FAQs
At Northfield Aerials we pride ourselves on only using the best available equipment on the market. Giving you, the customer, the best viewing experience possible.
Freeview Setup
Our qualified installation engineer will set up and test the full installation on completion, to make sure you receive the full complement of channels available. The installation will combine an aerial mounted safely on the roof of the property. The digital low loss coaxial cable will be installed as discreetly as possible to all points necessary.
The Digital Switchover F.A.Q.
The digital switchover has already begun in the UK and will be completed in 2012. Terrestrial analogue TV services in the UK will be switched off and replaced by digital signal.
The digital switchover is taking place TV region by TV region.
The government department dealing with the digital TV switchover "Digital UK" has got the message over that we are switching to digital but what does this mean for you?
Q: What is the digital switchover?
A: The digital switchover is the switching off of analogue TV signals and replacing them with a digital TV service for the UK.
Q: Why is the UK changing to digital TV?
A: The reason for the change is that digital signals will allow you to receive a much greater number of channels than using analogue, digital will also give you better quality pictures and sound.
Q: Do I need to replace my aerial
A: Not always. We recommend trying your new digital TV or set top Freeview box with your existing aerial. If you get problems like freezing or no signal, give us a call. We can also help if you have channels missing.
Q: Do I need to replace my TV?
A: No you do not need to replace your TV to enjoy the greater choice of channels that digital brings. Whatever format you choose, digital reception is available to view with your existing TV.
Q: What if I live in an area where Freeview digital reception is poor?
A: There are alternative ways of getting digital reception other than an aerial. Sky TV is a well known alternative and offers both subscription and subscription free services. BBC freesat is fast becoming a very popular alternative method of getting digital reception.
Q: What digital services can Northfield Aerials offer?
A: We offer a choice of three ways to get digital television.
Freeview through a digital compatible aerial and either a Freeview receiver box or integrated digital TV.
Sky satellite through a mini satellite dish and Sky receiver box.
BBC freesat through a mini satellite dish and freesat receiver box.
Q: What is the difference between a Freeview TV aerial and a digital TV aerial?
A: Strictly speaking there is no such thing as either. There are however digital compatible aerials. We install these as standard and only use these terms as they are recognised by the trade and public alike.
Q: Can I get digital through my aerial now?
A: digital reception through an aerial is already available to the majority of households in the UK via a set top box or integrated television.
Whilst there are various digital reception checker web sites that are post code based, the majority of these sites available do not take into account the local topography and are therefore very general. We usually find on carrying out a digital signal test, that in many cases digital services are available now even when stated otherwise.
Don't forget that if you want digital TV now and dont want to wait, there are alternative digital services such as BBC freesat and Sky. You would not need an aerial only a small satellite dish.
Q: When does my area go fully digital?
Border - 2008/09
West Country/Granada - 2009
Wales - 2009/10
West, STV North - 2010/11
Central, Yorkshire, Anglia - 2011
Meridian, London - 2012
Tyne Tees, Ulster – 2012
Q: Why is the digital switchover not carried out all at once?
A: The digital switchover is being rolled out across the UK slowly to give us, the trade, and you the consumer, time to get ready for digital.
There are not enough registered digital installers or transmitter engineers to carry out all the works required in one go so the government is slowly rolling out digital between now and 2012.