man on site for an hour who claimed he had nine jobs on that fine day.
I waited a week for this contractor after a different one failed to show on two occasions.

Similar price in N Yorks too - good quality cable and aerial.. £70

LittleJo

Hi,
I don't suppose you could borrow an indoor aerial and try that. My brother did and it seems OK.
Jo