Frequently Asked Questions
Digital TV
Q. Do I need a "Digital Antenna" to receive Digital TV?
A. No. There is no such thing as a "Digital Antenna". Calling an antenna a "Digital Antenna" is just something companies do for marketing purposes, or to simplify the concepts. To receive Digital TV you need an antenna that provides good reception in VHF and UHF Bands 3 and 4. Most antennas less than 10 years old will be suitable for use if they are in good condition, free from corrosion and other damage.
Q. Why do I get squares or picture and sound breakups on my Digital TV or Set Top Box?
A. There are a number of things that may cause Digital TV signal breakups. The first thing to check is the lead running from the wall to the back of the TV. Cheap thin leads can be damaged very easily and cause signal problems on Digital TV.
The main cause of signal breakups is faulty antennas. Over time corrosion can affect the connection between the antenna and the cable. Water may leak into the balun or cable. Sometimes there may be an intermittent break of connection as the antenna moves in the wind. Alternately, when there is wet weather the signal may be worse than in dry weather.
Q. Why do I have signal breakups with Digital TV in wet or windy weather?
A. Breakups when it's wet or windy indicates your antenna or external cabling is faulty. Water can leak into connections or old air-core cable. If your antenna is moving in the wind, faulty connections may intermittently break connection, causing a signal breakup.
Q. Why are the antennas you use so small compared to others?
A. I almost exclusively use the Fracarro LP345F Log Periodic Antenna. These antennas have coverage of VHF and UHF Bands 3, 4 and 5. On analogue TV, VHF Band 1 was use for the ABC. With the switchover to Digital, Band 1 is no longer used. The big long elements at the rear of older antennas were for use to pick up Band 1. As this band is no longer in use with Digital TV new antennas don't need those long elements any more.
Also the mathematical design of the Fracarro LP345F is different to the traditional antennas that have been used in the Brisbane Area. Because of this the antenna outperforms it's much larger counterparts in a wide range of circumstances, particularly behind hills and buildings. It is designed to select the best signal while rejecting bad signals that reflect off of hills and buildings.
Q. Do I need a special antenna for 3D TV?
A. At present there is no 3D TV Channel in Brisbane. Previously there was a 3D Test channel shared between Channels 7 and 9. This channel was broadcast on UHF Channel 50, which is in Band 5. TV Antennas that have traditionally been used in Brisbane only cover bands 1, 3 and 4. Band 5 had only been used in regional areas, therefore no one had antenna systems that were designed for it. Also channel 50 is more susceptible to issues with trees, hills and older cabling in houses. This meant that many people couldn't pick up the 3D Test Channel without upgrading to a Fracarro LP345 Antenna and newer cabling. The future of 3D TV Broadcasting is still uncertain, however most homes that use an LP345 Antenna should be ready for it when it is rolled out.
Q. What do I need to connect my "Smart TV" to the internet?
A. Many Smart TVs can connect wirelessly to your internet router. For greater speed and reliability, particularly when accessing files on your local network, a wired LAN connection is preferable. This can be as simple as a single Cat 5 cable, run from a socket behind your TV to a socket in your office, connected to your ADSL Router/Modem. However for greater flexibility and future proofing, a system with a "home hub" may be better.
Q. Why do you charge so much when I can buy a "Digital Antenna" from Store X for $y?
A. Many hardware and electronics stores carry cheap "Digital Antennas" for as little as $50. Often these antennas are of poor build quality and come with little in the way of instructions. I always use installer grade antennas that are built to last. I use the best quality components, connectors and cables. I have the latest tools to make the best possible connections. I also use a Digital TV Field Signal Meter to ensure the antenna is correctly aligned to produce the best end result. It also allows me to diagnose issues in existing cabling and determine where it is suitable for use with a new antenna or when it needs to be replaced. Finally, I have years of local experience to ensure you get a good end result. I back up my work with a 1 year parts and labour warranty.
Q. Do you fix TVs(or other devices)?
A. No I don't do any repairs of TVs, VCRs or other devices. I recommend Moss Electronics at Clontarf. Their phone number is (07) 3283 6749.
General
Q. What are your hours of operation?
A. I operate Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. I am usually able to visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon for quotes and TV set up type jobs. I am sometimes available on Saturdays, by prior appointment.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. Currently I accept Cash or Cheque. Bank transfer payments may be made on arrangement. I am also hoping to get Mobile EFTPOS in coming months.
Q. Why are you named "Woody Point Communications" when the Yellow Pages says you're at Rothwell?
A. The Yellow Pages listing is based off my home address in Rothwell, where I am currently living. I previously lived in Georgina Street at Woody Point and hope to move down that way again one day. I kept the name as it's easily remembered and easy to spell. I constantly had to spell out my old name, Davsoft, to customers and suppliers.