Cbeebies madness!!! Booster cure?

Mrs_Pepperpot_2

Hi,

Apologies if this has been covered before - I am useless at searching the forums and usually my search just takes me into the middle of some irrelevant arguement!!! Anyhoo...

We have a loft aerial and a freeview box with hardrive.

All of our channels are a bit ropey from time to time but Cbeebies seems to be the worst hit with lots of picture freezing and pixelation (sp).

We livein the exeter area if that helps.

Would a booster help with this - if so what am I looking for?

Many thanks in advance - my son is recovering from a tonsilectomy and there's only so many time I can watch his Thomas DVD before I go completely mad!

Fifer

If the signal isn't too bad, then yes, an aerial booster might help. It's best if you can install it as close to the aerial as possible, although that depends on whether you have power in your loft.

Using one at the back of the telly is less effective, but might still be worth a try. Get something cheap and cheerful from Asda or somewhere else you can return it to if it doesn't work. That way, you've nothing to lose by trying.

fwor

Is your aerial a recent wideband one? In many areas Cbeebies is on a multiplex that is quite a long way above the analogue UHF range and is therefore harder to pick up on an old aerial.

If you reckon your aerial is OK, a booster ~may~ help, but try to avoid setting the boost level too high, as you may end up distorting the more powerful multiplexes.

I use something like this one:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223504

though it will only be any use if you have a spare mains socket in the loft. If not, you'll need a more expensive booster with "phantom power" feed.

Mrs_Pepperpot_2

What useful replies - thanks

We've only recently moved in so I've no idea what kind of aerial we have.

I think there is a socket in the loft but am a bit wary or ending up on the DIY forum with a "How do I fix the ceiling I fell through" thread!

Fifer

Try something like this from Asda. Check that it is in packaging which you don't have to destroy to try it, so you can take it back if it doesn't work. A similar cheap one worked for me, although I put it in the loft. It's worth a try at the telly end though.

Mrs_Pepperpot_2

Thank you - bought a cheapish booster from B and Q (cause it was nearest and open).

I now have perfect Cbeebies reception which is I have to say a mixed blessing.

Ta for your input though.