Smart technology is no longer reserved for high-end properties or tech enthusiasts. More homeowners are discovering the everyday benefits of home automation.

Professional cable installation at the construction stage makes all the difference between a property that performs as expected and one that causes constant headaches.

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this defaulIf you're managing a shared building like an apartment block, hotel, student residence, or office space, you’ll likely face one common challenge: how to deliver reliable, consistent TV access to multiple units without individual satellite dishes or tangled cabling. This is where shared TV distribution systems come in. Despite the rise of streaming and IPTV, MATV remains one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to distribute television signals across multiple dwellings. Here's what you need to know. Practical Challenges MATV Solves in Shared Buildings When you’re managing a shared building, TV distribution presents a logistical challenge that directly impacts tenant satisfaction and property upkeep. We’ve seen older buildings in West Yorkshire with tenants installing mismatched dishes on every corner, causing both an eyesore and signal issues. A centralised communal aerial setup eliminates that hassle. In many HMOs, we've seen unlabelled coax patched together by tenants over time often leading to picture dropouts and weekly callouts. Instead of dealing with multiple providers, rogue installs, and tenant disputes, everything routes through a single, properly balanced aerial system. It also ensures consistent signal strength. In properties with poor internal cabling or aged infrastructure, we’ve reworked signal paths using properly balanced distribution amps and quad-shield coax to make sure every unit receives clear, reliable picture quality in every room. We navigate local planning rules. In parts of Harrogate or Hebden Bridge, conservation regulations mean mounting dishes is a non-starter. This setup keeps your roofline tidy and ensures compliance with local regulations while delivering full Freeview access. For landlords, the payoff is simple: fewer callouts, no messy retrofits, and a clean, managed system that scales with building upgrades or tenant demands. Why Do Shared Buildings Still Use MATV in 2025? For landlords, housing associations, and block managers, these systems deliver reliable, low-maintenance service to multiple tenants in shared buildings. Here’s why it continues to be the go-to in shared buildings: Even with the popularity of streaming, shared aerial systems still offer clear advantages for certain types of properties: 1. No Need for Multiple Dishes or Aerials In dense urban areas or multi-storey buildings, planning rules or practical constraints often prohibit individual satellite dishes. A communal signal system ensures a clean external appearance with minimal rooftop clutter. 2. Lower Setup and Maintenance Costs For landlords or developers, one centralised system is cheaper and easier to maintain than servicing individual units. 3. Reliable Access to Free-to-Air Channels A shared aerial network provides consistent Freeview and satellite access without relying on internet connectivity. This matters in areas with poor broadband or among tenants who prefer straightforward TV services. 4. Improved Tenant Experience A professionally installed shared TV system is plug-and-play. There’s no need for individual installs, complex troubleshooting, or dealing with third-party providers. MATV vs IPTV: What’s the Difference? While IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers content over broadband, MATV uses traditional RF (radio frequency) signals. Here’s how they compare: Delivery Method : MATV sends signals via coaxial or RF cable, whereas IPTV relies on internet or Ethernet connections. Infrastructure : MATV uses a shared aerial and signal distribution system. IPTV requires a structured data network and routers. Internet Requirement : This type of system works without internet, which makes it ideal in buildings where broadband is unreliable or unavailable. IPTV, on the other hand, depends entirely on stable, high-speed internet. Best Use Cases : This system excels at delivering free-to-air channels with minimal setup. IPTV is better for on-demand content, smart features, and premium subscriptions. In buildings where tenants want streaming, but the internet is patchy, we’ve installed both systems. The shared system handles the essentials, while IPTV supports the extras like app-based, on-demand content. What Types of Properties Benefit Most from MATV? We’ve installed and maintained multi-dwelling TV systems across West Yorkshire in tower blocks, care homes, and student lets each with its own layout and technical demands. These are the types of properties that benefit most: Apartment blocks : Especially where dish clutter needs to be avoided HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) : Where tenants need simple, shared access Hotels & hospitality : Where centralised TV control is essential Student accommodation : Where tenants expect plug-and-play setups Care homes & retirement communities : Where ease of use is critical A professional-grade MATV system gives every occupant easy access to high-quality channels. It cuts down on complaints and service calls that waste time and frustrate tenants. What’s Involved in a Professional MATV Installation? Every shared aerial installation we handle starts with a walk-through of the property. We assess signal access, cabling runs, and the best place to mount the aerial, typically on a chimney or gable end. Then we install a high-gain TV aerial, and if needed, a satellite dish as well. From there, we use signal amplifiers and splitters designed for the property size. In larger buildings, we often use multi-tap splitters with slope control to balance signal loss between floors. All coaxial cabling is run in risers or containment to protect both signal quality and the look of the building. We test every outlet with a signal meter to confirm strong, consistent signal. At Cube Communications, we tailor each system to your building’s layout and future-proof it for expansion or upgrades.  Upgrade Your Shared Building with a shared aerial system! Whether you're refurbishing a block of flats in Leeds, managing an HMO in Huddersfield, or dealing with signal issues in an older building in Bingley, a well-planned MATV system can make a measurable difference. Learn more about our commercial services or get in touch with Cube Communications to speak with our shared system installation experts. We’ll carry out a full assessment and design a system tailored to your property.t text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

You pay for fast broadband, but every evening it crawls to a halt. Video calls falter, streaming stalls, and smart devices fall behind. If you’ve already complained to your provider and nothing can be done, it might be time to consider alternative networks. For more and more UK homes, Starlink internet is becoming a viable alternative, especially where fibre falls short. Why Is Your Broadband Slow at Night? Even with decent download speeds on paper, many providers oversubscribe their networks. That means when your neighbours all go online after work, you’re stuck sharing limited bandwidth. Congestion like this is common with copper or hybrid fibre lines, and some providers throttle connections during peak times to manage loads. Providers rarely mention this upfront. A midday speed test might show full strength, but by evening your connection can drop to single digits. When your broadband only performs during off-hours, it's likely due to structural limitations in the local network often beyond repair by your current provider. That’s when alternative technologies like Starlink internet start making sense. What Is Starlink and How Does It Work? We’ve worked with a range of homes rural farms, converted barns, and even townhouses at the edge of the network where no fixed-line provider could deliver a consistent connection. That’s where Starlink internet makes a real difference. Starlink is a satellite-based broadband service powered by a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional satellite broadband, which suffers from high latency and slow speeds, Starlink offers fast, responsive connections that rival many fixed-line networks. The kit doesn’t need cabling from the road or a line activation. You just need a clear view of the sky, a secure location to mount the dish like a gable end, chimney, or pole and a power supply. We’ve found the most reliable results come when the dish is mounted above gutter level, well away from trees or chimney stacks that might obstruct line of sight. For rural homes, hard-to-wire properties, or places where Openreach connections are unreliable, Starlink internet provides a completely independent way online without relying on local infrastructure. When Should You Switch to Starlink? If your broadband struggles with any of the following, it may be worth considering a switch: Regular dropouts during video calls or streaming Latency spikes when gaming or using cloud services Slow evening speeds despite paying for “superfast” plans No fibre rollout planned in your area Endless back-and-forth with your provider but no resolution In these cases, the issue isn’t always fixable with an engineer visit. If the infrastructure is old, oversubscribed, or poorly maintained, you may be better off switching to Starlink internet or another technology that doesn’t rely on the same cables. Is Starlink Fast Enough for Modern Homes? Yes. Most UK users report download speeds between 70–250 Mbps and upload speeds of 10–40 Mbps, depending on location and weather. That’s more than enough for: 4K streaming, smooth video calls, responsive gaming, and