New Image Antennas Blog

Get the Most Out of Your Digital Antenna Installation

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:53:00 +0000

Antenna Installation for your digital TV may seem "old school" to some, however, a growing number of customers who know better are finding this to be necessary in getting the best experience from their digital TVs.

The slow but sure switch to digital TV broadcasting has eliminated most annoying picture distortions what we consider as snow or ghosting. This technology allows the TV reception to have the best quality, and if the highest quality isn't achieve, it will not display anything at all. With digital TV signals you will see either a crisp, ghost-free picture or no picture at all.

Since a lot of local and syndicated programming has not yet been crossed over to high-definition, it is typical for local stations to broadcast their digital signals in standard-definition during the day, then switch to full widescreen HDTV during primetime.

Below are some of the basic but crucial guidelines you should know when you are considering digital antenna installation:

Consider Using Outdoor Antennas

Indoor digital antennas are small antennas designed to be placed on top of or near your TV. Outdoor digital antennas on the other hand tend to be significantly larger and are intended for roof- or attic-mounting. Generally science would tell us that the larger an antenna's surface area is, the stronger the signal it will provide. The relative strength of the signal an outdoor antenna is much more effective than an indoor one. Indoor antennas would usually just enhance the functionality of your digital TV, but outdoor antennas will usually make a difference in quality.

Almost all outdoor antennas will perform better than even the best indoor antennas. Indoor antennas will usually be adversely affected by the walls of a house and even by movement of people in the room. Other household appliances such as fluorescent lights, computers and cordless phones will also pose as interference for an indoor antenna to be used to its fullest potential. Safety and ergonomics is another possible concern for indoor antennas.

Outdoor antenna installation although obviously would take more time than simply plugging in your indoor antenna, provides you with a sure and safe way to receive the best signal for your TV.

Consider Using Amplified Antennas

The best way to maximise your antenna installation is to make the most out of the signal your antenna is gathering. A good way to help antennas overcome size or height disadvantages is through the use of electronic amplification. Electronic amplification would also enhance the signal to your television. Most amplifiers can be built in, or it can be a separate device that installs in-line between the antenna and TV. Having an amplifier to supplement your antenna installation ensures that you have the top technology to receive the best signal for your digital TV.

These are just basic information that you should know regarding antenna installation. These however provide the necessary steps in helping you decide on crucial procedures to complete your digital viewing experience.

TV in Australia

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:15:00 +0000 - Here's a great ad that Foxtel was running a few years ago. It takes us on a journey through the years of Australians and television.

How things have changed. (thank goodness!)

How far back do you go?

Mind the TV Antenna

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:51:00 +0000 - It that time of the year again, when we get all excited about Christmas and the associated festivities.

For some, getting into the Christmas spirit means decorating a tree, wrapping presents and maybe going so far as singing carols in public.

Then there's the folks who like to express their Christmas spirit by decorating their house - or maybe that should read immersing their house, in the spirit of Christmas.

Check out the pics below, for some amazing decorations. And if you're keen to get involved - mind the antenna. And when it comes to taking down your creative work of art and you discover your antenna needs a little bit of love, you might need to give New Image Antennas a call to get it sorted!

Call the Antenn Guy

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:28:00 +0000 - We've all had situations with our TV's where the picture has been bad. Unfortunately, sods law says that this will generally happen when you really, really want to watch something - or worse when you're halfway through watching something.

Here's one way to fix the antenna and get a better picture - but you'd be better off to "call the antenna guy" instead. 1800 351 121.

Get a Better TV Picture

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:09:00 +0000 - Whether you've had your digital flat screen TV for a while, just purchased or thinking about purchasing one for Christmas, we could all do with some help when it comes to getting a great picture.

Here's some great advice on getting a decent picture from your TV:

• don't mount your TV above a fireplace
• turn down the lights
• adjusting brightness
• tweak the contrast
• adjust colour temperature

And don't forget, make sure you've got the right antenna solution. If that's something you need help with, don't hesitate to contact New Image Antennas 1800 351 121. 

