Monday 28 November 2011

New F1 Freeview Channel

All you motor sport fanatics out there will be excited to know ,that next season Sky Sports will run a dedicated Formula One TV channel which could be available to Freeview customers for a monthly fee!

In a tactic aimed at annoyed F1 fans, this looks to get people to switch from terrestrial to subscription TV. This brand new channel is reported to be included free of charge in Sky and Virgin Media TV packages.

Earlier in 2011 Sky committed to a very controversial seven year deal with the BBC to share the rights from 2012 onwards. This year nearly 40,000 protesters signed an online government petition protesting against this move, with many fearing that they may no longer be able to afford to watch motor sport on their home TV. This new move will see Sky broadcast all 20 races with  full highlights and the BBC broadcasting only half that amount.

This new contract by Sky’s will mean that motor sport fans will be able to watch F1 in 2012 without having to pay for Sky's full subscription package.

It has been reported that this new motor sports channel will run for three days over a race weekend and the channel will offer live coverage of all three practice sessions, the qualifying, the race and will host an exciting F1 legends show.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Landlady Wins Satellite TV Scuffle

Since 2005 landlady Karen Murphy of The Red White and Blue, Southsea, has made news headlines in her battle against the Premier League. In 2005 Karen signed up to receive the Sky Sports packages in her establishment, but shortly found a subscription fee of approximately £1,000 charged by Sky.

This saw Karen change her subscription provider to NOVA a cheaper alternative, however soon enforcers working on behalf of The Premier League prosecuted her on grounds that only Sky could show its football games in the UK. This left Karen ordered to pay thousands of pounds in fines and fees.
In 2011 Karen finally won the right to use a foreign satellite decoder in her pub to screen football matches. This decision was made by the European Court of Justice who ruled that granting exclusive rights of providers like Sky is unlawful.

This ECJ also advocated that there is no such copyright on football matches as there is no ‘intellectual creation”.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

FM Radio Switch Over By 2015

FM radio to be switched off by 2015 - digital DAB radio is on its way!


It has been reported that come 2015 people in the UK will no longer be able to access FM radio stations because the government aims for all radio to be broadcasted digitally.


By the end of 2015 local and national radio stations will no longer broadcast via an analogue system and will move to digital, also known as DAB.


This radio switchover is concerning many motorists due to the incompatibility of DAB in cars, in response the government recommends that new cars are built with DAB technology.


In recent years the volume of people listening to radio via a digital channel has increased. It is thought that the government will ensure that before the switchover takes place, 90 percent of the population will have the ability to access DAB. This digital radio switchover is likely to be funded by the leftover funds from the digital television switchover in 2012. For more info about digital radio click here!


To contact Doddington Aerials and Satellites visit our contact us website page by clicking here

Monday 17 October 2011

Digital TV Switchover Dates Sussex

NEWS ABOUT THE DIGITAL SWITCHOVER IN SUSSEX!

The analogue tv services will be switched off in the sussex/meridian region in about march 2012, so you still have a little time to get your tv system ready. If you would like more specific dates about the digital switchover please see below:


Digital switchover dates for Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset and West Sussex
Bovington, Brading, Brighstone, Canford Heath, Cheselbourne, Corfe Castle, Donhead, Findon, Hangleton, Horndean, Luccombe, Lulworth, Luscombe Valley, Millbrook Hp, Millbrook Vp, Patcham, Piddletrenthide, Poole, Poulner, Rowridge Vp, Salisbury, Shrewton, Singleton, Sutton Row, Till Valley, Ventnor, Westbourne, Winterborne Stickland, Winterbourne Steepleton



This is from the Rowridge transmitter
Start/finish dates 07 march 2012 - 21 march 2012


Digital switchover dates for West Sussex
Haslemere Steyning

This is from the Midhurst transmitter

Start/finish dates 29 feb 2012 - 14 march 2012


Digital switchover dates for Brighton & Hove
Bevendean, Brighton Central, Coldean, Ovingdean hp, Ovingdean vp, Portslade, Saltdean

