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What Is A Coaxial Cable and What Does It Do?

A coaxial cable or a coax is a type of cable that is used as transmission lines for radio frequency, video, and data signals. Traditionally, they have been used as feed lines to connect transmitters and receivers with antennas, internet connections, digital audio and cable television signals. 

This is why such cables are used in almost every home for television and internet connections, as well as in industrial settings for Local Area Networks. It is one of the most preferred types of cable because of its shielding and resistance to signal interferences from motors and other electronic equipment. 

It has multiple layers namely an inner conductor, an insulating layer, a conductive shielding and an insulating outer jacket. Most coaxial cables even have outer jackets that are UV, chemical, halogen and flame resistant, making it the best option, even for industrial settings. Its shielded design even allows for quick data transmission without succumbing to the interference or damage from outside or environmental factors.

They work by carrying data into the centre conductor while the surrounding layers of shielding (which is collectively known as the shield, restrict any attenuation loss and help reduce EMI. The first layer, meanwhile, provides distance and insulation between the core conductor and the outer layers. 

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What Does A Coaxial Cable Look Like?

Coax cables have a distinct thick, round shape due to its interior insulation layer. Because of its size, its look also differs significantly from other cable types. 

Coaxial cables come in many sizes, but the most common sizes are the RG-59, RG-11, and RG-6 cables. For non-industrial use, the most common coax cable used is the RG6 cable, while industrial installers, on the other hand, may use thicker cables like the RG11.

As for the colour, a coaxial cable normally comes in black, white or brown. 

Coaxial Cable Types and What Exactly They Are Used For

As mentioned above, coax cables are classified by their sizes. Here is a quick overview of what each coax cable type is used for. 

  • RG-6 Coaxial Cables – RG6 cables are ideal for television, the internet, and digital video. Because RG-6 cables are made with a different kind of shielding and have an impedance of 75 Ohm, they can carry GHz signals more effectively, making them best for tv aerials or domestic television, internet connections, and digital video signals.
  • RG-11 Coaxial Cables – Such cables are best used for HDTV. Because it offers a higher gauge which provides more space for signals to transfer, it is adept at transferring strong HD signals at high speed. It is also often used as a long-length backbone cable. End-users of RG-11 coax cables benefit from higher signal quality not just for TV, cable, and internet transmission.
  • RG-59 Coaxial Cables – This kind of cable is best for CCTV systems. While RG6 cables can run longer distances without loss to video signal, RG-59 cables are much convenient to work with. 
  • RF Coaxial Cables – An RF or Radio Frequency coaxial cable is used to carry radio frequency signals. These cables are the standard input cable on TV sets. It usually has a coax plug or pin, which you can simply plug to the RF input on the device. 

Coaxial Cable Connectors, Coaxial Splitters and Coaxial Ports

Cable Connectors

Coaxial cable connectors are used to connect your coax cable to another device while maintaining its shielding. These connectors could be classified into male or female. Male connectors have metal pins which protrude from the centre, while female connectors have a recessed hole where the pin is plugged into. 

These connectors are used for RF equipment, test instruments, radio, television and video signal, mobile phone connections, broadcast communications systems and many more. 

Coaxial Splitters

Because coaxial cable lines are produced to provide a signal to power a singular device, you will encounter a problem if you try using it to power more than one device. Coaxial splitters are used when there is more than one device that requires a signal. True to its name, it is designed to split the signal from one coaxial cable towards several lines to connect to multiple devices. 

Coaxial Ports

A coax port is a single female RCA connector on a device. It will most likely be labelled as “coaxial,” “digital out” or “digital in.” This port is usually colour-coded orange or black, where a male coax is to be plugged in. 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are pretty advantageous. Such cables are inexpensive compared to fibre optic cables, durable, easy to install, and easy to expand with a cable extension kit. Additionally, coax cables have good resistance to EMI and RFI, lower error rates, as well as a transfer capacity of approximately 10mbps. 

Moreover, coaxial cables are beneficial for both analogue and digital transmission, as compared to twisted pair cables and fibre optic cables, which are only capable of supporting analogue and digital, respectively.