Read the full article on how to improve your TV picture here.

The Latest TV From...Apple?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:03:00 +0000 - In a review of Apple guru Steve Jobs biography, the Washington Post indicates that Apple has been working on a new Apple TV.

Steve Jobs and Apple have brought us same amazing gadgets, all of which have had a major impacts on their competitors. From the first mac, through to the ipods in their various iterations, iphone and ipad, and now we might even see the Apple TV.

We have seen some impressive improvements in TV technology over the past few years, with the launch of widescreen TV's, HDTV, 3DTV and more recently interactive TV which offers internet connectivity. So what could possible be left?

Lets see if the smart cookies at Apple can come up with an answer!

The Coat Hanger HDTV Antenna

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:54:00 +0000 - As antenna specialists, we have a range of antenna solutions to suit everyone's needs. The result is the best picture possible, and from only $120!

Or, you can build your own, the coat hanger HDTV antenna!!

Why not call us 1800 351 121, we'll put up something a little more sophisticated.

Antenna Installation Tips

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:37:00 +0000 - We get asked all the time what should we be looking for when choosing an antenna system to get the best picture.

Here's a few things to consider:

1. the type of antenna
2. the type of mounting being used
3. what masthead amplifier is being used
4. quality of the cablilng and connectors being used
5. antenna positioning, taking into account reception in your area - is it weak or strong, are there physical barriers

There are a host of other things to consider, as well as considering installaiton health and safety - there's not much point in going to all the time and effort if you end up watching the footy from your hospital bed!

If it all seems too hard and you want the highest quality picture, then just give us a call. We can take care of your antenna solution, antenna installation is our specialty.

We'll take away the hassle and leave you with a great picture.

Finding a Great Tradie

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:22:00 +0000 - We're all busy living our lives day to day. So when we need some help from a tradesman to get something done around the house, and we havn't got the time to go through the yellow pages and phone 3 different businesses, how can we quickly find a RELIABLE tradie?

One of the best way is to use Google. Obvious of course, but I'm not just talking about the search engine, what I really mean is Google Places. You probably havn't paid much attention to the results you get when your type "electrician cranbourne".

But if you take a closer look at the types of results you get, it can actually save you time finding the right tradie for you, and get you one that comes highly recommended too!

At the top and side, you'll see businesses who are advertising on Google. These guys have services that match exactly what you're looking for. Below that you'll then get a mix of general listings, Google Places results, video, images etc etc.

By clicking on the Google Places heading or map that appears on the right hand side, you'll uncover a wealth of additional information that will help you quickly and easily find the right tradie for you.

For example, you'll see where they're located, a phone number & what other customers have thought of their service. And this is where the gold is. Because we're so busy, no longer do many of us talk to the neighbours in our street about a recommendation for a tradie. Now we can go online and review the ratings on Google Places, and quickly find the right tradie for your needs.

Find out more about Google Places http://www.google.com/places/

How Smart is Your TV?

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:07:00 +0000 - TV's used to be simple things. Kind of like a fish bowl sitting in a box, showing 4 channels and a couple of other ones that were usually covered in snow.

If you wanted to watch a different channel, you had to physically get out of the chair, turn a dial (did that thing inspire the ipod I wonder?) and find that channel you were looking for.

Now? Well, its so much easier. For starters, there's man's new best friend, the remote. And there's widescreen TV, surely the best thing to happen to the lounge since...well nothing really. On top of that we've got 3DTV, HD, cable TV, digital and the list goes on.

For those that love their computers as much as their TV's, you can put the two together and get the perfect marriage of internet and TV. Except that doing this bit can be pretty techy, and in spite of Apple's best intentions, its not always straight forward.

So now the big TV brands have invented a new kind of TV, the smart TV. It can do all of the usual cutting edge TV tricks that we've come to expect - HD, widescreen, remote etc. But now they've managed to squeeze in the internet as well. All out of the one box!

