Digital TV Signal amplifier

Nasher · 27 December 2007, 11:37

Now the weather is a bit dodgy some of the channels on our digital free-view are un-watchable as the signal keeps freezing.

As it was fine up to a few weeks ago whilst the weather was better, I'm tempted to try one of the signal booster type devices rather than go to the expense of a new Ariel.

However I had a bad experience with one about 20 years ago that made the signal worse.

Has anyone had any experience with a particular unit that worked well? and is suitable for digital Freeview TV.

Ta

Nasher.

Poly · 27 December 2007, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Now the weather is a bit dodgy some of the channels on our digital free-view are un-watchable as the signal keeps freezing.

As it was fine up to a few weeks ago whilst the weather was better, I'm tempted to try one of the signal booster type devices rather than go to the expense of a new Ariel.

However I had a bad experience with one about 20 years ago that made the signal worse.

Has anyone had any experience with a particular unit that worked well? and is suitable for digital Freeview TV.

Ta

Nasher.

Nasher I have used these in two different houses. In my experience they work well provided you fit them close to the ariel. When I have tried them closer to the TV I found that the amplified the noise as well as the signal and there was no benefit (or as you say it was worse).

As far as I can remember there was nothing special about these units with regards digital. I don't know the brand or model - but they were standard B&Q or Argos units - and knowing me - at the cheaper end of the market.

Just before you rush off to get an amp though - are you sure it is the signal strength? We have a Tevion Digital PVR (cheap Aldi box) that has apparently got a known firmware bug since they did an over the air upgrade months ago - it causes the box to freeze (like it has lost signal). I believe the problem is not limitted to just our model of PVR.

jwalker · 27 December 2007, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Nasher I have used these in two different houses. In my experience they work well provided you fit them close to the ariel. When I have tried them closer to the TV I found that the amplified the noise as well as the signal and there was no benefit (or as you say it was worse).

Yup that's my experience too. But, a couple of weeks ago I bought an indoor amplfied antenna suitable for digi and FM. I didn't have much faith in it but it was a tenner from Tesco so worth a try...works fine, 29dB gain...it claims.

MikeCC · 27 December 2007, 13:05

I'd go for a masthead amplifier first, although it does mean getting up there to install it. You get the full benefit all the way from the aerial. Get one with variable gain so you don't damage the receiver by overpowering.

Biggles · 27 December 2007, 13:57

Is Sky not an option ?

Nasher · 27 December 2007, 19:41

Thanks for the replys.

Will go down to Screwfix tomorrow and pick up a variable gain Masthead amplifier they sell for @£14 that includes the power supply.
Looks quite good.

Biggles Hi.
Don't really want to go for Sky at the moment, the freeview channels we get are enough for us as we don't watch much telly, and don't want the sports channels etc.
Would be a waste of the monthly fee at the moment, but plan to look at it later in the year.
We don't have cable down our road either, one of our neighbours asked NTL if they would put it in, and they quoted £3.5K per house and only if all 12 of us signed up!

Nasher.

Limey Linda · 27 December 2007, 20:04

Suggestion: before you do anything check ALL your signal connections and clean if required. This includes the contact points inside each connector. eg. central conductor and braided shield. A high resistance connection can really make a difference.

Biggles · 27 December 2007, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Biggles Hi.
Don't really want to go for Sky at the moment, the freeview channels we get are enough for us as we don't watch much telly, and don't want the sports channels etc.
Would be a waste of the monthly fee at the moment, but plan to look at it later in the year.

Nasher.

Truth be told I hate paying for something twice. BBC Licence fee and sky. But Sky is good, certainly the best transmission picture I've seen. I would like cable but thats not without its problems. It would be a no brainer if we didn't have to pay the BBC tax.

Limey Linda · 27 December 2007, 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Truth be told I hate paying for something twice. BBC Licence fee and sky. But Sky is good, certainly the best transmission picture I've seen. I would like cable but thats not without its problems. It would be a no brainer if we didn't have to pay the BBC tax.

I would like to thank Biggles and all the BBC taxpayers for their contributions. We really do enjoy all the BBC programmes we get over here on cable for no extra charge. How much is the BBC license these days?

Biggles · 28 December 2007, 07:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

How much is the BBC license these days?

£135.50

Nasher · 28 December 2007, 16:26

Well the Screwfix Masthead amplifier may have made a differance.

But................

Not as much differance as unwrapping the christmas tree lights power cable from around the aerial cable behind the telly

All the problems went away, but as I'd brought it I then fitted the Amp anyway with the gain turned down low.
I did say it had only been bad recently, but had just not put two and two together, and didn't find it until I was poking around behind the telly to fit the power supply to the amp. I'd even unplugged and wiped all the connectors yesterday but just not untangled the mass of cables.
I can't even figure out how the cables got so wrapped around each other.

Stupid I know, but you live and learn.

Nasher.

jwalker · 28 December 2007, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

I can't even figure out how the cables got so wrapped around each other.

Musta bin Santa.