However, coaxial cables still have a few drawbacks. Some of which come to mind are its susceptibility to total system or network failure, bulkiness, stiffness, and vulnerability to security breaches. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got a much clearer understanding on what a coaxial cable is for, you’re probably ready to start on that DIY project that has got you looking up coaxial cables in the first place. However, if you are planning on installing a TV aerial, setting up a CCTV system in your home, or simply looking to extend your tv broadband, it would probably much safer for you to put the coaxial cable down and let the professionals work on it. This will not only ensure your safety but also save you all the frustration of trying to get everything done yourself!

What To Do When There’s No Sky Signal

Imagine this. You made sure to have all your chores finished just in time for your favourite TV programme. You make it to the living room with a bowl of chips, sit down on the couch, and turn on the television. To your horror, your Sky box shows the words: “Sky No signal.” In only a few moments, your show will have started, and your Sky box won’t be available to record the video. What do you do? While you may try contacting Sky for an engineer, we know from experience that they might not be able to visit you until a few days later. You need your signal fixed immediately.

There’s good news waiting for you: you don’t have to tear your hair out because there’s no sky signal. And the even better news is that you can troubleshoot your Sky box without having to wait for a technician.

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Diagnose the Problem

There are a lot of reasons as to why your Sky box has no signal on tv. If the weather is bad in your area or if you hear the wind howling outside, this will definitely reduce the quality of your sound and image. We recommend waiting out the storm until testing your system’s satellite signal again. If weather conditions are favourable, try changing the channel and see if your Sky box still doesn’t have a satellite signal. Should the other channels work fine, you can wait a few minutes before going back to the previous channel; but if things still aren’t looking great, then your network coverage might have a problem.

Check your service status. You can also send them a message if you have their contact details. If there happens to be a network outage in your area, we recommend waiting that out, as well. If there are no such reports of Sky being unable to provide satellite signal, reboot your Sky box and check if any of the cables are loose. These are the basic techniques that generally save a lot of time and solve the majority of signal problems with Sky.

Resetting your Sky Box

Click the ‘Standby’ button on your remote. If your model has PVR or recording capability, you will need to wait for the hard drive to stop spinning for a short while. Once it ends, you may switch off your Sky box, your TV, and other devices that are connected to it. You will also need to switch off your mains and disconnect your Sky box.

Take note: When inspecting it, make sure not to take the small plug out of the power socket at the back of the device. When the power is on, take care not to touch the plug as this can cause damage to the internal circuits, and an internal fuse may fry up.

Look for the HDMI and SCART cables attached at the Skybox’s rear. All of these should be firmly attached to both the television and the Skybox. After tightening connections, wait for five minutes before switching everything back on. This allows the capacitors inside the satellite receiver to completely discharge and cool down. There will be times that your satellite receiver freezes and an excellent way to break this is to do a complete reboot. After turning it back on, you might notice that the Sky logo will flash across the screen. This is the start of the initialisation process. Make sure to wait for a few minutes before trying to change the channel to prevent the Sky box from being overloaded with commands.

Correcting your TV Source

If the words ‘No Signal’ are coming from your television screen and not your Sky box, check the cables once again. This could mean that your Sky box is working correctly, but your cables are not configured properly. If this is the case, double-check if your Sky box is on, with the green light showing. Then go to your handset and press ‘TV’ and then ‘Help’. If the handset is not configured to your TV, you will have to your television’s handset instead. Look for the words source, input, or AV. Depending on the manufacturer, this should lead you to the input settings for your Sky box. Keep rotating through the input options until you find Sky TV. This will hopefully restore your television’s audio and video.

Making sure your subscription is active

If your subscription-based TV services are not working, but terrestrial-free-to-air services are, you will need to check your subscription. Go to your Sky box and check the viewing card inserted in it and the viewing card paired with it.

Your viewing experience relies on a lot of devices. While it may seem daunting at first, doing these basic troubleshooting techniques will save you some money. However, when the time comes that you will need professional help, be sure to contact us and we’ll be there to assist.

LNB 101: What It Is and How to Choose The Right One

In the past decades, satellite dishes have started replacing weaker antennas on rooftops, allowing higher signal delivery and more information reception. This translates to clear, crisps images and sounds onscreen and less room for glitches. While they will need replacing, these small satellite dishes are designed to withstand elements, including time. In moments that you want to want to upgrade its capabilities, you will need to replace the LNB.

