Gone are the days when all you could watch on TV were the analogue T.V channels. Since the big digital switch over in the UK there are now over 60 Freeview channels for you to watch. Additionally there are up to 12 HD channels and 25 radio stations.

The aerial you previously received your analogue TV channels through before the digital switch over may still be OK for you to use, providing that you are in a digital coverage area. However, your old aerial may have taken a beating from the elements such as wind, rain or the occasional clumsy bird. If so you may need to have your aerial upgraded for you to be able to receive the channels that are available to you.

Replacing your Old Aerial

For a new rooftop Freeview aerial or for a better quality aerial cable you would have to pay an aerial installer to carry out the work. Some installers will offer you a survey before carrying out the work and might even refund the charge from the cost of installing a new aerial.

Of course, you could always purchase the relevant aerials or cables yourself and do the work without the assistance of a professional. However, you have to ask yourself if the small savings you could make from a DIY approach is really worth climbing up a ladder and potentially falling off a roof. Probably not. Not only do experts have the necessary experience to get the best results from a job, but they also have the relevant equipment and tools to help them do the job safely, and with minimal damage to life, limb or property.

What is a wideband aerial and why might I need one?

Some areas need to broadcast the digital signals over a different range of frequencies from the old analogue signals. Wideband aerials receive a wider range of frequencies and are capable of coping with any slight digital transmission changes. This means that you can pick up a good signal no matter what the weather.

Troubleshooting

Freeview viewers may need to retune their TV equipment from time to time as a result of upgrades to the service, the launch of new channels or essential engineering works carried out at remote transmitters. The signal normally resumes after a few minutes.

If you should encounter any problems with your Freeview aerials this will usually be as a result of planned maintenance or transmitter faults. If you are uncertain you can check the digital UK website for details of any planned engineering to put your mind at ease. If there is no known transmitter fault or engineering work, then you may find that your aerial has become misaligned and you will need to seek help.