FAQs

What Is Freeview TV?

Used in over 18 million homes, Freeview is the UK’s sole digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform. Freeview is immensely popular with UK residents because of its free-to-air (FTA) non-subscription based service, giving access to 140 TV and Radio stations, with selected high definition (HD) channels. 

Freeview first launched in October 2002 alongside terrestrial analogue TV. Analogue TV is what UK residents relied on to watch if they weren't with an alternative TV subscription service such as Sky or Virgin TV. With regular updates and re-tunes having to be made to TV’s and set-top-boxes (STB) throughout the years to improve Freeview, the final switchover from analogue to digital was finalised in October 2012.

Can I Get Freeview In My Area?

Before the analogue to digital switchover in 2012, TV transmitters across the UK were undergoing major updates throughout the years. Now each TV region has had its analogue broadcasts switched off, digital is now operating at full power, allowing users nationwide to watch Digital Freeview TV.

Even though Freeview is available nationwide, in certain situations and depending on the surroundings of where you live, standard TV Aerial equipment may not be suitable to receive a digital approved signal. For e.g. a taller mast may be required for tall trees and buildings, a masthead amplifier, to increase signal levels and a better quality TV aerial for signal gain and to decrease ‘noise levels’ just to name a few. For a free no-obligation quotation, contact Aerial Ultra today and we will be able to provide you with a professional service in regards to the type of equipment required for you to receive a Freeview signal and the installation procedure.

For peace of mind and if you're unsure whether or not you can get Digital Freeview TV, visit the Freeview Checker website.

Do I Need A TV Aerial For Freeview?

In order to watch Freeview TV, you will need a suitable digital compatible TV Aerial. Depending on the signal strength in your area and surroundings, it is possible to have a TV Aerial installed in the loft to receive Freeview, but most importantly installed somewhere, where it will receive a digital approved signal to avoid any ‘pixelation’ and loss of channels.

What Is Freeview Play?

Freeview Play is an on-demand streaming service, giving you access to the biggest shows live and on demand, through your TV, set-top-box (STB), mobile phone and tablet. With over 100 standard definition (SD) channels, selected high definition (HD) channels and your most favoured on-demand players such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4 and My5 just to name a few, you can be sure to immerse yourself in the world of entertainment, either at home or on the go.

The Benefits Of Freeview Play

• Access to 100 Standard Definition & Selected High Definition Channels
  
  
• Catch-Up TV Directly From The TV Guide
  
  
• Access To TV Players Via Freeview Play Apps
  
  
• Search & Recommendations
  
  
• Streaming On The Go
  
  
• & Much More…

What Is Freesat TV?

Freesat is a free-to-air (FTA) non-subscription based service, an alternative solution to digital terrestrial television Freeview TV. Freesat is operated via a satellite signal from a satellite dish. In areas where a digital terrestrial signal is poor for Freeview, Freesat is a great alternative for a non-subscription based service. 

If you are an existing Sky TV customer and are looking to cancel your contract with Sky, depending on what type of service you have, and the type of Freesat system you require, you can use your existing equipment and just purchase a Freesat set-top-box (STB). Freesat boasts an impressive 170+ channels and as a bonus with the correct set-top-box, you can also record up to 4 channels and immerse yourself in the world of on-demand entertainment services, such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Demand 5, YouTube, Netflix and so much more.

Can I Receive Freesat TV In My Area?

As Freesat is delivered via an orbiting satellite, 98% of homes in the UK are able to get Freesat TV. Some restrictions may apply such as whether you live in a rented property, listed building or you live in a conservation area and installing satellite equipment is limited. It is advised to contact your landlord or local council first, before purchasing any equipment, in regards to what restrictions are in place and the requirements in your building or area.

Even though Freesat is operated via a satellite dish, pointing to an orbiting satellite, a clear line of sight is vital to receive an adequate signal to avoid any ‘pixelation’ or loss of channels. In most standard situations, the satellite dish would be installed on the front or rear of a property below guttering level. Living in an area with obstructions, such as tall trees and buildings, then the signal for Freesat may be difficult to receive. The way to get around this would be to either install the satellite in a position where the dish wouldn't be obstructed or install non-standard equipment, which entails a taller mast with a heavy duty bracket or increase the size of the dish to gain more signal.

