TV signals are a lifeline to the outside world, offering everything from daily news updates to a peek into a prominent figure’s life. But what happens when you want to watch TV in your loft conversion? Or if you want to enjoy your favourite show from your home office or garden?
If you’ve been having trouble with some of these issues, an aerial extension or a longer antenna cable might be the solution. But it’s not a walk in the park, and you’ll probably need professional help.
The Basics: Extending Aerial or Antenna Cable
Plenty of homeowners in the UK want to extend their aerial or antenna cables. With the correct equipment, you can extend your TV aerial cable up to around 100 metres. Satellite antenna cables can stretch even further, to approximately 145 metres.
But there’s a catch: the longer the cable, the more signal loss you’ll experience. This means the picture quality might suffer, especially if you extend beyond the lengths mentioned above.
You could use a coaxial cable to achieve the desired aerial extension, but the quality of the cable and the connectors play a significant role in maintaining the signal strength. An inferior-quality cable might result in a fuzzy picture and frustratingly patchy signals.
Just a friendly heads up: coaxial cables that only have a single screen, without a foil layer, will perform noticeably poorer than others, especially at elevated frequencies. It’s important to note that these should not be utilised for transmitting satellite signals.
How Can You Prevent Signal Loss?
If you’re planning on extending your aerial or antenna cable, signal loss is a potential issue that might throw a spanner in the works.
One method to tackle this is by investing in an amplifier to elevate your signal strength. The amplifier works by boosting the signal’s power, allowing you to use a longer cable without degrading the signal.
But it’s not just about having an amplifier – quality and placement also play pivotal roles. A substandard amplifier will not only fail to enhance the signal properly but could also deteriorate your viewing experience by amplifying the noise along with the signal.
Incorrect positioning can lead to ineffective amplification or, worse, increased interference. That’s why it’s crucial to find a spot where the amplifier can optimally function and provide a clear, strong signal to your television. (PS: unless you’re a professional, this is easier said than done).
Using high-quality coaxial cables and connectors can also significantly reduce signal loss. These cables are designed to resist interference and maintain signal strength, which is why they’re an important part of your cable extension setup.
Lastly, considering the distance and overall setup of your cable extension is vital. Overstretching beyond the recommended lengths can lead to unavoidable signal loss. That’s why a strategic setup can go a long way in preventing signal loss and ensuring an excellent viewing experience.
Let Aerial Force to The Job
We know what you’re thinking: that’s a lot of technical information to consider. You might be tempted to DIY your aerial extension project, but that would just result in more issues and frustrations.
Besides, dealing with signal losses, choosing the correct equipment, and managing safe installations can be incredibly daunting.
When it comes to extending your aerial or antenna cable, there are countless ways to do it incorrectly and a handful of ways to get it right. Why risk ruining your viewing experience with a shoddy job when a professional can get it done easily and efficiently?
That’s where we come in.
Our team of highly skilled professionals ensures that your aerial extension is done in the safest and most efficient way possible.
We understand that every home is unique, which is why we used a personalised approach for aerial installations. Our technicians will have a look at your home and provide an aerial extension plan that will ensure the best signal strength and picture quality. They’ll also help with the correct placement of amplifiers and provide high-quality coaxial cables to ensure minimal signal loss.
Our team doesn’t just install and leave. We offer continued support and maintenance to make sure that you’re getting the best viewing experience possible. We’re committed to keeping you connected, no matter how far your cable has to stretch.
Get In Touch for a Free Quote
The technicalities involved in extending an aerial or antenna cable may seem complex and tedious. Leave the hassle to us.
If you’re unsure about how to go about the process or if you have any questions, get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Don’t let those cable lengths restrict your TV viewing experience anymore. Choose AerialForce and let us bring the world to your favourite spot at home.
