Aerial Installation


how to terminate a coaxial cable
Here in AB Aerials world, we’re always trying to find ways for our customers to save a few quid as well as protect them from some of the rogues that lurk in nooks and crannies that are hungry to exploit unwitting folk!!

With this in mind, I want to push Mr and Mrs Customer of AB Aerials slightly out of their comfort zone because a common nuisance I hear is that “I’m not savvy with technology” or “I’ll leave it for the grandkids to sort out as they know how to do it”. This mindset leaves them wide open to vulnerability and to be taken advantage.

What’s that saying? Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Well AB Aerials is here to provide the rod and tackle!!

A common issue of loss of signal is that the plug at the end of the aerial/satellite cable has come away and the connection has been interrupted. It’s a very simple procedure to rectify and not one to be afraid.

 

The diagram below shows the various stages of stripping a cable and the two most common types of plugs that can be fitted at the end of the pre-terminated cable. The only tools you need are a Stanley Knife and a pair of cutters!

how to terminate a coaxial cable

How to terminate a coaxial cable and improve your signal issues.

The process is as follows and should take about 30 seconds

1.     Cut the cable to length –mind you fingers

2.     Strip the outer casing to a length of about 2.5 cms (an inch) to reveal a braided mesh and a metallic foil/shield which help to protect the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI) – mind your fingers

3.     Remove the foil and push the braiding down to the start of the outer casing. A white /clear insulation layer can be seen – mind your fingers

4.     Strip the insulating layer to reveal about 1.5cms of the copper conductor – mind your fingers

5.     Screw either the coax pug or F connector on the end of the cable ensuring that none of the braiding touches the copper element.

If this can be mastered there’s the saving of not having to pay for a call out, negating the chances of being “ripped off” and having the deep, deep satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done something for yourself. Anyway, if it all goes belly up call me and be safe in the knowledge you’ll get the job done properly at a reasonable cost!!

For more troubleshooting, how to, buyers advice and more useful info about your aerial, satellite and CCTV solutions, be sure to check out our blog!


sheffield aerial installation

A time for reflections and plans for a happy 2019…

As a small business owner, I am constantly evaluating turnover, expenditure, potential savings, market growth etc. In other words how much money I can make. And why not? Money buys the creature comforts we take for granted but it can have an overwhelmingly negative influence on our behaviour and sometimes blinds us to what is really important in life and take precedence over compassion, empathy and altruism in business.

So now that the festive period is upon us it has prompted me to take stock and reflect on the work I have carried out for charities and businesses over the years that prioritise the above values over profit. It’s not all about the money. Like a lot of people as an individual I make monthly donations to various charities, plonk some spare change in the charity pot next to the till and buy the Big Issue from a vender as I walk ironically in to John Lewis. But my impact as an individual is negligible particularly when compared to three organisations I want to highlight in this piece which have used AB Aerials for the services we provide and have had a tangible influence on the lives of people far less fortunate than myself.

At the end of the blog, I have included links whereby people can make donations to each of the bodies I will mention below.

The first organisation I would like to bring to the attention of the blogging world is Choice Housing Limited. Choice Housing Limited which is an independent housing association and a Not-For-Profit Organisation that was set up in 2004 by Robert Mellors.  They are based in North Nottinghamshire, but have properties in various locations around the country, with the majority in Sheffield and Worksop and offer a range of self-contained family homes and supported shared accommodation for single people. In addition to letting properties, Choice Housing Ltd also offers support to its residents in the areas of welfare benefits, debt management, employment, health, and housing.  This support is offered to all residents free of charge, regardless of their income.

 

I first met Robert in 2014 in a not so salubrious are of Sheffield to carry out a fairly big domestic aerial and satellite job. I initially internally queried why anybody would want to take on such a thank less task, in my naive eyes, having to deal with the general maintenance and upkeep of such properties and deal with the issues of tenants on low income or on benefits. It wasn’t until earlier this year I found out why Robert established such a business. He had been homeless for a period of time a number of years ago and had been through similar experiences which genuinely shocked me as I would have never have guessed it as he appeared to be a well rounded, intelligent and articulate man running several successful businesses. Eventually, he had managed to overcome his demons and dedicated himself to improving lives and helping others who were down on their luck for whatever reason.

