Indoor aerials

Is yours one of the 30 per cent of households in the UK today using an indoor aerial? If so, it’s most likely for a second or even third TV. But for just a few people, it will be the only way you receive a TV signal. How will switchover work for you? We have tested 44 indoor aerials. To see a test report select a model above. Here we also give information on:

• advantages of a rooftop aerial – see rooftop aerials
• best performing indoor aerials – see best indoor aerials
• what our tests involved – see test methods

For advice on trying an indoor aerial see pros and cons. For a step-by-step guide to set up – see setting up. For advice on other options – see extensions and for contact details of aerial manufacturers – see manufacturers contacts.

 

Rooftop aerial

You can’t beat a good rooftop aerial for TV reception. Rooftop aerials are also less susceptible than indoor aerials to disruption from passing traffic – indoors and outdoors, though bad weather conditions can still cause a problem.

Any rooftop aerial, in good condition, is capable of receiving both an analogue and terrestrial digital TV service like Freeview. You don't need to have a 'digital' rooftop aerial.

Use the Digital UK's website Postcode Checker to check signal stength in your area.

If you need to upgrade your aerial to get all the digital channels contact a local registered aerial installer see Industry Groups - Contacts.

If you live in an area that will not get digital terrestrial TV until switchover, or if you choose to wait until switchover, then chances are that you will be able to get all the digital channels without having to upgrade your rooftop aerial. There will be a few areas where you will need to upgrade because of a big change in frequencies from analogue to digital channels – yet to be announced.

But, for many of us, a rooftop aerial is not an option – if you live in a flat, say, or you may be thinking about a second telly, and don’t want the hassle and expense of extension cables. That’s why we’ve put indoor aerials on test.

Indoor aerials

Indoor aerials for digital TV come in an incredible range of shapes and sizes. Prices also vary a lot – from £4 to £40 for the aerials we bought. So don’t just grab one off the shelf.

We bought all we could find in the shops – 44 different models in total. Then put each one through a series of technical tests and home trials.

Will a loft aerial do?
If you can’t have an aerial on the roof, you might be able to fit a big enough roof aerial in your loft. You probably won’t get such a strong signal as you will with a rooftop aerial, but it could be stronger than with an indoor one.
Surrounding houses and trees might block it and obstacles like roof tiles and that big water tank will cut back the signal. The signal strength may also be more vulnerable to weather conditions, for instance.

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