A great and cost effective way to get digital HD programmes on to all your TV's is to connect a Sky box to your main TV and connect BBC Freesat HD boxes to the other TV's.

It works like this; the reception for Sky and BBC Freesat is available from the same dish.  The dish is fitted with a multi outlet LNB (to a max of 8 outlet leads).  Then each room is connected with a lead from the LNB (Sky+ and BBC Freesat+ boxes require 2 leads).

In those residences that require 8 or more leads, we install a multi-switch / smart box either in the roof space or airing cupboard.  This arrangement can be expanded and enables an infinite number of boxes to be connected.  An electrician is required to commission and certify this type of installation.
 
Remember that there are no monthly subscriptions for BBC Freesat.

You know how it is; you have just settled down for the evening, turned on the telly and got a blank screen.

Here are some simple things to check before dialling 999 or calling us out.

• The aerial / Scart / HDMI lead may have come loose; take a peek round the back of the telly and set top boxes.  Even if all appears to be OK it is worth gently pushing the plugs in.
• Check to see if the distribution amplifier or amplifier power supply unit been unplugged or switched off.
• If the telly or set top box has been disconnected from the mains for some time it may need rescanning or a pin code entering.
• Is the remote control communicating with the telly / set top box?  It may need new batteries and its command code re-entering.
• Is the TV transmitter on the blink? Pop round to a neighbour and see if their telly is still working.
• Is the aerial / satellite dish still up and facing in the right direction?

If none of the above sorts the problem, turn the telly off, give us a call and we will be out a.s.a.p.

PS: Until we get out to you, there are some wonderful programmes on radio 4.

Our engineers operate throughout mainland UK.  They typically serve a territory which in urban locations is within 25 miles of their home and in mixed urban/rural areas up to 1½ hours from home.

Each engineer has in-depth practical knowledge of the reception conditions in 'his' territory i.e. the transmitters available, the likely causes of interference and their solutions.

The engineers service vans are a mobile workshop and stores combined; our policy where possible is to complete the work in a single visit.  This ranges from simple repairs to comprehensive installations often requiring an aerial and Sky outlet in every room. 

On the rare occasion that an engineer has not got a specific part on his van, we are able to 'overnight' the item either directly to the address or to the engineer.

The common reasons for this problem are:

1.    Your installation has a grouped aerial rather than a wideband aerial.  Digital channels are in clusters (called Multiplexes or Mux's), quite often these Mux's are spread across the UHF band, hence the need for a wideband aerial.  Whereas in most instances, analogue channels are located closely together.

2.    Not all transmitters currently offer a full digital menu; this will change as and when the digital switchover is implemented to your transmitter.  For further information visit www.digitaluk.co.uk

3.    The existing installation is below specification or faulty.  If the installation is more than 5 years old there is a possibility that the cable is single screened rather than the recommended twin screen and that the aerial does not have a balun to match the impedance of the aerial and cable.

 Please remember that we offer a free on-site survey and advice for this and other types of reception problems. Call or email us now.

A common problem we attend to is where the TV reception has deteriorated and the picture quality is affected.

Quite often the cause of this is not apparent to the customer; everything looks to be in order, the aerial is still attached to the chimney and facing in the right direction.  On closer inspection it becomes evident that the coaxial cable has been water damaged.

What to look for.

If the aerial is cabled externally (rather than built in to the internal wall) it is often possible to unplug the aerial and see either water or corrosion on the aerial plug.

How does water get into the cable?

• The inner insulation of some coaxial cables is hollow 'air-spaced' polythene.  When water enters the cable the air spacing acts like a hose.
• This happens because the connection cover on the aerial is damaged or blown off.
• The cable has been flapping about on the roof tiles and the outer insulation has been 'rubbed out' exposing the inner cable.
• The lid of an amplifier or splitter box has fallen off or become open.
• A cable joint has failed.

Repair or renew?

If the aerial and fittings are in good condition and the connection box on the aerial is intact, then it may be sufficient to rewire the existing aerial.  If water has entered the tv aerial connection, we advise fitting a new aerial, for the same reason it may be necessary to replace the amplifier or splitter box.

How to sort the common problems on Sky, Freeview and Freesat STB's

Set Top Box has stopped working / crashed / locked.