This was an epiphany for me and I was truly humbled by and Robert’s history and his continuing efforts.

The second organisation I have had dealings with ever since the first inception of AB Aerials is a charity called Roundabout based in Sheffield and is a local youth housing charity, providing shelter, support and life skills to young people. They provide emergency accommodation for homeless young people and support young people to live independently in secure bedsits and in shared housing throughout the city. Roundabout also offers young people a comprehensive programme of training and involvement which breaks the cycle of homelessness and develops long-term independent living skills.

When carrying out the work they send through I often come in to contact with the young people they deal with (aged between 16 and 25) who are more or less the same age as my kids but come from totally different backgrounds and have been presented with fewer opportunities and certainly seen less love. Roundabout offers assistance, advice and all manner of support something that they probably have never been previously exposed and give a vulnerable section of society a “leg up” and a chance to improve their lives.

I have a great respect and rapport with the staff at Roundabout and they in turn have kindly contributed to video testimonials in relation to the work I have done for them which can be found on the AB Aerials website (www.ab-aerials.co.uk).

The third and final organisation I have worked with since 2015 is a charity called Ashaiana who work with Black, Asian and refugee adults and children dealing with forced marriages, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, gang violence and honour based violence.

I suppose I have led a relatively sheltered life and never been exposed to the issues mentioned above but as a fully paid up member of the human race I can’t help be struck by the inhumanity that has led to the establishment of such a charity. What further shame there is for me as a man is that the crimes perpetrated are by men and that women need protecting from them and their distorted agendas. I have had to fit CCTV systems and microphones on hostels and supported accommodation for the gathering of evidence to prosecute men who have tried to gain access to cause physical or mental harm to women and children. How sad in one way but how good it is that Ashiana exist to take care and protect and house these often scared women and children

Next steps for supporting local charitable causes…

If you would lie to make a donation to any or all of the above organisations please do so from the following links

1.     Choice Housing Limited – http://choicehousingltd.org/choice-activities/4588647145

2.     Roundabout – http://www.roundabouthomeless.org/donate

3.     Ashiana – http://www.roundabouthomeless.org

AB Aerials wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Peaceful New Year


How to out smart the shops! When is the best time to buy a TV?

How to outsmart the shops – when is the best time buy a TV

Fancy a shiny new screen in time for all that Christmas telly? There’s probably not a better time price wise to grab yourself a new TV than in the run up to the festive season. If you’re in the market for a new TV the good news is that they are one of the more predictably priced products.

Most TV’s are launched between April and June and tend to reach their lowest price 8 months afterwards, which conveniently fits in to Black Friday and Christmas sales.  Prices can drop rapidly and significantly.  Take the LG43UJ630V. Its price varied between £549 and £319 across the year at Amazon alone.  At Currys PC World it dropped from a maximum of £629 to £328. The biggest drops were throughout the summer, so you might want to avoid buying a newly launched model at this time.

The four major TV brands LG, Samsung, SONY and Panasonic, usually refresh their TV line ups each year, primarily launching new models each spring.  These TV’s usually carry their highest price at launch, but as time goes by that price will drop. Once you get around to November the price will start to level out. The figures are likely to fluctuate in the months that follow, depending on specific promotions, but will typically be considerably lower than the launch price until that TV reaches the end of its life – usually in the spring or early summer, and the process starts again.

The bottom line is that if you’re looking to buy a TV don’t buy one too close to its market launch.  Wait until Black Friday and onwards – but don’t panic buy.  Prices are likely to stay as low as this in to the New Year and beyond.

 

For additional information on when to buy TV’s and the best TV’s to buy check out my earlier blog “Best TV’s of 2018”.

Aerial & Satellite installation in Sheffield: The region’s leading choice!

We are 5-star rated aerial and satellite installation engineers based in Sheffield. Our customer service and quality of installation is what has built out reputation and we are proud to be the best. Need a new aerial installation, satellite or home CCTV solution? Contact us for a no quibble chat about your requirements!


best tv of 2018

Our 2018 best TVs of the year – a buying guide!