This is from the Whitehawk Hill transmitter

Start/finish dates 07 march 2012 - 21 march 2012


Digital switchover dates for East Sussex
Bexhill uhf, East Dean, Eastbourne, Ham Street, Haywards Heath, Hollington Park, Lamberhurst, Lewes, mountfield, Newhaven, Sedlescombe, Wye

This is from the Heathfield transmitter

Start/finish dates 30 may 2012 - 13 june 2012

If you would like any further information about the digital switchover in sussex please contact doddington aerials and satellites via our:
Phone 07794786718
Email doddington.aerials@gmail.com

CCTV Protect Your Home

At Doddington Aerials & Satellites we have been receiving an increasing number of enquiries asking if we install CCTV in homes and the answer is ‘yes’. Doddington Aerials & Satellites offers a number of home CCTV solutions.

There are a number of reasons why people require a CCTV installation at their home, this can be for overall peace of mind, to prevent/ after a robbery or to record criminal behaviour such as problematic neighbours or persistent vandalism. 


CCTV For Your Home With Doddington Aerials and Satellites
 You might even notice more and more properties around Sussex boasting CCTV cameras. It’s no longer for homes located near less desirable areas - CCTV is being installed in many homes across the county.

CCTV is an abbreviation for ‘Close Circuit Television’ and can be described as a collection of small cameras which have the ability to move up to 360 degrees recording behaviour.
Many choose CCTV systems that have sensors to detect movement and therefore can start recording when motion is detected.

Other people opt for a system that has the ability to record at night time so that their property is protected during the evenings and darker times. CCTV is often used an effective deterrent and offers many people peace of mind. We often have enquires from people who have recently suffered robberies as they find it gives them a security that little else could offer.

As technology has progressed CCTV has become more affordable so is a cost effective way to protect your property.

One of the big attractions of using home CCTV is  that the cameras can be discreetly installed and therefore are no longer an eyesore on the property exterior. This size of the cameras have also decreased this means that they are small enough to fit in almost any desired location- therefore no matter where you need to install the cameras they are likely to fit!

The video footage captured on CCTV cameras can provide evidence and can be captured direct to a video recorder or straight to a home computer, so you can monitor your home and garden 24hours a day.

It is important that you choose a good quality CCTV systems that is robust and weather proof, this will also help ensure it records to a desirable standard. There are a few key features to think about when researching CCTV systems for your home these include:
  • The ability to expand  to a multi-camera system
  • Day/Night CCTV cameras
  • Movement detection CCTV cameras
  • Wireless CCTV cameras
  • Colour or black & white CCTV cameras
  • CCTV with built in microphones
There are many different domestic CCTV options therefore it is best we visit your property; we will then be able to see where you require the cameras and why you require the system, we will then work out a cost effective system for you.

Doddington Aerials & Satellites will offer you impartial advice based on your individual needs, please contact us today for more information!

Visit our website http://www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk/

Sunday 24 July 2011

Digital Switchover Police Warning

Police have warned people to be careful when offered help with the digital switchover.
With the digital switchover fast approaching police forces up and down the country are warning the public to be vigilant against distraction burglars offering to help with the digital switchover.
Suffolk is an example of an area which has suffered from this crime.  A local community group linked to the Suffolk police and Trading Standards, has told the public to be cautious not to fall prey to distraction burglars declaring to be helping with the digital switch over.

This is particularly important for those more vulnerable including the over 75s or registered blind.
Police have urged residents to be vigilant for rogue traders visiting the elderly and vulnerable in their local area, emphasising if you have not made an appointment to see someone about your TV it’s perfectly ok to refuse them entry to your property.
If you would like advice or help about the digital switchover in; Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Worthing or surrounding areas; please call your local trustworthy aerial and satellite installer Chris, Owner of Doddington Aerials & Satellites on 07794786718 or email doddington.aerials@gmail.com.

Saturday 25 June 2011

New Rival For Freeview and Freesat, In ‘Real Digital’

The UK digital TV market is under pressure with the entering of ‘Real Digital’ a new digital TV service.

It is thought Real Digital aim to be in direct competition with the likes of Freeview and Freesat, launching later on this year with their brand new free satellite service.

Real Digital aims to be a TV solution for viewers wanting a selection of TV channels without having to pay subscription charges like with the Sky and Virgin Media packages.

