A broken picture does not automatically mean a broken aerial. Around Finchley, a corroded cable joint or tired amplifier can stop a perfectly serviceable aerial doing its job. We put a meter on the system before we recommend spending money. If a repair will restore reliable reception, we tell you.
We bring 25 years' experience to TV aerial installation across North London, from Victorian terraces in N12 to flats in N2, N6 and NW11. Call us free on 0800 206 2385, Mon–Sat 8am–7pm. We offer same-day service where possible and give you a fixed written quote before work starts.
First, we establish what you actually need
Tell us which channels break up, which rooms are affected and what changed before the trouble started. We check the incoming signal, cable, connections and distribution equipment. A loose plug behind one television needs a different answer from water running down the outside coax into every room's feed.
Take a typical N12 terrace call-out: the owner asks for a new aerial because the picture fails in rain. Our first checks are the exposed cable and joints. If testing finds water damage there and a clean signal at the aerial, we quote for the cable repair. That is how we approach the job.
Crystal Palace or Alexandra Palace? We check on site
Crystal Palace is the main transmitter we assess across Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon. The slopes around Muswell Hill, Highgate and Hampstead change the reception picture. Trees, neighbouring roofs and tall buildings all affect the signal reaching your particular mounting position. We measure there before choosing the aerial.
We also assess the Alexandra Palace relay where the location calls for it. A relay carries a smaller channel selection than Crystal Palace, so we explain what you will receive before agreeing the installation. We check direction, polarisation and individual multiplexes. Following the neighbour's aerial by eye is no substitute for those readings.
Loft aerial or roof aerial
We like a loft installation when the measurements support it. The aerial stays out of the weather and the roofline stays clear. We test with the aerial in its proposed position, allowing for roof tiles, water tanks and metalwork. Foil-backed insulation can block reception enough to rule the loft out.
A roof aerial gets above those obstacles and often gives us a cleaner signal. We inspect the fixing point before agreeing the position. Sound chimney lashings, a suitable mast and properly anchored wall brackets matter in North London's wind. We will explain access requirements and any need for scaffolding before work begins.
Standard aerial or high-gain aerial
A standard aerial is often enough where the available signal is clean. A high-gain model earns its place when the measurements show a benefit. It is larger, more directional and puts more load on the mounting. We choose it for a reception problem it can solve, never just because it looks impressive.
We measure signal level and quality, including MER and BER, across the relevant multiplexes. Those readings show decoding margin and errors that a television's strength bar misses. Excessive signal also causes trouble. We match the aerial and distribution equipment to the house, keeping unnecessary amplification out of the system.
Cable routes you agree before we drill
We discuss where the cable will run and which rooms need outlets. On Victorian terraces, that means looking at side returns, shared chimneys and old cable drops before reaching for the drill. We use WF100 screened coax for agreed replacement runs, with secure clips, sensible bends and weatherproof external connections.
We test existing cable before deciding whether to reuse it. For several televisions, we calculate distribution losses and choose the splitter or amplifier to suit. In mansion blocks, we establish whether your feed belongs to a communal system. We arrange authorised access through the managing agent before touching shared equipment.
4G and 5G interference: fit the filter in the right place
Mobile signals can overload an aerial amplifier or television tuner. We check for that during the survey. When filtering is needed, we fit a suitable 4G/5G filter ahead of the vulnerable equipment and remeasure the result. A filter fitted after an overloaded amplifier leaves the main problem in place.
We also check the basics: damaged screening, poor connectors and unsuitable amplifiers. Buying a booster or filter at random adds another unknown to the installation. Our aim is a clean feed at every agreed socket, with only the equipment needed to deliver it. We show you the result before leaving.
Your installation, from survey to working television
We survey reception and access, explain the choices and give you a clear price before work starts. We agree the mounting position, cable route and number of outlets in writing. Tell us about landlord restrictions, listed status or conservation requirements at booking so we can plan the visit properly.
After installation, we test every included outlet and check the televisions available on the day. We tune Freeview once the signal is stable, confirm the expected channels and explain the equipment we have fitted. We also make clear which existing components remain and explain the guarantee applying to the agreed work.
Book us in Finchley and across North London
We cover Finchley, Muswell Hill, Hampstead, Highgate, Golders Green, Hendon and Colindale. Give us your postcode, property type and the number of televisions you want connected. Photos of the existing aerial and accessible cable route help us prepare. Keep both feet on the ground when taking them.
Call free on 0800 206 2385, Mon–Sat 8am–7pm. Ask about same-day service where possible. Roof work needs safe access and suitable weather; we explain any scheduling issue directly. You get a fixed written quote and a straightforward answer about whether your home needs repair, replacement or a new installation.