Why Getting a TV Signal Isn’t as Easy as it Used to Be

At one time getting a TV signal was pretty simple. You used the little loop aerial on the back of your set or you had a man round to stick a bit of aluminium with some prongs on it to your chimney and that was that. In these days of digital transmissions, however, things are a bit more complicated.

Since television has gone digital there are essentially three ways in which you can get your TV signal; via an aerial – so called “terrestrial” TV or Freeview, via a satellite dish, or via cable – these days most likely fibre optic.  All of which means that the days of plugging the TV and having a bit of a twiddle with the antenna on the back until you got a picture are long gone and you’ll most likely need some expert help.

Terrestrial TV

The most common way of receiving TV signals in the UK is through the terrestrial Freeview service via an aerial. Following the switch off of the old analogue transmissions in 2012 this is the way the majority of us now receive our television.

What isn’t generally realised is that around ten percent of homes get their signals from relay transmitters. These don’t carry all of the Freeview channels so not all households can receive some of the more obscure commercial stations. Most reception problems though, like ghosting or picture break up, is caused by poor signals so good digital TV aerial installation is vital.

Pre-digital, most homes will have had a standard aerial – known as a Yagi – with a reflector at the back and a rod with elements sticking out in front. In good reception areas these will still work perfectly well for digital TV. In other areas though, you’ll need a high-gain antenna.

These have twin reflectors and come in three different types to cater for coverage. Whilst analogue aerials were often mounted in the loft for good digital reception you really need your antenna to be outside.

Image Licensed Under Attribution

Satellite TV

The advantage of receiving TV via satellite is that there is a much wider choice of channels than on the terrestrial service. To receive satellite TV you will need a dish. If you have a subscription to a service like Sky this is usually supplied and installed as part of the package. For the free satellite service, Freesat, you’ll need to have a dish installed in order to connect to your receiver box.

The dish needs to be properly aligned in order to receive signals from the satellite so again it’s best to employ an expert to do the job.

Cable TV

Cable services aren’t available in all areas and are a less common way of receiving TV. Again you get a wide choice of channels and the service is often linked to broadband so – with the latest fibre optic technology – you get faster internet access too.

As with satellite you’ll usually sign up to the service as part of a package with a company like Virgin and the cable installation will be taken care of as part of the deal. If you’re experiencing problems or want to move your installation to another room then once again you really need a professional installer to ensure that the job is done properly and you get the best possible service.

The switch from analogue to digital has given us more choice than ever before. Not just in the number of channels that we receive but also in the way we can receive them. In order to get the most from your TV service it’s more important than ever to select the right technology and to have it correctly installed.

  Chris Hoole

About the Author:

Chris Hoole is a freelance writer specialising in home entertainment technology, she recommends finding a good local specialist to carry out your cable installation to ensure the best results.