For further information, our team at Aerial Ultra will help guide you with a step-by-step process and provide you with a no-obligation quotation in regards to what type of equipment is required and the installation procedure.

Do I Need A Satellite For Freesat?

To be able to watch Freesat TV, a satellite dish system is required. If you are a former Sky TV customer and still have your existing satellite dish installed, depending on the Sky service you had, and the type of Freesat system you require, there is a possibility you can just plug in a Freesat set-top-box (STB) and tune it in to receive Freesat channels.

Benefits Of Freesat TV

• Free-To-Air (FTA) Non-Subscription Service
  
  
• Access to 170+ TV & Radio Stations
  
  
• 20 High Definition (HD) Channels
  
  
• Freesat HD and 4K
  
  
• 98% UK Coverage
  
  
• Record Up To 4 Channels At Once
  
  
• Pause and Rewind Live TV
  
  
• Remote Record With The Freesat App
  
  
• On-Demand Players
  
  
• & Much More…

How Freeview & Freesat Operates

The two main differences between Freeview and Freesat are how the signal is received. Freeview operates via a TV Aerial, which is pointed to a TV transmitter that broadcasts a digital signal. In certain situations, the TV Aerial may have to be pointed to a ‘relay’ transmitter if the signal from the main transmitter cannot be received or is too weak. Things that can affect a digital signal being received to a TV Aerial from the transmitter are things like, for example, obstructing hills and tall buildings.

Freesat operates via a satellite dish, which is pointed to an orbiting satellite in space. Just like Freeview, surrounding obstructions can affect the signal from being received to the satellite dish, but instead of the dish having to point to another satellite, the only way around to receiving a stronger signal would be to either relocate the dish to another position to avoid obstructions, increase the height of the dish or increase the dish size.

Freeview Channel Variety & Features

Freeview offers an impressive 140 TV and Radio stations which is a big step up from when it was first launched in 2002 with only 25 channels. As the years have progressed and with constant updates, Freeview now offers its users so much more with what to watch live and on-demand.

With over 60,000 hours of content, 11 on-demand players, and more than 70 live channels, you can be sure to immerse yourself in the world of entertainment at home or on the go.

Features & Benefits

• 140 TV & Radio Stations
  
  
• Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
  
  
• Free-To-Air (FTA) Non-Subscription Service
  
  
• Access to 100 Standard Definition & Selected High Definition Channels
  
  
• Catch-Up TV Directly From The TV Guide
  
  
• Access To On-Demand Players Via Freeview Play Apps
  
  
• Search & Recommendations
  
  
• Streaming On The Go
  
  
• & Much More…
  

Freesat Channel Variety & Features

Freesat boasts an impressive 170+ TV & Radio Stations, with 98% UK coverage. In addition to the standard definition (SD) channels, Freesat also gives the choice of 20+ high definition (HD) channels, so you can watch some of your favourite TV shows in stunning HD quality.

With the correct set-top-box (STB), known as a personal video recorder (PVR), you also have the choice to record up to 4 channels as well as pause and rewind live TV. In addition, you can also stream your favourite TV shows with many of the on-demand apps that Freesat have to offer.

Features & Benefits

• Free-To-Air (FTA) Non-Subscription Service
  
  
• Access to 170+ TV & Radio Stations
  
  
• Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
  
  
• 20 High Definition (HD) Channels
  
  
• Freesat HD and 4K
  
  
• 98% UK Coverage
  
  
• Record Up To 4 Channels At Once
  
  
• Pause and Rewind Live TV
  
  
• Remote Record With The Freesat App
  
  
• On-Demand Players
  
  
• & Much More…

Which Service Should I Choose?

When deciding which free-to-air (FTA) service to choose from, there are many factors to consider. You may be a former Sky TV customer and still have the satellite dish installed at your property. This being the case, Freesat would be a great option, as your satellite equipment should be compatible with one of the many set-top-boxes Freesat has to offer. Certain Freesat receivers have the facility to record and playback shows, and if this is a feature you would prefer, a minor change may have to be made to your satellite dish to ensure those capabilities.

