Who pays to fix the communal aerial?
Normally the freeholder or managing agent, because the aerial, dishes and cables belong to the building. Residents look after their own fly lead and boxes.
Communal aerial installers for flats, HMOs and new developments
Shared aerial and satellite systems that keep every flat in a building watching TV. Managing agents, freeholders, landlords and developers across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire call us for the same things: finding faults quickly, upgrading tired systems, designing new ones, and leaving clear readings and a written summary for whoever looks after the building.
Looking after shared TV systems since 1999
A communal system is one roof installation feeding every flat in a building through a network of cables, amplifiers and splitters. When it works, nobody notices. When it fails, the whole building calls the managing agent at once.
We look after communal systems of every age: 1970s and 1980s blocks in Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead and Stevenage with their original amplifiers, converted Victorian houses in St Albans, Watford and Bedford, student HMOs around Hatfield and Luton, and new apartment blocks in Milton Keynes and on estates like Kingsbrook. Each needs a different approach.
Every job ends with signal readings and a short report in plain English, so agents, freeholders and residents' associations can see what was found, what was done and what may need doing next.
- Communal since
- 1999, from our office on Thame Road, Aylesbury
- We work for
- Managing agents, freeholders, landlords and developers
- Systems
- Communal aerials, IRS, multiswitches and FM/DAB radio
- Counties
- Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire
- Hours
- Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 4pm
One roof installation, every flat connected
A shared system replaces a forest of dishes and aerials with one set on the roof and a cable to each home.
A tidier building
No dishes bolted to every balcony, which freeholders, planners and neighbours all prefer.
Each flat chooses
Terrestrial and satellite on the same network, so residents pick Freeview, Freesat or Sky.
Ready for Sky Q
A modern multiswitch provides the feeds that Sky Q and recorders expect.
Digital radio
DAB and FM can travel over the same cables if residents want it.
Tracing a communal fault
The first question is always whether the problem is in one flat or in the building itself.
Everyone off at once
Normally one failed part at the head end: an amplifier, power supply, multiswitch or storm damage.
Part of the building
A splitter, tap or cable run feeding one floor or one riser.
Just one flat
Usually the socket, fly lead or box in that flat, which we can sort for the resident.
Comes and goes
Overheating amplifiers or water in roof joints, found by taking readings floor by floor.
Our approach to a building
Repair or upgrade, you end up knowing exactly what is in the building and what state it is in.
Measure first
Readings at the head end, in the risers and in a sample of flats.
Report you can share
What works, what is failing and the choices, written so residents can follow it.
Residents kept informed
Access arranged through the agent or porter, and notice given before any short switch-off.
Left documented
Amplifiers, switches and risers labelled, with a record for whoever comes next.
Who we work for
Whoever looks after the building, plus residents who need help inside their own flat.
Managing agents
Quick responses to reported faults and planned upgrades across several buildings.
Small freeholds and RMCs
Converted houses and small blocks where the residents run the building themselves.
HMO and lettings landlords
Working TV sockets in every room before tenants move in, with one aerial for the house.
New-build developers
Systems designed, installed and tested for handover, with documentation for the building file.
Houses split into flats
Four aerials fighting for space on one chimney is a common sight. One shared aerial is better for the stack and the picture.
One aerial, many flats
A single aerial and distribution amplifier with a separate feed to each flat.
Old aerials removed
Redundant aerials and dishes taken off the stack, easing the load on the chimney.
Cables traced and tagged
We find out which old cable goes where and label each one by flat.
Satellite shared too
A multiswitch so each flat can have Sky or Freesat from one dish.
Bringing old systems up to date
Plenty of blocks still rely on amplifiers fitted long before Sky Q and the current Freeview line-up.
IRS upgrades
Terrestrial-only systems upgraded so every flat gets satellite as well, often reusing the existing risers.
Head end replacement
Worn amplifiers, multiswitches and rusted dishes replaced and every outlet re-balanced.
