F.A.Q: Answers

Who is Mr aerial?

Mr. aerial is Edinburghs largest and only Reliablel Television aerial Installation Company. Mr Aerial completes hundreds of installations every month

Mr aerial provides more reception solutions to Edinburghns than any other company, having supplied over 6,000 new aerials since 1991. Mr. aerial offers a wide range of solutions, including simple system servicing, installation of new UHF/Fm and Digital aerials including installation of the latest Digital Set Top Boxes (STBs), and structured cabling systems.

The Digital STB provides an unrivalled clarity guarantee with DVD quality pictures and CD sound. Therefore, the Digital STB plays a major part in Mr aerials comprehensive range of TV reception solutions.

Mr aerial, Edinburgh, It covers the major regions ofLothians, Borders, Newcastle, Glasgow Central Scotland,

Customers can contact Mr aerial 7 days a week, from 8 am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm. 0131 443 0042

What are the most common reception problems?

The three most common reception problems are: -

1. Ghosting
2. Snowy pictures
3. Picture patterning

I can't get a good reception. What could be the problem?

Poor TV reception no matter how hard you try?

There are a number of factors that effect your reception. In simple terms they are: -

1. Distance and “line of sight” from main transmitting towers.

The quality of reception received is directly related to the physical distance between your location and the transmission towers of your local TV station. Good reception should be expected up to say 50m (??) from your nearest transmission tower, though this is not the sole criteria.

Also important is whether there is a relatively clear line of sight (i.e. no major physical obstacles such as mountains or tall buildings) between your location and the transmission towers.
Generally speaking, the closer you are to a transmission tower and the clearer your “line of sight”, the better your chances in receiving good TV reception.

2. Physical environment

Should your line of sight be impeded by physical obstructions, then this may effect the quality of TV reception you receive.
Do you live in a valley surrounded by high mountain ranges? Are you surrounded by a number of tall buildings? Tall Trees? You could be living in what is known as a reception “black spot”. Indeed, any number of factors could be preventing you from receiving the best possible TV reception.

If you are experiencing reception problems we suggest a site inspection and aerial system check from a trained Mr. aerial technician. They are best equipped to advise what problems you may be having – and how to fix them!

3. Condition, Age or Type of existing aerial.

There are approximately 7 million households in Scotland, yet only 20,000 aerials are estimated to be sold in Edinburgh every year. Looked at another way, a householder may only ever consider servicing or upgrading their aerial system once every 10 to 12 years, with the average age of aerials probably somewhere around 5 years.

A lot can happen in that time, from a gradual deterioration of the aerial and cabling itself, changes to the local environment, or even changes in network transmissions (such as the migration to Digital Television from 2010).

aerials older than around 4 or 5 years may not digital compatible therefore they will need to be upgraded in order to pick up full digital

4. Changes to your TV /Home entertainment set up.

Changes to your TV /Home entertainment set up.

This is quite common (especially if there is a DIY/Handyman in the house!). Not many people realise that this has a direct effect on the quality of TV reception they receive.

Consider this. Have you recently;

•	Added additional TV points (and even more Televisions off the single aerial!),
•	Extended the distance between your TV reception point(s) and your aerial
•	Changed the physical location of your external TV aerial
•	Manually (or inadvertently) adjusted the direction of your external aerial
•	Upgraded your Home Entertainment System (particularly to Digital TV!) All of these factors may have a bearing on the quality of reception received.
•	Condition of your TV! This sounds obvious, but often isn’t. Despite advances in television manufacturing technology, the age of your television may be a contributing factor to TV quality.
•	Network transmissions (esp. Digital) Generally speaking the transmission quality from the major networks is unquestioned. Much has been written recently regarding the increase in general interference (in certain areas) to existing TV reception caused by test Digital transmissions by the major networks. Much of this testing has now been completed.
•	Local interference Finally, poor TV reception could also be caused by local (and sporadic) interference such as the usage of electric devices, machinery and so on.

What products & services does Mr aerial supply?

