FM Radio Switchover

FM Radio Switchover

The long awaited TV digital switchover went extremely smoothly in our region, however recent news has reveled that the Minister for Culture, Ed Vaizey, has refused to commit to a digital switchover date for radio.  

It is thought a decision regarding the radio switchover will not be announced until 2013, this announcement will inform the public if the radio switchover will happen in 2015 or will be delayed, the government is reluctant to give a date for the switchover until they can be 100% certain of the official date.

Much like during the TV switchover where Tv switched from terrestrial to digital, the digital radio switchover will see all major radio stations move  away from FM to DAB only.  However good news for some; it has been reveled that the FM signal will NOT be switched off but instead will be used by smaller stations and community radio groups.

It is thought that the major delay of the radio switchover is because of the dependency on radio in vehicles, including ones which are yet to be built.  The government has commented that it will not switchover the radio in the UK until 50% of all listening occurs digitally. However it doesn’t seem that we will need to worry too much at this moment in time, because many experts of the radio industry believe that it could take up to 20years for a full radio switchover to happen.

For more information about digital radio please call us on 07794786718

Digital Swithover Brighton, Worthing and Sussex

We are now counting down the days until the analogue TV transmitters switch off in our local area of Sussex and for the UK to go completely digital, TV region by TV region.

If you are unsure if your TV system is ready for the digital switchover then it is important you get some trustworthy advice.

It is important you ask a reputable aerial/TV engineer to visit you property to make sure you are ready for the digital switchover, a good engineer should not charge you for the visit - if they are simply carrying out a check to see if your TV system is ready.

Some people will need to convert or upgrade their current TV system, this is quite simple - in most cases it means purchasing a digital box. The best thing to look for is the 'Digital Tick' logo, if the product is marked with the 'Digital Tick' it means the item has been made to be compatible after the digital TV switchover.

Other people may find they need to upgrade their TV aerial, once again a trustworthy aerial fitter will inform you of this when they visit your property.

If you would like Doddington Aerials and Satellites to visit your property completely free of charge, we will give you all the information you need to ensure your home is ready for the digital switchover. For an appointment or more information call Chris on 07794786718.Don't forget the digital switchover is fast approaching in our local areas; Brighton, Worthing, Sussex and the entire Meridian TV region!

Bad TV Reception and TV Reception Problems

Here at Doddington Aerials and Satellites we have been getting an increasing number of enquiries about bad TV reception and TV reception problems.

It is very difficult to give a diagnosis about what is causing the problem over the telephone, the best way for us to help is for you to call us, we will arrange a completely free of charge appointment with you  to visit your property and find out what is causing the bad TV reception.

There are so many causes of poor television reception and therefore it is always advisable that if you have a problem with your TV reception that you contact a reliable and trustworthy engineer. A good engineer will visit your property rather than diagnosing over the phone.

Doddington Aerials & Satellites has over six years experience in the industry and can therefore fix any aerial or TV reception problem you might have. Here are just some of the services Doddington Aerials and Satellites can carryout to help with TV reception problems:

• 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 more help 07794786718 doddington.aerials@gmail.com!

Happy New Year to Sussex from Doddington Aerials and Satellites

We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our customers and suppliers for a fantastic first year of trading in 2011.

In these difficult economic times everyone has suffered, we have worked hard to offer our customers the very best cost effective prices and value for money, in the 2012 we will look to offer even more special offers on aerial and satellite installations.

This has been a very exciting first year; we have carried out all sorts of aerial and satellite installations for both domestic and commercial customers. We have worked on some great adrenalin rushing projects using our abseiling skills and have been extremely grateful to have carried out some great subcontracts.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make Doddington Aerials and Satellites a success, we want to give a special mention to Gavin Cox and All Trade.

Contact Doddington Aerials and Satellites 07794786718  doddington.aerials@gmail.com

If you would like more information about the digital switchover in Sussex visit out website by clicking here http://www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk/

Thanks

Chris and Charlotte

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.

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”.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Welcome to our blog!

Hi my name is Chris Doddington I began my career as an employee at one of Sussex’s largest communications businesses, where I started as an apprentice and left as a confident and knowledgeable aerial and satellite installer.

In 2011 I took the huge step of starting my own company ‘Doddington Aerials and Satellites’.

Doddington Aerials and Satellites is my baby, I ensure it prides itself in keeping up to date with the latest technology and customer needs, as well as serving the more traditional markets. I aim to meet the needs of every customer and I always ensure my customers receive a first class service!

Doddington Aerials & Satellites offers an extremely rare service not many others in the industry can, this is something I get really excited about!

Myself and my business partner Gavin spotted a gap in the market aerial and satellite market with regards to accessing more complex buildings and structures. This led us to complete an industry standard course to become fully certified IRATA rope access technicians, in a nut shell this means we are qualified to use abseiling to access even the most complicated aerial and satellite work, and anything else which takes our fancy!

Blogs

Doddington Aerials & Satellites specialises in tailor made aerial and satellite system installs on the south coast. This is our first blog; we are going to write posts about our work, what’s going on in the industry and just our general thoughts about life. This is an information blog where you can read about how our abseiling projects go, what hurdles we come up against and just the general things we face day to day (like the danger of seagulls, a particular pet hate!)

So guys, enjoy our posts and welcome to the world of an aerial & satellite installer!