What Is an LNB and how does it work

If you’ve seen a satellite dish mounted on roofs, you will know that it is composed of two parts. Most of it will be the concave metal that gives this machine its distinct look. The electric part attached to the metal arm is called Low Noise Block downconverter; generally referred to as the LNB or LNBF. It is also called LNB satellite or satellite LNB

As these dishes are sitting around 22,000 miles from satellites orbiting around the planet, the signal gets weaker as they travel to your home. The round plate focuses this weakened signal onto the LNB. It then does two things: amplify and downconvert. First, this object is a low-noise amplifier. As the name suggests, it gathers weak satellite signals and amplifies it. Second, it is also a block downconverter. After increasing super-high satellite frequencies on the dish, the LNB converts them to frequencies your TV cable can digest. The LNB consists of the following parts:

Low Noise Amplifier
Frequency Mixer
Local Oscillator
Intermediate Frequencies Amplifier

All of these parts help the LNB function properly. When talking about its common types, their main difference lies in the number of outputs. As this allows more satellite receivers to be added, your TV will get extra points and will enable you to connect your PVR (personal video recorder).

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Single LNB

Only one cable can be connected to this LNB, allowing a standard satellite receiver like a Sky or Freesat box connection. While you can join a Sky+ or Sky+HSD, you will not have to be capable of recording one programme while you watch another.

Twin or Dual LNB

While these types are not that common in the market, it has two outputs. You may opt to either connect two separate satellite receivers or connect a PVR on the other. This works well as your first LNB purchase. However, if this is not your first time buying, we recommend installing a Quad LNB instead as a more affordable investment. The price of a Quad LNB may be steep as compared to other alternatives, but its utility is also better.

If you have upgraded to a Sky Q, you might be confused that its LNB comes with two outputs. This is a Sky Q wideband LNB and works differently. This type has two outputs: vertical and horizontal. These cables carry different services without needing to polarise the signals. While you use a Sky Q wideband LNB, your Sky Q box needs to be connected to both cables to watch all the channels and avail of Sky Q’s services. This has a higher frequency range than universal LNBs, using 300Mhz to 2340Mhz. However, this means that your Sky Q box cannot be used on a communal IRS system.

Quad

Being the most favoured type of LNB installed, they are produced in larger volumes and priced lower than the rest. As it has four outputs, you may choose to connect four satellite receivers, or two PVRs and receivers, or only one PVR. If you want a more powerful connection, you will need to have it upgraded to an Octo LNB.

Octo

As the name suggests, Octo LNBs allows you to connect up to eight separate satellite receivers or a combination of receivers and PVRs.

Quattro

One of the more common hybrids, a Quattro LNB is a practical choice for those who have multiple TVs in their home. Traditional LNBs are not the best choice for a communal IRS TV system. While this also has four outputs like the quad, a Quattro’s outputs can be used with multi-switches.

A multi-switch amplifier has separate inputs for VL (Vertical Low), VH (Vertical High), HL (Horizontal Low), and HH (Horizontal High). These are dedicated to a specific cable, polarising the signals at horizontal and vertical planes. This helps the satellite reuse the same frequency for more than one signal and transmit the same image and quality to different televisions.

Aside from these universal LNBs and Quattro, here are more LNB types: high gain, monoblock, dSCR or dCSS, etc. Though the options may be confusing, it’s essential to choose the right one for your home. There are also digital systems that come with a Sky or Freesat LNB already. However, if you want to look for your own, here are a few factors to consider:

How to pick the right one

1. Take note of the noise figure: To define some terms, the noise figure measures how much noise the LNB might add to the signal that you want to receive. The lower the number, the better your LNB will receive the weaker signals. This is often expressed in K or Kelvin.

2. Choose the LNB with the right gain level: The gain tells you how high the LNB will amplify your signal. The required LNB gain for most digital systems would be between 55sB to 65dB. It’s essential that these numbers are not affected by temperature changes, as well. Anything higher than this can cause the signals to get distorted when the LNB amplifies it, causing low-quality performance.

3. Check the stability of your local oscillator frequency: When choosing an LNB, make sure to check the frequency conversion oscillator.

Dielectric Resonant Oscillator (DRO) Types – This has a free-running oscillator that uses a small metal to determine the frequency.

Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Types – For this type, a crystal oscillator and a digital phase circuit are used to determine the conversion oscillator frequency.

External Referenced Phase Locked Types – The satellite receiver is responsible for providing the reference signal for this type. Therefore, it is found outside of the LNB.