Real Digital are aiming to launch the new digital TV service on the 1st September 2011, to directly rival those existing companies.

Real Digital will reportedly offer customers around 400 standard definition free to view channels and five HD options too, these will include BBC One HD, BBC HD, Channel 4 HD, ITV HD and NHK World.

The company are looking to offer what is described to be a 'top-up' package where additional channels such as Sky Sports can be viewed.

Real Digital has confirmed it will offer two digital boxes with a standardised remote control, they will be Internet-ready systems for future additional upgrades,  and be built with twin tuners.

As a customer the only thing which will be needed (other than a TV of course) is satellite dish to receive the signal!

For all your digital TV needs call Doddington Aerials & Satellites on 07794786718
Doddington Aerials and Satellites

Sky Creates ‘Sky Go’, A New Web Player And Mobile TV Service

This week saw Sky announce plans to merge its web catch up TV  service named  ‘Sky Player’ with its mobile TV service ‘Sky Mobile TV’, to offer one single new service which will be titled ‘Sky Go’.
It is widely believed that the aim of the union is to make available one free and flexible service which gives everyone access to its services. Sky have said that  its’ existing Sky TV customers  will be given access to the new  TV service,  regardless of the technology they use, everything from Macs to PCs and Smart Phones will be compatible.
People who are not currently Sky customers will  also be able to benefit from the service, however it will not be as soon as Sky customers.
Sky’s Deputy Managing Director Stephen Van Rooyen, commented in an interview this week that the increase in popularity of Smart Phones has increased the demand for access to technology on the move.
With Sky reported to have recently bought ‘The Cloud’ a Wi-Fi operator, Sky is reported to now own around 4500 public wireless internet hubs which can be used for this service, helping to further their customer experience.

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Solving Poor or Bad TV Reception

One of the services which we offer is solving the problem of poor or bad TV reception. Poor or bad television reception is an extremely common problem throughout the country. As a viewer there is nothing more irritating than trying to watch your favorite TV programme through bad TV reception!

It is difficult to diagnose the cause of the interference without visistng the property as there are a few things that can cause poor or bad TV reception. Anything from cable connections, loss of tuning and the weather can all cause poor or bad TV reception. One common cause bad of TV reception is your location and your remoteness from the local transmitter.  

As a rule of thumb the further you are from the transmitter, the more the quality of reception will lower. Living in a particular area can impact reception; areas such as Patcham and Hangelton, East Sussex, often suffer from poor TV reception due to being situated at the bottom of a valley. Doddington Aerials & Satellites can advise you on a TV solution to ensure you get the most dependable TV system according to your location, after all everyone’s needs are different.

Your local environment such as what is between your signal and the transmitter can also have an impact on TV reception, this includes large buildings and even tall trees, these are yet more examples of factors which can cause poor TV reception.

As you may have guessed the condition of your aerial can also influence the picture quality you receive on your TV.

In order to get the best quality picture it is important that your aerial is in good condition to receive optimum signal. 

Another widespread cause of reception problems is roof work. Often when people have work carried out on their roof TV aerials are knocked or moved accidently. A Television aerial located on the roof can be more difficult to correct as problems differ; from the connected cabling to aerial itself.

Due to the complexity of television reception issues it is always advisable that if you have problems with your TV reception you contact a reliable and trustworthy engineer. Doddington Aerials & Satellites has over six years experience in the industry and can therefore fix any aerial, TV reception or digital TV reception problems for you at an affordable price.

Some of the services we carryout to help with TV reception problems include:
  • TV Aerial Upgrades
  • Problem Solving For TV Reception Problems
  • Problem Solving For Digital TV Reception Problems
  • Problem Solving For Satellite TV Problems
  • TV Aerial Services
  • Help With The Digital Switchover
Contact Doddington Aerials & Satellites for your free quote!

We carry out work in: Worthing, Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Hangleton, Portslade, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lancing and more....

Doddington Aerials & Satellites 07794786718
Doddington Aerials & Satellites doddington.aerials@gmail.com






Friday 10 June 2011

Review Of The World’s Most Expensive TV!

