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Can I watch Freeview using a portable set-top / loft aerial?
About Freeview availability
Can I watch Freeview using a portable set-top / loft aerial?
Some households receiving a strong signal will be able to use a set top aerial. This only applies if you live in a coverage area close to a transmitter, but reception could still be unreliable and so we strongly recommend that you use a rooftop aerial for good reception.
Ricability, an independent consumer organisation, was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry to review set-top aerials. You can see what they found in this report.
Will my loft aerial work?
We do not recommend loft aerials, as being inside means the digital signal strength is reduced. They're also more susceptible to interference from the other electrical equipment within your home.
However, it is obviously worth trying before having an aerial survey carried out. If you do want to try this, make sure you buy the equipment on a sale or return basis from the retailer.
You might find that an indoor aerial does not receive the full range of channels.
We suggest you get in touch with the following organisations who can give you details of one or more members who operate in your area and guarantee their work:
A local installer will understand the circumstances and local geography in your area and suggest the best option available to you.
Would you recommend a signal booster?
A signal booster connects between your aerial and your digital box and its purpose is to amplify or strengthen the signal you receive.
A signal booster will not help if you are not in coverage and similarly is of little use if you are receiving poor reception due to local factors such as trees or tall buildings.
It might help if you are missing some channels due to a slightly weak signal and is also useful if your rooftop aerial is connected to several TVs/Videos, as splitting the aerial (RF) cable to serve several appliances can weaken the signal received by your box.
We strongly recommend however that you should seek advice from a TV engineer, aerial installer or electrical retailer before making such a purchase.