Digispy

Installed a TV aerial for Freeview – Problems!

I installed an expensive and huge TV aerial (Maxview 48 element banded for Crystal Palace) on a 6 foot crank mast with an omni FM aerial on my roof. This is in Alexandra Palace area of N. London but i am on a hill so like many other aerials nearby i pointed towards crystal palace and not ally pally relay (no freeview service from relay which is a shame as it is clearly visible from the roof and is only a few miles away).

I used good quality semi airspaced satellite coaxial cable and the end result is as follows:

1 – Good quality picture but sound crackles loudly quite often – some sparklies
2 – Poor picture
3 – Very poor picture
4 – Poor picture
5 – Very poor picture

This cant be interference from the relay can it? I pointed the aerial the same as the neighbours who pointed towards CP but I guess I should go back on the roof with a compass? Also the aerial is pointing horizontally but i noticed some point a few degrees upwards slightly – shall i try that?

Also when connecting the coaxial what is the best thing to do with the shielding foil and little copper wires – do they need connecting anywhere?

HYCH!

i connected my freeview box to my non scart tv with the leads that run from my video to my freeview box. also i used my portable cheap aerial and i got all the bbc channels the hits tmf sky channels uk history .but no itv 1-2 and tiv news also no qvc or tv travel shop. but i know i could get them if i put my mind to it .them by moveing my aerial round. why dont you try it im on winter hil.l (A TIP for new freeview customers add channels on your normal aerial to get the channels once you got all 48 tv and radio channels try this. by moveing your portable aerial round and you should get the channels.the better the indoor aerial the more channels

I have read over the threads for DTT in last few weeks and noted that a huge number of threads come back to lack of signal strength through poor aerial installation.

When you have DSAT installed they come along and professionally fit a new dish and cable. They don’t use an old bin lid that has been sitting around for 10 years pointing at Mars! You can get away with an aerial that is not in perfect alignment as UHF is more accommodating than microwave but there is no better way to get DTT than to have an aerial with new cable fitted by a professional with the right meter and equipment. It may even be a false economy to try DIY as the prof. will have the right gear and knowledge.

PS. I am not an aerial installer!

The only decent indoor aerial that I’ve ever used is a 1970’s Antiference thing – It’s now on it’s last legs. I’ve tried Maxview ones and they dont compare at all.

So what do others use?

Just wonder If anybody can help with this Question I have. I am considering getting freeview for a second TV in the back room and just wondered weather using an indoor aerial would be fine to pick up the digital reception rather than a outdoor aerial. I don’t live to far away from Winterhill up near Bolton so I don’t think it should be to much of a problem just wondered if anybody else has had any problems using a indoor aerial. Thanks if you can help.

Morning.

Bizarre as this may sound, as I am a Sky customer, in a new house I do not have an external aerial as I have never had the need. However I do have a 14″ portable in the spare bedroom which I am hoping to pick up Freeview from. My analogue picture is reasonably clear (from Winter Hill) and before getting an STB I wondered if anyone had any experiences of Freeview via a portable aerial?

If i get something like the Philips Universal Indoor Aerial (Argos cat 534/0985) is there a hope it may give me some chance?!

Thanks

Hi,
Just bought a new aerial from B&Q today, details about it here: http://www.diy.com/bq/product/produc…d=&CATID=12056 , I can recieve all channels (BBC1/2, ITV1,C4 and Five) crystal clear.
I will be able to use the aerial for freeview?
Chris

hi does anyone know where you can by the Televes Dat 45 Aerial from!

Chris

Hi i would love to have a big televes aerial but i can’t because I am not paying £50 for a Tv Aerial. I would love to have a go at making one but boy if you think it is a good idea this thing will be a beast!

(I bet you think iam going mental)

Chris

I have been using an aerial booster for analogue signals for some years as my aerial is in the loft.

I expected to have to purchase a new aerial for freeview. However the Grundig box works very well with the booster. No booster no signal.

Before going out to buy a new aerial try a booster.