Today the world’s most expensive television was revealed and is about to go on sale (if you are lucky enough to afford it!).

The TV is thought to be so enormous that many reporters are suggesting that an entire floor of a house (would would say mansion) needs to be dedicated to the TV, just to hold its weight! The TV weighs around half a ton and for this reason won’t be sold to you until your house has been visited by a representative, to ensure that your house is structurally sound to hold the TV!

This next generation 3D TV has an 85 inch screen and a motorised stand, and costs around 85,000 US Dollars! (Yes, you did read that number correctly!)

The TV is described by its developers to be a ‘smart’ TV, boasting a camera which calibrates the pixels after 100 hours of screening to simply guarantee perfect colour coordination!

If an 85 inch screen is just not big enough, then you won’t be disappointed as there is an even a larger edition, yes, really there is!  If you have a spare $113,000 (and a house the size of Buckingham Palace) then you can purchase the 103 inch screen!

It is believed that the 85 inch TV has been purchased, and get this; was airlifted down using a helicopter to the customer’s house, then the windows were remove to get it inside!

If you have the cash to purchase this TV you won’t be disappointed, the people lucky enough to have watched this TV describe the 3D capability as like being inside the TV! But do note that the TV doesn’t come with the 3D glasses you have to buy these separately at a cost of about $150 each (at $85,000 you would have thought they would throw a pair in for free!).

Top Three Tips When Buying A New TV - Doddington Aerials and Satellites

At Doddington Aerials & Satellites we realise that for most people purchasing a TV can be a complex task and for most is a large financial commitment. With this in mind we have put together, what we consider the three most important things to consider when purchasing a new TV.

We hope you find them useful!

Doddington Aerials & Satellites  Top Three Tips When Buying A New TV:


TV Specification
For most people purchasing a TV is a big financial commitment. Often when going into a high street store sales reps will try and persuade you to purchase one TV over another. Decide what specification you want your TV to have before you visit a store, and make sure when you do visit you go equipped with all the facts so you know what you are looking for!

Space
Make sure you get a TV that fits in the room it will live in. By measuring up the space and room before you purchase, you’ll be able to choose a TV which is more suitable for the room and will feel part of the furniture, rather than looking like an afterthought!

Research
By going online and checking what’s available on the market you will find where you can purchase the TV at the best available price. Why would you want to pay more for a product than you need to?


If you would like more help and advice about purchasing a new TV please do not hesitate in getting in touch!

If you have already bought your new TV and want help with additional services such as; TV wall mounting, installing Sky or setting up your home cinema system, contact Doddington Aerials & Satellites on:


Doddington Aerials & Satellites will wall mount your New TV for you!

Monday 6 June 2011

Satellite System Install Using Rope Access/Abseiling


Doddington Aerials & Satellites Rope Access Installation

Here we have another project successfully completed by Doddington Aerials Rope Access department.  As you can see from the pictures it isn’t the tallest of buildings, but still had the same issues as many larger tower blocks, and that is access!  This building is situated in west London and is surrounded by a grass verge. Uneven ground like this grass verge does not match well with cherry pickers, so abseiling was used by Doddington Aerials & Satellites to solve this problem.




 It only took a day for us to: set up our ropes, to run the four catenary wires, pre-wire the top two flats and clear away all our rope access equipment.


Doddington Aerials & Satellites Rope Access Installation

Doddington Aerials & Satellites Rope Access Installation

What do we mean when we say “pre-wire” the top flats?  The system that was installed is a Sky/Freesat system, so only customers that want Sky will have the cables run to their lounge, unless they live above the second floor.  For these flats we “pre wire” them.  Running the two cables and coiling outside the flat window, this will allow any engineer to safely install Sky in future without the use of any extra equipment. For future installs any flats upto the second floor are easy to access from ladders, and because the catenary wire is already installed this makes running the cables nice and simple.  The idea behind this system design is to install all the infrastructure and equipment, but to keep the overall costs down by only installing cables to customers that want Sky. 

