Digital freeview TV Terrestrial Installation Guide
Also See - Installation Overview - Digital Satellite Installation Guide - Blog Updates
* Please note : The digital terrestrial service is scheduled for launch in 2008.
To receive Freeview by way of a terrestrial signal you need to have a UHF aerial fitted. If you have an existing aerial, check your reception on Prime TV. If you have a clear picture then you should receive freeview without any problems, however, if your picture is grainy or ghosting then we would recommend that you contact a technician.
If you would like to contact a technician then click here.
The UHF signal is strongest when the transmitter tower is in clear line of sight of the receiving aerial. Hills, buildings and trees which block this line of sight will weaken or disrupt the signal. The signal also gets weaker the further the aerial is from the transmitter. If the signal is weak but clear it may be possible to amplify it.
The freeview box processes the UHF signal so that it can be viewed on your television set; unfortunately it is less tolerant of signal loss than a conventional hookup. With a conventional hookup a weak signal will simple produce a grainy picture but with a freeview box the picture will break up.
The following information on installing a UHF aerial is a guide only.
If you are mounting the UHF aerial on the same mast as the VHF aerial it is advisable to install it above the VHF by a minimum of 50cm. Mast extensions are available from our products page. The aerial must point towards the transmitter tower and the elements should be fitted, either horizontally or vertically, to match the polarized signal from the transmitter. See the table below for information on transmitters.
Please note : Freeview have not announced any frequencies as yet, we will post them as soon as they are announced.
The height and direction in which the aerial points should be carefully adjusted to obtain best signal. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
If you are using an existing cable from the aerial to the TV, make sure that it has a solid copper core as a stranded core will not carry the signal. If the existing cable is stranded then a separate cable for the UHF must be used. This can then be combined with the VHF cable using an indoor diplexer. If the existing cable is suitable then a masthead diplexer will be required. For all cabling we recommend using RG6 coaxial. Cabling and accessories are also available from our products page.
For the cable, use the shortest practical route from the aerial to the TV as this will result in less signal loss. Then fix the cable with 7mm plastic clips. DO NOT staple or fix the cable in any way that will compress it. Also avoid any tight bends and make sure the cable route has a good flow through.
If the signal is required in more than one room then a signal splitter will be needed, however, having one of these fitted will cause some signal loss. If the signal loss is sufficient to warrant a masthead or distribution amplifier then install it before the splitter to ensure adequate strength to each outlet. A technician can measure the signal strength at your home and recommend the type of equipment required.