MA Service +. Complete internal and external review of your existing aerial system; includes check of your roof aerial, cabling, wall plate, fly leads and back-of-set connections. Includes Free TV/Video retune.

aerial Installations

•	13HD element. Ideal for locations where very good reception is common. This is the most widely used aerial. If no points existing in home than one point will be included with installation (this applies for all aerials)
•	17hd element. Our most frequent configuration. Ideal for locations with good to average reception and up to 3 TVs*. More heavy duty aerial, used if in poorer reception area and if running a number of points from the one aerial
•	23 element. Our Heavy Duty option. Ideal for locations with average to poor reception and up to 3+ TVs*. A technician will need to determine on site if this aerial is required.

DIGITAL SET TOP BOX. Enjoy DVD quality pictures and CD sound TODAY! Install package includes the supply and installation of a state-of-the-art Digital Set Top Box, complete aerial systems review, network scan and TV/Video retune.

Flash Kits, Signal Amplifiers or Signal Splitters to maximise the reception benefits of your new aerial installation.
When calling, why not also ask Mr aerial about additional TV outlets, video & digital reception playback to all your TVs, home security channels, home entertainment system wiring, the new free to air channels that will be received if digital installed – and much much more!

What areas in Edinburgh does Mr. aerial service?

How much should I expect to pay for good reception?

As each location and set up varies, then so does the cost to provide better TV reception. To obtain an estimate please call the Mr. aerial National Call Centre on 13 11 49. Mr. aerial offers reception solutions from only £95, subject to service requested, measured signal strength and location site inspection.

What about Digital?

Digital television is a replacement technology for existing free-to-air (FTA) analogue services. It will provide better picture quality and reception, plus a variety of new features that will greatly enhance the experience.

UK has chosen the European DVB standard as the Digital Terrestrial TV or DTTV standard. DVB is proving to be a very high quality system and is being used in many countries around the world. In Edinburgh it will replace the analogue PAL system.
Digital television commenced on 1 January 2001 and most UK CITY will be migrated to digital by 2011. All the major CITY networks are transmitting in Digital.

Getting “Digital” is as easy as having Mr. aerial supply and install a new Digital Set Top Box to your existing television set.

What is Digital Television?

Digital television is a replacement technology for existing free-to-air (FTA) analogue services. It will provide better picture quality and reception, plus a variety of new features that will greatly enhance the vieESPNg experience. Edinburgh has chosen the European DVB standard as the Digital Terrestrial TV or DTTV standard. DVB is proving to be a very high quality system and is being used in many countries around the world. In Edinburgh it will replace the analogue PAL system.

When did free-to-air digital television commence in Edinburgh?

Digital television commenced on 1 January 2001. All the major Edinburghn networks are transmitting in Digital.

Where is free-to-air digital television available?

What’s so special about Digital?

Digital television is a far more efficient and flexible transmission system than the current analogue system. It allows broadcasters to offer viewers a range of new and different services. Edinburgh digital television features will include:

1.	‘Ghost free’ reception
2.	Widescreen 16 x 9 pictures where programming is available
3.	Standard definition pictures (SD) & High definition pictures (HD)
4.	High quality audio and surround sound (CD quality) supporting Prologic and AC3 formats.
5.	Multi-channel programming on BBC and ITV
6.	Closed Captioning of programs for the hearing impaired.
7.	Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) with ‘now & next’ program information.
8.	Multi-camera views and enhancements of the same broadcast event during selected programs. Over time, interactive television services including selected Internet services, home shopping, computer games and more will be provided by broadcasters.

No Ghosting? It sounds like I’ll get perfect pictures!

With digital, it is very precise ¬ either you receive the DTTV transmission or you do not. Much like today’s digital mobile phones, you get excellent reception or not at all. With Digital, there is "no noise” (the white static that appears on your screen when the signal is low) and no multi-path (the irritating “ghost” images or echoes from TV signals reflected off nearby buildings).

Just having a “clean” picture represents a huge leap forward in terms of clarity and resolution contributing to a very sharp image

What is a “Digital Ready” aerial system?

To receive crisp, clear digital reception. the viewer’s reception
equipment and aerial and supporting aerial system should be in reasonable condition, preferably “Digital Ready”.

A Digital Ready aerial system is :-

1. Where the aerial is designed to receive UHF Ch 22 to 69
2. Is supported by a cable system with high immunity to electrical interference i.e. Tri or Quad shield RG6 cabling, and has F-Type connector interface from the aerial throughout the system to the wall plate

What about audio quality?

