Doddington Aerials Rope Access Team at Pelham Crescent, Hasting.

So here we have another Doddington Aerials Rope Access installation.

This building was looking a bit sorry for itself with cables hanging all over the place and in many different directions. Another issue that had risen with the loose cables is that many of them had worn completely through! With them not being properly secured over all the contours of the property the movement in the wind had eroded through most of the cables.

 

Our job was to install a new satellite system and to tidy the old cables on the front of the property.

 

After finding a suitable anchor for our ropes we quickly removed all old and unused cables. We re-ran the new cables down the property and tidy all the existing cables into one neat loom.

 

As you can see from the before and after pictures the difference is fantastic and it makes this beautiful building look a lot smarter.

 

To find out how Doddington Aerials and Satellites can tidy old cables on your property and install new digital TV services please contact us on: 07794786718 or doddington.aerials@gmail.com

Rope Access at Palmeria Square Brighton

How do you get cables from the roof to the ground floor without the use of expensive scaffolding?

With such beautiful buildings like these running cables can be a nightmare.
But not for Doddington Aerials Rope Access Team.

When our customer wanted two cables run to his lounge from the roof, as discreetly as possible- to avoid creating an eye sore, we got the harnesses and ropes out of the van and got to work!

Rope Access allows us to abseil down any building in a matter of minutes, which was the perfect solution to keeping these building looking stunning.

We anchored our abseiling ropes to two of the large chimney stacks on the roof, and over the edge we went!

On the right you can see the view from the top.

Cables had been run down this building in the past using scaffolding, so it was nice a simple for us to follow these cables from the roof to the ground floor; following every contour of the property. Once we had finished abseiling the Brighton property, you couldn't see that we had ever been there!

Spot the abseiler below..... :)

If you would like the Doddington Aerials & Satellites Rope Access Team to survey your property, to run new cables or tidy existing ones, please send us an email through our website or call us on 07794786718

Sky TV Make iPad Remote Control! Welcome The Zeebox!

Sky TV Make iPad Remote Control!

Welcome The Zeebox!

Officials from Sky have revealed that its’ iPad app has been updated with the functionality to work as a TV remote to control the Sky+ box. It is thought that this update will be launched very soon (end of the Summer). This technology has become all the rage with millions of Sky+ customers because of the convenience it offers.

Known as Zeebox integration, the iPad will be able to be used for: play, pause, rewind and selecting TV channels, this will work by a series of swipes across the screen, what’s more iPad users will be able to manage their TV’s planner too, as the app will have the ability to add and delete recordings!

Sky are promoting this updated app to give the user an ‘even more’ intuitive experience.

From a practical point of view, the user will need to ensure that they connect their iPad to the same broadband connection as their Sky+ box before the Zeebox technology will work, but other than the once downloaded and connected the iPad will display all the functions of the new Sky TV guide!

If you would like information about having Sky+ installed at your home or business, or would like a little advice contact Doddington Aerials & Satellites on 07794786718 or visit our website www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk. Don't forget we use abseiling so, it doesn't matter if you live in a flat and have been told 'you cannot have Sky TV because you live in a flat', it's likely we'll be able to carryout the install safely regardless!

doddington.aerials@gmail.com

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

Sonos Wireless Hi-Fi System

SONOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Founded in 2002 Sonos is a Santa Barbara electronics company which has become world famous for it’s wireless hi-fi system, the Sonos Multi-Room Music System ‘All the music you want!’

Overall the Sonos Multi-Room Music System is pretty compact; it looks very slick and would camouflage well into just about any home. Sonos components work together as a set of electronics creating a ‘zoned’ audio system, this means that you can play one song in the lounge, whilst another plays in the bedroom or you can even have the same song playing simultaneously throughout the home.

The Sonos system works with two key components; these are ‘Zone Players’ and ‘Controllers’. Zone Players connect directly into the speaker/amp, or the system can be an all-in one integrated system, which is controlled by a Sonos controller. What’s more with a simple software download you can control the music throughout your home via your mobile phone/laptop or tablet.

At Doddington Aerials & Satellites we are lucky enough to own a Sonos system and we think it is absolutely fantastic.

The Sonos system is so very easy to use; upload the music, update and synchronise the software and away you go! The sound that the Sonos system produces is of extremely high quality and we absolutely love the system- overall a worthwhile investment for all those music lovers!

We can install your Sonos Wireless Hi-Fi System, simply give us a call for more details on 07794786718!

Digital Switchover starting this week over the Brighton and Worthing regions!

The Digital switchover begins this week on Wednesday 7th March!

This is the first part of the digital switchover, this is when the analogue TV transmitters switchover in the Brighton and Worthing areas and the Meridian region will go completely digital.



Digital aerial installed in Brighton area.



For anyone who has an aerial facing Whitehawk Hill and Rowridge Transmitters (this covers most homes in the Brighton and Worthing areas) the TV switchover will happen in two stages, the first stage will be switched over on 7th March 2012 and the second stage on the 21st March 2012

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. This will involve going into the menu settings on your TV/Freeview box and performing a channel re-scan (or auto tune), if you are not sure how to do this try checking the manual or calling Doddington Aerials & Satellites.

On Wednesday the 21st March 2012 the remaining analogue channels will be switched off in the Meridian TV region, and therefore you will no longer be able to watch TV via an analogue system. Once again you will have to re-tune your digital TV system for a second time to watch the additional channels.

If you are unsure if your TV is ready for the digital switchover or have any problems during the digital switchover then call Chris at Doddington Aerials & Satellites, 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!

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 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:

Website http://www.doddingtonaerials.co.uk/

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/

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.

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.

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



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

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

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/