Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Satellite vs Aerial for TV?
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonJimmy1980
05/1/2015 at 8:42am
 Location: Consett County Durham
 Outfit: Compass Rally GTE 5.0 View Jimmy1980's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jimmy1980 Reply   Quote Jimmy1980 Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2005

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   53
Site Reviews Total: 29
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi All,

Now the festivities have passed in thinking about my Easter trip away! Since I started caravanning I've generally favoured a satellite dish and used an old sky box. But now with the digital switchover I'm wondering whether this is necessary and am thinking a simple telly with freeview built in and an outdoor aerial is probably a lot easier? I presume you can get a reliable aerial signal in most places now. I'm curious - do most people use freeview now? I noticed when I was camping in October a distinct lack of satellites. What are people's thoughts - should I retire this extra bulk?!

Thank you!


PersonAndysueandsidthedog
05/1/2015 at 8:53am
 Location: Birmingham
 Outfit: Avondale View Andysueandsidthedog's Profile View Profile   Reply to Andysueandsidthedog Reply   Quote Andysueandsidthedog Quote  
Joined: 08/9/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi.
I was very much the same,used a satellite dish pretty much everywhere I went.
I've since converted to a TV with free view built in and find I can get a signal most places we visit via the status caravan aerial however,there have been a couple of occasions where we couldn't pick up a signal so had to revert to the satellite dish.
The only advice I can give is to use the free view because of the ease of setting up but carry the dish,if your space permits,for the hard to find signal areas.

-------------
It's easy to set up a satellite dish.


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

PersonJimmy1980
05/1/2015 at 9:02am
 Location: Consett County Durham
 Outfit: Compass Rally GTE 5.0 View Jimmy1980's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jimmy1980 Reply   Quote Jimmy1980 Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2005

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   53
Site Reviews Total: 29
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks for the reply!

I've actually got an external aerial that I was forced into buying when I was at a site surrounded by trees so satellite didn't work and the circular useless thing on the van never works! . Iit was only after buying this it got me thinking is the satellite pointless. I've an app that tells me the direction and polarisation for the aerial and whenever I use it there never seems to be an issue setting it up. Think I just want to spend more money on technology really - but like the idea of a simple aerial/tv setup!


PersonWhatamess
05/1/2015 at 9:19am
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Bessacarr E540 View Whatamess's Profile View Profile   Reply to Whatamess Reply   Quote Whatamess Quote  
Joined: 31/7/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4554
Site Reviews Total: 33
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 2
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
I only use an aerial and have found I get a signal of some sort on most sites unless they're really remote. Quite a few sites now have aerial connection if the signal's really bad.

Nora


VangoMan02
05/1/2015 at 9:47am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View VangoMan02's Profile View Profile   Reply to VangoMan02 Reply   Quote VangoMan02 Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3531
Tent Reviews:   7
Site Reviews Total: 21
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Same here, use external aerial or site connection if available.
Aerial and 3 piece pole weigh next to nothing and I just clamp it to the jockey wheel..

-------------
It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.


Advertisement

Handiworld


PersonFrancais
05/1/2015 at 10:47am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0
I think for UK use a TV Aerial should suffice as not only did they switch of Analog they then increased the Power Output of the Digital Transmitions.

However I would still carry a Satellite Antenna as back up, something like the SELFSAT or Attisat FL500 these Flat Plate antennas store very neatly and are quick and easy to set up when needed.

Also I would always prefer to use a dedicated Freesat receiver and would only choose a Sky Box if subscribing.

The problem with Freeview reception is that if you can get line of sight to a main Regional Transmitter then you will almost always get enough signal as they have a very high power output, unlike the localised Transmitters which are often low powered, and of course only carry a fraction of the Freeview channels.


Personbirdman101
05/1/2015 at 12:02pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford View birdman101's Profile View Profile   Reply to birdman101 Reply   Quote birdman101 Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2693
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Had satellite in van for use when a poor aerial signal for years, but last year never used it once as had good signal on van aerial.But it will be sod's law if i leave it out i will find it needed somewhere.