Looking to improve your viewing pleasure at home? We have seen a lot of options over the past year. Our best TVs of 2018 are here!

It’s that time of year when Christmas creeps up at a slow but inevitable pace and thoughts turn to presents, mince pies and arguments over what to watch on the telly. Family harmony is paramount so with an eye on keeping the teenagers occupied with Netflix on a large screen upstairs and Dad happy with Boxing day footy, AB Aerials are happy to help with an offering of the best  TVs from this year. But before we get stuck in to the smorgasbord of electronics delights it’s worth noting that you can save a few quid by trawling the depths of Gumtree, Amazon and the like for 2017 models where huge savings can be made.

For instance, the LG OLED55B7V was selling at a wallet withering £3,000 when new but 12 months later could be picked up at £1,299.  Same with the Panasonic TX-55EZ952B which slapped the new buyer in the face at £3,499 but dropped to £1,499 this year. You have to get in quick though.  Just like the Mission Impossible tape they will metaphorically self-destruct after a year never to be seen again.  Bye, bye.

2018 options for brilliant telly

Back to the future. According to WHICH? Consumer magazine, LG, Samsung, and SONY have sped out of the blocks producing the popular and value for money products whilst Panasonic have been slow to respond. But was has become apparent is that large TV’s are more common than ever and that smaller screen i.e. 43” and less are being sent to the big TV recycling plant in the sky. So if you’re thinking of incorporating a petite TV into that fitted wardrobe you’re planning I’d think again unless your bedroom is one of the larger ones in the Palais de Versailles.

New features for 2018 are voice commands which will replace remote controls but this won’t happen any time soon but like death, the change will inevitably come and having worm your way under the couch and fish the hand set out from a mountain of dog hair will be a thing of the past.  Having to actually type using on-screen keyboards will be a footnote of TV history and some TV’s can act as SMART Hubs so that control of the lighting, heating etc can be done from the TV (see reviews at which.co.uk/TVs). High dynamic range (HDR) standards have improved from one HDR format (HDR10) to four others so the imagery could look better but the HDR technology can’t change a bad TV in to a good one.

On to the reviews.  A selection has been made taken from the Which? Tests carried out this month (September 2018)

Size (inches) Model Pros Cons Price (£)
32 LG32LK6100PLB Great HD SD images Feeble sound 349
43 LG43UK6950PLB Sharp video Full sound Menu slow 499
43 LG43UK6300PLB Detailed pictures Balanced sound Poor remote control 379
43 LG436500PLA Sharp detailed picture Menu slow 499
49 LG49K8500KLA star buy Great sound and visual detail Colours too rich 999
49 Samsung UE49NU8000 Crisp picture voice search features Unbalanced sound 849
49 KG49UK7550PLA Excellent sound and remote Colours are cold 749
55 LGOLED55C8PLA star buy Stunning sound and detail Menus too long to load 2499
55 SonyKD55AF8BU star buy Superb sound and deep detailed blacks Busy remote 2399
55 SamsungQE55Q7FN star buy Great sound vivid picture Fiddly remote 1799
55 SamsunGUE55NU8500 star buy Vibrant screen nice sound Awkward remote 1249
65 LG65SK8500PLA star buy Glorious sound detailed picture fantastic remote Colours lean towards yellow 1999
65 SamsungQE65Q9FN Excellent contrast and colours Unintuitive remote 2499
65 SamsungUE65NU8000 star buy Natural sound sharp picture Colours too warm 1499

The best performing TV ‘start from £999 and the “go-to” recommendation is the LGOLED55C8PLA for its great pictures and sound quality and two tuners (terrestrial and satellite) mean that 100’s of free channels can be accessed with an easy to use remote control.  AB Aerials can’t find a single reason not to recommend this TV.

best tv of 2018

TV Wall Mounting service in Sheffield provided by AB Aerials

once you have sourced your awesome new TV, you may wish to consider wall mounting the amazing piece of kit to improve your viewing pleasure. AB Aerials offer this service and are able to provide a quick quote with 5-star rated service. Check out the TV Wall Mounting page or contact us for a quick quote!

