The importance of Benchmarking .

The Confederation of Aerial Industries has been saying for a very long time now, that there is no such thing as a digital aerial.  The debate on what defines a ‘digital aerial’ – or now an ‘analogue’ one, continues.  The CAI has been responding to queries on what constitutes a ‘digital’ aerial for years now.  The answer is simple.  There is no way an aerial can be ‘digital’ – it is the signals broadcast and received that are digital.  What the CAI has done is laid down parameters in its aerial benchmark scheme that defines what makes aerials more suitable or robust for digital TV reception.  Confusion seems to have been spawned by attempting to present a simple argument to the viewer suffering from poor reception.  Hence many viewers hearing the words, “you need a digital aerial….”

The basis of the CAI benchmarking scheme is to lay down minimum standards for the technical performance of products based on the parameters for satisfactory broadcast reception.  It is intended to address general quality issues, such as the standard of construction, durability etc.  The CAI benchmarking schemes at the moment cover aerials and cables only.  As yet, they do not cover the complete aerial installation, or installation practice. (These are all covered in the CAI’s code of practice).  The standards of aerial and cable have been compiled by industry wide committees who monitor the implementation of the schemes through the CAI assessment process and agree to any changes that may be needed.

Benchmarked aerials are categorised into 4 grades and the standard achieved in the certification is marked in the CAI benchmark logo found on the product packaging.

Standard 1 – should provide acceptable DTT reception for homes on the edges of coverage areas.

Standard 2 – This is an intermediate level suitable for use across the whole of a DTT coverage area.

Standard 3 – This is minimum attainment level for primary service coverage areas.

Standard 4 – Is a standard for a specific design of aerial where tighter narrow beamwidth is needed along with wideband performance.

So why as a consumer do you need to understand the different qualities and testing that is in place when purchasing aerials and cable?,  why not simply trust the installer to do a good job at a fair price?.  Well the answer is simple.  We have covered in previous weeks the rogue trader and the need to look for the CAI logo, and we have discussed the importance of finding a professional and qualified installer to meet all your switchover needs.  This is all pretty pointless if when the installer arrives at your home, they have substandard products on board the van.  Its easy to pick up a cheap aerial from retail stores, but will these aerials last the test of time and will their performance enhance your TV reception to its full potential.  We advise all CAI members to carry benchmarked products, infact this is mandatory for cable, but the schemes themselves are a voluntary arrangement within the industry.  Having said that, they are being widely adopted by broadcasters and government departments alike, following the success of the CAI cable benchmarking scheme.

So please remember – Go for quality everytime, as it will pay you in the long run to do so.