PersonMrs. Bonce
05/1/2015 at 3:46pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
 Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai View Mrs. Bonce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mrs. Bonce Reply   Quote Mrs. Bonce Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12700
Site Reviews Total: 384
Site Reviews 2024: 21 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
Site Reviews 2022: 37 
Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
Site Reviews 2018: 31 
Site Nights 2024: 102
Site Nights 2023: 119
Site Nights 2022: 154
Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134
We take our Sky box and card, and satellite dish of course, essential for a football nut like my OH. We also use the aerial on overnight stops and in the summer.

Anne


PersonG7ACU
05/1/2015 at 5:36pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0 View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Since full digital changeover and increased signal output, I've not had any problem getting a TV signal through the Status directional aerial. I have been in a few locations though where I've managed to pull a signal in, while others nearby haven't.

I would suggest a variable output signal amplifier which will help in more remote locations; this example has an integral strength meter too. Otherwise, a decent signal strength finder can be invaluable anyway. I've used the phone apps, but I find a decent meter allows fine positioning of the aerial.

It takes me no more than 2-3 minutes setting up the aerial for proper operation.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


VangoMan02
05/1/2015 at 6:11pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View VangoMan02's Profile View Profile   Reply to VangoMan02 Reply   Quote VangoMan02 Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3531
Tent Reviews:   7
Site Reviews Total: 21
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
I would agree that since digital changeover my status aerial seems to work better but not all the time, a bit hit and miss.
Probably due to prefering remote Scottish sites and to be honest if I don't get a decent signal with either, I am not really too bothered as we don't watch TV much anyway or we could just watch a DVD..if we need a fix

-------------
It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.


Advertisement

Handiworld


Personcheckley1973
05/1/2015 at 6:26pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We changed to aerial as we don't watch much tv and the kids were forever knocking the satellite dish out of line!!

The arial is fixed to the roof so out of their way and it's one less thing to set up in the rain, all can be done from inside.


Personjohnks
07/1/2015 at 9:56am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: None Entered View johnks's Profile View Profile   Reply to johnks Reply   Quote johnks Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1809
Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Our satellite went to the tip. Only use the Status aerial and when we go to France we don't want TV anyway.

-------------
John


Personbarney68
07/1/2015 at 12:41pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View barney68's Profile View Profile   Reply to barney68 Reply   Quote barney68 Quote  
Joined: 15/10/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   74
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 3
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
can I get Netflix on smart tv in caravan using my Netflix account

-------------
Barney


PersonRob12
07/1/2015 at 7:51pm
 Location: Kent
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman ES View Rob12's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob12 Reply   Quote Rob12 Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2007

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   577
Site Reviews Total: 8
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Used to use satellite, now have newer van and use aerial, seems to work well.


PersonJimmy1980
07/1/2015 at 8:02pm
 Location: Consett County Durham
 Outfit: Compass Rally GTE 5.0 View Jimmy1980's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jimmy1980 Reply   Quote Jimmy1980 Quote  
Joined: 08/5/2005

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   53
Site Reviews Total: 29
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thank you for all your replies! I tend to go to sites that aren't very remote so I think an aerial will suffice. I spent a lot of time this summer hiding the sky box away and adding a magic eye to make it all neat and tidy but I think I might get rid of this and move to just the aerial and will invest in a signal finder too.

Now to convince the better half that I "need" a new LED TV with built in free view.....that's the next challenge.


PersonThe 2 Tops
08/1/2015 at 12:02pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift Challenger Sport 524 VW Carave View The 2 Tops's Profile View Profile   Reply to The 2 Tops Reply   Quote The 2 Tops Quote  
Joined: 01/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4789
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We use a satellite dish for France, but I have now extended this for use in the UK. We have a Manhatten top box which has 300Gb recording facility, so I use a twin LNB. This allows us to record programmes we want to watch, and at a convenient time when we would normally be in the van. Thus our socialising and sight-seeing are not compromised.
Another advantage is, with the onboard TV aerial also connected, we can watch a live programme and record two others at the same time.
Bertie.

-------------
The 2 Tops



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

7515 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder