On Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:40:57 GMT, "john"
wrote:

After tolerating a poor signal for a few years - which became intolerable
when Channel 5 started, I signed up to cable TV. Reception problems over and
more channels as well.

I am now hoping to save some money - and tried someone's Freeview Set top
box. All I got was a blue screen message saying no signal - so clearly it is
bad. Previous attempts to improve the signal got me a 12 foot mast - which
looked so hideous as was badly fitted that I had it taken down - and the
installer had to pay for repairs to my brickwork which he had shattered with
a Hilti Gun.
A later attempt got me a mast head amplifier - better, but then along came
NTL.

My roof is virtually a pyramid shape so height is a problem.

Question - will a decent installer be able to measure the signal strength
before fitting anything?

He would need to go up onto the roof with an antenna on a pole as
though he was fitting it and to measure not only signal strength but
quality as well. For example, if there are a lot of reflections
(ghosting) on your analogue picture, you may not be able to get an
usable DVB-T signal - it is a combination of signal strength and
quality that is important. A good installer should have a suitable
test instrument.

I don't want to get more hardware fitted if it
isn't going to get me a Freeview signal. Nearby homes have high gain aerials
and presumably Freeview - but they have gable ends or chimneys. I am at the
bottom of a hill.

High gain aerials increase signal strength and may also improve
reflection issues. Generally what your neighbours have should be a
clue.

Another option would be to get an old Sky receiver, a dish and a free
to air card (if you don't want to give Rupert any money).
That is likely to be more successful.


--

..andy