Like computers a Set Top Box (STB) has processors and chips, these do occasionally crash due to static electricity etc.

When this happens unplug the STB from the mains for approx 1 minute and remove its viewing card (if applicable).

Plug the STB back in and leave for another minute or so, insert the viewing card (if applicable) then press the Sky key or ON button on Freeview and Freesat boxes. It will then re-boot itself.  In most instances this should solve the problem.

If the STB continues to crash etc. or the picture is not right, there may be a more severe problem which may require a visit from us to rectify the problem for you - try the above first though as it generally sorts most things out.

Sky STB says no satellite signal being received.

Firstly look to see the dish moved or appears damaged, if so this is the problem.

Trees that come into leaf, can impair reception, if the dish pointing at the trees, it may require re-siting.

In other instances either the LNB has a problem or the STB LNB power supply is faulty. The STB can be repaired for this fault, but the faulty LNB cannot and needs replacing.

The picture has gone funny or the sound keeps going

This is often caused by a loose or faulty Scart lead, check that the Scart leads are firmly in place first before calling out an engineer.  

Have you recently relocated the TV and STB?  This is a common cause of loose Scart leads.

Sky TV link to a second room is not working.

The Sky TV link is connected from the back of the STB on the 2nd RF outlet - check that it is it connected to that outlet?

If correctly connected and was working OK before, then 1 of 2 things may have happened - either the TV link is faulty or the power supply from the STB is turned off.

First check if the power for the link is turned on. To do this press services, then 4, then zero-one-select, you are then in the installer setup menu.

One of the sub menus is RF outlets - go to it and the entry reading "2nd RF outlet supply" should be on, if it says off; turn it on and save new settings.

Press the Sky button. If the light on the back of the TV link in the other room is on then the link is now active and should work OK.

Remote Control won't adjust volume or other TV functions.

Has it always been like that or did it work before but does not now? If it worked before then the handset has lost its code - perhaps because you did not replace the batteries within 10 minutes of the old ones running out.

You can obtain the code at www.satelliteonline.co.uk

UK Digital TV close to 90% - December 2008

Findings released by UK communications regulator Ofcom indicate that 88.2 per cent of households have digital TV on their main sets, up from 84.8 per cent on the year.

Other key findings in Ofcom's Quarter 3 digital television update reveal that the total number of households with digital terrestrial television (DTT) reached 17.2 million, up from 16.7 million during the quarter.

Among digital pay TV services, Sky grew its customer base by 87,000 to almost 9.1million subscribers during the quarter, with the number of Sky customers subscribing to its High Definition (HD) services standing at 591,000 (6.5 per cent of subscribers) up from 498,000 during the quarter.

Cable operator Virgin Media increased its number of subscribers by 37,700 to approaching 3.6 million households; almost half (49 per cent) of its customers were using its video on demand - vod service There were 45 million vod views over the period, up by 17 per cent on the quarter.

There are 617,000 households with free satellite services. Of these, around 100,000 were taking the BBC/ITV freesat service of which 73,000 units (68% of sales so far) were HD enabled.

How to remedy weak TV reception

We have a wide range of solutions at our disposal, which together with our vast technical expertise; means the occasions where we are unable to remedy a reception problem are quite rare.

The common causes and options for overcoming reception problems include:

Weak reception:

• Fit a new complete aerial installation.  Aerials deteriorate with age, bits fall off, water enters the connection box, the cable insulation degrades with UV light and rubbing against the roof tiles, water then enters the cable or the copper core may break.
• Install a high-gain aerial i.e. DMX10, Unix 52 etcetera.
• Wherever possible locate the aerial so that it has a clear line of sight to the transmitter, avoiding obstructions such as trees and structures.
• A longer mast may be required. We are able to install up to a 20'/6m mast on a chimney, gable or wall (subject to structural considerations and taking account of wind-loading).
• A Mast Head Pre-amplifier and Power Supply Unit may be installed to boost the signal level.
• Wherever possible install an outdoor roof aerial; loft aerials are only suitable where reception is strong and clear of any interference.
• On the occasions when it is not possible or practical to obtain good reception from an aerial, we recommend either BBC/ITV Freesat or Sky.

Action Aerials provide free on-site surveys, not only when there is a reception problem, but for extra TV outlets and aerials.  Please call or email us for free advice and information.