What do you get when you buy a smart TV. Basically its the best bits of the internet. You get a bunch of TV "apps", streamed content, web browsing, games and internet TV. Inernet TV is just TV content sent to your TV via the internet.

Why bother? Well, we used to have 4 channels. Then with cable it went to 50+ and digital TV added a few more. Now with the internet plugged in at the back, there's pretty much no limit - only the amount of time you have on the couch!

Stat - more than 24 hours of video are uploaded onto YouTube every minute!

If you need any help getting the best picture on your new smart TV, give us a call! Our experienced team will be only too happy to help with the right solution.

Its Footy Finals Time!

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:51:00 +0000 - How quickly footy finals roll around. This time its not the one day in September, but the one day in October. Or if you're a fan of one or the other rugb codes, there's 3 big finals to get excited about.

Aside from the AFL grand final, (does anyone think Collingwood will lose?) we've got the NRL (go Storm boys!) and the Rugby World Cup. (Wallabies anyone?)

As Roy & HG once said, too much sport is barely enough!

Smart retailers know where most men will want to be come finals time - parked in front of the largest screen possible with their beverage of choice.

So to help them in their quest for football glory, September (and this year it's October too) all the big names will be offering great deals on the lates and greatest, all with the aim of making that win (or loss) so much more enjoyable.

A quick scan online can help narrow down the options in terms of the model, size and features. Then get ready to do some serious bargaining, just make sure you can get your new baby delivered before The Big Day!

And if you need some help getting the best picture, give us a call, we can take care of all your antenna installation needs. Just make sure you get in early, we're expecting to be very busy!

Wierd Antennas

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:23:00 +0000 - At New Image Antennas we take pride in our work, something our many customers have complemented us on.

But just because we are extremely professional in what we do, backed by years of experience, equipment, training and endorsed as part of the government's digital TV installation scheme doesn't mean we don't like having a laugh.

Here's some weird and wacky antennas we came across. If any of these look like yours, you should give us a call!

Mobile Antenna

Antenna Art

This Picture's a Dog

GaGa Antenna

Using Social Media to Find Help

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:36:00 +0000 - Social media has exploded across our computer screens over the past few years. Sites like facebook, youtube, twitter, flickr and others have helped make being online more fun. We can keep up with what our friends are doing, where they've been and what they're thinking.


But these sites don't just give you an update on what Paris Hilton is having for breakfast, they can also provide a great (and fun) way to get recommendations for all sorts of things.


In the old days, we used to have a chat with the neighbour over the back fence for recommendations for a plumber, electrician or mechanic. Or we'd let our fingers do the talking, and look up the yellow pages.


Nowadays many of us are too busy to catch up with the neighbours, and the yellow pages are great for sitting the computer monitor on. Most of us will "google" it, or see what our "friends" are saying in places like facebook and twitter.


When it comes to getting a better picture, we at New Image Antennas know what we're talking about. We've been looking after Melbourne's antenna installation needs for some time, and over the years have helped many people get a better picture. Take a look at some of the feedback we've had on our antenna installations.

Soon you'll be able to find us on the major social media platforms. You'll be able to find out more about who we are, what we're doing and most importantly, ask us any questions you might have on antenna installation and how to get a better picture.


Stay tuned!

Freeview Digital TV

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:39:00 +0000 - Have you got Freeview? What is Freeview you may well ask. Well, according to www.Freeview.com.au, its the free digital television service, made up of all our free to view broadcasters including the ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten, and regional networks PRIME7, WIN Television and Southern Cross Television.


The aim of Freeview is to provide us with a broader range of digital TV, taking advantage of the digital technology by providing more channels and content.


