JJ Lighting & Electrical - Home Electrical Centre

As we approach the Digital switchover in April, it has become apparent that unscrupulous people are willing to take advantage of the elderly or uninformed by making them pay for things they don’t need.

The most common “scam” or misconception is the need for a “Digital Aerial” and if you drive around looking at peoples roofs, you’ll see how many different shapes and sizes of aerial there are.

The fact is this – THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DIGITAL AERIAL

In fact, all you need is any aerial in the first place.  Correctly aligned with cables etc in decent order.  You could have an aerial 40 years old, and still pick up a beautiful digital signal when the switchover comes.

The best way to tell if you’re aerial is up to the task is simply to watch channels One to Five.  If you can pick all 5 up with a clear picture, then the chances are your aerial is perfectly fine.  If you have trouble getting any of the stations, your aerial may still be ok, but you might need to get it checked.

The disappointing thing is, I have heard instances of people receiving a knock at the door, or phone call from an Aerial company that is “in the area, offering to upgrade people to a digital aerial for a “discounted price”

Firstly this is totally unnecessary and is a scam; secondly, whilst the aerial they fit may pick up a beautiful digital aerial, you will be paying over the odds for something you may not need.  Even worse as you have no real idea of the company doing the work, you have no idea what damage they are doing to your roof whilst walking around up there.

So,  do not accept anybody’s word that you need a new aerial unless you already have issues with your TV reception,  and do not instruct anybody to do any work until you’ve have a second opinion.

We, at J.J’s recommend a trustworthy, reliable and reasonable aerial installed in the area, and in the 5 years we have known him, have not received a SINGLE complaint.

So, if you “think” you need a new aerial, and want an honest opinion, speak to

Kevin Cox at Parkview Aerials on

07973 601 035

And if you have any questions, feel free to call us at the shop.

Mook