Aerial or Satellite Installation in Cleator

No, you will need a satellite dish to receive a satellite signal for services like Sky or Freesat, as these are specific channels and programmes only broadcast via this medium. These can be installed in a similar way to a standard TV aerial by a recognised engineer.

Generally speaking, you do need an aerial if you have a smart TV. This what will enable you to watch live TV. However, if you’re not bothered about live TV, and just want to use services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Youtube, you don’t normally need a TV aerial. This is because these services use the internet instead.

Your TV and aerial need to be connected by coaxial cable for your TV to work. Most properties have wall mounted connection boxes – similar to electrical plugs – that you can simply plug your TV into. If you don’t have a cable, it’s easy to pick up one from most DIY shops.

If you’re installing a new outside aerial, you may be able to reuse the old cable. If you can’t, you’ll need to route a new one down from your aerial to any sockets you need. Coaxial cable can be routed down the exterior of your property, through loft spaces, under floors and along skirting boards.

The process you need to go through to install a TV aerial depends on the type of aerial you have. If you have an indoor aerial, it’s simple. Just plug the aerial into your TV and stand it up next to it. If the signal isn’t right, then try moving your aerial closer to a window or higher up. Make sure you rescan for channels every time you move it so you know if you’ve made an improvement. It’s also fairly easy to install a loft TV aerial – just take it up into your loft and position it in a convenient place. Again, experiment with angles and positions to ensure you get the best signal. Installing an outdoor TV aerial is a little trickier. Ideally, try to fix your aerial to a wall or chimney at a gable end – this will be much easier to access than a chimney in the middle of the roof. Follow the instructions that come with your aerial for mounting it – it’s usually best to lash your aerial on rather than use screws. If you’re not used to working at height or aren’t confident doing your own aerial installation work, it’s best to get in touch with a professional.