The Different Types of Aerials

There are lots of different aerials and they all have aspects that make them better for different circumstances, for example if you lived some where that has trouble gaining a reception you would require an aerial that can receive a signal over a greater area. Here are some of the different types of aerial and the ones that work best for free view TV or are only really suitable for analogue TV:

Yagi aerial

The standard type of TV aerial is commonly known as the Yagi aerial. It is mounted on a pole, and consists of a rod with a reflector at the back and many spiky elements at the front. The connecting cable connects to the element nearest the reflector, known as the driver. These Yagi aerials are directional and that means they pick up signals best from a transmitter that the rod points towards. The more elements the aerial has along the front, the better it picks up a signal and becomes more directional. A standard type aerial is all that is required for gaining an analogue TV reception in most areas. These antennae usually have between 10 and 18 elements and only one reflector. These are not recommended for new installations to gain good digital television reception, but will normally function perfectly in good reception areas. These aerials are designed to receive some transmission frequencies but can’t receive all.

Digital High Gain

These aerials are designed for areas with poor digital reception, and have two reflectors at the back instead of one. For them to gain maximum signal strength, some digital high gain aerials have as many as 100 elements. A more expensive aerial is only required where the signal strength is low, but can often gain Free-view reception where it may otherwise be impossible.

The CAI (the group that represents aerial installers) has four different standards for digital TV aerials. The highest standard, 1, is for homes on the edges of coverage areas, intermediate standard, 2, is suitable for use within the coverage areas, minimum standard, 3, is for good coverage areas. These aerials can either be wideband, or receive only selected television frequencies.

Grid

Grid aerials are usually used to improve the quality of analogue reception in poor reception areas. They are generally not suitable for Free-view receptions, however, some installations for this purpose may work. Otherwise replace with a digital high gain Yagi aerial for the best possible reception.

Indoor

Indoor aerials are generally not suitable for Free-view receptions as the area they can receive the signal from is a lot smaller than the larger areas that may gain signals over great distances. In areas that have good signal strength it is often possible to receive transmissions.

Loft mounted

Loft mounted aerials are not usually recommended for gaining a Free-view reception but can gain most analogue signals, as the roof tiles and plumbing could affect the quality of the signal. Some compensation for this loss of signal can be made by using satellite grade cable to connect the set top box directly to the aerial.

There are so many aerials that work best in different areas so you would be best to find out what kind would be best for your area. You can find out more information on what aerial would work best in your area on-line or even if you contact an aerial fitter in your area.