On Sat, 6 Dec 2003 11:10:00 -0000, Colin Wilson
wrote:


We`ve had to have our aerial re-done twice in the last couple of years -
and of course, the "warranty" these places offer never seems to be enough
to get them back when the picture goes... Either that, or you were never
given a receipt / can`t find it etc.

I was thinking about changing tactics and fitting a loft aerial that I
can fit / adjust myself, but i`m not sure whether I might need to
consider a higher spec aerial than might normally be required if it was
mounted outside.

Would the "top of the range" screwfix (ref 14374) @ £25 be overkill for
the Liverpool area ? (as far as I know, we have a decent signal here)

Any comments appreciated :-}

Any loft antennas, even in strong signal areas are likely to give poor
results. In poor signal areas, the roof attenuates the signal a
great deal, and in stronger areas the effect of reflected signals will
cause ghosting and general fuzziness on analogue transmissions and
high error rates leading to possible loss of picture on digital TV.

That is not to say that people don't have successful results, but by
and large the results are disappointing.


You would be far better off finding an installer who will fit a good
quality antenna like Antiference, Triax, Televes and not a contract
grade unknown, and who will use satellite grade CT100 cable rather
than cheap TV coax, and proper mountings.
He should also have the correct equipment to align the antenna for
optimum results - which does not necessarily mean strongest signal.
Tell the installer that you want a good quality installation with good
quality materials and ask them what they propose to supply.

Apart from in extreme conditions, this should last for 15 years or so.

Expect something like this to cost £120 to £150; not £50. If you
just go for the cheapest price you will get the cheapest job and it
won't last, as you have found.



..andy

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