Aerial & Satellite installation in Sheffield

We are the region’s best installation team for TV aerials and satellites, providing peace of mind and a massive improvement to your viewing pleasure and home entertainment experience.

Don’t just take our word for it – check out this great article showcasing some of our fantastic customers who were kind enough to welcome us back to their home to offer their feedback on the AB Aerials service and quality!

Be sure to check out our range of services and contact us for a no quibble conversation about your requirement.

Aerial Installation

Satellite Installation

 


the best aerial, satellite and CCTV installer in Sheffield

The best aerial installation, satellite installation and CCTV installation team in Sheffield?

Well, it’s AB Aerials of course!

But don’t take our word for it! We were thankful to be invited back by our customers who share their stories about the excellent customer service, product knowledge and quality workmanship that goes into every AB Aerials installation!

Satellite installation in Sheffield – A delighted customer!

This happy customer in Sheffield was delighted with his satellite installation and configuration. The homeowner wanted to watch football from abroad and with our help, he can now enjoy his favourite sports directly through his satellite! Check out our satellite installation pages for more information on this service.

Aerial installation in Sheffield – a testimonial from a repeat customer.

This customer was thrilled to invite us back to her home after successfully installing a new aerial in the property. We have returned again to offer new services for her home to ensure maximum enjoyment of her TV and AV equipment, along with home security, through the means of CCTV installation on the property.

The benefits of CCTV installation – why you could consider a CCTV installation at your property.

A secure home is a happy home, and it is becoming more frequent that we get requests for CCTV installation across the Sheffield region. This homeowner was delighted with our service and the added peace of mind a well equipped and modern CCTV installation can bring to the home. Are you considering a CCTV installation on your property? Then don’t leave the site without checking out our CCTV installation page!

 

The best CCTV, Aerial & Satellite installation company in Sheffield.

These are just a selection of our hundreds of delighted customers across the Sheffield region. You can see more of our 5-Star Google rated reviews over on the review page, which we are proud to say puts us up there with the best for customer service, quality and delivery.

Customer Reviews

Contact us today to see how we can help you get more enjoyment from your property!


aerial installation value for money

Getting value for money from your aerial, satellite and CCTV installation

A helpful guide before choosing your installation

affordable aerial installationAs once warbled from a red-headed Manchester crooner in the mid 1980’s – “Money’s too tight mention” (Millennials looking blanked faced no doubt). Well, it’s true, so you don’t want to be easily parted from it and that’s a given. We at AB Aerials want to walk away from a job like the Sure deodorant advert – smelling of roses, confident (that the customer is happy) and with a big tick of satisfaction next to our name. Think I’m feeling slightly nauseous after those terrible analogies…

aerial installation with leading customer serviceSo what do you get for your money when you work with AB Aerials?

  • An initial contact giving free and no obligation advice (no one likes a cold sell) in relation to which product or service best suits you
  • A free call out service to carry out a survey or fault diagnosis from a City & Guilds qualified engineer
  • Great value prices
  • Easy payment methods
  • After sales service to help you through any queries you might have

The bottom line, of course, is how much is the work going to cost? So at the risk of bearing all to my competitors, the breakdown is thus:

  • A new aerial supplied and fitted (including aerial, mast, brackets and cable) to receive Freeview start from £95
  • Additional rooms start from £35 per room
  • A new satellite system supplied and fitted (including satellite dish, LNB, brackets and cable) to receive Freesat or SKY start from £95
  • TV wall mount service starts from £65
  • Single camera CCTV system start fro £395
  • A basic wireless alarm system from £545

All this seems remarkably reasonable and there’s no VAT to pay – so there’s a 20% saving for starters. Other services are available such as repair and relocation work as well as HDMI distribution around the home. The costs of such services are dependent on a site survey to accurately price. Agreed it’s not just about the money it’s about “everything” to do with the sale such as the service, the added value, the quality of workmanship so check out these blogs which outlines AB Aerials best practice

Which Trusted Trader Should I Go For?

