Dangers of DIY Antenna Installation In Gold Coast

We are in a time where Australian commercial television is changing greatly. With the recent switch-off of all analogue signals, digital TV is the order of the day. For some, this has meant replacing old television sets and in some cases, roof antennas. This process can be straightforward for professionals, but DIY jobs can be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

While most antennas that operated with analogue signals won’t have any problem providing you with good quality digital television, there are many that won’t. If you’re replacing your old antenna and wondering whether to do the work yourself, consider the potential dangers that come with a DIY job.

Proximity to power lines

This is likely the greatest threat to your safety and has been responsible for many fatalities across the globe. Given that antennas are conductors of electricity, installing in the vicinity of power lines is extremely dangerous and quite frankly, should not be attempted by anyone without proper professional knowledge.

Electrical precautions

Messing around with electrical wires on top of a roof is as dangerous as it sounds if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you have any doubts whatsoever about your abilities to get this done, it’s a smart move to call up a pro. Faulting or damaged wiring can be fatal and if the home is quite old, we might even suggest getting an assessment from your power company before going to work. It just takes one mistake for your safety to be compromised. Always take proper precautions - don’t work on a wet or windy day, wear rubber shows and gloves and don’t use a metal ladder if you can help it.

Operating at a great height

Not all of us are as spry as we’d like to think we are. If you aren’t used to moving around on the roof of your home, it’s probably not something you want to do without having safety measures in place. It’s not uncommon at all to hear about people of all ages coming off their roofs and doing damage to themselves.

Professionals have all the gear to keep themselves safe and know the terrain a lot better than you! Especially when you’re going to be on your roof for quite some time and fiddling around with wires, it might not be worth the risk.

Requires technical knowledge

It isn’t easy to dismantle an old antenna and install a new one. If you’re going to get it done without professional help, research properly and plan out how you’re going to go about it.

The difference in quality of the signal between an antenna installed by a pro and an antenna installed DIY can be huge depending on the specific circumstances. - there are many things to consider including how much distance to and location of the television tower, large objects around the house including buildings and trees, etc. A professional antenna installer can ascertain the appropriate place on the roof to install the antenna and if amplifiers/boosters are required.

As you can see there’s plenty of upside that comes with having a professional antenna installer do the work, but it is possible to dismantle and install digital TV antennas with the proper planning. For the most part, we’d recommend getting in touch with an antenna installer on the Gold Coast if you think your system needs to be replaced. Likely it will end up saving you time, money and peace of mind. Contact Local Bloke Antenna today to get more information.

TV Antenna options for Gold Coast Viewers

If you have just moved to the Gold Coast or are finally upgrading your digital television or set top box, there are a few things of note when before you make your purchase. Maybe the house needs a new antenna and you are confused as to which one to choose? Worry not, as there are plenty of professionals ready to help! Choosing the type of antenna or set top box doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, as long as you follow these simple tips.


If you are upgrading your television to a newer one, you won’t have to worry as nearly all televisions made for the living room are now digital ready. This means that the television sets have a single, or sometimes dual digital tuner, allowing you to watch all of the channels that Freeview offers down your Gold Coast TV antenna.

Future-proof options

In some instances, the television may have a CAM or Conditional Access Module on the rear panel which allows you access to premium Pay TV services at a later date with the addition of a smart card via a subscription television service - in a similar way that satellite smart cards work to descramble the satellite TV signals you pay for.


When shopping for a set top box, there is a multitude of options starting from the basic Freeview decoder which you can use on any new or old television to watch digital channels which are often very reasonably priced. The range of set top boxes also includes Freeview receivers that allow you to record the television programmes, much like an old VHS recorder.

DVR recording

Digital Video Recorders are available to record the digital content onto a hard drive within the unit that gives you options to record many hours of programming at a click of the remote. These devices tend to have two digital tuners built into them to allow you to record one program whilst watching another, giving you added features and twice the capabilities.

But the most important piece of kit you will need to watch your digital television on Freeview is your antenna. Your antenna should be checked every year or so, especially after periods of heavy storms. Knowing your antenna and its cabling are in good condition will mean that your TV signal will always be fantastic!

When choosing to upgrade to a newer antenna, it is always good to know which antenna you actually need. Depending on your location, this could mean that you require a wide band antenna, a regular Yagi antenna, an indoor antenna or a high gain antenna. The requirement for each type of antenna depends on your particular location and surrounding area, as well as the quality of the broadcast signal.

Choosing the right antenna

If you live in an area where the local transmitter is in line of sight with a strong signal without obstructions such as large buildings then you may only need an indoor antenna, though of good quality. If you live in an area that is obscured by mountains, hills or other topography, then a high gain antenna will suit your needs best with the possibility of using a mast head antenna if you are really out in the sticks!

Wide-band or high-gain?

Wide band antennas are used in areas where one or two transmitters (where your antenna is pointing toward) are being picked up, or that you have issues in tuning in channels on your setup screen. In these cases, you may have issues with channels appearing and disappearing from your menu, so a wide band antenna and use of a set top box or television which allows you to lock in certain frequency multiplexes is a bonus!