Another successful project completed by Rope Access department, enjoy our pictures and take note of the lack of holes in the grass ;)

For more information please contact us on: 07794786718, doddington.aerials@gmail.com
                                                                             



Doddington Aerials & Satellites Rope Access Installation


Friday 3 June 2011

What Is An Integrated Reception System & How Is Abseiling Used For An IRS Install?

If you enjoy and start to regularly read the Doddington Aerials & Satellites blog then you may find the term IRS crop up now and again, therefore we thought we best quickly explain to you what IRS is!

IRS ABSEILING INSTALL
IRS stands for ‘Integrated Reception System’ and can be explained in brief as a system which provides broadcast signals from multiple sources to many outlets. These sources are generally; satellite and analogue TV, radio and DAB radio. The signal is sent via an aerial cluster and ‘booster-distributor’.
IRS systems are used as a solution for communal buildings such as flats and housing blocks. IRS is used because it allows for one aerial to service many individual needs (flats).  

IRS systems are increasing in popularity due to the digital switchover; this is because the IRS’s ancestor MATV (master aerial television) needs replacing. 





IRS ABSEILING INSTALL
An IRS collects the broadcast signals and then distributes them to a new 3 or 4 socket wall outlet plate in each dwelling. This is screened from electrical interference to ensure the best available service is received by the resident. 

IRS is a fantastic solution for both landlords and residents alike. Installing an IRS enables the resident to choose their TV option; they can connect their TV to free to view services or to sign up for digital satellite, all at the most convenient time for them. 

An IRS provides each flat access to: digital satellite TV and Digital Terrestrial, Sky Plus, HD TV, FM and DAB. There are also possibilities for extending the system to enable access to foreign TV and radio channels too!

Installing IRS can be costly for landlord because of the amount of specialist equipment which is required to access areas of the building to complete an install. At Doddington Aerials & Satellites we have a solution to this cost!
We use our rope access and abseiling skills to access almost any building, we use the ropes to scale down the side of buildings thus giving us access to almost any property (one passing child said to his mother we look like spider man!). Using abseiling to install IRS is a cost effective, quick and safe method of installation. At Doddington Aerials and Satellites we appreciate economic times are tough and therefore really thrive on the fact our abseiling skills help to deliver projects frequently under budget! Not only that we love working on the ropes too!

IRS ABSEILING INSTALL
Look out for our blog posts on Installing IRS using abseiling, if you haven’t read one yet you can read about a recent install in Bognor Regis (we had a lovely view of the seaside)!




If you would like more info on Installing IRS systems visit our website or call 07794786718

Wednesday 1 June 2011

What Is The Difference Between An Analogue TV Aerial And Digital TV Aerial?


All around the world people watch TV and many people claim to be TV addicts! Even so there are many people who still are completely clueless as to how their TV works. 


Television is certainly not a new technology, in fact it’s been around for years and the interesting truth is the technology its self has by and large remained the same since its invention in the 1920s.

How does a TV work?

How a TV works is actually quite simple, essentially in order to be able to watch TV several components have to work together.
  • An image source- this is the actual feature you watch, so for example the documentary or film.
  • A sound source - this is generated through an audio signal.
  • A transmitter - this sends the image and the sounds source via the air waves and is received by the receiver (TV).
  • A receiver is basically your TV set receiving the signal via radio waves and converting it into your TV programmes.
  • A display device (TV screen) works together with a sound device (speakers) to enable you to watch TV. 

To be a little more technical a TV aerial is made of metal. Electromagnetic waves transport signals to the television, these make small electrical currents in the antenna. The TV set amplifies this signal and receives the information that carries vision and sound. So we can watch TV!

What is the difference between an analogue TV aerial and digital TV aerial?

There are a few differences between an analogue and digital aerial. Analogue TV signals transmit one channel onto one carrier, where as digital aerial transmissions can fit a lot more data into the one carrier.  Basically this means there is more available bandwidth and therefore more TV channels for us to watch!
Well, we hope this is helpful!

If you would like more information about digital TV or anything aerial and satellite related visit our website www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk or call us on 07794786718

Tuesday 31 May 2011

Using Abseiling & Rope Access To Install Aerial & Satellite TV Systems

After working in the aerial and satellite installations industry for over six years I decided to go it alone and knew it was important to distinguish myself. This is when I identified a gap in the market.  My business partner Gavin and I knew from our experience that when carrying out large installations to high-rise buildings such as flats, that equipment such as cherry pickers and scaffolding is expensive and time consuming. 