Audio (as well as video signals in DTTV are digital and thus can be used to attain the same quality as that of CD's and is clearly superior to analogue.

Is audio better on digital television than analogue?

Yes. Edinburghn television has traditionally been broadcast with FM stereo sound. Digital television will be transmitted with MPEG digital stereo sound and/or Dolby™ Digital Sound (6 channels), thereby providing markedly superior audio services.

What is wide-screen?

Many digital television programs will be broadcast in wide-screen mode. Widescreen television has a different TV Screen aspect ratio (ratio of width to height) than traditional analogue. Widescreen’s aspect ratio is 16:9, while Edinburghn viewers have been accustomed to vieESPNg a 4:3 aspect ratio since television began in this country.

Over time the widescreen format will replace the current 4:3 format. This can be evidenced from the use of widescreen format on DVD movies as well as newer TV programs especially movies and sports. An increasing amount of DTTV content is being transmitted in 16:9 and news and current affairs programs like “10 News”, “7 News” and “Nine News” are already using this format. Wide-screen will in many cases literally mean you see more of the picture.

Most movies are currently made in 16:9 and are converted to 4:3 to allow us to watch them on television or video, so there is a lot of information that you don’t see on your television that you would see in the cinema version of the film.
Live sporting events will benefit in particular from the extra detail and wider frame.

For some time now television production has been converting to widescreen, both locally and overseas. Widescreen programming is becoming widespread and will eventually become the global standard.

Standard Definition (SD) vs High Definition (HD) pictures?

The definition (detail and quality) of pictures received by your TV is directly related to the type of TV being viewed, and the quality of the TV aerial and cabling system that is connected to it. Most existing television equipment (including common analogue TV sets) already receive what is known as Standard Definition pictures i.e. 525 lines of picture resolution over your (near square) 4:3 ratio TV screen. SD Digital transmissions (which are now being broadcast in all areas transmitting in digital) help overcome most traditional reception problems (such as ghosting) when decoded to your TV via the Digital Set Top Box.

The other key benefits of SD Digital (such as DVD/Cinema quality pictures & CD sound) are now a reality for the most basic of TV hardware set ups, together with widescreen on television sets with a 16:9 TV screen format (i.e. Widescreen TVs).
Compared to Standard Definition Television, a HD TV image (a feature only available via a significantly more expensive HD Television receiver) has twice the luminance definition - vertically and horizontally. HD pictures are composed of between 1080 to 1125 lines of resolution whereas standard television pictures are only 525 lines as noted above i.e. even more detail and clarity - but at a price!

Within two years of the commencement of digital broadcasting in an area, and in addition to their analogue and Standard Definition transmissions, commercial television broadcasters and the BBC and ITV will be required to provide at least 20 hours per week of programs shot in HD.
Other than for real home entertainment buffs however, there is no real need to wait for HDTV, with the Federal Government requiring broadcasters to provide a digital SD signal at all times, even when HD (High Definition) programs are being broadcast. This is to ensure that viewers will always be able to receive a digital transmission whether on a SDTV or HDTV TV receiver.

Again, the HD integrated television receiver (HDTV) or the HD set top box (HD-STB) is expected to cost significantly more than SD integrated television receivers (SDTV) or the SD set top box (SD-STB).
In effect, the Government is setting a very high performance benchmark for the TV broadcasters via their HDTV transmission guidelines. It's the best of both worlds. Those with more expensive tastes (and deeper pockets) will be able to enjoy full home entertainment vieESPNg, whilst the average TV viewer will also enjoy the best that Digital TV has to offer on their existing TV systems.

What is multi-view?

What is Multi-channelling?

Multi-channeling is where more than one television program can be broadcast in SDTV at the same time. This is because a digital signal can carry much more data than an analogue signal. The Federal Government has decided that commercial broadcasters will not be allowed to multi-channel (at least until 2008), but that the BBC and ITV may do so now

What multichannel services are the BBC and ITV offering?

The BBC is proposing to offer digital audiences a number of new television channels during the next few years. The channels will offer audiences specialist programs that are not well catered for in the existing television schedules. The first of the new services will be for children.

