Frequently Asked Questions
Who is New Image Antennas?
New Image Antennas is a Melbourne based company with more
than 18 years experience installing digital and analogue antenna
systems for residential and commercial purposes. We’re proud
of the fact that we are highly qualified and experienced in what
we do, using the latest technology and equipment to take care of
all your TV and radio reception issues.
What do you specialise in?
We’re specialists in fixing and installing a range of antenna
systems for residential and commercial applications. We can help you with all
your antenna related problems, including fixing reception issues, TV antenna
repairs, digital antenna installation, High Definition Set Top Boxes, UHF/VHF
aerials, antenna masts, cabling, boosters, amplifiers …pretty much anything
antenna system related! We also have A-Grade Electricians for all your Electrical requirements.
What areas do you service?
We service all Melbourne suburbs and surrounds.
How much does a new antenna cost?
There are a number of factors that determine what it would
cost to install a new antenna. We have some great specials starting
at $120. Contact us
today for a no obligation free quote.
TV RECEPTIONWhat’s causing my bad
TV reception?
It can sometimes be difficult to work out why you have bad
TV reception, and what to do to fix it. It also depends on whether
you have a digital or analogue TV. The main causes of bad TV reception
are: -
How far away you are from the broadcasting tower:
Your TV reception can be affected by how far away you are from
the transmitter. Generally, signal strength will reduce the further
away you are from the TV transmitter. With analogue TV, your
reception could be snowy – the further away you are the
snowier your picture gets. But with digital TV bad reception
can means that your picture breaks up and can fail altogether.
- Where you live:
The physical surroundings of where you live can affect your
TV reception. For example if there are tall buildings or
hills between you and your TV transmitter then this can
cause bad TV reception. You may also be living in a reception
black spot. If you use an indoor antenna it might be getting
interference from other electrical appliances nearby. You
can find out more about digital TV transmission quality
via the Department
of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy website.
- How good your antenna is: The
condition, age and quality of your antenna can play a big
part in getting good TV reception. If your antenna is sitting
on your roof, the constant exposure to the elements over
a period of time may affect how well it receives TV signals.
Also, over the past few years there have been improvements
in TV antenna technology, which means your current antenna
may not be up to scratch. The change to digital TV could
also mean that your existing antenna is not the best for
digital TV transmission.
As you can see, there can be a number of reasons why you’re
getting bad TV reception. It can be difficult to work out exactly
what the real cause is, so contact usif
you’re having trouble getting a decent picture on either
your analogue or digital TV.
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
I need a new antenna, how can you help?
At New Image Antennas, we have a quality range of Australian made antennas that
we can install for you, whether you live in a free standing house,
units or block of apartments. With more than 18 years experience
in repairing and installing antennas across Melbourne and beyond,
you can rest assured that we’ll install the right antenna for
you.
What about commercial antenna installations?
We are specialists in commercial antenna installations. Our experienced
technicians have installed antenna systems for a range of commercial
properties including hotels, retirement homes, clubs, resorts,
hospitals and large-scale residential and commercial property developments. Contact or
call us on 1800 351 121 to find out more about the commercial antenna
system installations we have done.
How long are your antennas guaranteed for?
All our antennas come with a lifetime
guarantee.
Is there a difference in antenna quality?
Yes, like everything, antennas vary in quality. We only
provide antennas of the highest quality, and they are all backed
by a lifetime guarantee. Not only do we use antennas of the highest
quality, but importantly we also make sure that the complete antenna
system, including all equipment and cabling is the best quality,
giving you the best possible TV picture.
Can my antenna be fixed instead of being replaced with a new one?
Sure, if we think that you’re antenna can be easily repaired
and give you a great picture, then it may not have to be replaced with a new
one. We have the experience and knowledge to work out whether your antenna
can be fixed, and the skills and tools to do the job properly.
Won’t I save money by installing a new antenna myself?
Not necessarily. Consider the amount of time you’ll need to
spend working out what’s the best antenna system for your building,
geographic area and TV type. Then there’s the time and cost
involved in getting up SAFELY on the roof to fit the antenna, run
the cabling and testing everything to make sure its all working fine.
