Many of the problems reported by customers turn out to be related to their previous antenna system or satellite installation. Getting the right signal is key to good TV reception.

We do not recommend fixed antennas as they rarely give good results.

Our installation tips for TV and satellite antennas. Here are our top tips for the best air/satellite TV installation:

• Purchase the correct Antenna for the transmitter in your area. A reference brand antenna of good quality will carry a quality guarantee of both performance and construction.

• Make sure it is securely mounted, properly aligned, and has the correct polarization (vertical or horizontal elements).

• Choose an antenna that includes a balun matching device if you live near a major road; will help reduce interference pickup from passing traffic.

• Mount the antenna outdoors and as high as possible. The UK television network is designed to be received on outside antennas. Attic antennas only work well if the signals are strong and the attic is clear. Certain roofing materials can make loft antennas much less effective and more susceptible to some types of interference. Wet tiles can make things even worse. Indoor antennas rarely work well unless you have a clear line of sight to the transmitter.

• Keep it well away, at least 75 cm from other antennas and metallic structures.

• Avoid going into nearby trees.

• Use the best quality cable you can for the drop cable (eg, satellite-quality dual-screen coaxial cable), secure it to the pole, and run it into the house so it doesn’t move in the breeze. Avoid sharp curves around corners and under tiles, etc., and keep them as short as practical. CAI* reference cables will carry a quality guarantee.

If your reception has deteriorated recently, check the following:

• If your antenna appears damaged or bent, it should be replaced.

• If your antenna appears to have moved but is not damaged, have it realigned and secured.

• If your drop cable looks cracked, feels wet, or turns green inside the plug, replace it.

• If your antenna is more than 10 years old, its performance may have decreased due to corrosion. This is common in coastal locations, where the effective lifetime of an antenna can be less than 10 years. Consider replacing it and the drop cable at the same time.

Most of the above also applies to the installation of satellites.

Satellite dishes can move if not properly secured, they can be damaged by wind and debris in exposed locations. Loose cables can move and eventually break.

For help with antennas and dishes, we recommend that you use a professional installer.