Other factors to consider in regards to choosing Freesat, would be things like, living in a rented property, listed building or you live in a conservation area, and installing satellite equipment is restricted. This being the case, we advise you to contact your landlord or local council prior to purchasing any equipment in regards to what restrictions are in place and the requirements in your building or area.

If you already have a TV aerial installed at your property and it is digital compatible, then Freeview would be a great free-to-air (FTA) service to choose. Since 2008, TV’s are now installed with a built-in Freeview tuner or high definition (HD) Freeview tuner depending on the make and model, meaning you would be able to receive certain channels in stunning HD quality in addition to standard definition channels, subject to your TV region.

Freeview also offers a wide range of features from some of their selected set-top-boxes, such as recording and playback facilities, to on-demand services.

Depending on the type of property you live in, for e.g. a communal property, then it is highly likely that your property is installed with an Integrated Reception System (IRS). An integrated reception system is where each apartment is pre-wired for multiple broadcast signals such as Digital Terrestrial Television, FM Radio, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) Radio and Satellite TV. With these facilities, you have the option for either a free-to-air (FTA) service or paid subscription service such as Sky TV.

If you are unsure and would like any additional information or advice on which free-to-air service to choose, contact Aerial Ultra today, and one one of our friendly staff members will be happy to help.

Digital Compatible TV Aerial

In order to receive Digital Freeview TV, you will need a digital compatible TV aerial installed at your property. If you already have a TV aerial installed, and have plugged the coaxial cable from the aerial into your Freeview TV or set-top-box, and you are experiencing issues such as ‘loss of channels’ or ‘pixelation’, there could be a number of reasons in what is causing the problem/s. In order to try and eliminate the issue/s you are experiencing, please refer to our ( troubleshooting section ) below. If you have tried the options below and are still experiencing issues with your Freeview service, contact Aerial Ultra today and we will be able to guide you with the best solution possible.

Troubleshooting

• Check what channels are available in your area and what channels you should be receiving by visiting the Freeview Channel Checker website
  
  
• Retune your Freeview TV or Set-Top-Box as Freeview regularly update their channel list
  
  
• Check for loose or broken connections at the end of the coaxial cable coming from the aerial into your property
  
  
• Make sure the coaxial 'fly lead' is securely pushed in from the coaxial outlet socket (if you have one) to either the TV or set-top-box
  
  
• From ground level, check to see if your aerial has either fallen down or moved from 'line of sight' due to extreme weather conditions
  
  
• Mobile interference - 4G/5G mobile interference can cause issues with Freeview in certain areas. Contact Aerial Ultra and we will be able to carry out an Aerial Diagnostic* to determine if this is one of the issues causing the problem

Freeview Compatible Devices

In addition to needing a TV Aerial, you will also require a Freeview compatible device to be able to watch Freeview channels on. Since 2008, all TV’s now have a built-in Freeview tuner, so it is highly likely you already have this facility. As Freeview offers so much more with its revolutionary technology, you now have the option to pause, record & rewind live TV as well as stream your favourite TV shows with Freeview Play on-demand services. If this is a feature you would consider, you would have to purchase a Freeview TV recorder.

Freesat Equipment: Satellite Dish

In order to watch Freesat TV, you will require a satellite dish. A Freesat system works via a signal being received from a satellite dish to your Freesat compatible TV or set-top-box, which points to an orbiting satellite in space.

If you are a former Sky TV customer and still have your satellite dish installed at your property, depending on the type of service you had with Sky and the type of Freesat system you would prefer, your existing equipment should be compatible. A minor change may be required to your satellite dish in order to receive the full benefits of what Freesat has to offer.

Freesat Equipment: Freesat TV or Set-Top-Box

Once you have determined you have the correct satellite equipment for Freesat TV, or need a satellite dish installed, you will also need to decide which Freesat system you would like to go for. Freesat gives the options from just watching live TV to being able to record up to 4 channels at once with the ability to stream your favourite TV shows with on-demand TV player apps.

Freesat TV - ( Non-Recordable )

If you just want to watch live TV with the option of on-demand services, then a standard set-top-box would be the perfect solution for you. A majority of TV’s also have both a Freeview tuner, as well a Freesat tuner built-in, so be sure to check what features your TV has before purchasing a Freesat set-top-box.