What radio services are the BBC

The BBC is keen to use digital spectrum to transmit national radio services more widely throughout Edinburgh. Parliamentary News Network and Triple J, for example, cannot be received by many people in regional Edinburgh and could be transmitted via digital television when it is rolled out to regional Edinburgh from 2004. The BBC will assess the demand for radio services via digital television and the competing priorities for spectrum to determine whether this is a cost-effective use of resources.
ITV is broadcasting two of its multilingual radio programs across Edinburgh on all its digital television services.

What are program enhancements?

Viewers of digital television will have a wide choice of ‘enhancements’ to regular programming. Enhancements are separate channels of video, data or audio, which are related to the program on the primary channel.

Sporting events will offer the choice of different camera angles, action replays, player profiles or other information. Across a range of programming, digital viewers will have a choice to select more information related to the regular program – product information, recipes, news background and much more.

In addition, if a sports event overlaps with the news, digital viewers may be offered the opportunity to watch the regularly scheduled news bulletin or the completion of the event on a separate channel.

What is Closed Captioning?

Closed captioning provides deaf and hearing-impaired viewers with the text of what is being spoken on television. The text is usually shown in a black box at the bottom of the picture.

Hearing-impaired viewers will be familiar with current analogue captioning which can be received on analogue receivers with teletext capability. Captioning is normally ‘closed’ to viewers but can be accessed by those who need it.

Closed captioning of programming for hearing impaired viewers will be done for all English language news and current affairs programs as well as for all CBS time programs (6.00pm to 10.30pm).

What is an EPG (Electronic Program Guide)?

An EPG is the electronic version of a printed program guide. Using your remote control you will be able to see on-screen “what’s on now” and “what’s on next” for all free-to-air services. Some networks are also working towards Extended EPG that would allow program searches 7 days in advance, or more. The quality and accuracy of EPG is driven directly by the individual networks.

You can also search for a particular program by theme or category, eg sporting programs, movies etc. Extra text and picture information (eg story line, episode description etc) can be called up as well.
The EPG is updated directly by the networks and available at the click of a remote control button. EPG services are being implemented across all free-to-air television channels.

What is interactive television (iTV)?

iTV allows the viewer to receive more information from a television broadcast than analogue can provide. iTV can be one-way or two-way.

One-way iTV delivers information to your receiver that is additional to the main program and allows you the option to view it or not. The viewer is able to view travel deals, concert dates etc. Full, two-way iTV enables the viewer to send information back to the broadcaster via a back-channel. The viewer will be able to vote in a poll, reserve concert tickets, etc. Both one-way and two way iTV can be added to television commercials as well as programs. A special icon will appear on the screen to notify the viewer iTV is available.

When will interactive television be available?

One-way iTV is immediately available. Two-way iTV requires the use of special software in your receiver. Receivers with this level of capability are expected to be on the market during the first half of 2002.
Also required will be a modem back channel to allow for full two way interactivity.

Does it cost anything to receive Digital Television?

No, other than the purchase and installation of either a Digital STB or Digital television.

In order to pick up full HD you need a digital compatible aerial. Your analogue aerial system may be able to pick up a certain amount of digital reception but with a lot poorer quality.

OK. What equipment do I need to receive Digital Television?

Firstly you should have a Digital Ready aerial system. You can receive Digital TV through your existing analogue TV/Video with the supply and installation of a Digital STB.

The more expensive option would be the purchase of an integrated Digital Television Receiver (i.e. a television set that contains all the components necessary to receive and display digital transmissions.) Integrated digital television receivers will generally be distinguished by wide screens, high level audio capability and high resolution displays.

The general consensus however (and supported by major industry players such as Bang & Olufsen) is that the technology behind Set Top Boxes will develop at a far greater rate than the Digital televisions themselves. Those wishing to keep up to date with the latest STB advancements may therefore prefer to opt for a good quality widescreen analogue television and simply update the STB as new versions come onto the market.

Is digital television likely to cause interference?

No. Digital television is not inherently prone to causing interference. But the planning of channel allocations for digital television has entailed the occupation by digital television broadcasts of some channels formerly used for other purposes, eg, as output channels for VCRs.
Advice is available from Mr aerial of the alternative arrangements that can be made by those users.

