Quick Aerial Question: Are cheap ebay TV aerials any good

[Zepnat]

Hi all, aerials are out of my field, just need someones opinion if tv aerials on ebay might have inflated gain/quality specs or not. thinking of getting something like this,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OUTDOOR-LOFT-48-ELEMENT-4G-READY-DIGITAL-FREEVIEW-TV-AERIAL-FULL-INSTALL-KIT-/300914106153?pt=UK_ConElec_TVAerials_RL&hash=item460fe0df29

and maybe this to set it up

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Freeview-Digital-Terrestrial-TV-Aerial-Alignment-Strength-Signal-Meter-DVB-T/161138035590?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33%26meid%3D3609949730648610323%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D1031%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D170634515126%26

[tom66]

The signal meter can be replaced by the information in the setup menu of most modern TVs.

[madires]

The signal meter can be replaced by the information in the setup menu of most modern TVs.

Very useful if you're standing on your roof and are trying to find the correct direction for the best signal.

[Zepnat]

Ah yes ofcourse a built in meter why didn't I think of that.. I've got plenty of free minutes on my mobile I'll just ask for a commentary while adjusting the aerial.. The last time we had a tv you simply adjusted the aerial for the clearest picture. Sigh...

[Monkeh]

That little signal meter is practically useless for digital applications.

As for the aerial, there's a great deal of guidance here: http://www.aerialsandtv.com/aerials.html

[chibiace]

i found the aerial type digital tv is pretty easy to tune just point the same way as your neighbours or in the general direction.

satellite dishes are a pain in the ass i tuned a couple and they were all of nothing, needed to be spot on.

[NiHaoMike]

It's possible to DIY one for the fraction of the price of buying one. You don't even need much RF knowledge as the balun and preamp (if needed) are off the shelf.

[madires]

That little signal meter is practically useless for digital applications.

I got one for satellites, tweaked it a little bit and it works a treat. I've installed a multi feed satellite dish (digital TV) for my sister and using that little meter was much better than shouting "better?". It saves a lot of time and hassle. 10 Euros spent well.