I have a small portable television and I want to get a FreeView DTT Set Top Box. I beleive the FreeView signal in my area is very good. I want to know if it is possible that the small loop aerial on the back of the portable TV will be enough to receive a good service. (Or do I have to have a larger/special aerial fitted?)

Gus, July 2004

the ring ariel is not strong enough, but u can get a mini portable ariel & booster, the mini arial don't even hav 2 b digital, but it helps!

Just Helpin u, November 2008

Yes it is possible, you either get it or you dont depends on the strength of the signal in your area, the better the strength the less need for some fancy new aerial.

Ian, January 2005

I use my set-top loop aerial with no problems, but it is on the side of the house nearest the transmitter and I have open fields to the rear. It's wideband (usually a requirement, depending on where you live) and gives almost as good a signal as my main loft aerial.

Some settop boxes (notably the Daewoo) have a good diagnostic screen showing signal strength and SNR. You need SNR > 16dB to work at all, preferable >20. I get 20-23 off my indoor aerial, maybe 2dB more from my loft aerial. I was one of the designers of the part of the receiver chips that are in many of the boxes currently for sale, so I know about these things!

My advice; borrow a box from a friend and try it. It won't need to be re-tuned if they live in the same area. Or go to Tescos and buy a Daewoo box for £55.. you can always take it back!

Colin S., November 2004

First check your post code for a coverage guide at http://www.freeview.co.uk/

An aerial installer will probably survey the quality/strength of a digital signal at your property for about £20-£30.

An wideband outside aerial designed for digital reception, is always recommended.

Sometimes you can get away with your existing analogue 'grouped' aerial if both the aerial and cable in good condition.

You may get 'some' coverage in a very strong reception area using an indoor aerial (as they are wideband) but it's likely you would get only partial coverage and very unstable reception. It's well worth the cost to put an outside aerial and to do the job properly.

Cobweb, September 2004

would recommend a proper out door aerial

ant, July 2004