Here's what the new range of digital TV channels offers


ABC2 - ABC2 Entertains pre-schoolers weekdays from 9am to 6pm and 6am to 6pm on weekends. In the evening, ABC2 provides contemporary, edgier adult programming including comedy, drama and documentaries from home and around the world.
ABC3 - A commercial-free, dedicated kids channel created for 6-12 year olds.
ABC News 24 - Offers 24 hour, commercial-free coverage of national and global breaking news.
SBS TWO - Australia’s multicultural digital channel providing more of the world’s best stories, more world film and drama, documentaries, international news and sport.
7TWO - Brings you the very best of British television, comedies and movies.
7mate - Offers first-run comedies, reality and movies for the guys. It’s man’s best friend.
GO! - An entertainment channel for the young and young at heart
GEM - A general entertainment and movie channel.
ONE - ONE offers premium sport, factual programs and movies, and action and adventure.
ELEVEN - A premium entertainment channel for the distinctly youthful.

In addition, SBS HD offers simulcast programming of SBS ONE in high definition (providing better picture and sound). 

Community TV 31 also broadcast in Melbourne, and you'll find some hidden gems on Ch31! 


So if you havn't gone digital yet, then this is what you're missing out on. Make the switch to digital, and you'll not only get a range of great new channels, but you'll also get a better viewing experience. 


If you need any help with your antenna system for a better digital TV solution, get in touch with Rick and the team at New Image Antennas. We have over 15 years experience and an approved antenna installer under the government's digital switchover scheme.

Freeview Digital TV

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:21:00 +0000 - Have you got Freeview? What is Freeview you may well ask. Well, according to www.Freeview.com.au, its the free digital television service, made up of all our free to view broadcasters including the ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten, and regional networks PRIME7, WIN Television and Southern Cross Television.


The aim of Freeview is to provide us with a broader range of digital TV, taking advantage of the digital technology by providing more channels and content.


Here's what the new range of digital TV channels offers


ABC2 - ABC2 Entertains pre-schoolers weekdays from 9am to 6pm and 6am to 6pm on weekends. In the evening, ABC2 provides contemporary, edgier adult programming including comedy, drama and documentaries from home and around the world.
ABC3 - A commercial-free, dedicated kids channel created for 6-12 year olds.
ABC News 24 - Offers 24 hour, commercial-free coverage of national and global breaking news.
SBS TWO - Australia’s multicultural digital channel providing more of the world’s best stories, more world film and drama, documentaries, international news and sport.
7TWO - Brings you the very best of British television, comedies and movies.
7mate - Offers first-run comedies, reality and movies for the guys. It’s man’s best friend.
GO! - An entertainment channel for the young and young at heart
GEM - A general entertainment and movie channel.
ONE - ONE offers premium sport, factual programs and movies, and action and adventure.
ELEVEN - A premium entertainment channel for the distinctly youthful.

In addition, SBS HD offers simulcast programming of SBS ONE in high definition (providing better picture and sound). 

Community TV 31 also broadcast in Melbourne, and you'll find some hidden gems on Ch31! 


So if you havn't gone digital yet, then this is what you're missing out on. Make the switch to digital, and you'll not only get a range of great new channels, but you'll also get a better viewing experience. 


If you need any help with your antenna system for a better digital TV solution, get in touch with Rick and the team at New Image Antennas. We have over 15 years experience and an approved antenna installer under the government's digital switchover scheme.

Get Ready for Digital TV - With an Endorsed Installer

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:33:00 +0000 - It's an exciting time for people who enjoy home based entertainment. There's a bigger range of bigger and better TV's than ever before, with what seems like new models coming out almost every day. When you add to that the whole home theatre experience as well as the amazing array of movies, sport and kids content available, staying at home has never been so much fun!

Unless of course you don't have a decent TV picture. If you have made or about to make the switch to digital TV, make sure you've got the best antenna system to do justice for your new purchase.


We advise that you get a fully qualified and experienced antenna expert to check over your antenna system. They'll look at the whole system, from floor to roof to make sure you get the best picture possible.


When choosing your antenna technician, make sure that they're endorsed as part of the government's Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme. You'll be dealing with someone who has the right know-how when it comes to installing antennas for digital TV.

