We measure first, explain what the numbers show and quote clearly in writing. Many faults turn out to be a lead, a splitter or a setting rather than a new aerial.
Reflections from the new blocks
Apartment schemes near Tally Ho Corner are tall and solid, and they bounce television signal. An older aerial can pick up the reflection as well as the direct signal, causing reception problems. On digital Freeview this generally appears as blocks, freezes or lost sound, not the offset ghost image associated with analogue television.
Buildings alone do not prove the cause. We compare the received broadcast groups and assess the existing mounting position before attributing the fault to reflected signals. We check aerial direction and type, and consider a more directional model where that cleans up the picture. A booster rarely helps with reflections.
Inter-war semis and their loft aerials
Many N12 semis have a loft aerial installed to avoid the roof. It works well until the roof is re-covered with foil-backed felt or a loft conversion adds insulation and boarding. After either, signal can drop noticeably.
We test with the aerial in place and compare with a roof-level reading, then explain the practical choices. A different loft position may suffice, while some roofs require an external aerial. We agree the proposal before changing the installation and check all the agreed outlets afterwards.
Flat conversions and hidden splitters
Houses split into flats often share an aerial, with a distribution box in a hallway cupboard. One flat losing a channel may be down to a loose connector rather than a building-wide fault.
Ask other residents which named channels are affected, rather than only whether their television works. Several services share each multiplex, so matching symptoms help narrow down the investigation. We trace the branch to your socket, tell you who owns what and arrange permission for anything shared.
Why a retune went wrong
A common call: the television was retuned during a bad-signal moment and now half the list is gone. Scanning without a stable feed stores whatever it can see, which may be very little.
We restore a clean signal, retune with the right region, remove duplicates and check that numbers and the guide line up. Manual tuning can select the intended broadcast frequencies where the receiver supports it; it cannot recover programmes from an absent signal. We also check reported transmitter engineering before treating a wider outage as a fault inside your home.
HD channels and tuner limits
If HD channels are missing, we check whether the set has a DVB-T2 tuner. If it does not, no aerial upgrade will add one. A small external receiver may be the sensible answer.
If the tuner is fine, we measure the HD multiplex at the socket and follow the fault back along the cable.
Long garden routes around Woodside Park
Woodside Park houses often have longer cable runs from aerial to rear rooms, and mature trees nearby. Old cable ages in sunlight and damp, and tree movement can loosen connections.
We inspect exposed sections for damage and compare readings at both ends where accessible. If renewal is needed, we agree a screened cable route and secure it neatly. We take particular care around conservatories and extensions, which may restrict safe access to the original wall. Please mention these when arranging the visit.
Freeview Play and your router
Aerial channels and catch-up are separate. We connect the television to your network, check updates and test a supported app. If the router is a long way away, we say whether a wired link or a better-placed access point would help.
You enter your own passwords. We demonstrate how to return from an app to ordinary live television, so the two systems do not become confusing. A broadband failure may interrupt catch-up while aerial-delivered channels continue working normally. Supported services and software availability depend on the television model.
Local, quick and clear
Call 0800 206 2385 free or WhatsApp 07595 292534 with your N12 postcode, the TV model and the channels you have lost. We work Mon-Sat 8am-7pm, outdoors until sunset, with same-day service where possible.
Finchley Aerials and Satellites is at Britannia Road, Finchley N12 9RU, with 25 years' experience. Advice is free and you get a clear price before work starts. Keep both the television remote and any recorder remote available. If you want recording checked, tell us beforehand so we can include tuning, a short test recording and playback in the agreed appointment.