Do I Need a New Aerial for Freeview?
If you've got an old aerial on your roof, you might be wondering if it still works with modern Freeview. The good news? You probably don't need a new aerial - but there are times when upgrading makes sense. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick Answer
Most old aerials work fine with Freeview. There's no such thing as a special "digital aerial" - all TV aerials receive the same UHF signals. The main question is whether your aerial is in good enough condition to receive a reliable signal. If you're getting all channels clearly, your aerial is fine.
The Truth About "Digital" Aerials
Here's something the TV aerial industry doesn't always tell you: there's no technical difference between an analogue and digital aerial. It's largely a marketing term.
How TV Aerials Actually Work
All TV aerials - old and new - receive UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio waves. Whether those waves carry analogue or digital signals, the aerial works the same way. A quality aerial from 1990 can receive Freeview just as well as one bought yesterday, provided it's in good condition.
That said, modern aerials are generally better designed with:
- Wideband reception - Works across all Freeview frequencies
- Better weather resistance - Modern materials last longer
- Improved interference rejection - Less affected by 4G/5G signals
- Higher gain options - Better for weak signal areas
Signs Your Existing Aerial is Fine
- You receive all Freeview channels (70+)
- Picture is clear without pixelation
- Signal stays stable in bad weather
- Aerial looks intact from ground level
- It's less than 15 years old
- Missing channels even after retuning
- Frequent pixelation or freezing
- Signal drops in wind or rain
- Visible damage, rust, or broken elements
- Aerial is over 20 years old
How to Test If Your Aerial Works with Freeview
Follow these simple steps to check if your existing aerial is receiving Freeview properly:
Run a Full Channel Scan
Go to your TV's settings menu and run an automatic channel scan. This searches for all available Freeview channels. You should find 70+ channels if your aerial is working well.
Check the Main Channels
Flick through BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. These should all be crystal clear. Also check their HD versions if available in your area.
Check Signal Strength
Most TVs show signal strength in the settings or by pressing the info button. Look for "Signal Quality" above 50% and "Signal Strength" above 60%. Below these levels suggests aerial issues.
Visual Inspection
Look at your aerial from ground level. Check it's pointing in the same direction as neighbours, appears upright (not tilted), and you can't see obvious damage like broken elements or rust.
When You Should Replace Your Aerial
Even if an old aerial technically works, there are situations where replacing it makes sense:
- Aerials over 15-20 years old deteriorate
- Plastic parts become brittle and crack
- Metal elements corrode and lose efficiency
- Old coaxial cables degrade over time
- Connections become loose or corroded
- Older aerials lack 4G/5G filtering
- Mobile signals can disrupt Freeview
- New aerials have built-in filters
- We can add filters to existing aerials
- Problem worse near phone masts
Storm Damage Warning
If your aerial has been through recent storms, it may have moved out of alignment or suffered invisible damage. Even small movements can significantly affect digital reception. We offer free signal checks to assess storm damage.
Types of TV Aerials Explained
If you do need a new aerial, here are the main types available:
Perfect for most Bedford homes. Receives all Freeview frequencies with built-in 4G/5G filtering. Suitable for areas with good signal strength.
Best for: Most propertiesLarger aerial with more elements for weak signal areas. Essential for properties far from the transmitter, in valleys, or with obstructions.
Best for: Rural areas, weak signalInstalled inside your loft rather than on the roof. Lower cost and protected from weather, but only works in strong signal areas as roof tiles reduce signal by 50%.
Best for: Flats, strong signal areasFrequently Asked Questions
No. Any aerial that receives standard Freeview will also receive Freeview HD - they use the same frequencies. You just need a TV or box that supports HD decoding.
Probably yes. While it may still work, a 30-year-old aerial has likely deteriorated significantly. Modern aerials perform better, have 4G/5G filtering, and come with a 10-year warranty. Replacement costs from £89.
Indoor aerials only work reliably in very strong signal areas close to the transmitter. In Bedford, most homes are better suited to a roof or loft aerial. We can test your signal to advise.
Not Sure If You Need a New Aerial?
We offer free signal checks across Bedford. We'll test your existing aerial and honestly tell you if it needs replacing - no pressure, no sales tactics.