New Image Antennas on YouTube!

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:55:00 +0000 - Among all those dancing cat videos, baby videos and wedding disaster videos on YouTube, you'll now find New Image Antennas!


Now let's be clear, we're not trying to compete with those categories, or any other category for that matter. We just thought it would be great if you could find out a little bit more about who we are and what we do.


When it comes to antenna installation, we know what it's all about. Our expertise and trained technicians are second to none. For all your antenna installation needs give us a call. 


Or check us out!

What happened to HDTV?

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:37:00 +0000 - According to a recent article in 'The Age', titled "Network Ten abandons AFL - the great Aussie high-def swindle" we're being dudded when it comes to being able to watch our favourite shows in high definition. (HD).


For sports fans in particular, the lack of HD live sports programming is about to get a whole lot worse with Channel 10 deciding not to bid for the next instalment of AFL rights.


What started off as a promise to provide a range of sports in crystal clear HD, the major free to air networks seem to be running away from HD. Why you might asks?


According to the article in "The Age", its all to do with pushing people to Foxtel. Foxtel have come out and said they'll be putting all AFL on HD, so in theory it provides a point of difference with the free to air channels.


Whether or not its the case, there is definitely room for more HD TV content. What do you think?

3D TV the Video

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:12:00 +0000 - Not so long ago we talked about where things were at with 3D TV. Is it the coolest toy on the block or will it be the TV equivalent of the beta max video?


Well, either way, we came across a pretty cool ad for a 3D TV. Check it out.


Sony 3D TV - The Showdown

Hang on to Your Antenna - Its Winter

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:59:00 +0000 - So far winter in Melbourne has given us the variety only a Melbourne winter can. We started off with some fairly cold weather, with the opening of the ski season in early June blessed with plenty of the white stuff. Then we had quite a mild stint, with some beautiful sunny and (relatively) mild days.

This week, however, the thermometer has headed south. Rain, wind and no sun means that we're all shivering and doing our best to keep warm. It's during these cold blasts, when scurry inside after work and school to keep warm and snug inside and sit back and watch some comfort TV - like Masterchef or the the footy.

Something not many of us think about, when we're trying to ignore the wind howling outside, is weather the antenna that's perched on the roof is going to make it through the cold blasts coming our way. Its the unsung hero of our cold winter evenings, standing outside in the wind and the rain, on top of the roof, doing its job without complaint.

That is, unless its getting a bit long in the tooth. Or it wasn't fitted properly in the first place. Or the wiring is a bit dodgy. Then you might no be quite so warm and snug. You might in fact be quite grumpy. There's nothing worse than sitting down of an evening to relax and instead of it snowing (well in Melbourne its more likely to be rain or hail) outside, you find that there's snow on your TV! Disaster!

What to do? Well, to make sure your winter evenings don't suffer this fate, and you think your antenna might be on the wrong side of its useful life, then it might pay to get a professional antenna installer in to give it a health check.

A professional installer will be able to give your antenna system a once over, and make sure everything's in shape from top to bottom. If you've recently upgrade your home TV system, then it might also be the perfect time to have your TV antenna system replaced with state of the art equipment that will do justice to your TV system.

Once you've had your antenna system checked out, you can sit back, let winter do its worst and be warm and comfortable in the knowledge that your antenna won't let you down.

Antenna Installation for Your New House

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:23:00 +0000 - Are you lucky enough to be building your dream home? Have you thought about making sure you've got the best TV reception, especially if your house has a home cinema.

As part of the joy, hard work and sometimes frustration of building your new home, its important to consider where and how many TV antenna points you'll have around the house. Like to watch Kochi in the morning? Then you'll need a TV antenna point in the kitchen. Kids like to watch their own shows? Then you'll need TV points in the bedrooms. Like to have an early night and watch some TV in bed? Then you'll need a TV antenna point in your bedroom too.

If you've considered all these details in building your home, then well done!

