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Do indoor aerials work?

UK Home Improvement

Do Indoor Aerials Work?

In the UK, watching TV remains one of the nation’s most popular pastimes. While viewing habits have inevitably changed in recent years thanks to the advent of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and more, around 58 million of us still tune into broadcast TV each month. 

This is more than 90% of the population, showing how it still remains popular. 

Indoor TV aerials have become a popular choice for those seeking a cost-effective and convenient solution for accessing their favourite shows. But, do indoor aerials work?

In this article, we’ll take a look at their functionality, the types available and the best way to install them in this handy guide. 

Read on for more…

What Are Indoor Aerials? 

Indoor aerials, also known as indoor antennas, are compact devices designed to receive TV signals and provide access to Freeview channels without the need for an external or rooftop aerial. 

They do not require any external wiring and are usually placed inside the home. This makes them ideal for those in rental properties, apartments or areas where installing an outdoor aerial is impractical. These aerials come in a whole host of shapes and sizes ranging from flat panels to rabbit-ear designs. They are designed to capture over-the-air (OTA) signals that are broadcasted by local television stations and networks, converting them into viewable content on your TV.

Thanks to the advances in technology, most modern indoor aerials are optimised for digital signals, providing clear picture quality and access to a range of HD channels.

Do Indoor TV Aerials Work? 

Yes, indoor TV aerials work but their effectiveness depends on a number of factors. This includes your location, the strength of the broadcast signal and the type of aerial you choose. 

Some of the main considerations are:

Signal Strength 

Indoor aerials are generally best suited for areas with a strong or moderate signal strength. If you live close to a broadcast tower or in an urban environment, then they can work exceptionally well. When they do perform well, they can often be more reliable than outdoor aerials as they are not exposed to the elements. 

However, in rural or remote areas where signals tend to be weak, indoor aerials can struggle to deliver consistent performance so an outdoor type may be better in these places. 

Interference 

Thick walls, metal structures and other electronic devices can interfere with signal reception, reducing the effectiveness of indoor aerials. Placing these aerials near windows can help with this problem.

Channel Availability 

Indoor aerials can pick up a whole host of Freeview channels but the number and quality will depend on the strength and range of the signals in your area. A quick online check with a signal locator tool can give you an idea of what to expect. 

Technology Improvements 

Modern indoor aerials are equipped with advanced features such as signal amplification and noise filtering, which improve their ability to capture and enhance signals. This makes them a great option for many households. 

With all of this considered, it is clear that indoor aerials do work but their performance can vary widely.

Types Of Indoor Aerials 

Indoor aerials come in several types, each suited to different needs. 

The most common types include:

Flat panel aerials: These sleek and modern aerials are designed to be mounted on walls or placed on flat surfaces. They’re often equipped with signal amplifiers and are great for picking up digital signals in areas with strong reception. 

Rabbit-ear aerials: The classic rabbit-ear design is extremely famous and includes adjustable rods that can be angled in different directions to improve signal reception. While these aerials are simple and affordable, they may not be as effective for digital signals without additional amplification. 

Loop aerials: Loop aerials are compact and circular in design, often combined with rabbit ears. They are best suited to pick up VHF signals and are omnidirectional, making them a great choice for areas with strong reception. 

Log periodic aerials: These aerials look similar to rooftop ones, and feature a fan-shape appearance. They can be placed vertically or horizontally, and are a great choice for picking up weak signals over large distances.

Monopole aerials: These aerials are also omnidirectional and are usually magnetic, making them easier to attach to metal window frames. 

Each indoor aerial type has its pros and cons, so choosing the right one will depend on your specific circumstances.  

How To Install Indoor Aerials 

Installing an indoor aerial is a straightforward process if you know what to do. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose The Right Location 

Place the aerial near a window or external wall as this will maximise the signal’s reception. Try to avoid areas with heavy interference like new Wi-Fi routers or thick walls. 

Connect The Aerial To Your TV

Use the provided cable to connect the aerial to your TV’s antenna input. Ensure the connection is secure to avoid signal loss.

Perform A Channel Scan

Once you have connected the aerial, switch on the TV and navigate to the settings menu. Look for the ‘Channel Scan’ or ‘Auto-tune’ option and initiate a scan to detect what channels are available. 

This process can take a few minutes but once completed your TV should display all the channels the aerial has picked up. 

Adjust The Position 

If the picture is pixelated, of a poor quality or some channels are missing, try adjusting the position of the aerial. Small changes or tweaks to the angle can make a significant difference. Use the signal strength indicator on your TV (if available) to find the optimal placement. 

Secure The Aerial 

Once you’ve settled on the best location for your aerial, secure it in place using the included stand, adhesive or a wall-mounting kit.

Consider Additional Amplification 

If you’re still experiencing weak signals, consider using a signal booster to enhance the reception. Many indoor aerials come with built-in amplifiers, but external boosters are also available for purchase.    

Indoor aerials can be an effective and convenient solution for accessing free-to-air TV channels, especially if you live in an area with a strong or moderate signal strength. 

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