What type of TV aerial to buy?

geek84

Good Morning Folks

Happy new year to you all. I hopoe you enjoyed your Xmas break and didn't get too drunk!

I wanted some advice from all you friendly folks out there -

I am thinking of buying a widescreen TV for my bedroom (approx. 24 inch). However, I haven't bought a TV for a long time (approx. 15 years), so wanted some up to date information.

If I do go ahead and buy the TV, would I need to buy a separate aerial? I presume this would be called an internal aerial?

Also, wouldn't it be better if I get the lead from the external aerial (on top of the roof), and attach it to the back of the TV?

Thanks

blobbyh

With the advent of digital television and ongoing switching off of analogue, it's essential to receive a strong signal to your TV. Almost all sets now come with built in Freeview - and smaller ones often with a DVD function - so anything less than a decent signal and you won't be able to tune into certain channels - BBC 1, 2 & 3 (but not BBC4 for some reason) are particularly weak in my area - and/or the sound and picture will constantly break up.

You can buy internal aerials but you'd be best buying one with a built in signal booster and these generally also need their own power supply, so you'll either need two power points or use a multi socket. Search the Amazon reviews for a decent make - some are better than others - and see if you can buy them locally.

Nothing will beat the signal from a working rooftop aerial but it's a lot of faff and unless you're spectacularly brave and fancy doing it yourself - remember how Rod Hull died! - you're best paying a professional to run an extension to your bedroom. Many people also fit rooftop aerials in their lofts, attached to the rafters, so this would be a safer option if you fancy a bit of DIY.

geek84

Hi blobbyH

Many thanks for your advice.

If anybody else has got something else to add, then please feel free.

Much appreciated.

jamieleeuk

Nothing much left to add tbh. What Rob said.

PGM

blobbyh wrote: »

With the advent of digital television and ongoing switching off of analogue, it's essential to receive a strong signal to your TV. Almost all sets now come with built in Freeview - and smaller ones often with a DVD function - so anything less than a decent signal and you won't be able to tune into certain channels - BBC 1, 2 & 3 (but not BBC4 for some reason) are particularly weak in my area - and/or the sound and picture will constantly break up.

You can buy internal aerials but you'd be best buying one with a built in signal booster and these generally also need their own power supply, so you'll either need two power points or use a multi socket. Search the Amazon reviews for a decent make - some are better than others - and see if you can buy them locally.

Nothing will beat the signal from a working rooftop aerial but it's a lot of faff and unless you're spectacularly brave and fancy doing it yourself - remember how Rod Hull died! - you're best paying a professional to run an extension to your bedroom. Many people also fit rooftop aerials in their lofts, attached to the rafters, so this would be a safer option if you fancy a bit of DIY.

I agree with the roof top aerial. I paid about £60 last year for one, and for the better reception there's no point getting an indoor one and booster.

I tried a booster and didn't seem to get any better quality.. Although last year I had a hill between me and the TV broadcasting aerial, but in the new house I can actually see it!