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Aerial & satellite dish installation specialists - what you need to know

If you find that your viewing experience is often interrupted by interference, or you don’t think that your TV is picking up all the channels available to you, then you might require the services of an aerial and satellite dish specialist.

You should expect your TV aerial to last a good 10-20 years before it needs replacing, but if you’re having problems with your TV signal before then, your aerial could have been damaged or may need realigning or moving to a location where the signal is stronger.

You might also want to install new aerial connections in rooms where there previously wasn’t a TV.

Signs of TV signal disruption

The signs and symptoms of television signal disruption are all too common. If you frequently find your favourite show being interrupted by pixelation, clicking noises, picture freezing, missing audio or complete loss of picture then you’re likely to be suffering from some loss of signal.

You can check the quality of the signal at your address and a full list of the channels that you should be receiving on the Digital UK website’s coverage checker.

Common causes of bad television signal

If your TV picture suddenly becomes grainy or crackly then first make sure that it’s not a temporary problem caused by bad weather. During a storm, on occasion, you may experience some interference with your television’s signal. 

If you’re having problems with your television’s picture on a regular basis though, this isn’t normal. An aerial and satellite dish specialist will be able to identify the cause of the issue and resolve it for you.

Common causes of bad TV signal are:

• Old or damaged cabling.
• Aerial misalignment.
• Aerial damage.
• Physical barriers like trees or buildings.
• External or internal signal interference from radios, mobile phones or baby monitors.
• Interference from household devices.

What are signal boosters/amplifiers and splitters used for?

Amplifiers and splitters can be installed where appropriate during a full aerial or satellite dish installation, added later when required or installed to rectify an issue.

Splitters – splitters are used to connect multiple TV sets to the same aerial.

Signal boosters/amplifiers – amplifiers are used to connect multiple TV sets to the same aerial when a stronger signal is required. An amplifier or signal booster may be more appropriate when signal is being lost because the TVs being connected require a lot of cabling.

Your aerial and satellite dish specialist will be able to advise you on whether you would benefit from a signal booster. In some instances when a splitter is in use, poor picture quality can be rectified simply by adding a signal booster rather than replacing the whole aerial.

When does my aerial or satellite dish need replacing?

Bad TV signal doesn’t always mean you need your aerial or satellite dish replacing.  Sometimes issues can be fixed by moving something in the home to reduce interference, adding a signal booster/amplifier or replacing damaged cabling.

However, your aerial will need to be replaced if it’s not suitable for your location or when it becomes old or damaged. Aerials and satellite dishes aren’t one-size-fits-all, and  sometimes the wrong type has been installed on a property for many years.

Your aerial and satellite dish specialist will be able to check that you have the correct equipment for your requirements.

Cost of aerial and satellite dish installation

The cost of the job can vary quite significantly dependent on a number of factors, including whether you require a replacement aerial or a new full installation.

The cost of simply replacing your aerial or dish can vary from about £50 to £140 dependent on where in the country you live, and the quality of the replacement installed.

If you require a full installation of either an aerial or satellite dish then this is a more time consuming and costly job. You should expect to pay between £120 and £300 for a full installation which will include fitting your aerial, pole, cabling and extra socket.

The variation in price for the full installation is dependent on:

• Your location.
• Length of aerial pole.
• Amount of cabling required.
• Whether amplifiers or splitters are required.

The qualifications your tradesperson needs

Your tradesperson should be a fully qualified CAI (Confederation Aerial Industries) certified aerial installer, or be registered with the RDI-LB (Regional Digital Installer Licensing Body).

If they’re registered with one of these bodies you can rest assured that:

• They have undergone a criminal check.
• Are certified to work at heights.
• Have public liability insurance (you can ask to see evidence of this).

The CAI also regularly assess members to ensure that they are delivering work of a high standard.

Planning permission for aerials and satellite dishes

If you rent a property, always check with your landlord before having a TV aerial or satellite dish replaced or installed.

If the work is being carried out on a property you own, then whether you need planning permission is dependent on:

• Whether the property is in a designated area.
• Whether you already have multiple aerials on your property.
• The size of the aerial being fitted,

Please check the full guidance on planning permission for aerial installation.

Insurance for aerial and satellite dish installers

You should expect any tradesperson that you hire to be covered by public liability insurance.  Although rare, accidents can happen on the odd occasion and public liability insurance will cover any costs associated with accidental damage to your home.

Questions you should ask your aerial and satellite dish specialist

• Do they have public liability insurance?
• What brand of aerial would be installed?
• Are they CAI certified or registered with the RDI-LB?
• Is the work guaranteed and if so how long does the guarantee last?
• How long have they been trading?