This is when we decided to study for and carryout the necessary practical assessments to gain the IRATA rope access qualification.

The IRATA qualification has enabled us to use rope access and abseiling to undertake almost any work, and has given us a fantastic skill for our aerial and satellite installations. 

The advantages related with abseiling compared to other methods of access used in the aerial and satellite installations industry work together to offer two key benefits these are; time and financial. 

Rope access and abseiling enables us to offer a considerably quicker service; as essentially all we need to do is safely rig up our ropes and we are ready to go, there is no waiting around for scaffolding and the erection of this equipment. Something which often is overlooked is the surrounding land of an installation; for scaffolding flat ground is needed in order for the structure to be put up safely, again abseiling eradicates this requirement. 

Our abseiling service is regularly used to install IRS systems in blocks of flats. Abseiling to install satellite systems this is fantastic for the residents because there is minimal disruption to their home. Installing a system to a block of flats usually takes time; this means that equipment needs to be left on site overnight. With abseiling and rope access our tools and equipment is packed away and taken with us every night, so security is increased too!

For aerial and satellite companies installing digital TV systems, the number of man hours is cut; the time to setup and dismantle the equipment is vastly reduced, this means that many project lead times are frequently lowered, helping to ease budgetary pressures. 

The main reason why rope access and abseiling is a brilliant tool for aerial and satellite installations aside from the cost and time benefit is; the ropes allow for areas which cannot be accessed via traditional equipment;  to be accessed quickly, easily and most importantly safely!

Watch a video of us abseiling in action!



If you would like more information about abseiling or rope access to install TV systems visit our website: www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk

Monday 30 May 2011

Freeview VS Freesat, Doddington Aerials & Satellites


With the digital switchover fast approaching we have found that many customers are now looking into digital TV options that are free to air, mainly Freeview and Freesat.  Therefore we thought we would write you a short post on the key differences between the technologies. 

The main thing to know is that the key difference is the way in which the services are received.
Freeview can be accessed through an existing aerial, but does involve purchasing a Freeview box or a TVs with built in Freeview capability.

Freeview is popular because it does not require a customer subscription. The Freeview system is essentiality plugged into the aerial and which will give instant access to its services. Freeview gives you the choice of around fifty TV and radio channels, including HD. There are now additional Freeview products available including Freeview Plus, which allows for TV to be recorded, paused and more.  Freeview Plus HD is also available too, Freeview HD services include; five HD BBC HD, ITV1 HD and 4HD.

Freesat is a satellite TV service similar to Freeview, again there is no customer subscription making it a popular alternative to Sky and Virgin. The difference when having Freesat installed is that it requires you to have a satellite dish. Like with Freeview, to receive Freesat you need to buy a box, or TV with a built Freesat. Many people opt for Freesat as it widely reported to have better coverage are it is viewed via a satellite dish.

Freesat offers a few more channels, approximately 140 TV and radio channels. Freesat also allows you to watch HD TV and has a Plus option too. Freesat is a well-liked alternative to Sky for people who have an existing Sky dish, but do not want to pay subscription charges.

If you would like any more information please visit us at: http://www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk/

Thursday 26 May 2011

Why Are Home Cinema Systems Growing In Popularity?

Home Cinema systems have become a popular way for people to enjoy films and TV from the comfort of their own sofa! With the ability to install projectors, 3D and HD TVs with surround sound, many people are choosing to stay at home over visiting the cinema.

Recordable hard drives and services such as Sky Plus have given people more options than ever before to enjoy TV. As technology improves home cinema TV systems are becoming more popular because products are more affordable.

With the size of TV screens increasing to over eighty-two inches home cinema is becoming even more attractive proposition for many film and gaming enthusiasts.

As part of the home cinema experience, many people opt for a flat panel TV for both decorative purposes and for displaying TV on a picture frame-thin screen.  HD TV is also a popular option too, as HD TVS can offer over 4 times the amount of information that traditional TV can. When additions such as surround sound are added a real home cinema can be created; including the much sought after audio experience too!

