Indoor aerial reviews: How we test
Lab testing
We test in the lab
Our exhaustive mix of tests in the laboratory and in real homes, aims to find out which aerials pick up the most channels and work best with a weak signal.
Initial lab tests take place in a radio-frequency test chamber, but our experts then ups sticks (and aerials) and moves to some domestic surroundings: houses in Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead and Finchley. Each location is served by different types and strength of TV transmitter.
Home testing
. . . and in the home.
Working in different rooms and on different floors, we find the optimal position and angle for each aerial. We note how critical this positioning is for a good picture, while tuning into six TV channels (one from each multiplex) plus two radio stations.
A total percentage score based on the combined performance across all multiplexes in all three locations helps us identify the Best Buys.