Choosing the right one is crucial not only for your satellite receiver but also, ultimately, for you and your family’s home entertainment. If you need more guidance choosing the right LNB upgrade for your system, make sure to contact us now!

Watching Sky TV From Multiple Rooms: A Guide

It is with no shame that we claim how Sky TV is a leading company in TV distribution: may it be satellite, aerial, or home AV. And now that Sky Q has been released, with just one box, a Sky multiroom set-up is ready to go! It would work even if there was a tv in every room, as Sky Q was built to function for TV in multiple rooms! This works best because it eradicates confusing wirework and it makes it easier to catch up on shows from any TV in your house!

Although, to any great thing there are certain problems arising. Some common issues on migrating from existing Sky TV packages such as Sky Standard or Sky HD to Sky Q are of the following:

Playback doesn’t work for you anymore

A common set up to have Sky in another room or Sky in different rooms is to use an i/0 link add-on modulator or RF2 output via a coaxial cable to reach a TV in another room. You may also have an aerial amplifier connected in the middle of the Skybox and the 2nd TV so as to create some sort of multiroom set-up. This would then sync everything up, especially your desired playback. The problem with this is that the Sky Q receiver does not support this system anymore, so we built this blog to help you fix it. 

a Sky multiroom system or having Sky Q in another room won’t work

Sky multiroom is a £10 offer to have Sky operate in multiple rooms individually inside one household. This does not work for Sky Q anymore because the LNB is not compatible anymore for this new service, rendering the old system obsolete. But don’t worry we have this blog for you to help you figure out what’s going on. 

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How to have Sky Q as a Multiroom TV System

Below are some ways in which we can have the optimal tv multiroom Sky experience. 

Go Wireless

Sky offers the option to ditch wires and to have other TVs outsource from the Sky Q box to a Sky Q mini-box. This is not only efficient and space-saving but also serves as a WiFi amplifier. Sky Q makes use of the mesh wireless network so it does not disrupt your WiFi signal but you have to make sure the repeaters are in the range of the main box and in between one another. Currently, a maximum of 4 mini boxes can be installed while only 2 can run simultaneously. 

However, if you are thinking of using a Sky Magic Eye to conceive a Sky multiroom set-up, then I hate to be the bearer of bad news.  The Magic Eye, unfortunately, does not run on a Sky Q set top box but rather on standard Sky boxes, the Sky HD box, and the Sky Plus HD box. Again, the closest thing you can get to a multiscreen subscription with the Sky Q plan is by availing of the additional Sky Q mini boxes for an additional upfront cost per box. 

Run it over wired LAN

If your walls are thick or foiled and wireless is not the best way to go, try using either a Cat5e or Cat6 data cable. There are already built-in RJ45 ports in both the Sky Q box and it’s mini boxes, eliminating the hassle of wireless if that’s your problem. Although comparatively, it’s a lot of work and it limits you to 4 mini boxes still. 

Opt for Coaxial Cabling but with an HD modulator

It’s a quick fix if your current set-up is having an RF2 output or i/0 link outsourcing signal from a Sky system. You can put an HD modulator in between and have it linked to the HDMI port of the Sky Q box. This would make it a sort of digital multiplex and have it connect to your aerial amplifier turning it into some sort of a Sky Q multiscreen that can be viewed as a digital channel. Be careful though, choose wisely on the UHF output on the modulator so it would not clash with the transmission of other signals in the area. 

The only problems that come with this are modulators are a luxury in the market right now. The price might be too steep to justify this fix unless you have the pounds to spare. Another problem here is having 4K transmitted from your Sky Q box. Unfortunately, an HD modulator can’t do this, so you get yourself an HDMI switch to fix this. Now you have to run HDMI cables from the 4K TV to the switch then to the modulator to fix the solution, but it’s a hassle and a dent on your finances. A good thing to note about this though is that you get to have the pictures in a clearer digital format that an RF2 or i/0 can’t provide.

Final Thoughts

While Sky Digital TV’s Sky Q requires you to completely overhaul your multiroom viewing set-up, it does improve the overall viewing experience. This multiscreen subscription package ensures that while you are viewing from essentially one main TV box, it will look, feel, and sound as though you’ve got multiple Sky TV packages running in your home. 

