The recipe for successful reception of digital transmissions requires the following 3 ingredients:
· The right antenna
· In the right position
· With the right distribution system (i.e. cabling, connections, splitters, sockets, fly leads, boosters).
Digital reception problems include the following symptoms: Pixellation(picture breaks up into little squares), freezing, popping (loud noise), complete loss of picture and no or bad signal messages on screen. There is no single cause for these problems
THE RIGHT ANTENNA
The most common request we get from customers with digital issues is to install a “Digital” antenna (hoping that this will solve their problems).
Your antenna may need to be replaced but in some cases your existing UHF antenna will be sufficient.
Trouble-free Digital reception requires the use of a quality antenna suitable for digital transmissions in the local area. In the Hunter area that is a good quality UHF antenna.
Most of the lesser quality antennas available (often purchased from Hardware stores, Variety stores and Electronic shops) are not suitable for digital transmissions. Cheap Asian imports tend to be of less sturdy construction and generally will not last as long.
Our choice of antennas are top quality Hills Antennas (Australian made by Hills Industries - the manufacturer of the Hills Hoist).
THE RIGHT POSITION
Following the introduction of UHF signals in the Hunter in 1992, the trend was to remove the taller masts that were common before then.
Adequate Analog reception was in most cases achievable by installing the antenna lower, sometimes with the aid of a BOOSTER.
Now, for reliable digital reception we require more “PURE” signal than ever before and boosters are mostly unreliable in achieving this.
Some people will need to raise their existing antennas, whilst others may need to move their antenna to a different position where signals are stronger/better.
Sometimes Antenna Wizards will realign the antenna to another transmitter for a better digital signal.
THE RIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Coaxial cabling
The most common upgrade that is required is replacing old cabling.
The best way to explain it is to liken your cabling to the version of Windows on a Computer.
Windows 3.1 was sufficient years ago but these days, most new computers use Windows 7.
Prior to UHF, houses were mostly wired up with cables suitable for VHF only.
They were later rewired with cables suitable for UHF transmissions.
Now, in most cases, Digital requires top quality RG6 Quad shielded cable.
Connections, Splitters, Sockets, Fly Leads
All modern splitters and sockets used in reliable Digital antenna systems use what are known as “F” Type connections.
Fly leads used to connect equipment should be made from Quad shield coaxial cable.
This is to minimise interference and signal loss.
Boosters
Boosters are less common with Digital although they still have some uses.
Boosters can be used to overcome the losses experienced by the use of splitters in dwellings with multiple outlets.
Our slogan is “We specialise in SOLUTIONS – not just Antennas”.
We believe that a balanced approach is required to solving your Digital reception problems.
That’s why Antenna Wizards provide obligation-FREE on-site quotes.
That way we can give an accurate analysis of what is required to improve your reception, taking into consideration your budget, whilst getting the best results and value for money. We can test your existing system with a Digital Field Strength Meter to determine signal levels and quality results. We can then recommend the best course of action to deliver you trouble-free Digital TV viewing.