Summary

TV aerial and satellite dish work is a routine job for many general electricians and specialist aerial/satellite engineers. Understanding signal measurement, distribution methods, and planning constraints allows tradespeople to quote and deliver work correctly — without expensive call-backs from poor signal quality.

The UK TV system is entirely digital (Freeview via aerial) or satellite (Freesat/Sky). Analogue TV was switched off in 2012. The technical challenges are now digital-specific: signal level, signal quality (MER — Modulation Error Ratio), interference from 4G/5G mobile signals (700MHz LTE), and distribution losses in multi-point systems.

Key Facts

  • UK aerial standard — Yagi aerial, typically 10–18 element; group A, B, C/D, E, K or wideband depending on transmitter
  • Aerial groups — assigned by Ofcom to minimise interference between adjacent transmitters; using the wrong group aerial produces poor signal; always check the transmitter for the installation location at Freeview.co.uk
  • Signal level — typical TV aerial output: 50–70 dBµV; minimum usable at set-top box: 45 dBµV; too high (>90 dBµV) causes overloading
  • Signal quality (MER) — minimum for lock: 20 dB; target: 25–30 dB
  • 4G interference — 700MHz LTE causes interference at channels 48–68 (old UHF channels); use a 700MHz filter on the aerial downlead if this is causing pixelation or loss of channels
  • Cable — RG6-equivalent coaxial cable (CT100 or equivalent); low-loss for runs over 30m; avoid RG59 for new installations (higher loss)
  • F-type connectors — standard for satellite; compression type preferred over screw-on for reliability
  • IEC connectors — standard for UK terrestrial aerial connections at TVs
  • Passive splitter loss — 2-way splitter: 3.5dB loss per output; 4-way: 7dB; 8-way: 10.5dB; loss must be accounted for in signal budget
  • Active distribution amplifier — boosts signal before distribution; not a substitute for a good aerial and cable; amplifies noise as well as signal; use only when signal is adequate at the input
  • Masthead amplifier — mounted at the aerial mast head; amplifies signal at the highest SNR point (before cable losses); 12V DC power fed up the coax from the set-top box or a separate PSU; typical gain: 10–25dB
  • Satellite — Sky dish — 60cm or 80cm Zone 2 UK standard; LNB type must match receiver (single, twin, quad, octo for multiple receivers); Sky Q requires specific Sky LNBs
  • Satellite dish heading — Astra 28.2°E satellite: approximately 144° azimuth (south-south-east from UK), 28–30° elevation from South England
  • Planning (satellite dishes) — permitted development for residential dwellings; restrictions: max 100cm diameter, not on a chimney or wall facing a highway if on a flat roof, not on listed buildings or in Article 4 areas without consent

Quick Reference Table

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System Cable Type Max Run (No Amp) Signal Loss per Split
Freeview (aerial) CT100 coax 30–50m 3.5dB (2-way)
Sky/Freesat (satellite) CT100 coax 50–100m 3.5–4dB (per output)
CATV (cable) RG6 quad 100m+ —

Detailed Guidance

Aerial Selection

Always check the transmitter for the installation postcode at Freeview.co.uk or use the Digital UK coverage checker. Key parameters:

  • Transmitter name and group — this determines the aerial group you need
  • Signal strength/quality prediction — shows expected signal at the address; borderline areas may need high-gain aerial or mast mounting
  • LOS (line of sight) — trees, hills, or buildings between the property and transmitter can require repositioning the aerial

Common aerial groups and their frequency ranges:

  • Group A: 470–550 MHz (CH21–37)
  • Group B: 470–610 MHz (CH21–48)
  • Group C/D: 470–750 MHz (CH21–68)
  • Group E: 470–790 MHz (CH21–69)
  • Group K: 21–48 + CH53–68 (skip group)
  • Wideband: 470–790 MHz (full range; highest loss but works any transmitter)

Avoid 'cheapest aerial' purchases — a correctly grouped aerial is always more effective than a wideband aerial of equivalent quality. For difficult reception areas (edge of coverage, shadow areas), a high-gain 18+ element aerial mounted as high as possible on a 3m mast will outperform a wideband aerial at chimney height.