uninterrupted cloud backups We’ve installed Starlink at dozens of properties across West Yorkshire, including Keighley, Ilkley, and Hebden Bridge, and found it consistently outperforms copper-based services especially in the evenings. That makes it particularly useful in places where fibre has stalled, or coverage is patchy. What Makes Starlink Ideal for Rural and Remote UK Homes? A lot of rural homes still rely on copper lines or unstable 4G routers that struggle to handle modern usage. Fibre might not be planned for years or not at all. In areas like South Craven or the Colne Valley, even basic online tasks like streaming or attending video calls can become a headache due to legacy copper lines or signal blackspots. Starlink internet solves this by avoiding reliance on ground infrastructure or mobile masts altogether. With power and a clear sky view, your dish can deliver speeds that rival suburban fibre. For homeowners in remote locations, this opens a completely new level of online access, making everything from home working to HD streaming possible without relying on a future fibre upgrade. Will Starlink Keep Getting Better? Yes, and fast. The Starlink network is expanding monthly, with more satellites launched regularly and software updates rolled out to improve performance. Since launch, we’ve seen real progress lower latency, faster speeds, and fewer dropouts across installs. For UK homes left behind by traditional broadband, Starlink internet is one of the few options that’s available now, easy to install, and keeps improving with every update.  People Also Ask: Common Questions About Starlink Internet Is Starlink better than BT broadband? It depends on where you live. If your BT Openreach connection delivers poor speeds, Starlink internet typically performs better especially in rural or edge-of-network locations. How long does Starlink installation take? We typically complete most installations in one visit. In fact, we’re often on-site within 48 hours for customers who already have their kit. A straightforward job: say, chimney-mounted with internal cabling takes around 2 to 3 hours. More complex installs involving Wi-Fi extension or custom routing take a little longer, but we always leave you with a fully functional system on the day. Do weather conditions affect Starlink internet in the UK? Extreme weather may slightly reduce performance, but the system is designed to work reliably through typical UK rain and cloud cover. How Does Starlink Internet Installation Work? Starlink comes with its own kit, but setup isn’t always straightforward. You need a clear view of the sky, secure mounting for the dish (roof, chimney, or pole), and clean routing of the power and data cables. At Cube, we assess each property and recommend the best mounting spot, route cables for performance and discretion, and make sure the Wi-Fi coverage works for your layout. We’ve carried out dozens of professional Starlink installations across West and North Yorkshire from Calderdale and Bingley to rural Skipton often in places Openreach can’t or won’t reach. We align the dish for a clean signal, route the cabling neatly, and walk through the property with you to confirm full Wi-Fi coverage. If a mesh extender’s needed, we set that up too right then and there. We finish cleanly, test thoroughly, and make sure it’s all working before we leave. Starlink Internet in Action: Real-World Results from Cube Clients We recently installed Starlink internet for a farmhouse in rural Craven, a common broadband blackspot area in North Yorkshire. The owner had been dealing with an unreliable 6 Mbps ADSL line for years. They’d tried 4G routers and Wi-Fi extenders, but none solved the issue. They couldn’t stream on more than one screen, and their Teams calls dropped out regularly in the evenings. After switching to Starlink, they now enjoy speeds of over 120 Mbps, smooth HD video calls, and fast cloud backups all without relying on fibre rollout timelines. We’ve also supported clients in edge-of-network properties around Calderdale who struggled with poor Virgin or BT coverage. Starlink gave them reliable broadband for everyday use, including schoolwork, streaming, and managing smart heating setups—without relying on ageing infrastructure. We mounted the dish on a chimney, routed the cables discreetly, and extended the Wi-Fi to cover the entire house. Leave Slow Broadband Behind If your current provider can’t (or won’t) deliver consistent speed, there’s another option. Starlink offers a modern, resilient alternative and with Cube’s help, installation is quick, tidy, and built to last. Visit our Starlink Services page to learn more, or get in touch and let us know your location whether you're in the Dales, Calder Valley or further afield, we’ll check if Starlink is the right fit for your property. We’ll let you know if Starlink’s a strong fit or if a satellite, 4G, or fixed wireless solution might suit better.

