Sharing an Aerial and Communal Aerials

With the change over to digital TV getting nearer it is important for you to know all the options, especially for those that live in accommodation where they have communal aerials. Aerial on flat roof The change over is not due to happen for over a year but still being prepared is the main thing. Communal television systems, where one aerial or satellite dish serves a number of televisions in one building, in some cases even more than one building, will be affected by the switch to digital TV more than a single housing unit where they have a private TV aerial. This includes systems in care homes, hospitals, schools and many other non-domestic places that use a communal aerial. The research that was carried out by the Digital Television Group (DTG) indicates that a large number of communal television systems set up to carry analogue terrestrial transmissions will need some adjustments if they are to work with a digital signal. The costs of ensuring that communal systems can deliver digital television services will vary depending on the age, size and condition of the aerial system and the cabling linking the aerial to the units. This means, communal aerial designs have variations in their ability to pick up digital signals and consequently for costs. If renting your property it is generally your land lord’s responsibility to ensure it is made possible for you. Here are some processes that will have to be completed before getting set up with digital if you are sharing an aerial:

Check with your land lord or managing firm if you are able to install your own satellite, if as in many cases you are not then find out when exactly they plan to start the changes.
If it is your managing firm that are going to complete the change over for you they may offer a choice of the kind of digital TV you and the rest of the tenants in your housing block would like to receive, this just depends on how much they are willing to pay.
With some systems they will need completely replacing if in bad condition, however, some systems will only require certain parts being changed to allow them to receive digital signals from sources such as Free-view.

The main thing for you to find out is whether you have to complete the changes your self or what choice is available if you are getting the changes done by your managing firm. The changes are not due to take place until 2008 and depending on the area you live in they may not start until 2012, so find out when exactly the changes are due to take place where you live.