If not, then we at New Image Antennas can certainly help. Using our expertise and knowledge, we can provide straight forward advice on what you need when it comes to getting a great picture, no matter where you are in your home.

Once you've got your antenna points sorted, then the other thing to consider to make sure you get a great picture on your TV is your antenna. It is possible to install a new antenna yourself, provided you have the right equipment and are able to access your new home site in a safe manner. However for many new home builders, having the right equipment, knowing how to get the best reception and above all being as safe as possible is not easy.

Its important to install the right equipment for your building type and location, as well as using and installing cabling that is suited to your situation. There are a range of antenna solutions available, which can make the decision on what to use a difficult one. We recommend that you avoid the hassle of deciding on what solution to use in your new home, and seek out the services of professional antenna installers.

At New Image Antennas, we can provide you with expert advice on the right solution for your new home, ensuring that you get a great picture, no matter if you're in the kitchen, bedroom or home theatre with your friends.

With New Image, Kochi's never looked so good! Call us today for a free quote 1800 351 121.

Have You Considered a 3D TV?

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:58:00 +0000 -

3D TV is here. In the past few years, we've seen the rise of 3D movies, with the likes of Avatar and a host of kids movies that have reinvented the whole 3D experience. Remember Jaws 3D? Well 3D has finally arrived, and the experience is amazing. 

But what about 3D TV?

On the back of the success of 3D movies, and also the fact that most consumers have upgraded to a widescreen TV, manufacturers have been looking for the "next big thing". And they're betting on 3D TV. Imagine, that fantastic 3D experience right in your own home! 

So now 3D TV's are in your local store, but are we buying them? It seems that no one is really buying a 3D for the 3D experience alone. Rather, we're buying them in the hope that we're future proofing our TV, but it seems that we're not really using the 3D side of things all that much. 

The main reason is that there isn't that much to watch that's actually broadcast in 3D. What we'd really like to watch is movies and live sport in 3D, how amazing would that be? But unfortunately there's just not much viewing available to encourage us to put on our glasses. At the moment its pretty much limited to cartoons. 

As a result of the less than enthusiastic takeup of 3D TV's, manufacturers are looking to other technologies to drive new sales. This includes "smart TV's" that look to include internet content, such as You Tube, Twitter feeds and other social networking sites. Will this be the next big thing in TV's?

Only time will tell. Oh and by the way, don't right off 3D TV's either. I still want to watch the footy in 3D, someday!

A Better Picture with a Better Cable

Mon, 30 May 2011 11:51:00 +0000 - As a homeowner or renter, you may be able to get a better picture on your digital TV. One of the most important things to consider is the quality of your antenna and cabling.


Most antenna solutions should work after the digital switchover, but a few may need an upgrade. As an endorsed antenna installer under the federal government's digital TV switchover scheme, we can make a professional assessment of your TV antenna solution. 

If you live in an apartment block, you might find that your building needs to upgrade it antenna system to get a good digital TV picture. Often systems have been installed some time ago, and they may elements that are broken, corroded by the weather, outdated or made from inferior quality.

It pays to find out if your current TV antenna system is designed for the same band of operation that the digital TV broadcasts in the area will be transmitted on. For some systems, it will be best to upgrade because the new digital channels are in a new frequency or the antenna system is just too old or in bad condition and isn't receiving a good enough signal.

At New Image Antennas, we can assess the condition and readiness of your antenna system for the switchover to digital TV, and provide expert advice on the most appropriate solution for your building type. We have experience in repairing and installing antenna systems right across Melbourne. We also have great offers on new systems, helping you to get a great picture at a reasonable price.

If you're renting, we suggest before you get your antenna system checked by a professional antenna expert, get in touch with your landlord or their agent, as generally they are responsible for maintaining, repairing and installing antenna systems. 

If you're not sure or would like professional help from a government approved installer, contact us on 1800 351 121.

