Aerials IRVINE

The mysteries aerials on Irvine property explained!

Some people find the aerial, and how it works, to be slightly mysterious. And when something goes wrong, it can be tempting to listen to the wrong kind of advice. Plus, many people assume that when there is a problem and the aerial is deemed at fault that it means buying a new one but, as you will see, this may not be the case…
I asked my neighbour if he was having trouble watching TV the other night. My picture had been ‘sticky’. One minute it was fine, the next minute it froze, although sometimes I still had the sound. He said no he didn’t have problem and that was because when there was the digital switchover some years ago, he was told to get a new aerial, which he did.
Is this the problem? Do I need a new aerial?
It is a common misconception that aerials at Irvine properties can ‘wear out’. But with any aerial system, there are few if any working parts and as such, this means that there is very little that can go wrong with the aerial itself.
It is more likely to be weather-related issues or an issue relating to cabling and connectors.

The impact of weather

The weather can impact on how well the signal is carried from the aerial to the TV or the set top box. For example;

• Rainwater – eventually, the outer cabling on the wires can split which allows rainwater to seep in. Over time, this will affect the ability of the data being transmitted to the aerial to make its journey smoothly to the TV or Freeview box. A new cable may be needed, along with a new connector possibly.
• Wind – wind causes the aerial, the cable and connectors to vibrate. Although this happen frequently, it doesn’t usually cause a problem. It can cause fixings to work loose, however something that again will lead to a loss of TV picture. This could explain why the picture freezes every now and then.
• The aerial has moved – sometimes, in high winds and having been battered by the weather, aerials at Irvine properties can move. It may only be a degree or two but this can be enough to take it out of the line of sight from the transmitter. This means it is not able to capture and send the signal down to the TV as efficient as it normally would.
• Heat haze – another thing that can interfere with a signal reaching the aerial and being sent to the TV is heat. On very warm summer days, the heat forms an invisible fog that can stop the signal getting through from the transmitter, effectively compromising the quality of the signal. Although annoying, the problem is a short term one, passing when the heat subsides.

If you need help with aerials in Irvine, call Mathers, your local technician.