UHF Aerial/Reception for HD Freeview

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SteveFari

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#25094 11-Aug-2008 22:34

Hi, I understand from what I have read that Freeview HD is only broadcast over UHF and not through satellite (using my Sky dish). Unfortunately the aerial on my roof is a VHF only. I tried scanning for UHF broadcasts and get nothing. I can't be bothered going to the trouble of installing a UHF aerial on my roof (I rent the house) and was wondering if those internal VHF/UHF aerials are any good?
Jaycar is selling this http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=LT3134&CATID=31&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=478
Would it work ok or should I really just use an external aerial? (I am not in a gully or low lying area and have direct site to the Skytower in Auckland which I think has a UHF broadcast on it)

Thanks,
Steve.

eXDee

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#156112 11-Aug-2008 23:31

If you have line of sight to the transmitter and aren't ages away then you should be fine with an inside antenna. If possible try pointing it out a window or something. Sky tower infill is lower power than the other two auckland transmission sites though.

cyril7

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#156152 12-Aug-2008 08:08

The Sky Tower transmitter is very low powered compared to Waitarua, its really only intended to cover the CBD and very close city region that is often starved of coverage due to tower blocks next door, but can readly see if not touch Sky Tower. If you are outside of the CBD proper then use Waitarua. Also Waitarua is Horizontal, and all infills (SkyTower,Remurea,PineHill) are Vertical, these vertical transmissions are on a common channels set (SFN=single frequency network), Waitarua on an different set.

Cyril

SteveFari

108 posts

Master Geek

#156292 12-Aug-2008 15:14

Thank you for your replies. I live in central Newmarket so fair to call that the CBD?
What's interesting is how Cyril17 mentioned that the inner city fills are Vertical. So that would mean if I stand a chance getting the CBD UHF I would need a vertical UHF indoor aerial, not a horizontal one. Correct?

Steve.

cyril7

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#156305 12-Aug-2008 15:47

Correct you need to orientate the antenna vertically and point it at Sky Tower.

Cyril

SteveFari

108 posts

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#156350 12-Aug-2008 17:57

Thanks for the help!