Multi-Point Distribution

For a property requiring TV signal at multiple locations (living room, bedrooms, study):

Option 1: Passive Distribution

  • Use a passive splitter (2/4/8-way)
  • Account for signal loss: 40dBµV input, 2-way split = 36.5dBµV per output; 4-way = 33dBµV; 8-way = 29.5dBµV
  • Adequate where input signal is strong (65+ dBµV); inadequate where signal is marginal

Option 2: Active Distribution Amplifier

  • Typically mounted at loft level near the aerial downlead entry point
  • Input: aerial coax; output: 4 or 8 outlets
  • Select based on gain and output level specifications; typical output: 95–100 dBµV total (split across outputs)
  • Powered by mains (transformer) or via DC injection from a TV set-top box (check compatibility)

Option 3: Masthead Amplifier + Passive Splitter

  • Best signal quality for marginal signal areas
  • Amplifier mounted at the aerial on the roof; amplifies signal at highest SNR point
  • DC power fed up the coax from the power supply unit (PSU) connected near the TV or at the amplifier entry point
  • Gain: 10–25dB; select gain based on cable lengths and number of splits

Satellite System Design

Single receiver: Standard 60cm dish, single LNB, single coax to receiver. Simple.

Multiple Sky or satellite receivers:

  • Sky Q main box: requires Sky Wideband LNB; uses two cables to the main box
  • Additional Sky Q Mini boxes: use internal wireless mesh (no additional cables usually needed)
  • Separate Freesat boxes: use standard quad LNB; one coax per receiver; up to 4 receivers
  • Multi-switch: for more than 4 satellite receivers, use an F5 or F9 switch (combining 4 LNB outputs and multiple TV aerial inputs)

Dish pointing: Use a satellite finder meter (or a compass + inclinometer) to initially aim the dish. Fine-tune using the signal meter on the receiver — aim for quality (MER) above signal level; a well-pointed dish on a clean LNB will always outperform a roughly pointed dish with high signal.

Planning Rules Summary

Terrestrial aerials: No planning permission required in most circumstances (permitted development under GPDO Schedule 2 Part 16).

Satellite dishes: Permitted development for most residential properties if:

  • Diameter ≤100cm (≤60cm in conservation areas/AONBs/National Parks)
  • Not on a listed building
  • Not more than 2 dishes on the property already
  • Not on a chimney or projecting above the highest part of the roof
  • Not on a wall or roof facing a highway if the installation would be clearly visible from the highway

Conservation areas: check with the local planning authority before installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The customer has pixelation on some Freeview channels but perfect picture on others — what is this?

Most likely 4G LTE interference (from mobile masts on 700MHz/800MHz frequencies) affecting the highest UHF channels (48–68). Fit a 4G/5G bandpass or bandstop filter at the aerial. These are readily available from aerial wholesalers (SLx, Signal, Labgear) at £15–40. Alternatively, it may be a marginal signal on specific multiplexes — use a signal meter (not just a strength indicator — measure quality/MER). The pixelation will correlate with weather (rain fade on borderline signals) or time of day (atmospheric ducting).

How high must a dish be mounted for planning compliance?

Planning rules don't specify a minimum height. The main restriction is: not above the highest part of the main roof (skyline), not on a chimney, and visible from highway (restricted in conservation areas). For signal quality, the dish should have clear line of sight to the south-south-east sky; trees or buildings to the south can block signal entirely. Raising the dish higher often helps avoid obstruction.

Does aerials/satellite installation need Part P notification?

No. Connection to a TV aerial or satellite system is not notifiable work under Part P. The only Part P-notifiable work is the electrical supply circuit feeding any active equipment (amplifiers, satellite modems) if it requires a new dedicated circuit. Spurs from existing circuits do not require notification.

Regulations & Standards

  • GPDO 2015 Schedule 2 Part 16 — Permitted Development rights for telecommunications; aerial and dish installation

  • CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) Codes of Practice — industry standard for installation; CAI-approved contractor status available

  • BS EN 50083 — Cable distribution systems for television signals and similar — overall standard

  • Freeview — Coverage Checker — transmitter and group lookup for any postcode

  • CAI — Aerial Installation Standards — Confederation of Aerial Industries guidance

  • Ofcom — Spectrum and Interference Information — 4G/5G interference and channel allocation information

  • data cabling — structured data and TV cabling for multi-room systems

  • socket circuits — Part P notification context for electrical supply to equipment

  • part r broadband — Part R broadband infrastructure requirements in new dwellings