Understanding different TV aerials

It’s tempting to think that all TV aerials are the same, but in fact, there are a number of different types. The switch to digital has meant many people have found they need a new aerial in order to get good reception, so it’s important to understand the options available.

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Outdoor aerials

Most houses in the UK have their TV aerials mounted outside, usually on a pole fixed to a chimney or gable end. But there are different types of outdoor aerial. Which one you need will depend on the level of reception available in your area – http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/reception_guide.

The most common type of aerial is known as a ‘Yagi’ – this has a reflector close to the mounting pole and a horizontal rod with smaller rods at right angles to it. In areas with moderate to good transmitter coverage, these aerials should be able to receive most channels.

In areas where signal coverage is not good, you may need a ‘high gain’ aerial instead. These have larger reflectors, usually two of them, in order to boost the signal. They may also be mounted on a higher pole than ‘Yagi’ types in order to get an unobstructed signal. When it comes to TV aerial installation Swansea has a number of suppliers including https://www.onevisionltd.co.uk/tv-aerial-installation-swansea who can advise you on the best option for your property.

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Indoor aerials

In areas where there is a strong signal you may be able to have the aerial mounted in your loft. These are also useful in areas where there are strong winds that could cause damage to an outdoor aerial, or in conservation areas where the external appearance of the building is important. In some cases, a signal booster may be required as well in order to deliver a strong enough signal. Plumbing and cabling in the loft can have an effect on the quality of the signal.

The old indoor loop antennas don’t work with digital transmissions. There are, however, newer types of indoor aerial that can work with digital provided that you are in an area with good signal coverage. Even then they can be subject to interference from electrical equipment, Wi-Fi networks and so on. If you must use an indoor aerial it’s best to have it high up in the house, preferably on a windowsill facing the transmitter and away from electrical devices.