Don’t Pay For A Bicycle And Expect A Rolls Royce! Getting Value For Money From New Aerial Installation

For a more detailed explanation of what we do please visit the relevant services page relating to aerial installation, satellite installation,  and CCTV installation. To see how we do and check out what our customers think of us visit the 5-star reviews page. Also there are a ton of helpful blogs giving advice on all things televisual and more.

We’ve have been around for over 35 years so we must be doing something right!! As Carly Simon said of AB Aerials “Nobody does it better” (Millennials scratching their heads again)

For more information about AB Aerials and how we can help you enjoy your home more, please do feel free to contact us for a no hassle conversation.


Troubleshooting - the good, the bad, and the ugly

Troubleshooting, or as we like to say in Sheffield S6, dépanneuring (not really), is defined in Wikipedia (so it must be true) as “a form of problem-solving often applied to the repair of failed products or processes on a machine or system.”

The thrust of this blog has come about because people are being “ripped-off” by the unscrupulous and being sold a product or service which they don’t need at an inflated cost which could have otherwise been resolved much cheaply through Troubleshooting. The loss of your Freeview or Freesat service doesn’t necessarily mean having to resort to a new aerial, satellite dish or amplification system. The customer just needs an honest company, i.e. AB Aerials (check out the 5-star reviews!), to have a look and give a free, no obligation assessment of the issue.

See some other blogs from the archive about Which? Trusted Traders and Consumer Confidence

Which Trusted Trader Should I Go For?

Customer Confidence

Just like the Clint Eastwood hombre character in the Spaghetti Westerns AB Aerials are here to make Good what is Bad and Ugly.

I don’t think “The Man No Name” sartorial sympathies meet current Health and Safety requirements. We actually wear hard hats, steel toe cap boots and hi-vis jackets when necessary for the record!! However, we don’t look anywhere near as cool. I wonder what the local constabulary would say if we rocked up to job sporting a Smith & Western revolver on our hips??

How AB Aerials helps our customers

How do we help our customers and add value to our services? In this instance AB Aerials giveaway, at no cost, a Troubleshooting E-Book on the website which highlights SIX common TV signal issues and how to resolve them in relation to Freeview (free to air programmes received via an aerial) and Freesat (free to air programmes received through a satellite dish). Go grab your e-book from the home page today!

AB Aerials 5 step checklist for troubleshooting your issues

If you’re not confident in applying the advice given in the E-Book, AB Aerials will carry out a five step troubleshooting programme which includes:

  1. Verification that the problem actually exists

  2. Isolating the cause of the problem

  3. Correcting the cause of the problem

  4. Verifying the problem has been corrected and

  5. Follow up

    meeting

    to prevent future problems

A thorough investigation leading to a successful and permanent resolution.

Most importantly, if your TV picture is being disrupted, always check for cats on the aerial. An increasing issue spreading across the country affecting signal reception and setting temperatures rising on Saturday evening when trying to watch Match of The day. 8 out of 10 owners prefer to enjoy TV without the hindrance of a cat on the aerial.

New aerial installation in Sheffied.

How can AB Aerials help you? we are the regions leading installer of aerials, satellite, CCTV and home security in Sheffield. Why not give us a call or contact us to see how we can help you!

Meaow and goodbye for now.

 


Keeping the bogey man at bay - your guide to wireless alarm systems!

There are loads of “buzz” words out there like “knowledge transfer”, “on point” and “synergy” which are at best baffling and at worst skin crawlingly irksome!! But what the hey, I’m going to join the party as AB Aerials is a progressive business and by “thinking outside the box” we can suggest “on key” products and services by taking a “holistic approach” in giving our customers the best and most relevant experience they can have.

Basically what all that “gumpf” means is that we can offer a greater range of stuff using ladders.

CCTV Installation

Times they are a-changing

Seriously though it is true that in order to stay afloat as a business you have to adapt and change. With this in mind, around seven years ago AB Aerials began installing CCTV systems as well as aerials and satellite dishes. Since then the CCTV products have improved and become so user-friendly that images are super HD quality and customers can trace activity, not only through monitors and televisions, but also on mobile and tablet devices.

