We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
Alternatives to replacing TV aerial

rosy10
Posts: 154 Forumite

Hello all
I'm not at all savvy with other options for TV access. The recent strong winds have snapped our roof aerial. We don't have fibre - closest is the village about 1 mile away, the remaining 1 mile is copper. We are with Plusnet for landline and broadband. We don't have any desire for TV packages, Freeview is as fancy as we get. Other than getting a new roof aerial installed (which won't be either the OH or me shimmying up the roof), what other cost effective options are there? Whilst I'm quite happy to watch TV via my laptop, the OH isn't. Any suggestions gratefully received!
Thank you!
I'm not at all savvy with other options for TV access. The recent strong winds have snapped our roof aerial. We don't have fibre - closest is the village about 1 mile away, the remaining 1 mile is copper. We are with Plusnet for landline and broadband. We don't have any desire for TV packages, Freeview is as fancy as we get. Other than getting a new roof aerial installed (which won't be either the OH or me shimmying up the roof), what other cost effective options are there? Whilst I'm quite happy to watch TV via my laptop, the OH isn't. Any suggestions gratefully received!
Thank you!
0
Comments
-
Try a decent TV aerial in the loft 1st.
I moved into a house with a snapped aerial and this was a suggestion after I had been shocked at installation charges for a new one, all of them said not to bother with 'indoor' set top aerials as they were rubbish.
Get something really good though -since you'd need it for installation on the roof anyway it won't be any extra expense, then run the cable indoors just to see if you can get a decent signal -90% of houses should be able to.
I bought a philex 48 element if it helps -very well thought of amongst TV buffs & installers.0 -
Buy a fiestick from amazon,you will get all u need.0
-
Try a decent TV aerial in the loft 1st.
I moved into a house with a snapped aerial and this was a suggestion after I had been shocked at installation charges for a new one, all of them said not to bother with 'indoor' set top aerials as they were rubbish.
Get something really good though -since you'd need it for installation on the roof anyway it won't be any extra expense, then run the cable indoors just to see if you can get a decent signal -90% of houses should be able to.
I bought a philex 48 element if it helps -very well thought of amongst TV buffs & installers.
Some aerial installers try to say you will need a "digital " aerial which is not true and they inflate the cost of the aerial itself..
Buy any normal aerial yourself from B and Q or Amazon or even a used one locally and then try and find someone with a roof ladder to screw it in.
I ve replaced aerials myself in the past .Was easy enough with just turning it to the correct direction as everyone else s is pointing.0 -
You can watch the Freeview Channels on your computer.
TVPlayer is an Internet television company serving the United Kingdom, offering access to free live television channel streams using a web browser or application software via big screen and small screen mobile devices. https://tvplayer.com/
Watch here:
https://tvplayer.com/watch0 -
Try a decent TV aerial in the loft 1st.
I moved into a house with a snapped aerial and this was a suggestion after I had been shocked at installation charges for a new one, all of them said not to bother with 'indoor' set top aerials as they were rubbish.
Get something really good though -since you'd need it for installation on the roof anyway it won't be any extra expense, then run the cable indoors just to see if you can get a decent signal -90% of houses should be able to.
I bought a philex 48 element if it helps -very well thought of amongst TV buffs & installers.
OP this is good advice, as long as you are close enough to your local transmitter.
If you put your postcode in here
http://www.wolfbane.net/cgi-bin/tvd.exe?
It will show you the signal strength where you live. If the recommended aerial type is log periodic, then a loft aerial should suffice.0 -
I bought a philex 48 element if it helps -very well thought of amongst TV buffs & installers.
OP: Location is key. How far from and which transmitter. Wolfbane recommendations for aerials is a bit pessimistic, but nevertheless the numbers are useful for those who can interpret. http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker/ - tick the detailed view box - will give you predictions for reception now and as the 700 MHz clearance changes occur... It may influence which transmitter to use!
Avoid any aerial with a pressed aluminium plate for the reflector aka a "contract aerial". The broadcasters use log periodic to transmit and receive at relay sites (albeit ruggedised professional versions); so they can be a very good choice.
http://www.aerialsandtv.com/atvschoiceofaerials.html has a wealth of information on his website, freely given. :T0 -
Thank you all for the advice!0
-
TBF Rodders I am only going by the advice/google searches on installer sites when I fitted mine.
Mine was installed in a 1930s house (which do not have insulation under the tiles).0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 349.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453K Spending & Discounts
- 242.7K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.4K Life & Family
- 255.6K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards