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!

Hassle free and Wireless Method of Antenna Installation in your Home

Bad TV reception can drive you crazy, but it is also something that people learn to put up with. Getting a great picture and reception on your television is one of those things that many people put off for a long time because they don’t know how to fix it easily.

Due to the way that digital television works, a bad signal means no signal at all. To overcome all of your reception issues the best thing to do is to upgrade to the latest high quality wide band antennas that offer you a greater range of channels and services that you may not be able to currently receive.

Installing an antenna can be a lot of hassle if you aren’t quite sure that you are doing. Calling in a professional to take care of your antenna installation is often the best choice for many people and can save you a lot of time and money. Installation of digital antennas requires certain knowledge about the local area, the local transmitter and its power and signal capabilities.

From Yagi-Uda to Wide Band UHF

Antennas have come a long way since the very first inceptions and iterations. The most famous type of antenna used even today is the Yagi or yagi-uda antenna. This design has proved to be the perfect way to hone in on a signal, and uses the shape of the antenna itself to provide additional boosting capabilities and feature minimal ghosting and signal loss.

This type of antenna was recently upgraded to provide digital television signals to many homes across the country, and in some areas where a strong digital terrestrial television signal is distributed, even an older analogue Yagi antenna is capable of holding a decent signal.

A more Capable, Precise Antenna

 

 

In the modern age, multiple broadcast towers and signals have meant that a more precise antenna, capable of wide band came onto the market. These kind of antennas are perfect for those who wish to receive digital channels in areas where some services are split between broadcast antennas, and where multiplex doubling is an issue.

Installing an Antenna with Wireless Capabilities

 

 

Installing an antenna requires you first to know where the broadcast signal is coming from to get the best picture. Many professionals use a signal detector to locate the precise direction of the antenna and then manually move the antenna into place for fine tuning.

You can take a look at all of the antennas down your street to see which way they are facing to give you a rough estimate, but the use of a signal detector will boost your chances of securing a solid signal.

Roof Installation

 

 

Fixing of the antenna to the roof or highest point is advised, with a line of sight not totally necessary, as antennas do not work in the same way as a satellite dish does. If you have a clear sight of the region in which your broadcast signal is coming from, you are less likely to suffer from interference, signal doubling or bouncing which causes multiple instances of the same channel at different frequencies on your receiver.

Securely install your antenna and use high quality copper coaxial which has been shielded to ensure that a minimum of signal loss is provided along the length of the cable. Run your cables around your home at a level pace, ensuring that the cable isn’t secured along the floor or directly under water pipes of other areas that could damage the cable itself.

Power Tools at the Ready!

 

 

 A drill is needed to make a hole through a wall or window frame to allow the cable to come into the room you wish to feed with television signals. Use cable tacks to secure the cable in place and run the cable neatly along any walls towards your device.

You can feed the cable through the wall and install a distribution box on the wall to create a neater cable feed system. In this case you will need another coaxial cable which then runs from the distribution box to your television or receiver.

Final Connection

 

 

Fit the coaxial connector to the end of the cable once you have cut the length to your preferred size and you are ready to start tuning your receiver or television to install your channels.

A wireless adaptor is available that will allow you to watch television in different rooms. You can purchase these types of devices from reputable electronics stores that will plug into your main antenna and then a second device will plug into your television.

This will wirelessly send the signal to a second television which doesn’t have an antenna connection. Alternatively, you can hook up your digital receiver to the second television and enjoy digital TV, Satellite TV and more on a second device.

Complications Associated with DIY Installations

 

 

There are many different complications that will arise when installing your antenna, so it is advised that you call a professional who can help with all aspects of your antenna installation. Antenna Gold Coast are a great example of a company that will help plan an installation with you and allow you to see each step as it is being done, with a range of options, from multiple room installations and other added extras.

Hire an Antenna Gold Coast Professional

A professional will be able to secure you the best signal, install a central distribution box that can feed multiple televisions in a home, as well as install a wireless antenna system to allow you to watch television on multiple devices whenever you need.

Don’t skimp on your antenna installation by doing it yourself, treat your family to perfect reception and a solid signal that will last many years to come!