New to Freeview & UHF aerials, in need of help please.

Forums › Freeview (DVB-T/DVB-S) › New to Freeview & UHF aerials, in need of help please.

steve181

130 posts

Master Geek
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#55276 28-Dec-2009 11:41

Hi

I've just bought a SAMSUNG 32" LCD tv (LA32B450). It has an in-built Freeview tuner.

I have an old rusty aerial on the roof. The aerial plug is a write off, I tried re-wiring it but without success. I'm not sure if the aerial is even suitable for Freeview so I'm thinking the best course of action with all things considered is just to wash my hands of it & install a new aerial & cable etc.

The TV isn't full HD but I would like to get the best quality picture possible. I live 14-16km (line of sight distance) from the Sugarloaf broadcasting tower in Christchurch with only a thin line of trees across the road getting in the way.

The aerial I have now, it's cable runs vertically down the outside of the house then goes through a vent at ground level then runs under the house & comes up through the lounge floor.

I'm on a tight budget so getting a professional out is a last resort. Dick smith have a Freeview|HD approved UHF Outdoor Antenna Pack for $99 http://tinyurl.com/y9gdyjf. It comes with a manual for amateurs like me.

It would just be a case of me removing the old aerial cable (making sure the new cable is the same or longer in length) & old aerial & replacing it with this new one.

I could pay a fortune to get a professional to install a big fancy top of the range aerial monstrosity on the roof but what a waste of money if this $99 Antenna pack gave me exactly the same quality, right? Will this Dick Smith aerial give me the best quality I could get?

I've been reading about HDMI, that doesn't apply to me because I don't want true HD quality (because my TV isn't full HD). Am I on the right track with that way of thinking?

Given my Freeview tuner is in-built will I be able to get the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)?

I would love to hear what you guy's think, what your advice is etc. Your replies will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#285571 28-Dec-2009 12:03

First off HDMI doesn't apply because you're not connecting anything to your TV. HDMI is a connector on the back suitable for plugging in accessories such as DVD players, Sky etc.

You will get a 7 day EPG onscreen, this is part of the Freeview standard.

Replacing the aerial could be a hit or miss situation. The aerials from DSE are not particularly cheap (you can source these a lot cheaper elsewhere) but should deliver good results in your situation. The only thing you haven't factored in is the fact the existing coax cable is potentially old and may be no good. If you are replacing the aerial you should probably replace this at the same time using RG6 coax. Just be aware that once again the prices DSE charge are significantly more than a wholesaler such as Mastertrade or Corys.

Without knowing your exact situation there isn't really any way somebody here could give you a definitive yes or no answer as to whether the aerial will work but if you can see Sugerloaf then it should work fine for you.

Getting a professional in would be a much simpler way if you have no knowledge, by the time you purchase an aerial and cable you may find the pricing isn't that different.

steve181

130 posts

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#285655 28-Dec-2009 17:18

Thanks for your advice sbiddle. A workmate picked up a $40 UHF aerial from Trademe, the joker who sold it to him pulled the aerial down & left the cable on. My workmate said setting up the aerial was like taking candy from a baby.

From what I've read getting someone out to set up & supply the aerial/cable starts at around $300. That's a significant price difference to what my workmate paid.

I've got nothing to loose if I buy what I need & give it a go myself, if it doesn't work out I could get someone out to finish the job. I completely understand what you mean about DSE prices being expensive so my first port of call should be one of the wholesalers you mentioned. Since they sell UHF aerials they will be able to help my get everything else I need like RG6 Coaxial cable etc.

I'm surprised I can get everything cheaper than DSE HD UHF Outdoor Antenna Pack ($99) though as it comes with everything like 10m of RG6 Coaxial cable.

Cheers

Loismustdye

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#285691 28-Dec-2009 19:44

jaycar sells a roll of rg6 coax cable for approx 50 dollars for 30 or 50 metres.
Looking at replacing my aerial and cabling and prolly gonna get a pro in to do it, only going to cost 250-ish incl. parts.

Deev8

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#285820 29-Dec-2009 12:31

steve181: I'm surprised I can get everything cheaper than DSE HD UHF Outdoor Antenna Pack ($99) though as it comes with everything like 10m of RG6 Coaxial cable.

You will almost certainly be able to buy equivalent quality aerial and cable at a lower price. All aerials and cables are not created equal. Unfortunately some aerials on the market have a very poor build quality. They look as if they might (and sometimes do) bend in a strong wind. Poor quality cables can be more difficult to identify.

steve181

130 posts

Master Geek
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#285916 29-Dec-2009 20:28

I had another look at the aerial plug, did some amateur wiring, did some new things compared to last time & much to my surprise my wiring was perfect & I've now got perfect freeview! I'm so happy because tomorrow I was going to start making phone calls re: aerial & it would have cost me money. Good old kiwi DIY does pay off.

Thanks for everyones advice.

Cheers