Cheapest way to improve TV reception?

Lillibet_2

I would be pleased for any advice!

I have just moved into a rented flat in a block of 4 with a central shared TV ariel on the roof, trouble is it's a bit of a black spot & reception is awful. Mobile phone signals aseem to be Ok though? I'm actually getting better (but not good) reception using a little internal ariel. Have tried a booster boxbut that isn't making any signifigent difference and trying to get freeview is just not possible at all! Sadly I have a 3 year old who is desperate for cbeebies!
The Landlord says there isn't much he can do, I know he could make a fuss with the freeholders etc if I push him but is there anything I can do? I am not keen on buying a commercial TV package but would be willing to consider it if a low enough price can be had? Virgin's £19 per month deal is too expensive for me and I'm not sure Sky would offer improved reception via a dish?. Alternatively are there any technical gizmos out there which might solve the problem?

Many thanks in advance;)

Baytree_2

Hi,

Obviously the cheapest way is to get your landlord to sort it out! Failing that, if you do not want to go into monthly contracts for Sky, etc, it would be cheaper in the long run to consider a new aerial and possibly a masthead amplifier, if it's a really poor signal area.

Don't bother with the plug in aerial boosters that sit beside your TV set - they are useless!. You need something that fits very close to the aerial.

I was lucky because the aerial cable comes through my attic, so it was easy to cut it and fit a Vision C12554 Masthead amplifier without replacing the aerial. It is powered through my freeview box, but you need to check the instructions to see if this is facility is available on yours. Alternatively, you can buy a power supply, which sits near the TV and sends power up the aerial cable.

So if you can find anyone to follow the aerial wire and see if it runs through the attic, you might have a solution for less than £25 (see http://www.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!/accs/page11c.htm#masthead). Or if they are brave and have a big ladder, they can still fit it from outside!

Did I also mention that the above masthead amplifier will feed 4 TVs, so you might be able to share the cost with your neighbours (especially if any of them own a big ladder!).

Best wishes,


John

Steve_xx

I bought a satellite kit from B&Q for £39.99. You get all the Freeview channels on it, every BBC & ITV regional channel and more. No subscription charges and because the dish is pointing at a satellite some 22,000 miles away it does not necessarily have to be mounted high up like a conventional aerial. I mounted ours about 8 feet from ground level.