New-build systems
Cable runs at first fix, outlets and head end at second fix, tested before handover.
Care homes and hotels
Quiet installs planned around residents and guests, with a socket by every bed.
Also for blocks and flats
Individual aerials, satellite repairs, CCTV and Wi-Fi from the same team.
TV aerials
New aerials and repairs.
TV aerials →
Satellite dishes
Sky and Freesat dishes fitted and moved.
Satellite dishes →
CCTV
Cameras for entrances, bike stores and car parks.
CCTV →
Extra TV points
A socket where you want the TV.
Extra TV points →
Home Wi-Fi
Signal in every room and the garden.
Wi-Fi help →
Aerial repairs
Lost channels and breakup fixed.
Aerial repairs →Questions from agents, landlords and residents
Shared aerial and dish systems, explained.
Every flat has lost TV at the same time. What should we do?
Tell the managing agent so they can call us, or call us yourself if you manage the building. It is usually one failed part at the head end and often fixed the same day.
Only my flat has no picture. Can you come?
Yes. We test your socket and lead. If the fault is in the flat we fix it, and if it is in the building we give you readings for the agent.
Will Sky Q work on our shared system?
With a suitable multiswitch and the right cable to each flat, yes. Older systems may need an upgrade, which we can survey.
Can we have our own dish?
It depends on your lease. Many blocks ban private dishes and provide satellite through the shared system instead.
How long do communal systems last?
The cables can last decades. Amplifiers, power supplies and outdoor parts usually need replacing every ten to fifteen years.
Can you survey our building?
Yes. We take readings from the roof to a sample of flats and send a written report the agent and residents can use.
Our old system only has Freeview. Can it carry satellite?
Often. The cables can usually stay while the head end is replaced. If the cable is too old, we explain what has to change.
Can one aerial serve all the flats in our converted house?
Yes. A single aerial and a distribution amplifier feed each flat on its own cable, and the extra aerials come down.
Do you leave paperwork?
Yes. A short summary of the fault, the work and the readings, for the agent's file.
Can I have an extra socket in my flat?
Usually. We extend from your outlet or the nearest tap and keep the levels right for everyone else.
Do you fit CCTV for blocks?
Yes, for shared entrances, bike stores and car parks, working alongside your door entry provider.
When can you attend?
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. Whole-building outages are given priority.
How are residents involved in an upgrade?
That is for the freeholder or agent to decide, but our reports are written so residents can follow them.
Is the call-out free?
No, a visit does carry a call-out charge. Advice over the phone or WhatsApp is free, and you will always get an accurate guide price before any work starts.
How do I book?
Call 01296 568243 or WhatsApp the address, the number of flats and what residents are seeing, and we will arrange access with you or the agent.
Question not listed?Message us and an engineer will answer it.
Arrange a communal TV survey
Tell us about the building, the number of flats and the problem, and we will arrange access and a visit. Advice over the phone or WhatsApp is free, and you get an accurate guide price before any work starts.
CCTV enquiries have their own line: 01296 506085.
Message usWhatsAppThe quickest way to book
Call our Aylesbury office01296 568243Communal TV and aerials
Opening hoursMon to Sat8am to 7pm weekdays, 8am to 4pm Saturday
Communal aerial engineers near you
Communal and home TV in Buckinghamshire
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bletchley, Bourne End, Bradwell, Buckingham, Calverton, Chalfont St Giles, Chesham, Fenny Stratford, Gerrards Cross, Great Linford, Great Missenden, Great Woolstone, High Wycombe, Loughton, Marlow, Middleton, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Princes Risborough, Stony Stratford, Walton, Wavendon, Wendover, Willen, Winslow, Woburn Sands, Wolverton
Communal and home TV in Hertfordshire
Berkhamsted, Bishop's Stortford, Cheshunt, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Potters Bar, Rickmansworth, St Albans, Stevenage, Tring, Watford, Welwyn Garden City
Communal and home TV in Bedfordshire
Not listed? We cover the villages in between too. See every area we cover.