what's the best deal for having tv aerial fitted ready for digital?

catalina66

Hiya

Just to ask if anyone can recommend the cheapest/best company for fitting a tv aerial ... my neighbour has just asked about us sharing the cost, as we both find the bunny-ears aren't great, plus need to get ready for going digital. She's asked me if I know of any good deals regarding getting the roof aerial fitted. We live in Middlesbrough, so if anyone knows a good company locally ... otherwise whichever national company anyone's got a good deal with.

Thanks, Cat

ormus

get a normal outside aerial and try it inside the loft first. you may find its ok and itll save you some money.

moonrakerz

The silly thing about a TV aerial for digital is that an aerial which isn't suitable now might well be suitable when the switch over takes place. The reason is that the digital transmitters are operating on reduced power and will only go onto full power when analogue is switched off !

jen1

Hi, we live in Brighton and have had a quote for £150 inc vat, which includes three aerial points in our house.

nifferwilko

If you live in Middlesbrough (I'm in Stockton) I wouldn't be in any rush to get your aerial sorted for switchover - Tyne Tees is in the last lot for switchover - in 2012 I'd wait to see what problems arise from the switchover in other areas before committing IMHO

Edit: I should read properly! From the sounds of it, you don't already have an aerial outside so ignore me.

catalina66

Apologies if I didn't make it clear we don't have a loft aerial at all ... using bunny ears. If anyone does know a good cheapie local firm that are good. Looking forward to getting a good sharp pic! Cheers, Cat

nifferwilko

I think my parents have a number for someone - I'll have a look and let you know

catalina66

nifferwilko wrote: »

I think my parents have a number for someone - I'll have a look and let you know

Cheers nifferwilko, much appreciate it. :-)

ormus

i know you havent got a loft aerial, thats why im suggesting it.
get a normal aerial from somewhere like maplins/wickes etc. about 15 quid.
some tv co-ax cable and a tv male connector.
you dont even have to fasten the aerial, just tie it up somewhere in the loft, when youve got a good picture.
line it up roughly, by looking at the neighbours aerials orientation.

coolagarry

Perhaps the best way to find out what is required is to look around in the same street. If the majority of others in the street have aeriels on their chimneys (like my daughters street) then it is probable that you will need the same and will need to employ someone to do the job. If you can't see any other aeriels in the street (like my street) then it means that you have a strong signal and should be able to just have an aeriel in your loft, which is a diy job.

ormus

whichever.
but it wouldnt cost much to find out if a loft aerial will work ok.
(if it dont, then use the same aerial on the roof).

ps. just use a portable tv on the landing under the loft hatch, to test the signal. no need to feed the cable all the way to the lounge tv.