Additionally, you will get access to Sky TV, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and many more! Sky Q offers several channels on 4K Ultra HD, and a choice between a 1TB box or a 2TB box, both of which are UHD-ready. For an extra cost, you may also avail of Sky Ultimate TV, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and the ultimate On Demand TV options. If it interests you, may opt-in for access to BT Sport with Sky, Sky Box Office, the Sky Store, Sky Go Extra, and many more. 

For existing Sky customers, you may upgrade to Sky Q by contacting your service provider directly. Meanwhile, for those looking to switch over to Sky from other service providers,  you may want to check this out and make sure you’ve got the right kind of satellite dish for the TV deals you want to avail. To do this, you may call us to set up an appointment.

Do I Need An Aerial For A Smart TV

smart tv

You’re moving into your new house. One of the first things that you should buy is furniture and appliances. You have to make the difficult choice between quality or price. However, when it comes to buying items for your home, the thing that you have to consider is its functionality. There would be no use to buying a cheap item when you can’t use it for your everyday life.

Regardless of the price, it still is an unnecessary expense. On the other hand, a sala set worth £1, 400, despite being labelled as frivolous, can be considered a practical purchase if it’s used a lot of times.

This mindset also applies to your appliances. If you buy a brand new, top-of-the-line smart TV, the functionality should be the main issue. How much did your Smart HD TV cost you? £ 400? £ 550? Maybe you finally got that bonus, and you decided to splurge. And now you have gone home with a smart TV worth £ 2000. Now what?

What exactly do you do with a £2000-Smart TV? For most of us, having a colossal flatscreen HD TV is the dream. You can spend the rest of your nights, relaxing in front of your screen, watching your favourite shows to your heart’s content. But how exactly can you watch on your Smart TV?

One interesting statistic is that many believe that buying a TV is enough. Once they have plugged in their Smart TV, they can already watch whatever show they want. Right? Nope. There are various ways that you can employ to make sure that your Smart TV becomes good to use. 

I have listed the five most common methods to use their Smart TV.

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Internet Connection

We now live in the age of streaming. Many even posit that the rise of streaming services spells the death of cable. This could hold true for many reasons. Streaming companies such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu are services where you pay a monthly subscription fee in exchange for unlimited access to their content.

Each of these streaming sites has thousands of thousands of movies, TV shows, and documentaries for its subscribers to enjoy. You can spend whole months combing through just one section of their catalogue. Most Smart TVs already have these streaming apps built-in. 

All new models of Smart TVs can easily connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. If you’re happy with using your Smart TV for streaming, then you don’t have to read through the next part of this article. 

Aerial

The aerial or the antenna is perhaps one of the most traditional ways for a household to obtain reception. “Do I need a TV Aerial for my Smart TV?” Yes, you do. But only if you want to use your Smart TV to watch live TV. If you want to access Freeview in the UK, then you need a TV Aerial for your Smart TV. Freeview is a service that is delivered to your Television system only through a TV Aerial. You cannot watch TV like BBC1 and BBC2 without a TV Aerial to receive signals broadcasted by TV stations.

A TV Aerial Installation can quickly be done in less than a day. You can simply call your local aerial installers and have them hook you up with a working TV Aerial system. Aside from Freeview, your TV Aerial will also provide you access to BT Vision, EETV, TalkTalk TV, and Saorview provided that you paid for these subscription services.

Satellite Dish

The same holds true with Freesat. A satellite dish is required for your Digital TV to watch live TV through the UK Freesat service. Some of the paid services that you get access to are Sky, Soarsat, and international TV programs. If you don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription fee, then there is Freesat. 

A standard satellite dish installation will take less time than a TV Aerial Installation. It is also considered to be generally cheaper, although both of these care in the same price range. The main difference between a satellite dish and a TV Aerial, however, is that a satellite receiver (i.e. Freesat Box) is required to decode the satellite signals into watchable content. On the other hand, TV Aerials need to be installed from a much higher vantage point like the roof, which could be tricky if you live in an apartment.

Game Consoles

Of course, one of the most widely known uses of TVs is for gaming. Regardless of whether you own a Playstation, an Xbox, or a Nintendo Switch, your gaming experience will surely benefit from an HD Smart TV. With better graphics and image resolution, you get to immerse yourself more into the game. Just plug in your favourite game and enjoy!