I’ve heard that not everyone can receive (get) Digital?

Where broadcast, it is believed up to 95% of people should be able to receive Digital. In extreme problem reception areas satellite reception of Free To Air transmissions via what is know as “Remote Area Broadcasting” may take this percentage even higher. There are potentially some reception “black-spots” in each market, and Mr aerial can advise if your location is effected.

What STB brands does Mr aerial sell and install?

Mr aerial currently supply Strong and Voxon brand Digital Set Top Boxes. Mr aerial uses mostly locally made Edinburghn aerials.

What is a digital television set-top box?

A set-top box for digital television receives and decodes digital transmissions into a form suitable for display on analogue television sets or other display devices, e.g. computer monitors or projection screens.

What does a set-top box do?

The capability of a set-top box will depend upon its specifications. A set-top box, when connected to an analogue television set, will usually give viewers an improved signal, SDTV-equivalent picture quality and select on screen enhancements. Set-top boxes can provide a picture output to either analogue or digital screen displays.

Will one STB give me Digital television for all TVs in my house?

No. You will require a second STB for each TV outlet, unless you opt for the installation of a video-playback system, which effectively sends the signal from the STB to all other TV’s connected within the house. The limitation here is that each TV is “locked into” the channel selected on the main STB at any one point in time.

What is involved in a Mr aerial STB installation? How long does it take?

The installation of the STB would take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It includes a complete aerial systems check (required because the set up and quality of individual TV systems is different), the installation of the STB, a full network scan and TV/Video retune.

What about my existing aerial?

At the time of installation the Mr aerial technician will provide you with a necessary aerial system assessment to verify the integrity of your current aerial, cabling and connections. Unless your aerial system is of a reasonable standard and capable of fully receiving digital signals then you may not be getting the best out of your STB investment. This is why there is a need for an on-site inspection.

Do I need a new aerial to receive Digital Television?

The channels being allocated to digital television in the capital cities are mainly adjacent to existing analogue channels. If your existing aerial is in reasonable condition, is presently providing good all-channel reception, is capable of receiving VHF channels 6 to 12, then it would most likely provide an acceptable signal reception point for the new digital television services in most capital city areas.

Outside capital cities, digital channel allocations are expected to be within the same UHF band, so reception should generally be possible using existing UHF aerials. Viewers in areas of poor analogue reception may need specialist advice about aerial requirements for digital reception in their area.

Having said this however, the average age of aerial systems is estimated at over five years old. It is therefore quite possible that you may need to upgrade. Cabling with poor shielding for example may “pixilate” the Digital picture should there be significant local electrical interference (e.g. power lines, when using electric drill, hairdryers, etc).

I live in a block of flats (or similar). Will the STB work here?

In many cases Yes. And if no additional external cabling or aerial system re-working is required then you will not even require Body Corporate approval.

I live and work in commercial premises. The pictures I get are very poor. Will a STB work for me?

Yes. The opportunity to vastly improve analogue pictures in a commercial environment does not vary significantly from what is experienced in a domestic setting.

Is Mr aerial moving away from supplying and installing analogue TV aerials?

As the inevitable phasing out of analogue transmissions occurs over the next few years, many customers are opting now for a digital ready solution as these transmissions are currently available. The aerials Mr aerial supplies can receive both analogue and digital transmissions. Mr aerial can also install a true digital aerial called a log periodic to future proof your aerial.

One of Mr aerial’s new advertisements showed a guy sorting out his home entertainment system. Does Mr aerial set these up, and what is the cost?

Yes, Mr aerial technicians can certainly assist in the installation of your new TV and Home Entertainment system. Customers are advised to call 13 11 49 to arrange for a free quotation.

What will happen to my existing analogue TV set?

Free-to-air broadcasters will simulcast (i.e., broadcast both analogue and digital signals) for at least eight years, so viewers will continue to be able to use current analogue television sets to receive broadcasts direct until at least the end of 2010. And, beyond the end of simulcasting, the addition of a digital-to-analogue converter in the form of a set-top box will allow viewers to continue indefinitely to display digital transmissions on the screens of their analogue sets.

Can my analogue TV set display a Digital TV picture to its full effect?

