The type of quality of TV Aerial you have installed is now more important than ever, as the Government is committed to switching off the analogue television service that we all currently receive and replacing it with Digital TV that we all know as "freeview."

With normal TV we are used to having a good or not so good but viewable picture on our TV sets. It is very different with digital as the picture we see on our television screen is either perfect or breaking up into little squares (freezing and blocking).

All aerials are capable of receiving a digital signal, but some makes of aerial are far superior. It relies on the professionalism of your TV aerial rigger to install one of these aerials. Unfortunately, these aerials are more expensive and increases the price of an installation for the customer, or, cuts the profit margin for the aerial suppliers.

This aerial picture (far left) is the type of aerial most commonly used. It is able to receive a digital signal, but is not recommended for digital installs. The aerial pictured to the left

For the more technically minded of you a Digital Aerial should consist of:
~ An F-plug connection to the dipole (so you are able to maintain the screening of the cable)
~ The TV signal is passed from the dipole of the aerial to the cable by a balun.
~ The aerial should be very directional as this will help to reject any unwanted signals from the sides.
~ The cable should be double screened copper coax (not single screened).
~ All amplifiers, splitters and power supply units should be fully screened.



Left: Gold plated scart leads give a superior connection between your TV equipment. As gold is an extremely good conductor, it does not tarnish or corrode over a period of time. Centre: Only double screened coax cable from your aerial to your TV should be used for all new installs. You can see the copper braid, but because it is braided interference can pass through this. Under the copper braid you can see an additional copper foil. This is the double screening that blocks the interference. Right: All TST aerials are set up using the latest meters and test equipment thus meaning reliable, quality installs.

If you need to have your TV system set up, we are able to help.

SIGNAL SPLITTERS: The type of splitter used is very important as every time the signal is divided you lose signal. This means the picture is degraded, or with digital it keeps breaking up. A good quality splitter (figs 1&2) will have a low signal loss, unlike some of the plastic DIY splitters. Splitters are available in weather proof housing (fig 3). This means the options available for providing additional TV points are numerous.






The signal from the aerial should meet the minimum signal requirement.

Amplifiers should only be used to make up for signal loss caused by the cable splitters and connections to your TV. In most cases adding an amplifier especially with a digital signal may make the problem worse.

This is why TV installers will usually put an amplifier on the aerial itself as if you are in a low signal area by the time the signal reaches your TV set, it may be below the minimum level and by adding an amplifier may only increase your problems.