Saorview UHF TV Aerial Kit

 

The above map shows the main Saorview Coverage & Transmitters, the colour code of the best UHF Aerial to use and their catchment area.

The table above shows the Channel Range & Polarity of each of the Transmitters in Ireland. The Final column shows the UHF group colour code for the most appropriate aerial for the transmitter. Of course it is possible to use a Wide band UHF (either the high Grid or standard 10 element contract aerial) which will  work on all transmitters.

The table above shows the range of UHF TV Aerials available, their frequency range and the colour code associated with each aerial. View Coastal Transmitter Map [Here]

What Irish Digital TV Channels are Available ?

On the Digital Television System in Ireland it is possible to get to Receive 9 Irish Digital Channels:

RTE ONE

RTE 1 is the most viewed TV Station in Ireland. It offers a variety of home grown factual, arts, drama, entertainment & lifestyle programming.  It is also lauded for it's Domestic & international news and current affairs programming. 70% of the top watched TV programmes in Ireland are on RTE 1.

RTE TWO HD

RTE 2 is more focused on sport, documentaries, foreign TV series and childrens programming.  RTE 2 HD is the first domestic TV channel to broadcast in high definition allowing for the viewing of GAA matches in glorious HD for the first time.   Foreign TV series like desperate houswives & CSI will also be broadcast in HD.   More content will become available over time.

TV3

TV3 is a commercial free-to-air television broadcaster in the Republic of Ireland  which launched on September 20, 1998.

It was the country's first independent commercial broadcaster. TV3 is operated by the TV3 Group which also consists of television channel 3e. The main studios of TV3 are located in Ballymount, Dublin.

TV3 broadcasts a wide range of programming which in its early years depended heavily on international acquisitions.

3e

3e (3 entertainment) is a general entertainment channel operated in Ireland by Kish Media a subsidiary of TV3 Group. The channel launched on January 5, 2009 (replacing Channel 6 which launched on March 30, 2006). The channel provides a diverse mix of programming both local and international, targeting a demographic ranging between 16 to 35 year olds.

3e is particularly great for catching up or re-watching old TV series.

TG4

TG4 is Ireland’s Irish language TV channel.  The daily Irish language programme schedule is it's core service supported by a wide range of material in other languages.

Music, documentary & sports coverage have earned particular praise for TG4.

RTE News Now

RTE News Now is a 24 hour rolling news channel with live news bulletins, live current affairs programmes, catch-up on recent news and current affairs, live coverage of special events, breaking news and continuous sport, business and weather updates throughout the day.

RTEjr

The RTEjr is a dedicated daytime television service for children aged 6 years and younger. RTEjr shares channel space with RTE Plus and will be on from 11am to 7pm and is free of advertising.

RTE One +1

RTE One + 1 will share channel space with RTÉjr and will be on from 7pm to 2am. From May 2011 this channel will be an exact replica of RTE One, with a 1 hour delay.

RTE Aertel Digital

RTE Aertel Digital is an improved digital version of the RTE Aertel teletext service, which is modern, fast and user-friendly. The service offers up-to-date and accessible news, sport, weather and other information, including flight times, public information, local council information, information for deaf and hard of hearing audiences and subtitles.

When the irish Digital Terrestrial TV services are full rolled out it is expected that a range of additional free-to-air and pay-per-view channels will become available over time.

A. How the UHF TV Aerial Kit works

The kit is essentially made up of 3 Parts

1. a UHF Wideband Aerial - which picks up the signal coming from a Terrestrial TV transmitter
2. A Chimney Bracket & Pole - which allows an TV aerial to be mounted on the chimney
3. An Installation Kit - which consists of 20m of satellite cable, TV connectors, cable clips etc to run the cable from the aerial to the TV or set top box

B. Is there help online to guide me ?

Yes.

• Each of the sub-components that make up the TV Aerial Kit come with Video Tutorials and instructions on how to they should be installed.
• The various sub-components of the kit are listed as Associated Products, in the column to the right of the Product.

C. But I Already have a ......

Often customers considering buying this system will already have some of the equipment in place so a few guidelines would be if you alrady have:

1. A Chimney bracket & pole
   • Make sure that the Pole and chimney bracket are not too corroded and are capable of supporting the weight of the TV Aerial.
   • If it passes this test you can drop the Chimney Bracket &/or pole from the list
2. A cable running to an old Aerial
   • normally this is a No-No, as old satellite cable often contains water and this will cause serious signal loss - so if it doubt leave it out

D. Can I mount the Aerial In the attic ?

Yes it is possible to mount the Aerial in the attic.

• Advantages
  • Normally cheaper as you don't need a pole or chimney bracket
  • Its a lot safer than going up on the roof
• Disadvantage
  • You loose about 40% of the signal strength by mounting the aerial indoors.

Equipment implications of mounting TV aerial in attic

• Won't Need
  • Chimney Bracket and Lashing kit
  • Galvanised mast
• May Need
  • Proception 2 Way TV Amplifier  (to boost the signal)

Alternatives:

• You could mount the TV Aerial outside on Gable end of your house using either:
  • Universal Wall Mount (18" Stand Off)   or
  • Tv Aerial Wall Bracket

E. I want to run the TV Aerial to more than 1 room

• In a good reception area simply Add in a passive 2, 3 or 4 way splitter along with a number of f connectors.
• In a poor reception area or if there is more than 4 TVs use a TV distribution Amplifier - they come in 2,4, 6 & 8 way versions

F. Can I boost the signal ?

 If you live a poor reception area you can boost the signal by either

• Using a Power Unit & a UHF Masthead Amplifier
• Using a 2,4,6 or 8 Distribution Amplifer

G. Will I need a different UHF Aerial for Digital than I do for Analogue

• Possibly but maybe not.   The general rule is that if your existing TV3 is good from your current TV aerial, then you probably won't have to change or move it.   If however, your TV3 reception is poor, then you may require a new/different aerial.

H. But I want More Channels !!

If you want to get more than the basic Irish Channels you can either add on:

• Free-To-Air Satellite system  - this system consists of either a Standard or a High Definition satellite receiver and a satellite dish which will give you about 80 free satellite channels including BBC 1, 2, 3,4, ITV 1,2,3,4, Channel 4, sky News, Film4 etc.
• Sky - this system consists of a sky Receiver which come with a viewing card. Monthly subscription costs from 22-87 euro. It is possible to get sports and Movie channels on this service TVTrade.ie do not stock either of these services.

G. Can I get The Free Irish & UK Channels on a Single Box

• Yes. You will need a Combo Satellite & DTT system as listed in the Saorview section under Irish & UK Combo Receivers.