Freeview UHF aerial questions & Wellington based installer

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Foo

522 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#68300 18-Sep-2010 19:15

So, have just got hold of an LCD TV with a freeview decoder built in, but of course where we are living we don't have a UHF aerial.

Can anyone recommend a Wellington based installer? Also wondered if it is best to pre-purchase an aerial and get the installer to do the job or to ask the installer to supply one? Guess I want to know which way is cheapest. :-)

If it is cheaper to pre-buy the aerial, any recommendation as to what would do the job? There seem to be a number available so any hints appreciated!

Finally, can anyone give me a ballpark figure as to what installers charge...I don't mind calling around different installers but having a general idea of cost before doing that would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance :-)

richms

29099 posts

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#381684 18-Sep-2010 19:49

Installer should supply it because you get them to fix it if it breaks in a short time that way. There are some real crap ones available too, with plastic that will go brittle in no time in NZ's UV.

Otherwise its like buying a $10 sensor light and paying a sparky to put it in, and when it dies, you have to pay again to get another put in, whereas getting a good one to start with from the sparky would see it 1. not fail, and 2. them have to warranty the installation of it in most cases.

Plus you dont know what size you need, if you get the largest possible it may mean more bracing of the pole at extra cost and not be needed.

Richard rich.ms

Foo

522 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#382104 20-Sep-2010 07:34

Hey richms, thanks for the hint - it makes perfect sense for the installer to supply the aerial. Any idea of a ballpark for aerial and install cost or is it a case of ringing a few and seeing what they charge?

fab

155 posts

Master Geek

#382148 20-Sep-2010 10:27

I went to PB Tech in Vivian St, got a "range booster" or something like that - just a small square plastic box with an aerial lead on it, plugged it in and works a treat. About $30 from memory.
Not sure if you want to risk it...

Foo

522 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#382168 20-Sep-2010 11:14

Hmmm, thanks for that fab. Does this range booster give you a digital signal? It seems almost too good to be true! :-)

fab

155 posts

Master Geek

#382172 20-Sep-2010 11:26

Yup - I use it for freeview.

I think this is it here http://www.pbwellington.co.nz/p.aspx?8249 but looking at PB Tech's Auckland website, it shows a different aerial - the one I have is just a square box...

No guarantees it will work for you though - and I have mine up against the window for max signal strength.