Laptop

Lastly, you can easily connect your laptop using a VGA or HDMI wire to watch TV. Through this, you can watch a movie through a bigger screen. I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy Family night than lounging on the sofa with your family and watching a movie.

How To Install A TV Signal Booster

tv signal

For countless years, watching television shows have become a common human activity. Whether it’s for watching the news, sports, or your favourite show, having clear signal reception is key. As the dependency for television grows, it is essential that your household is equipped with the right accoutrements to ensure a pleasurable watching experience.

Regardless if you’re watching from Freesat or through a paid subscription service, you want to make the most out of your limited telly time. Usually, when you get weak reception, the solution is to go to the shop and purchase a TV Signal booster. However, this could be an unnecessary expense given the following scenarios.

Poor reception can be caused by many things. It would be good if you try to fix these first before buying a TV Signal booster.

Obstructions

Obstructions such as buildings and trees act as a barrier and make it hard for your satellite dish to receive signal. Position your satellite dish away from these obstructions to provide your television with the optimal TV Reception.

Small Satellite Dish

There are cases when the satellite dish installed for your home does not suffice for your satellite dish requirements. The standard satellite dish size installed in most UK houses is 45 cm. However, in cases where the user is located far away, a bigger dish, up to 3 m in diameter may be required. This is so that residents in distant locations can still get TV reception.

Frayed Cables

Another reason why you may be experiencing a signal loss is due to frayed cables. Run a thorough check on your cables. Some may need to be replaced so you can enjoy watching your favourite TV show without any difficulty once again. 

Wrong Satellite Positioning (Azimuth)

Depending on your use of your TV and the shows that you watch, there are certain angles that you need to position your satellite dish. Here is a table on which angles are for which TV Services

 

Angle

Satellite

TV Service

28.2 E

Astra 2 Satellites

Freesat, Sky Subscription

28.5 E

Eurobird

Freesat, Sky Subscription

19.2 E

Astra 1 Satellites

French and German Shows

13 E

Hotbird

European and North African Regions

 

Once all of these has been fixed and you’re still getting an unstable signal strength, then it’s time to buy a TV booster. Installing the TV Signal Booster is another tricky part. Uninstalled properly, this will do nothing or worse, worsen your signal loss altogether.
In an ideal setting, hiring professionals would do the trick. They would come in, do a complete TV aerials installation or satellite dish installation, and guarantee a pleasurable watching experience. However, not only can Aerial signal boosters be expensive, in most cases, you can do it yourself without any difficulty. You just need the know-how.

Below is how to properly install a TV Signal Booster.

Step 1:

Identify a good spot in your television cable where you can install the booster. Don’t just choose a random spot. If you only have one Digital TV, then you can install the Digital TV Booster Amplifier near the Television. Don’t put it too close to the power supply though so it doesn’t create any issues. However, if you’re using the Booster Amplifier to boost multiple Digital TVs, it’s better to install the TV Booster near your distribution amplifiers or Antenna Line splitter.

Step 2:

Unscrew the cable from your Digital TV or distribution amplifiers. Connect a cable from your TV booster to your Digital TV ’s input or if you’re using distribution amplifiers, connect it there. Make sure that the connection is not too tight as this can lead to a shorter lifespan.

Step 3:

Connect the cable from the TV Aerial or Satellite Dish to your TV Booster. This will complete your setup as your HD Digital TV will now be reconnected to your Aerial or Satellite Dish and will be getting TV Reception once again.

Step 4:

Plug your TV Booster into the power supply to turn it on. This will provide amplify your Digital TV’s signal strength.

Step 5:

Get a bowl of crisps. Sit back. And spend hours watching on your Digital TV.

Factors That Affect Satellite Dish Installation Cost

Satellite Dish Fitting

Television. 

Telly. 

Idiot 

Box. 

The Tube. 

The Box.

Regardless of what you call it, there is no denying that it is definitely one of man’s greatest inventions. However, the watching experience is hampered when all that you are watching is static. Before you can lean back and start to relax in front of the telly, the first thing that you need to do is have a satellite installation.

This blog post will comprehensively discuss the several factors that affect the satellite dish installation cost. It’s best to be knowledgeable of all the information so you can ready your budget. Preparing enough cash for a tv aerial or satellite installation is necessary. 