Freesat TV - ( Recordable )

Freesat offers so much more than just being able to watch live TV. With so many additional features and benefits, certain Freesat set-top-boxes have the ability to record up to 4 channels, pause and rewind live TV, as well as stream your favourite TV shows with a wide range of on-demand TV player apps at home or on the go, so you may want to purchase a Freesat recordable set-top-box (STB) and unlock the world of entertainment.

DIY TV Wall Mounting

Have you just purchased a new TV or already have your existing TV set up on a cabinet and want to wall mount it, to save space and give you that cinematic viewing experience?

Installing your TV to the wall can seem somewhat of a DIY task, but there are many factors to consider when making this decision, such as the wall type, what type of bracket you are deciding to use, the weight of both the TV and the bracket, and the correct wall fixings just to name a few. Our team has come across many failed installations from customers who have attempted to carry out the installation themselves, who preferred they had used a professional installer with the correct tools and experience.

For your own safety and others, we highly advise using a professional installer to wall mount your TV, as not only do we guarantee the work but you have full peace of mind knowing that your TV has been wall mounted by a professional with years of experience and using all the correct tools and equipment.

Before we carry out the installation of your TV, we will go through a step-by-step process in regards to the installation, to make sure you're happy with the finished product.

Wall Types

When deciding to mount your TV to the wall or using a professional to undertake the work, one of the main factors the ‘installer’ will have to consider is the type of wall the TV and bracket will be installed to. The reason in which the wall type is important, is because it will confirm what type of bracket is most suitable for a secure installation.

Plasterboard/Drywall

A stud or partition wall is most common in new developments and with refurbishments. With this type of wall, it will have a stud backing. Depending on the location of the studs and where you would like your TV and other audio visual (AV) equipment located, for e.g. a sound-bar, your wall ‘should’ be suitable for all types of TV wall brackets available on the market, however, some plasterboard walls will have a metal stud framing, which can affect the type of TV wall bracket preferred. In addition, it is highly advised using the correct plasterboard wall fixings to ensure a secure fixing.

Dot & Dab

A dot and dab wall is also known as a ‘drylined’ wall. This type of wall is where the plasterboard is attached to the brick or concrete block, also referred to as a ‘breeze block’, using plasterboard adhesive. With this type of wall, in-between the dots of adhesive, will be a cavity. Using suitable cavity wall fixings, will guarantee a secure installation of all types of TV wall brackets.

Solid Walls

With a solid brick or concrete block wall that has been plastered, you can rest assured no matter the size TV or type of TV wall bracket you prefer to use, that with this type of wall the installation will be secure, using the correct wall fixings.

Contact Us

With over 20 years of experience in the audio visual (AV) sector, Aerial Ultra and its team of professional engineers have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to installing TV’s and other audio visual devices.

We have been in high demand ever since the first VESA-compliant flat-screen TV, from customers who prefer to have their TV professionally wall-mounted.

Our local engineers will provide a professional service and will go through a step-by-step process in regards to your installation, assuring your TV and other devices are installed professionally and backed up with a peace of mind guarantee.

For a professional service, contact Aerial Ultra today and speak to one of our friendly staff members in regards to your enquiry.

• Phone: 07534 818911
  
  
• Email: contact@aerialultra.uk
  
  
• Live Chat

Gaming Console Wall Mounting

Gaming has revolutionised and has come a major step forward. With each passing decade, gaming technology has significantly improved. When new gaming consoles are released, an upgrade to the console is always guaranteed, encompassing advancements in gameplay, performance and the overall design.

Securing your gaming console to the wall not only frees up desk or cabinet space but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing your console's ventilation, which is critical during those long hours of intense gameplay. Once you've successfully wall-mounted your console, it's time to elevate your gaming experience to the next level by incorporating innovative gaming lights. These lights sync seamlessly with your favourite titles, responding to the sights, sounds, and scenery changes, immersing you completely in the captivating world of gaming entertainment.

In conclusion, wall mounting your gaming console offers benefits beyond mere aesthetics. It optimises space, improves ventilation, and offers a more immersive gaming experience. So, whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, consider this upgrade to take your gaming setup to new heights of functionality and entertainment.