So to carry on this evolutionary time line we can now bring to the table a similarly easy to use “smart alarm system”.

Not only can this be employed as a stand alone security system (as can be testified by my parents) but integrated with a CCTV system thus further increasing the security of your home.

What is a smart alarm system?

What is a smart alarm system and why is it such a good product?

The answer is two-fold. Firstly, it is wireless which makes it easy and quick to install and secondly, that due to its “smartness” it can be operated from phones and tablets in and away from the house in a number of ways.

See the maxxone smart alarm system here as an example of the hardware we install.

By downloading the app and adding the smart alarm system to it, full functionality can be controlled from a phone/tablet. Hence, entrance and exit delays can be set as well as the easy addition of extra users if needs be. A key fob is also provided which is push button operated that arms/disarms the system, sets the night time or “Home” mode and makes provision for a “SOS but button which is utilised in the case of a personal attack (heaven forbid). A SIM card can be installed in the “controller” which automatically notifies designated appointees of an incident. Finally, there is a more traditional key pad which can also arm and disarm the system by punching in a PIN code

Additional extras to your smart alarm system

Additionally, other devices can be added such as a siren (external alarm box) which gives off a 110 dB ear busting noise and smart plugs that can regulate when lights come on and off when the customer is away. In all a great piece of kit which be fitted in no time and very minimal disruption.

It’s not only peace of mind that customers are wanting but also a system that easy to use, value for money and most of all effective! To offer up one more buzz phrase this smart alarm system “ticks all the boxes”.

AB Aerials – the leading choice in home security installation

AB Aerials are proud to install aerials, satellites, CCTV and home security across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Our industry-leading customer reviews guarantee customer satisfaction and a job well done!

View our services here and contact us TODAY for a no hassle chat about your needs.

CCTV Installation

Satellite Installation

Aerial Installation

 

 

 


“For whom the bell tolls”.  Is it for TV aerial and satellite systems?

Some pleasant surprises and myth-busting words around your aerial and satellite installation.

I’m sure when Ernest Hemmingway wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls” book he didn’t have TV aerial and satellite systems in mind. Nevertheless, I thought I’d nick his mysteriously titled novel and use it for my own purposes – so ta muchly Ernest.

Whenever I go knocking on my customer’s doors (exactly 766 times last financial year according to my database) I’m constantly surprised at their enthusiasm to embrace, if not a new TV aerial or satellite dish, at least provision for TV in additional rooms. Granted the customer is more likely to be over 35 and can remember a time when remote controls were a twinkle in a mad scientist’s eye and professional footballers used to catch the bus to matches with the fans rather than being flown in to stadiums on their personal zephyrs.

 

The viewing habits of the “Millenials”

Having read a recent survey by The Consumer Technology Association (never heard of them but I’m assuming they’re a reputable bunch) it stated that “Millennials” (people aged between 18 and 34) spend 55% of their video watching time consuming content after it has been aired i.e. 35% on streaming services or video on demand (VoD) and 20% on recorded shows.

The statistics for this group show a continuous move away from watching live TV to web based streaming and VoD which by implication means a divergence from traditional methods of receiving TV signals. Initially I metaphorically gulped and thought that this must be one of the final nails in the coffin for the industry in which I earn my bread and butter. It probably will be in the long run but at present I’d argue that there is still life yet in receiving TV programmes via an aerial or satellite dish as they still offer a viable, not least cheaper, alternative to streaming and VoD services.

The best way to watch and enjoy your TV.

Agreed, it is generally accepted that kids don’t watch live TV as the numbers show but people over 35 spend 80% of their video watching time on live TV. And the best way to do this is through TV aerials and satellite dishes and here’s why…

The quality of the images is a better than streaming services which are reliant on a constant and decent streaming speed. Hence there are issues with poor resolution, pixelating and drop out altogether. These issues are further compounded by the short sightedness of BT (the UK’s largest internet provider) not investing in a fibre optic cable network. Over the past 10 years or so millions of pounds have been spent on digging the ground up and laying copper cables which are not as effective and efficient in aiding loading speeds. Hence, having spent so much dosh on a copper network there is little likelihood they are going to throw a load more on a wholesale change to fibre. So in TV viewing terms there will be a significant delay in improvement to streaming services.