There is a general price for the dish installation. You can contact your local tv aerial installers for a general quote. However, once they come to your property, there are several factors that may affect this pricing. The standard satellite cost covers a 45 cm Satellite Dish, a Quad LNB, 18-metre cable, and 1.5 hrs worth of labour for the installation.

Below are some of the variables that would affect the cost of your installation project.

If Satellite Dish Has To Be Installed Elsewhere

It is a general rule to install tv aerials on an elevated level. Usually, they are installed on the roof. However, there are cases when the roof is unavailable for any kind of installation. At the same time, direction and alignment have to be taken into account. If the roof is not in an optimal condition, then there are alternatives to it. Take note that there may be added costs to this as they would require extra work.

  • Chimney

The chimney is one of the more common alternative places for your satellite dish. A chimney installation will require a chimney stack and a chimney lashing kit. There are different techniques that aerial installers can employ. Make sure that the installers don’t use drill fixings if your chimney is old and in poor condition. This may create substantial damage to your property like bricks being ripped clean off of the house.

  • Mast and Brackets

Another method is to stick it on a mast and bracket. This will help give height and clearance needed to receive a signal. 

If A Larger Satellite Dish Is Required To Receive Optimal Reception

The standard size of the satellite dish is around 45 cm. There are locations, however, that may require a larger one. A bigger dish is necessary to ensure that you receive a better signal. For example, if you reside in the middle of the city, a standard-sized dish would suffice. However, if you live further north, the satellite’s strength grows weak and would require at least a 60 cm satellite dish. For extreme cases, a 1-metre satellite dish may be used.

If The Work Takes Longer Than The Expected Time

Generally, installation for licensed professionals will take less than two hours to finish. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances i.e., difficulty with installation, it may take longer. The additional labour will cost you a few extra pounds as financial compensation to the installers.

Need for a Longer Cable

The general cable length that is part of the normal quote is 18 metres. However, in the case that the satellite dish requires more elevation, the cable needed would increase. Usually, companies would charge per metre.

If Your Property Is Difficult To Access

If your property is quite difficult to access or will cost the installers more than expected, then they will charge you for it. For example, parking fees and toll fees will fall under the responsibility of the household owner.

If Octo LNB, Sky Q, or Quattro LNB Is Needed

There are times when different equipment is needed that’s more advanced than the standard supplies. For instance, the cost will increase if your household would require an Octo LNB, a Sky Q, or a Quattro LNB. Because of these requirements, there may be a change in your normal quotation.

If Upgrade On Material Is Requested

The material on the dish satellite will also change the cost. While a regular satellite dish is enough for households in the city, households living near the sea may require a satellite dish made of sturdier material.

How To Find The Right Satellite Alignment For Optimal Viewing

satellite reception

Imagine coming home from a long day of work. You just finished two shifts. You’ve got a bag of popcorn hot and ready for you to munch on. Your favourite show is about to start. You plop on the sofa, locate where you last placed the remote, you turn on the telly and…nothing.

Static

You turn your telly off. You try once again.

Still static.

You sigh and turn the telly off. You decide to turn in early due to disappointment. Nothing can ruin TV night worse than low signal reception. For the majority of the human population, sitting back and relaxing in front of the telly is one of their major recreational activities.

With the improvement of technology, the overall watching experience is enhanced with different features and new tech, i.e. surround sound speakers, HD TVs, and even Chromecast. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t matter if you have all of the latest and most modern TV accoutrements when your digital aerial or satellite dish is not correctly aligned. An £800.00 Home Cinema HD TV is a waste if the satellite alignment is wrong as reception is not clear. Your watching experience is still hampered.

Save yourself hundreds of pounds in labour by learning how to align your satellite correctly. 

If you’re going on the roof or climbing up to high elevations, take extra precautionary measures such as:

  • Put down a soft mat on the ground which could soften your landing should you fall
  • Use a sturdy ladder instead of stacking items for you to get to the right elevation
  • If you have the equipment, you should also rig a safety line to protect yourself from injuries

In this article, I will discuss how to find the right satellite angles for optimal viewing.

Azimuth Angle Adjustment

One of the main factors as to why you’re not getting the optimal amount of signal reception is because the alignment of your satellite receiver is not optimized for the satellite transmitter that it’s trying to get its signal from.