BBC/ITV Freesat - Your questions answered.

Do I have to pay subscriptions?
No; once you have purchased the equipment and paid our installation charge; that is it, there are no more charges.

Can I connect Freesat to my existing Sky Dish?
Yes; as long as the dish is still operating correctly and the LNB is suitable.  The Freesat HD box requires a quad LNB, this is the same LNB as Sky+ and Sky HD.

Will I need to upgrade for the Digital Switchover?
No; all Freesat boxes are digital; with Freesat you have pre-empted the digital switchover.

Which Freesat option is best for me?

BBC/ITV Freesat now has 140 TV and radio channels.  There are 3 types of Freesat boxes.

Freesat+
This is the ultimate Freesat box, it provides Standard Definition - SD TV and High Definition - HD TV; in addition it gives you complete freedom to pause, rewind and record live TV.  With a whole host of advanced recording features, enjoying your favourite shows has never been easier.  

Freesat HD
Features all the benefits of the Freesat SD box plus the brilliance of HD pictures and the option of Dolby 5.1 surround sound.  Connecting your home theatre system to your digital box will fill the room with the ambience of the on-screen action.

Freesat SD
Provides all the Freesat TV and radio channels in standard definition, 8-day on-screen listings, interactive TV and digital text. Freesat SD is ideal for small and bedroom, kitchen and dining room TVs.

We stock the complete range of Freesat boxes and usually can install on a 'next day' basis.

There are 5 reasons for choosing Action Aerials to fix your reception needs.  These are:

1. Confidence - We are committed to fulfil our customer's expectations.
2. Quality - The equipment we supply and install is industry recognized brands.
3. Service - Action Aerials colleagues are pledged to do their utmost to provide the highest level of customer service.
4. Choice - From top quality to budget equipment, we provide a solution for all situations.
5. Price - We 'price match' the written estimate of any other CAI or IDSC member.  Call us last, show our operative your estimates and we will beat it by a minimum of £10 or 5%.  Whichever is greater.

When choosing a TV Aerial installer.

There are a number of questions to consider when looking for a company to install your aerial, satellite dish or extra points. In no particular order, the issues are:

• Are they an established business.

Action Aerials have been trading since 1986.  To date we have completed in excess of 750,000 installations and service visits, many of which are for returning customers.

 

• Do they know their trade.

Our engineers install and service a wide range of equipment including TV and radio aerials, Sky TV and Freesat equipment, signal amplifiers and network distribution systems.  They are continuously being trained and mentored by field supervisors.

 

• Is my guarantee worth the paper it is printed on.

On completion of an installation or service we issue a written guarantee.  All work is guaranteed for 12 months minimum; occasionally a 'recall' fault will develop, when we receive a 'recall' we attend to it promptly.

 

• Are they a member of a recognised trade body i.e. CAI Confederation of Aerial Industries or IDSC.

We are full installer members of the CAI. Our membership is level CAI+ we are also associate members of RETRA.

 

• Are they professional i.e. do they use a field meter or spectrum analyser to 'peak align' and optimise the installation.

Our operatives each carry a spectrum analyser; this equipment enables them to measure and set up aerials, satellite dishes and network distribution systems.

 

• Do they carry comprehensive stock on their vans or do I have to wait around for them to nip and get the parts.

Our vehicles are stocked with a full range of aerials, fittings, cabling, network equipment, satellite dishes and LNB's.  More than 95% of our jobs are completed in a single visit.

 

• Are they certificated to work safely at heights and do they use safety harnesses.

            Our operatives are all certified to comply with 'working at heights' legislation.  They each have 'PPE' Fall Arrest Equipment comprising full safety harness, rope access equipment and ladder stabilisers.

 

• Are they comprehensively covered with Public Liability Insurance.

The company has £5 Million pounds of Liability Cover.  This cover is underwritten by Quinn Insurance.

 

• Have their operatives been CRB Criminal Records Bureau vetted.

Every employee of Action Aerials including Installation Engineers, Call Centre and Service Department personnel are CRB vetted.

 

• Are they competitively priced

We do 'price match' the written estimate of any other CAI or IDSC member.  Call us last, show our operative your estimates and we will beat it by a minimum of £10 or 5%.  Whichever is greater!