Secondly, TV aerial and satellite systems are cheap to install! We at AB Aerials can supply and fit an aerial from £95 and a satellite dish from £120. Given that once installed they can survive exposed for at least 10 years so that’s an investment of £9.50 per year – good value I’d say. Also from a single aerial or dish any number of rooms can be provided with a TV service so you’re not restricted to the whims of Wi-Fi as everything is hard wired! This is a cheap affair too as additional rooms can be added for around £35 each.

Currently, and for the foreseeable future, the TV viewing experience is optimised by watching content on a decent television. My kids along with countless others watch programmes etc on a phone or tablet. I seriously doubt the euphoria of watching a great sporting event or an important news story is enhanced by looking on a device no bigger than your palm, then pixelating, breaking up and disappearing.

If you need or require a discussion about your TV viewing pleasure in your home, why not get in touch for a no hassle chat about how we can help improve your experience.

Aerial Installation

Satellite Installation


Which Trusted Trader Should I Go For?

Choosing a Which Trusted Trader For Your Next Job

As a “normal Joe” and fully paid up member of society (rather than a heart of stone contractor!) I feel a customer’s pain when looking for a tradesperson. There are so many “horror” stories out there about “Rogue traders” it’s daunting and I can sympathise as I’ve been a victim too. It’s the feeling of vulnerability that gnaws away at you because who other than the very person you want to employ has the knowledge that you don’t!!

Questions are raised such as

  • how much should I pay?
  • Who’s a reputable installer?
  • Will they turn up when they said they would?
  • Will they answer/return my calls?

Sound familiar – of course they do, because nobody wants to be ripped off!

Previously I’ve written blogs on customer confidence and this time I want to promote further reasons why a customer of AB Aerials is in safe hands when choosing the right tradesperson for your next job

Customer Confidence

AB Aerials – A Which? Trusted Trader

Recently AB Aerials as business has undergone the process of becoming a Which Trusted Trader (WTT). There are a lot of “Find a Trader” platforms out there but we wanted to go for the “Gold Standard” as Which have a “rich history in rewarding good services, products and businesses for the benefit of UK consumers”. Well, I’m glad we decided to go with Which as their whole philosophy is centred on customer protection.

There is a rigourous assessment process which other trading sites just don’t have. This involves substantiating individual’s professional qualifications, company credit status, continuous customer feedback and AB Aerials signing up to a Code of Conduct and Ethics. Any of which are breached and you’re down the road!!! Hence, the customer is protected from “Rogue Traders” and charlatans. For instance, if you’re quoted for work there is an arrangement for a 14 day cooling off period and you can cancel and if you’re unhappy with the work WTT offer a free arbitration/dispute resolution service (all this can be found in the Complaints Procedure of the website). Ultimately every stage of the work process is geared to customer protection and the responsibility to provide an excellent service falls to AB Aerials or else there will be consequences, be that legal or financial!

Which Trusted Trader Sheffield

I have to say it was a relief when I got the good news and been told AB Aerials had been endorsed by WTT as this meant that the work practices of our business were of a high standard and WTT would be confident in promoting us. What made this even sweeter was that we were told that only 1 in 4 applications were successful. Pat on the back all round then!

Out of interest, I typed in aerial and satellite installers in Sheffield on the WTT site and only two other businesses appeared. One was based in Humberside (say what!!) and the others were an electrical contractor stating they do audio-visual work and as it happens they sub-contract this work to AB Aerials anyway. The question has got to be asked why aren’t there any other similar businesses with WTT? The answer is, of course, it is unlikely they would meet the standards required and those that have applied have been unsuccessful.

So why go with anybody else? Go with AB Aerials – for a better resolution!!

We are industry leading 5-star reviewed installation providers for TV Aerials, Satellites, CCTV and TV Wall Mounting.

Contact us today to see how we can help you. Which? Trusted Traders are renowned for customer service and value so you are safe in the knowledge your installation will be treated with upmost care.