I have taken the liberty of creating a list of the most common satellites in the United Kingdom and the proper angle your satellite dish must be at. This is extremely important as the other factors down below will not work if your azimuth alignment is not perfect.

If your telly gets Freesat or Sky subscription-based services, you want to align your satellite dish towards the Astra 2 Satellites or the Eurobird. For Astra 2 Satellites, the satellite alignment should be at 28.2E while for Eurobird, moving the dish to 28.5E should do the trick.

If you wish to watch shows from French and German region, align the dish to 19.2E optimized for Astra 1 Satellites. Positioning your satellite dish towards the satellite at 13E will give you better reception of Hotbird, which is from European and North African regions.

Avoid Obstructions

Even when you’ve found the right dish elevation and azimuth angle, if there are certain obstructions, then it is likely that your telly will receive weak reception. When you’re fixing your satellite positions, take into consideration if there are any materials that might be blocking your satellite dish. For example, branches, trees, buildings can act as barriers for the signal to pass through. When barriers like these are present between the transmitter and the satellite receiver, you will also be receiving poor signal quality. To improve your signal quality, you may also adjust and set the elevation of your satellite dish or receiver to such a height with less barriers. 

Look For References

If you are still lost, you can check your neighbour’s satellite dish alignment. You can use your neighbour’s dish satellite alignment as a reference. However, there is no assurance that the satellite will perform flawlessly. Your neighbour may be subscribed to a different British TV subscription service than what you are subscribed to which means you won’t get the optimal signal.



Choosing Between Satellite TV Options

Choosing Between Satellite TV Options

If you’re thinking of getting a satellite TV package, you may be wondering which company is best, which channels you want, and how to even decide. Sometimes there is so much information out there it’s difficult to know what to do. But with the help of Aerial Force, you can get advice and assistance with satellite TV options, as well as TV aerial installation or Satellite installation.

If you aren’t sure whether you want Sky TV, Virgin Media, or BT Vision, Aerial Force can help you decide which one is best for you. They can assist you to find which channels most interest you and how to get the best deal on those programs you most want to watch.

With Aerial Force you can also get professional help with Satellite installation or TV aerial installation. They can even help you to set up your digital TV, or multiple TV’s in different rooms, as well as assist you with advice on Freeview, digital, and anything else related to your new TV or Satellite that you don’t understand.

You can even get assistance with mounting your new TV, and Aerial Force is fully insured and liability guaranteed. This way you don’t have to worry about any accidents happening while you are trying to mount your own TV.

With so much help available, you will practically have nothing to do but sit back and watch while Aerial Force gets to work to set up your new media station. Just sit back and enjoy the show!

Book Online

Please complete the enquiry form below, and send your details to our customer service team. Once you have completed this form, one of our engineers will contact you to discuss your requirements further and to arrange a suitable appointment.

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What is Freesat?

What is Freesat?

Freesat sounds like it is just another make of Freeview box, but it is actually a totally different way of receiving digital TV, without any subscriptions. Both have certain things in common – they have many television channels to choose from, can come in both Plus and HD formats (the former allowing the user to record, pause and rewind live TV whilst the latter gives superior picture quality for those with HD ready TVs) and both need a set top box to receive signals.

The difference comes in how these signals are received. Whilst Freeview can be received via analogue or digital TV aerials, Freesat is transmitted via satellite. This means two main things – firstly there will be a much greater coverage, meaning that almost anyone in the country can ensure they get perfect pictures, wherever they are, and secondly that, to receive it, you will need a satellite dish. For those with digital TV aerials who have struggled to get the picture quality or indeed channel coverage they would like, Freesat may be the perfect answer.

The other differences come in the number of channels that can be received – with Freesat there are literally hundreds of channels to choose from as opposed to Freeview which is currently under 100. It is also possible to get BBC iPlayer direct to the TV meaning that almost any show from the previous seven days can be watched at any time.

Freesat can be installed by any normal aerial installers, so there is no worry about having to get in specific companies who will charge extortionate prices due to their exclusivity.

Whichever you think will suit you better, it is worth talking to experienced and qualified aerial installers first who will be able to inform of the best option for you depending on the area that you live in.

Book Online

Please complete the enquiry form below, and send your details to our customer service team. Once you have completed this form, one of our engineers will contact you to discuss your requirements further and to arrange a suitable appointment.

Free Estimates for new installations

Free Estimates*