If you are in any doubt about your skills in purchasing the right antenna depending on your location, testing the signal level in your area, installing an antenna safely and using high quality copper core coaxial cable and routing it properly, then call in a professional. They will be able to survey the possibilities and ensure that you get the perfect digital Freeview signal every time from your newly installed TV Antenna Gold Coast can be proud of!

Best TV Buying Guide form Antenna Gold Coast for 2015

It may seem daunting in the age of revolutionary technology innovations to purchase a modern television. Whether it is a matter of choosing the right size screen for your room, the technical jargon that can seem confusing or the price range of new televisions that has put you off, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With this helpful TV buying guide 2015 Australian online stores seem the best place to start with choosing the perfect television for you and your family.

One of the first things you may be wishing to purchase a new television for is for the latest technology that goes into them. We’ve all heard of HD and HDMI and LCD, LED and Plasma screens by now, but there are a few other innovative technologies that have arrived on the market in recent years to give you the best picture quality possible.

For the average size living room and the average budget, you can’t do any wrong with purchasing a 32 inch LCD HDTV from any number of manufacturers. LCD is a tried and tested technology that lasts a long time and offers stunning images from corner to corner. The price range for this size television is in the budget range as these types of televisions have been popular and mass produced.

Best budget 32” HDTV in 2015

One of the best televisions in this range has to be the Samsung UE32H6400. With its LED 1080P HD resolution you will be stunned by the quality of this tried and tested technology. LED brings improved brightness and contrast ratio over LCD and will offer you the cheaper side of the medium to small size televisions on the market.

Featuring smart apps via Samsung’s app menu, quick access to digital content from Freeview broadcasters, as well as fast Netflix and Amazon Instant adds to the selling points of this fine television.

Whilst 32” televisions are a great addition to many homes, even as second televisions when many more people are opting for something a little more cinematic. Larger screens have become hugely popular due to their improved contrast ratios and with up-scaling abilities; Samsung now says that their 55” televisions are their biggest sellers.

The best value 55” OLED Television

At the top-end of the range you have the stunning LG 55EC9300 which is a 55” OLED curved display that is nothing short of cinematic. The display itself will look better than any LCD or Plasma you will find at this price, and features a decent 1080P resolution screen for watching all of your favourite films and television shows. When it comes to our TV buying guide, this television is really at the heart of the latest technology. It is also one of the thinnest televisions ever produced at just 0.25 inches thick it will look stunning from just about any angle, and features 3D viewing with the addition of two sets of 3D glasses.

Bleeding Edge 4K 3D TVs

With regards to the very latest bleeding edge technology, nothing does it quite as good as the monstrous Toshiba 65L9300U. This 65 inch 4K 3dTV sets the bar high in terms of features and image quality with its Ultra HD image resolution it beats a standard 1080P screen by miles.Featuring active 3D display with the addition of active shutter 3D glasses, the 3D performance is exceptional due to its 4K screen. As most 3D displays use 1080P, some of that resolution is lost as the active 3D removes some of those lines of resolution to add the 3D effect. With the Toshiba, all of those extra lines of detail in the 4K display remove any ghosting or artifacts you may have seen on lower resolution screens.

Being in the high price range, this TV suits the real cinema buffs and television enthusiasts, you may have to save up a while for this one. But when you do, you will be able to enjoy all of your favourite films and TV shows with one of the most stunning displays on the market today.

Future-proof technologies and innovations

Whatever your choice of television, make sure that it has a few features that have become standard over the past decade. HD 1080P is a standard you want to aim for to offer you the best picture quality and 4K screens offer even more quality. Multiple HDMI inputs and outputs are a must in this day and age of multiple DVD players and gaming consoles, too.

Aim for a television size that fits you room well. Don’t go over the top and buy a 65” television for your 10x10 foot room - it will look out of place and dominate the room. Choose a brand that you trust due to purchasing a similar item before. Many brands use the same menu system for a whole range of their televisions, so you won’t be lost or confused when setting the television up or operating it for the duration of use.

Stick to your budget and you will be able to pick up a very decent television for much less money that you would have done even 3 years ago. Technology moves fast, so stick with a brand that offers the latest in technology, so you won’t have to upgrade your television in a year’s time. 

You might already noticed that there are plenty of tv models available in the market and at the end of the its up to the customers  who can decide what is best suited for their need.However, being in the tv wall mount installation job for a long time , we're constantly research for new tv model options - not just because we're interested in the filed, but because developing new idea helps our clients too.

Outdoor Digital Antenna Installation

When installing an antenna there are several things you need to consider before you begin. First you need to decide which type of antenna suits your situation, the exact placement for your antenna, your budget, skill level and so on.Picking up the appropriate antenna is the first step. There are different kinds of antennas for outdoors and indoors and you will need to choose which sort fits your purpose and environment.

Indoor antennas are usually easily installed right out the box. Some indoor antenna’s reception is so good that they provide excellent service no matter where you place them in your home. But there are also some cheap antennas which may not provide the same kind of quality reception.

