TV aerial broken - advice please

bluedog

Hi - and sorry this is long.

Following some windy weather, my TV signal has gone for a burton so we are virtually tv-less at the moment. We have an indoor aerial as a temporary measure, but it is hopeless and we can't get all of the basic channels. We live in a poor reception area and even weather/change of atmospherics seemed to dictate how good a picture we had. Sometimes we could get CH5, others not. According to the Freeview site, we are not in their signalling area but 2 neighbours have said they get it and one of them has an identical looking aerial on her roof as to mine.

We've already tried indoor booster aerials etc which didn't help at all so I know our options are limited with how to rectify it and coupled with very limited cash flow, I am undecided what to do about it.

I have no idea as to how much I can expect to pay to have the aerial fixed (if that is the problem - I'm assuming it was knocked out by the wind) back to where it should be. From what I've read so far, a new aerial with digital tv reception could cost between £120 - £150, but I would still have to get a freeview box (or similar) on top. I've read about the sky deal where you pay a one off £150 for a dish, installation etc.

So far, I've only found 2 companies in my area that do aerials. One of them has a mixed reputation and the other I've never heard of. I'm worried about being ripped off (and blinded by techie-words and stuff!) so before I phone them for quotes, can anyone please advise me on this and if there are any other options to consider? I will be paying in cash so would this give me room to haggle too?

Thanks.

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

Getting them around for quotes shouldn't cost you anything. Just make sure you tell them what you want and don't let them talk you in to things you don't need or want.

A non digital capable aerial will be cheaper, but do companies still sell them? It's going back 3 years to when I had my aerial replaced and I was given the option back then.

You should be guaranteed quality reception if you went down the SKY freeview deal, but then you have to consider that you won't be able to watch one channel and record another at the same time.

I doubt that paying by cash will get you anything off, but then again there's no harm in asking. If all they're going to do is replace the aerial it may not be as much as you think.

You could check here to see if the installers in your area are with the CAI.

Weymouth_Man

Have you thought of changing the Arial yourself, providing the position is accessible and safe, also you or a friend who has a ladder can help.

Please see this link.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=aerials&ModuleNo=19948&doy=9m3

Dora_the_Explorer_5

Can you claim on your insurance, I'm pretty sure they pay out for fences that get blown over - so why not aerials? Worth a try.

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

Dora_the_Explorer wrote:

Can you claim on your insurance, I'm pretty sure they pay out for fences that get blown over - so why not aerials? Worth a try.

I doubt that after paying the excess on your house insurance (usually between £50-£100) and the company increasing next years premium for a claim that it'd be worthwhile.

txu

What about getting NTL? They usually do free installation and equipment and you don't need an aerial at all.
You would have to pay a monthly fee though which would depend on what channels you wanted.

bluedog

Thank you all for your input. :beer:

The link to CAI is great Phantom Flan Flinger. (happy memories of Tiswas flood back :rotfl: .... and I've still got my Tiswas t-shirt too!! :cool: ) It's very useful and informative and I've found another installer to get quotes from.

I have asked around for anyone with a long ladder who's got a head for heights but drawn blanks sadly and can't do it myself because of health issues or would have done it DIY. The possibility of higher insurance premiums put me off claiming on insurance especially as my fence DID go too :rolleyes: . (that's sorted tho'.)

I hadn't thought of NTL so will look into it and weigh up the costs first. Thanks again.

steady__eddie

Bluedog have you thought about satellite ?
I am virtually in the same position as you except that my ariel has not blown down (yet), it's just no good and I am in a radio wave free area. I posted on here some time ago and the response was excellent including this link for satellite http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/forumdisplay.php?f=141 The kit can be obtained at very modest prices and the instalation doesn't have to be six foot higher than your chimney, merely on a wall pointing in the right direction that isn't obstructed. A card is required from Sky I believe which is a 25 quid one off payment.

black-saturn

Mine went over about 3 years ago in the wind and it wasn't covered by the insurance. I paid about £50 to have it put back up but I had to wait 2 weeks to have it done as all the aerial companies were booked up with waiting lists as there had been high winds.

trigger_mike

Have you got room in your loft?, i had a loft aerial for a long while and that was a lot cheaper then an outdoor aerial, think was about £25 form b&q and fitted my self, my freeview worked fine as well on it.