Federal Government Announces Digital TV Assistance

Mon, 30 May 2011 10:53:00 +0000 - A few days ago, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy provided an update on the government's household assistance scheme. The scheme was announced to help people in the switchover to digital TV, currently being rolled out across Australia.

According to the minister, the scheme has helped 40,000 households convert to digital television in the Mildura/Sunraysia region.

The aim of the scheme is to help householders switch to digital TV. In the 2011/12 federal budget, the goverment has allocated $308.8 million, clearly showing how serious it is taking the rollout of digital TV across Australia.

For most householders, the switchover to digital will be relatively straight forward, however for some, the change is more difficult. The scheme will, for eligible households, is to supply a high definition set top box, install it on the person's existing analog TV and also demonstrates how to use the equipment.

Whilst the scheme will help those eligible with the switch to digital TV, if you have found that you're not eligible for the scheme but would still like some help switching over to digital, give New Image Antennas a call and we'll work out the best, and most cost effective solution for you.

We are professional installers, endorsed as an Antenna Installer as part of the federal government's switchover to digital TV. Call Rick now and we'll help you with your digital TV, TV reception, antenna solutions and more 1800 351 121 or visit www.newimageantennas.com.au.

Finding a Quality TV Antenna Installer

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:18:00 +0000 - With many people upgrading their TV, either as a result of the national switch over to digital TV or simply because of the range and relative low cost of quality TV's available, the question to ask is whether your existing antenna is up for the job. 


What's the point of making an investment in a great TV, with all the promise of giving you a great TV experience if you're picture's no good? Not to mention if you've created the complete at home cinema experience, complete with surround sound and all the gadgets that make it a fantastic experience, the last thing you want is low quality picture or sound.


The next question then, is how to find a reputable, quality installer in your area. And also, what should you be looking for, to make sure the job's done right?


As with any purchase, the main thing you should do is ask lots of questions. The more questions you ask, backed with a little bit of information, can help you work out whether the installer you've chosen is able to do the job you need.


Watch out for installers who give you answers that don't make sense or those that are reluctant to answer your questions fully and completely. If this is the case, then you might want to think about talking to another installer, one who's qualified and endorsed as part of the government's switch to digital TV. Also, you don't ever have to feel pressured into choosing an installer. Qualified and professional installers will have your needs first and foremost in mind. After all, they're in it for the long haul, and aim to make sure every customer is 100% satisfied. A satisfied customer is more likely to recommend them to their family and friends.


Other things to consider include the length of guarantee for the service the provide, as well as the equipment they sell. A solid warranty will give you peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong, you'll get the full support of your professional installer. 

Recycling Your Old TV

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:51:00 +0000 -

As more and more people switch over to digital TV by upgrading from their existing TV, the next question to aks is, "What do I do with my old TV?"

Well, if you live in the Albury region, one solution, as reported by the ABC Murray Goulburn, is to take your old box to to the Albury-based recycling workshop. Here, Kalianna,  a not-for-profit organisation that supports people with a disability, will pull apart a range of electronics including TV's for a second life.

Employees at Kalianna recycle copper wiring, central processing units (CPU's), motherboards and most metals from televisions and computers.

The ABC report quotes Kalianna's supervisor, Ross Weeding: "People deliver their TV's to us and then the employees pull them to pieces, out of that we are able to recycle the wiring and everything else inside the television apart from the screens.

"Because of the heavy metals that are in the screens; led and mercury, we are unable to do anything with them here so we send them off to South Australia where they are recycled."

As there is a cost to send the screens over to South Australia for processing, you're charged a small fee of $10 to handover for TV's and $6 for computers. Not much really when you consider the benefits to the environment, and all money earned from recycling goes back into running the workshop.

"If you can get a tonne of CPU's that is worth $70,000, but you need a lot to make a tonne. That money is reinvested back into the workshop and we try to better the workshop and conditions for everybody here."

What a great way to manage the huge numbers of TV's we all see lying on nature strips. Reduces the amount of landfill, provides employment and income and minimises our impact on the environment.