Do I need a booster ariel?

kelly1234

Bought a 19" tv for bedroom with built in freeview, it picks up a lot of channels but none of the BBC channels! I'm using my old ariel from my old tv-the circular metal wire type (which picked up normal channels pre-digital switchover). I phoned up the digital helpline number, they told me that i wouldn't get all freeview channels as i'm using internal ariel, then phoned shop i bought tv from (argos) who told me that i probably need a ariel booster(?), the bloke was impressed that i could get all channels that i was getting from a basic ariel. Is it normal not to be able to get certain channels from internal ariel? Is it worth me getting a ariel booster?
advice appreciated!!

macman

Ariel is a washing powder.
It will depend on your area and reception, but most likely you will only get all the digital channels using a proper external aerial.

kelly1234

Sorry, will correct myself - aerial - at least you understood what i meant! In west country, digital switchover all done. thanks for advice

macman

Might be worth checking with a neighbour to see if any of them can manage with an indoor aerial.
Unfortunately a digital signal tends to be 'all or nothing', if it's not good enough you will get no channel at all, unlike analogue, where the picture will just degrade.