Outdoor antennas are able to cover more area and can receive signal from all directions. Outdoor antennas give you a wider choice of shapes and sizes and most importantly, they can be installed in many different ways.If you are installing an outdoor antenna, chances are you will need a little bit more knowledge about where best to place the antenna for optimal reception, not to mention most likely having to climb up onto a roof to place it somewhere high to avoid any obstructions.

Often if you are facing having to not only choose the perfect place for the antenna, but also having to perform the manual labour and probably scaling your roof, choosing to employ a professional can save both time, money and your sanity, not to mention guaranteeing your safety in the long run.
Once you have mounted your antenna and it has been connected to the cable running from your TV, your digital turner or television should be ready to receive the antenna’s signals. The only step left is to set your TV set or set top box to scan for channels.

If the antenna is perfectly installed, your digital TV will show the channels instantly, but if the signal is broken then it will be totally blank and you may need to check all your connections to see where you went wrong.If you get weaker signal, there are numerous issues that may affect your picture and sound. One of them could be having too long a cable run, as the shorter the cable run, the better the signal will be. You may also want to check all the other connections and make sure you look at the wires which may be loose, you may also experience interference from radio or television stations in which case you may need to move antenna slightly right or left can make your desired signal work.

There are many more issues to consider while installing a television antenna. Installing an antenna successfully is only the beginning, you may run into other problems like weak signals, bad wire connections, bad weather interruptions, unsuitable or unstable mounting and many more. For this it is always better to call for a professional installer.

If you are a local of Gold Coast, then you don’t have to worry about your digital antenna installation, Antenna Gold Coast are your local digital experts and will help you solve any of your digital antenna problems. 

Wireless and Portable speakers for Your Home Entertainment

Sound quality can make or break the way you experience your favourite music, and with so many different speakers and set ups to choose from it can seem impossible to choose between them all. We’ve rounded up a couple of our favourite speakers on the market today for you to consider.

Death Star Bluetooth Speaker

An incredible looking speaker modeled after the Death Star from the Star Wars movie franchise, this speaker will sure impress your friends. It is just 4.5 inches in diameter and sits on it’s own acrylic stand so it appears to be floating in space. This speaker features one-touch Bluetooth connectivity and has a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 8 hours. It lights up and can wirelessly stream music from up to 30 feet.The Death Star speaker retails for around $70 AUD

Om One Magnetic Force Wireless Speaker 

Ever dreamed of having your very own hovering sound system? Now you can. Om Audio presents us with another spherical Bluetooth speaker though this one comes with a difference – the base of the speaker contains an electromagnet that allows the speaker to hover above it. The Om One is 3.6 inches in diameter and feature a 75mm audio driver and build in microphone. You can play your music via Bluetooth from up to 33 feet and has a battery that supports up to 12 hours of continuous play.Om One can be ordered online for $199 US and comes in Jet Black or Glacier White.

Harman Infinity One

The Infinity One has been getting great reviews for it’s sound quality and ease of use. It is built to be both portable and innovative without compromising sound quality. Along with Bluetooth connectivity it features and aux in port and can charge your mobile devices when you plug them in.The Infinity One is a great option for a real audiophile who doesn’t want to sacrifice quality for portability and offers all the ease of use and features you could need.The Harman Infinity One comes in at around $250 US

Creative Sound Blaster Roar SR20

The Roar is a feature packed Bluetooth speaker that has a compact design with a hardy exterior of aluminium which makes it particularly versatile without compromising sound quality. It features two amps that run the stereo and the subwoofer separately which means it produces clear HD sound.The Roar has a huge amount of inputs including power, aux in, micro SD and usb power output and input. It can also run hands free phone calls and be used as a recording device and even an alarm clock.The Creative Sound Blaster Roar SR20 retails online for $179.95 AUD

Bose SoundLink Color

 

 

 This compact Bluetooth speaker is capable of playing 8 hours of music and comes in five different colours. It’s lightweight design and streamlined appearance makes it a very stylish addition to anyone’s audio accessory collection. Bose has made it very easy to pair with phones and computers and also features an aux in port and a micro USB port to so you can charge the device and plug in to your PC to update the software.The Bose SoundLink Colour comes in at $179 AUD and comes in black, blue, white, red and mint.

The range of Bluetooth speakers available today is endless. The very best way to ensure you get one you love is to first to decide which features are most important to you. How portable you would like the speaker and how many different inputs and outputs it has, as well as how easy it is to charge and sync and how long you will need it to play without recharging, are all factors to consider before making your final purchase.At Local Bloke Antenna Services (Gold Coast) we constantly look for new product which helps our clients to enhance their home entertainment. Hopefully this post has helped shed some light on the kind of features and functionality you can expect from different products and how they compare with each other so you can pick your Bluetooth speaker with confidence.

Image Sources :
www.thinkgeek.com,www.theverge.com, www.techradar.com, www.slashgear.com, www.pcmag.com