TV Arial Question

[echokilo]

Having just moved into a rented property, we find that the arial signal is hopeless .... there is an amplifier unit at the property (FRINGE ELECTRICS P1235) which allows us to get BBC1, ITV and CH4 ... but nothing else - and this is on an digital HD ready TV - and if we use a digi-box with an analogue TV with blue screen just says "NO SIGNAL" even with the amplifier connected .... how can we tell if the arial on the roof is digital? And what can we do to boost the signal or is it a case that we need a new digital arial? Are they expensive?

TIA

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

Some areas of the country still can't receive Freeview so, before you do anything else, check here:
http://www.freeview.co.uk/availability

Then speak to your neighbours. The postcode checker states that I can't yet receive Freeview but (just like all of my neighbours) I've actually had it for several years. So ask around, to check on 'reality' rather than 'theory'.

If the postcode finder says you can't get Freeview, and your neighbours are all in agreement, then you'll simply have to wait until the digital changeover. (In the meantime, an additional signal booster will probably allow you to receive analogue BBC2 signals, but not the weaker Channel 5 signals).

If others in your area are getting good Freeview reception then, quite clearly, your aerial isn't up to the job. (It's irrelevant as to whether it was designed for analogue or digital signals. It simply isn't good enough for your needs). Again it's time to ask your neigbours or, at least, to study the roofs of their houses, in order to get an idea of the type of aerial you might need.

[Buenchico]

Most people find that an aerial like this one (which has been widely praised in the technical press, as well as here on AB) provides excellent Freeview reception:
http://www.maplin.co....e.aspx?moduleno=22523

However it seems that you might be in a 'fringe' reception area. In which case, you might need something like this:
http://www.maplin.co.....aspx?moduleno=221124

Most aerial fitters will charge around £40 or £50, on top of the price of the actual aerial, for fitting. (A good aerial fitter should also replace the cabling, which might add a few pounds on top of that).

Chris

PS: All of the foregoing assumes that you've checked the integrity of all of the connections on the existing aerial cabling and, of course, that the existing bosster is actually plugged in. Don't overlook the obvious!

[echokilo]

Thanks Chris - brilliant detail, very very helpful!