Basically yes, although many new TV purchasers are opting to upgrade to a widescreen television to enjoy Digital transmissions to their full effect. Bear in mind that digital does not mean High Definition.

Can I still receive analogue TV?

Yes. Although this will be phased out around the country by 2013

Do I need to purchase a 16:9 (Widescreen) television to enjoy Digital television?

No. Whilst a widescreen television would maximise your Digital television vieESPNg it is not mandatory. You can still view DTTV through a traditional 4:3 analogue television .

Will my Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) still work?

Yes. During and after the simulcast period, you will be able to record the digital channel on view, provided that your set-top box or digital television has an analogue output – and VCRs will also continue to play back pre-recorded tapes. Many will find the picture quality of recorded digital programs is better than that of analogue programs.

However, VCRs will not be able to record a separate digital broadcast from that being viewed, although during the simulcast period they will be able to record any analogue program while a different digital program is being viewed. Current VHS video recorders will still only record and playback VHS-quality pictures. In some cases, the RF channel output to the VCR may be the same as that used by a digital channel in the area, the RF output on your VCR may need adjustment to avoid clashing with the locally broadcast service.

Are any new Digital Set Top Boxes coming out? Should I buy now – or wait?

There is no reason to wait and delay receiving crisp digital television quality. To the best of our knowledge there will be no major changes to the current STB product planned.
All Mr aerial digital set top box customers will be advised of any new offers relating to new STB product when they become available.

What about a rental option?

There are a few companies offering STB rentals, however they appear to be exclusively for TV/STB packages only (i.e. not just for the STB). This may not be ideal for customers who already have an adequate TV and have no need to duplicate hardware in this way. These packages are also mostly for fixed long term (12 month) contracts with monthly payments around $100.
The rental option also does not provide the customer with a qualified site inspection and aerial system check supplied by Mr aerial. – Generally they only supply you the equipment. This naturally fails to account for the existing status of the customer’s current aerial system set up and quality.

How expensive are digital set-top boxes and television sets?

The prices of Digital Set Top Boxes and Digital TVs continue to become more affordable as new technologies are released onto the market. As these new technologies are released older ones become the benchmark. Gone are the days of paying $10,000 for a plasma screen and up to $600 for a digital set top box. You can buy good quality devices for about a third of that these days depending on size and branding etc.

Can I receive digital TV on Pay TV?

No. Pay TV subscribers will not be able to receive digital television unless Pay TV service providers fully digitise their delivery systems. You will continue to receive free-to-air channels via cable Pay TV services, but only in analogue form. Free–to-air channels are not provided by satellite Pay TV services.

What if I am subscribing to Pay TV and already have a Set Top Box?

The DTTV STB and the PAY TV STB is not the same thing. The Mr aerial technician will be able to interconnect your DTTV and Pay STBs when on site.

How big is a Set Top Box?

About the same size as your average VCR or DVD.

Are these STBs upgradeable?

Software – Yes . Firmware – Yes. Interactive – no. Requires a modem and other hardware changes

What happens if something goes wrong with the box once you’ve gone? Is there a warranty or some form of guarantee?

All work carried out by Mr aerial comes with our standard 12 month labour warranty. Each STB comes with a full 12-month manufacturers warranty. Should you have a problem with your STB first check your STB Troubleshooters Guide. If this does not rectify the problem then please refer to the manufactures warranty returns policy. If in doubt to this procedure do not hesitate to call Mr aerial on 131149 who will be more than happy to assist you. Mr aerial can call a representative out to check your STB although this will incur a service call fee.

The Service Call will be booked with Mr aerial (via 1300 126 845) as a normal Service Call. Mr aerial will then arrange for a technician to visit your premises and determine the nature of your problem. If it is deemed correctly to be a fault with the STB and is still under the 12-month manufactures warranty period you will need to send the STB back to the manufacturer for replacement.

Service calls

For a technician to come out on site and asses your existing aerial equipment there is a service call fee charge, which is $99 for the first half hour of labour $20 per every 15 minutes thereafter, plus any parts that the technician may need.

If there is a new aerial that is needed then the technician will give you a quote and it will be up to you what you decide to do.

Warranty calls

All Mr. aerials technicians labour and equipment is covered by a one year warranty.