Do I need to get an aerial or can I connect my old sky dish straight to an aeri
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV Unlike with analogue or Freeview which use ground-based transmitters, satellite systems require a unique connection from each digibox to the satellite dish. If you want more than one digibox (or have a personal video recorder like Sky+ that requires two connection) you will have to upgrade the LNB on the dish to a multiple-output variety (a "quad LNB" as they are known) and have a satellite grade cable run in for each digibox.
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Wednesday, 15 June 2011
S
sugapriya11:35 AM
London
i dont have aerial but i have cable will iam able to view free channels. whether i have to get aerial. what are the system required for me to view free channels.
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sugapriya's: mapS's Freeview map terrainS's terrain plot wavesS's frequency data S's Freeview Detailed Coverage
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Mike Dimmick4:06 PM
sugapriya: All providers are supposed to provide some way of receiving the Public Service channels without a subscription. However, I can't find any details from Virgin Media on how to do this.
The contract with Virgin Media states that the box is theirs and should be returned if you stop subscribing. However, you often find that they don't collect it, so you often see boxes on eBay. I don't know if it's possible to watch free channels just by plugging a box in.
You're certain that it's a Virgin Media cable connection, not a satellite dish connection? These use the same 'F' connectors, which screw into the box. Aerial cables are usually plain push-in 'Belling-Lee' types. Some aerial installers do use 'F' connectors for wall-plates, though, as it makes a more reliable connection.
At your location it should be easy to find a location to install a rooftop aerial that gives reliable results. It should only require a small aerial. Second best would be an aerial fitted in the loft, and worst an indoor aerial, though you might still get good results, as you're not that far from one of the largest transmitters in the country.
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Sunday, 17 July 2011
Mike Dimmick: I have been told, but I have yet to check it, that you can receive the BBC channels plus ITV1, Channel 4 and FIVE using a "generic" DVB-C ("C" for cable) receiver, such as Product not found! .
I keep meaning to buy a DVB-C adaptor, such as Terratec Cinergy HTC Stick: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics to try it out...
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Monday, 12 September 2011
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steve megilley1:36 PM
RH20
i HAVE A SKY+ BOX THAT I USE FOR MY TV DOWNSTAIRS IN MY LOUNGE. HOW CAN I USE THE SKY PICTURE TO VIEW ON MY TV UPSTAIRS IN BEDROOM. THERE IS A TV AERIAL SOCKET IN LOUNGE AND ANOTHER IN BEDROOM. IF THERE IS CO-AXIAL WIRE CONNECTING THE 2 ROOMS/SOCKETS, CAN I VIEW THE DOWNSTAIRS PICTURE, UPSTAIRS IF I CAN THE RF OUT FROM THE SKY BOX TO THE TV AERIAL SOCKET IN THE LOUNGE?
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steve megilley: Basically, yes. If the two sockets do indeed connect together you can use the RF1 or RF2 output on the Sky box in that way.
However, it is also possible that both sockets connect to a distribution box for a rooftop aerial, and if that is the case it may not work.
The best thing to do is to try it.
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Saturday, 24 September 2011
G
GBH9:45 PM
Petersfield
Hi there. I've just moved into a new house and I've never seen so many TV sockets - in virtually every room. There's also a Virgin media box in one room and some kind of box on an external wall. There's what I think of as an old fashioned aerial on the roof too. All of the sockets in the house are what I gather are called "F plugs". I don't recognise them and just want to plug my TV in using my coaxial cables. I've changed the plugs but my TV picks up absolutely nothing. I'm getting a BT line in a few days - vital for various reasons - and will have BT Vision available from then assuming I can get a signal. Really what I want to know is what chance there is that any of the sockets will be connected to the roof-top aerial and how can I get a picture on to my TV? Don't mind waiting till BT have sorted out my phone line, but had assumed I'd be able to get the analogue channels somehow. Grateful for any ideas. Have never had TV problems before so please excuse complete amateruishness.
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GBH's: mapG's Freeview map terrainG's terrain plot wavesG's frequency data G's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Thursday, 29 September 2011
GBH: F plugs are most likely to be Virgin Media connections, or part of a satellite distribution system.
As BT Vision uses Freeview (via a rooftop aerial) your sockets are unlikely to be of any use.
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Saturday, 17 March 2012
A
Asea Ramzan5:57 PM
I ive just moved to a new house, it doesnt have any aeiral or dish but has a socket/box with FM / TV written on. As this is my first home Im clueless on how to begin and who to ask, so far ive bought got only a tv,the on freeview kind, and have just bought a freeview box and an indoor tv aerial. But I still cant connect to any channels, even though ive checked online and acording to freewview site im in the best area for all channels . What do I buy next an outdoor aerial or sky box or both. PLEASE HELP.
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Sunday, 25 March 2012
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Graham.F.Lewendon1:23 PM
Dear BrainTest
Great site.
RE various folk asking question about various boxes they find left by last occupant of dwelling.
Thought I should say that my labgear eight output RF distribution unit (UHF-DAB-FM) in & diplexed out uses F connectors for OP lead termination from its front panel to other equipment. Just in case any of these folk have anything similar hidden and yet to be found in dwelling, The good thing about these F plugs is that they can not simply pull out from there socket (like the BNC connector used on lots of pro video kit is in a way)
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Monday, 26 March 2012
A
ann5:52 PM
do you need an ordinary tv aerial when you connect to sky.
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