We’ve heard of DIY antenna installers facing their antennas
in the wrong direction, breaking roof tiles whilst installing their
antenna and worst of all serious injuries as a result of falls.
At
New Image Antennas, we have the right equipment and years of experience
in installing antennas and making sure your antenna system is correctly
set up for your needs. We’ll save you time, cost
and hassle when it comes to professionally installing your new TV
antenna. Contact us
now for a free quote. DIGITAL TV
What is Digital TV?
Digital TV is a new way of delivering TV signals to your home. In
Australia, digital TV first started on 1 January 2001, alongside the existing
analogue broadcast. The analogue broadcast is progressively being switched
off around the country, so it’s important that you know when your analogue
service is being switched off to make sure you are “digital ready”.
You can find out when your analogue service will be switched off at the Government’s
Digital Ready website, found here.
What is the Digital Switchover?
The Department of Broadband,
Communications and the Digital Economy on behalf of the Australian
Government is managing the switchover from analogue TV to Digital
TV. Over the next few years the analogue transmission will be progressively
switched off, and the only TV broadcast available afterwards will
be digital. You can find out more about the switchover at www.digitalready.gov.au.
Will it cost anything to get Digital TV?
No, all of the free to air channels will be available for
free via digital transmission. There will also be a number of new
free to air digital TV channels available.
What are the benefits of Digital TV?
Digital TV provides a number of benefits, including better
picture and sound quality, reception as well being able to deliver
a range of new features such as widescreen, more channels and high
definition. You’ll also be able to get access to TV programme
information via an ‘Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and view
some TV programmes with multiple camera view and interactive services
such as internet content, shopping, games and more.
How Do I get Digital TV?
There are 2 ways you can get Digital TV:
1. Through your
existing analogue TV:
If you want to receive Digital TV through your existing analogue
TV, then you’ll need to get a digital set top box or digital
TV recorder. We can supply you with an appropriate set top box,
as well as help with installing it to give you crystal clear
digital TV.
2. Upgrade your TV to a set that has an inbuilt
digital TV tuner.
Most new TV’s sold in stores now are Digital TV ready.
Is there any assistance available from the Government?
Yes, there is assistance available for those on an Age Pension, Disability
Support Pension, receiving Carer Payments or Department of Veterans
Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement. To find out
more about the eligibility criteria and assistance available visit
the Are
You Ready for Digital TV website.
I use an internal antenna, will that be OK for Digital TV?
Possibly. If you’re currently using an indoor antenna, you
may need to upgrade to an external antenna, unless you’re in
an area of high signal strength.
I’ve got an outside antenna, will that do for Digital TV?
Our experience tells us that whilst some people will have antennas
that are suitable for Digital TV transmission, many people have antennas
that are old or need repairing and therefore may not be suitable for getting
a decent Digital TV reception. Get in touch with us and we can help you
work out if your current TV antenna is suitable for the best possible Digital
TV picture. Contact us
for a free quote.
What is the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme?
This is an Australian Government initiative as part of the
switchover to digital TV to ensure consumers have access to skilled
and endorsed digital antenna installers. As an endorsed antenna installer,
installers are required to meet minimum standards including:
- at least
one year’s experience as an installer
- have and know how to use
digital signal measurement equipment
- have minimum public liability
insurance of $5 million
The scheme is voluntary for antenna installers, and in order to
become an endorsed installer they must be assessed in working safely,
coaxial cabling, installing antennas and antenna installing equipment.
For commercial applications, installers are assessed on their
knowledge of installing complex systems as well as altering and
troubleshooting complex antenna systems.
Find out more about the
endorsement scheme at www.digitalready.gov.au/faqs.
Is New Image Antennas an endorsed installer?
Yes, we are endorsed
antenna installers under the Government’s scheme for both
domestic and commercial antenna installations
Where can I find out more about the switch to Digital TV?
The Government has set up a site specifically to help you
with the switchover to Digital TV. There’s a comprehensive
range of information and advice, covering when the switch will happen,
how to switch, why and more. Visit Are
you ready for digital TV? to find out more |