A recent report revealed that 3D TV could transform the way we watch television and our home cinema systems. With new film patterned retarder (FPR) technology approved as ‘flicker-free’, an even sharper and clearer 3D image than ever before will become widely available. 

Home cinema capabilities are endless, if you would like advice about a home cinema system please do not hesitate to call Doddington Aerials & Satellites 07794786718 or email doddington.aerials@gmail.com

Monday 23 May 2011

Brighton Digital Switchover News

Ok, so we've all heard about the digital switchover and its now underway, there is no escaping that TV is going digital!

But what does the digital switchover mean?
Basically the digital switchover refers to the current analogue TV signal being switched off; the analogue signal will be replaced with a new digital TV signal and which will affect everyone, including you!

I live in Brighton, how will the digital switchover effect me?
For our local area of Brighton it is important to know that the switchover will happen in two stages;
1) The signal comes from a transmitter located in Whitehawk Hill which will be switched over on 7th March 2012 and 21st March 2012.

 2)On Wednesday the 7th March 2012 the BBC2 analogue will be switched off, this means that you will have to re-tune your digital TV system in order to watch the accessible channels. On Wednesday the 21st March 2012 the remaining analogue channels will be switched off and therefore you will no longer be able to watch TV via an analogue system. 

Right here is the important bit to remember, you have to re-tune your digital TV system for a second time to watch the additional channels.

What are the benefits to me of the digital switchover?
Ok, the really great part of the digital switchover is; literally everybody will be able to watch digital TV!
There are also a few other benefits that digital TV offers you; you will be able to watch even more TV channels than analogue TV ever broadcasted. 
You also will be able to subscribe to additional channels such as film and sport, so everyone is happy!. 
You will be able to access additional services such as the ‘Red Button’ for all those people who wonder what the red button is - you will now be able to find out, audio description and subtitling making it really easy for those with additional needs.

So in a nut shell; there is no escaping the digital switchover it will impact everyone across the UK!
The digital switchover doesn't mean you have to go out a buy a brand new TV, nor do you have to have Sky TV installed. There are many options you can choose from to make sure you are ready for the digital switchover.

If you would like advice on the digital switchover or would like a free assessment to see if your TV system is ready for the switchover; please feel free contact Doddington Aerials & Satellites on 0779 478 6718 or email doddington.aerials@gmail.com.  

Sunday 22 May 2011

Abseiling Fitzleet House, Bognor Regis, Full IRS System Install; Sky, Freeview, Freesat & DAB/FM

We thought we would write a quick post about one of our abseiling jobs, we are still new to the abseiling business, however, we are really confident in what we can do and love the abseiling part of our job!

Spot The Worker!
Abseiling Fitzleet House, Queensway, Bognor Regis, To Install A Full IRS System; Sky, Freeview, Freesat & DAB/FM


This 17 story block of flats was in need of a full IRS system, this is a system which basically allows everyone in the block of flats to have Freeview, Sky and radio. There were a number of options ways by which this job could be completed. One would be to scaffold each of the four drops; where the cable runs have been planned, however the shear cost and time to do this type of installation was well out of budget for the Managing Agents.

Option two was using a “cherry picker”, but again the cost of hiring this equipment for the week was too much for the MA; this is where Doddington Aerials & Satellites innovative method proved economical, quick and effective.

Doddington Aerials is fully IRATA trained rope access technicians, this means we are able to quickly and simply rig up our ropes at the top of the four planned drops and use abseiling to install options to give any building access to digital TV and radio capabilities.

This is exactly what we did at Fitzleet House, we ran the all the cables to feed the 70 flats in just 3 days.
With it being so quick to set up our ropes, we are also able to dismantle the ropes at the end of the day; to prevent anyone interfering or messing around with the install.

Abseiling is not only work which we believe is a fantastic solution for many property managers and owners, but we also love the thrill which abseiling brings. It’s a bit different from working on a residential property to say the least!

You can see pictures of our install at Fitzleet House at our website. For more details about abseiling to install digital TV and radio, or to see how we can help you please call us on 07794786718.