We are Finchley Aerials and Satellites, based on Britannia Road, Finchley N12 9RU. With 25 years' experience, we give practical advice about keeping an existing installation useful. Around Ballards Lane, Regents Park Road and Victoria Park, we consider the building and its surroundings alongside the meter readings.
Tell us which rooms have lost reception
Before a visit, note whether the trouble affects every television or just one outlet. Try the correct TV input and, if available, a removable lead that works elsewhere. Please do not dismantle sockets or climb up to inspect the aerial. Leave repeated retuning until reception is restored; otherwise a receiver may simply store an empty channel list.
We ask whether the fault follows rainfall, gusts or switching on another appliance. Those observations help us choose a useful starting point without treating a telephone description as a diagnosis.
Why a good coverage area can still have bad reception
Crystal Palace is generally received well in Finchley, but that does not guarantee a clean feed at every house. Trees and taller buildings around the high road can interrupt reception at lower roof positions. We compare signal quality with the condition of your installation rather than assuming the neighbourhood needs a bigger aerial.
In an Edwardian semi, the aerial might still be serviceable while its cable has suffered through years of exposure. In a purpose-built flat, the problem may begin after the communal feed enters your home. Each needs a different repair.
Our aerial repair approach →Repairs in neighbouring Hendon →
Measurements that separate roof faults from room faults
We measure the individual broadcast groups, known as multiplexes, and compare readings before and after distribution equipment. Signal level alone is not enough: MER describes digital signal quality and BER indicates errors. Together they help locate where usable reception deteriorates.
If the incoming signal is clean but a bedroom socket performs poorly, we inspect that branch, its terminations and any splitter. If the loss is already present at the aerial feed, we investigate upstream. We explain the evidence and offer a fixed written quote for the repair we recommend.
Cables and connectors on inter-war houses
An exposed downlead can crack, letting moisture reach connectors or indoor equipment. We check the route as well as the wet end, because fitting a new plug alone leaves the source of water untouched. Where renewal is needed, we use screened WF100 coax and weatherproof external joints.
Extensions can leave a tangle of older branches beside newer wiring. We identify what is actually connected before removing redundant cable. Any replacement route is discussed with you, including entry holes, visible clips and how we protect internal finishes. We do not pull blindly through an unknown concealed run.
Power supplies, boosters and unnecessary gain
A masthead amplifier relies on power reaching it through the system. A failed supply can therefore make every set appear to have lost its aerial. We test that supply, its connections and the amplifier before deciding which part needs attention.
Extra amplification is not automatically helpful. Too much gain can overload equipment even where the television displays a strong signal. We also investigate mobile interference when the measurements suggest it, testing appropriate filtering rather than adding accessories on speculation. The aim is a stable, clean signal, not the highest number on a strength bar.
Mobile interference explained →Aerial repairs in Golders Green →
Making a moved aerial secure again
Wind-related breakup can involve a shifting mast, loose cable or a tired mounting. We inspect supports and accessible fixings before proposing realignment. A safe, sound aerial can often remain; damaged elements or corroded hardware may justify replacement.
We assess chimney condition and access separately from signal performance. Unsafe masonry needs the appropriate building repair, not another bracket fastened to it. For flats, we establish ownership and permissions before disturbing shared roof equipment. Tell us about locked access, side passages and parking restrictions when arranging the visit so we can plan the work sensibly.
Checking the repair and arranging a visit
After the agreed work, we remeasure the repaired feed and check the affected channels at the agreed outlets. We retune only when needed and show you the resulting picture and sound. If another branch remains outside the quoted work, we explain that clearly rather than suggesting the whole house has been tested.
Call 0800 206 2385 free, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm, or WhatsApp 07595 292534. Advice is free and same-day service is possible when the diary and access allow. On-site work continues until sunset where safe. You receive a clear price before work starts.