Are aerial amplifiers any good?

[admin_exported]

Is it worth while getting an aerial amplifier to try and improve the freeview signal and picture quality? Or are they just rubbish?

 

[Anonymous]

Depends if you have a wideband aerial already.

When I bought my first freeview TV (as opposed to a STB) I was a bit dismayed to find I could not tune all the freeview channels as well as I would like. I called in the local aerial man ( get a recommendation from a mate or a CAI approved or a digital tick approved installer) who replacted the persished 20 year old coax and fitted a wideband aerial to replace my narrowband one.

I now have perfect freeview on all channels and can even get some of the channels from the transmitter on the other sie of the Bristol Channel.

Most Narrowband (analogue) aerials will tune in some but not all of the freeview channels and this will apparently get worse as the switchover proceeds.

Do make sure you get a good installer with all the right meters etc. If you do need an amplifier for some channels he can fit a masthead one which I am told is the best solution.