What type of TV aerial to buy?

geek84

Hi Folks

I am thinking of buying a widescreen TV for my bedroom (approx. 24 inch). However, I haven't bought a TV for a long time (approx. 15 years), so wanted some up to date information.

If I do go ahead and buy the TV, would I need to buy a separate aerial? I presume this would be called an internal aerial?

Also, wouldn't it be better if I get the lead from the external aerial (on top of the roof), and attach it to the back of the TV?

Thanks

keith1950

Hi, yes it's always adviseable to have the main outside aerial re-routed or fed to the relevant tv, especially with digitals signals which are much reduced in signal strength compared to the old analogue system.

Generally you are wasting your time trying to find an indoor aerial that will do the job , I am not saying that it's impossible but is usually not worth the hassle of buying one only to find out it's unsuitable for your situation.

macman

TV's do not come fitted with set top aerials, and it's unlikely to provide sufficient signal strength anyway.

Moneymaker

There's lots of information out there: http://www.google.co.uk/search?&q=Freeview+How+to+Fit+Extra+TV+Points

geek84

Hi Folks

Thanks for your replies. so far.

Buzby

Set Top aerials are wideband and have low gain (amplificaton), so whilst they may be universal in their use around the UK, thety are a compromise, and often a pretty bad one. An external aerial needs to be for the transmitter you recieve signals from - some shops - like B&Q - will sell 'W' (wideband) externals, these are only acceptable if this is the recommended aerial group for your area, it is far better to know which transmitter provides your freeview service, and get an external area exacltly matched to the Group code for this transmitter.

keith1950

some shops - like B&Q - will sell 'W' (wideband) externals, these are only acceptable if this is the recommended aerial group for your area, it is far better to know which transmitter provides your freeview service, and get an external area exacltly matched to the Group code for this transmitter

Hi, this was good advice for the analogue transmitters that only had a few channels grouped together but with the advent of digital some of the MUXes crept out of the usual narrow band and it is generally better to get a good wideband aerial to ensure you get good reception on all channels.

Jimbobwoof

Can I just say, get a decent aerial installer who CAI registered to sort you out with an external aerial.
Go by recommendation from someone you trust and go local.

Don't go with one of the big companies that act as booking service.
Have tried using Action Aerials and they were hopeless - looked them up on another forum and saw the mistake I had made

Buzby

Keith - it still hold true for Digital, SOME areas will require W aerials (as they needed them even for some analogue areas) however it would be folly simply to assume that for all areas a W aerial is required as it most certainly isn't - only in circumstances require them. In my area, all MUXs are within the capabilities of the band B aerial I used originally, and no change was required.

As for getting a CAI registered fitter - by all means, if the OP doesn;t like the prospect of doing the work, but otherwise you are looking at £100+ and the hardware/cable, so as a competent DIYer can save quite a bit, it should not be overlooked.

Kurtis_Blue

All good advice but in no way should a competent DIYer be going on the roof with a 6 foot pole without a cat ladder, ladder stays, harness, rope..... and instruction on there usage.