Digital TV/high-gain aerials

[pauld]

We've been getting very flakey reception on Freeview for the past few months - will be fine for a week, then breaking up on BBC and other channels for days at a time - and I think it's down to the aerial. When we had it fitted (a couple of years ago) the guy did say it was "Just about good enough" to do the job and at first it was. Now especially when the weather's variable as it has been recently, we just don't know whether BBC etc are even going to be watchable. Which is annoying to put it mildly as we keep sitting down expecting to watch XYZ that we've recorded on the PVR only to find it's all broken up.

So to avoid the missus doing bad things to me, I've promised to get someone out to have a look at the aerial (suspect we may need a new one), but I've got no idea who's any good at this kind of thing.

Anyone know any good aerial/Digital TV fitters around Swindon who could come and have a look and do the appropriate "whistling through teeth/you've proper had the cowboys in here haven't you mate?" stuff. ie someone you actually know/have used (I can pick someone at random out the phone book myself)

[Power to people]

I've used Ferndale Aerials years ago and they were pretty decent - in so fact that I didn't feel they ripped me off !!

I've been told Swindon Aerials are a tad expensive these days

[nevillew]

You should contact Ferndale aerials pauld, you're sure of a good reception.

[pauld]

You should contact Ferndale aerials pauld, you're sure of a good reception.

Lordy! I wouldn't broadcast that one

[Ardiles]

We have exactly the same problem with our Freeview reception due to the presence of a hill just a ¼ mile from the house.  Do other houses in your street/part of town have the same problem?  The reason I ask is that the high-gain aerial is a non-starter really for us.  I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and opt instead for Virgin Media.

[Arriba]

another vote for ferndale aerials from me.fair price and good job

[Nomoreheroes]

They have reduced the signal power too.

[pauld]

We have exactly the same problem with our Freeview reception due to the presence of a hill just a ¼ mile from the house.  Do other houses in your street/part of town have the same problem?  The reason I ask is that the high-gain aerial is a non-starter really for us.  I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and opt instead for Virgin Media.

No, next door is fine which is very annoying. And indeed we were till a few months ago - I suspect it may be as simple as the aerial has been damaged/dislodged slightly and just needs replacing. Virgin's not an option for us as we must be one of the few areas in Swindon to not have cable

[derbystfc]

My Brother does this sort of thing, Astra Arials, he works in Milton Keynes/Bristol areas, but he has done some work in Swindon, if you want his number then let me know!

[pauld]

They have reduced the signal power too.

Ah, that's probably it then. Maybe our aerial was just good enough when the signal strength was higher and now no longer cuts the mustard.

Looks like I'll be ringing Ferndale then - cheers to p2p and arriba for the recommendations

[pauld]

My Brother does this sort of thing, Astra Arials, he works in Milton Keynes/Bristol areas, but he has done some work in Swindon, if you want his number then let me know!

Thanks for the offer derby but I'd rather go with a local business - then I can go stand in their shop and shout at them if it goes wrong

[Berniman]

George Rousell.  He is in the yellow pages.  He's a one man band old geezer but he is brilliant, with no chance of getting ripped off.  He is based in Wotton Bassett but is in YP under TV Aerials.

I have heard that Ferndale have got a habit of swapping the aerial when there is no need!

I have just looked on Yell and he isn't on there so you will have to look the old fashioned way.

[yeo]

I used Ferndale as well with no problem,Bernimans making up problems that dont exist.

[Berniman]

I used Ferndale as well with no problem,Bernimans making up problems that dont exist.

Hehe, yeah I don't that all the time, I'm a share holder in George Rousells business!

[pauld]

*Bump* Yah boo sucks to Berniman. Ferndale came out yesterday and sorted it out in 30 mins - knackered signal amplifier/splitter in the loft was the culprit. And despite my own doubts about whether the aerial was good enough, they said no it's actually a very good one. So last night I did something I've not been able to do for months - sat down and watched a film on Film4. Quality was perfect. Unfortunately the film was shit.