You’ve unpacked the new TV, bought a bracket, and now you’re stuck with tangled wires and no clean way to hide them. When you think television wall mounting, you probably picture a sleek TV at the right height. But how you route your cables is just as important as the bracket you use. Cable mess leads to real problems such as damaged ports and poor signal and overheating. Clean routing keeps cables safe, accessible, and ready for future upgrades. Here's how a pro television wall mounting install brings it all together. Why Cable Workmanship Matters on Every Install We’ve mounted TVs in just about every type of property across West Yorkshire. That includes modern media walls in new builds, chimney breasts in Victorian terraces, and even panelled walls in garden studios. In every install, messy HDMI cables can strain your HDMI ports, make it harder to troubleshoot picture issues, and even become a fire hazard when power cables are tangled or trapped. A tidy cable run avoids all of that. Tidy cable runs behind your TV are a key part of professional television wall mounting. They prevent signal issues, reduce port strain, and make future kit swaps much easier. How Should You Hide Cables When Wall Mounting a TV? Cable management matters just as much for wall-mounted TVs as it does in more technical setups. In many television wall mounting projects, we’re dealing with HDMI, aerial feeds, power lines, Ethernet, soundbar links, and sometimes fibre. If those cables aren’t routed cleanly and spaced correctly, that’s when cables start to fail, ports loosen, or signals drop unexpectedly. Before we even touch a drill, we map out every route. We choose trunking or containment based on your wall type, not what’s easiest for us. We secure cables with the right fixings and route them behind brush plates, faceplates, or plasterboard cavities whichever makes most sense for your wall type. Leaving the right amount of slack is essential, too. It prevents stress on ports, avoids pinch points, and gives you the flexibility to change kit in the future. Does TV Wall Mounting Affect Picture Quality or Reliability? When we plan a television wall mounting install, we start by mapping each cable’s route. We select the right trunking for the space sometimes discreet plastic channels, sometimes nothing at all in listed buildings where visual impact matters. Cables are anchored to avoid stress or movement, and every entry point is clearly labelled so you know what connects where. We always leave just enough slack for future upgrades without loops or bulges that could spoil the finish. You avoid signal drops, keep the TV stable, and don’t have to wrestle with wires when switching devices. Why Are Loose Cables a Problem Behind Your TV? Loose cables behind a skirting board or coiled inside a void often trap dust, attract pests, or deteriorate over time. We route cables properly to keep them clear of dust and damp. That way, they last longer and stay safe in hidden corners. It also lowers fire risk and ensures your television wall mounting setup stays clean and low maintenance. Once we complete the setup, we test everything thoroughly. We check your signal strength off the aerial, make sure all your devices are talking to each other properly over HDMI, and confirm the cables aren’t picking up noise or interference. Why Homeowners, Landlords and Renovators Trust Cube We know that most of our clients aren’t just after a screen on a bracket. They want a setup that looks intentional, functions reliably, and fits the space with minimal intrusion. Here’s what we bring to every install: Real planning on-site, not guesswork Cable runs hidden behind walls, trunking, or brush plates Fixings that match your wall type, so nothing comes loose Aerial, HDMI, and broadband feeds fully tested before we leave Landlords trust us to get it right first time no call-backs, no tenant complaints. Homeowners appreciate how we preserve original features. And renovators often bring us in to futureproof their spaces with extra cable paths and aerial points. We take extra care in rentals and older homes where the wrong screw or bracket can cause more damage than you expect particularly during television wall mounting. What Can Go Wrong with DIY TV Wall Mounting? We’ve been called in after TVs collapsed off plasterboard, after someone drilled through a power cable, even after a bracket pulled out mid-film. DIY jobs often start with good intentions and end with a panicked phone call. It’s understandable. You can buy brackets online, and DIY guides make the job seem quick. But without knowing what’s behind your wall or whether your fixings match the bracket type, you risk damaging both the wall and the TV. But there are some common pitfalls that can turn a small job into a big headache. For example, drilling into plasterboard without securing into studs during television wall mounting can leave your TV barely supported. Choosing the wrong type of bracket often limits movement or worse, places too much pressure on the wall or screen. Exposed cables not only spoil the look but can reduce signal reliability and even pose a safety risk. And many DIY installs skip ventilation, which makes overheating more likely especially with smart TVs. If you’ve already drilled holes or started routing cables and things aren’t going to plan, give us a call. We’ll step in, sort the layout, and leave you with a setup that looks clean, works properly, and feels purpose-built. Is It Worth Wall Mounting Your TV at Home? Wall mounting your TV improves the appearance and increases the practicality of your space. Professional television wall mounting frees up floor space, which is ideal for compact or open-plan homes. It also reduces risks from trailing wires and ensures your screen sits at a comfortable, ergonomic height. And in bedrooms, garden offices, or home gyms, a mounted screen stays neatly out of the way when not in use. New build or old terrace, professional television wall mounting saves space, hides cables, and gives your setup a clean finish. People Also Ask: Common Television Wall  Mounting Questions and Services What height should a TV be mounted at? We recommend eye level when seated—usually 100–110cm from the floor to screen centre in most lounges. Bedrooms may differ depending on viewing angle. Can I hide all the cables in the wall? Yes, depending on your wall type. Solid walls may need trunking; stud walls can hide cables entirely behind brush plates. Does wall mounting damage the wall? Not when done properly. We locate studs or brickwork, use suitable fixings, and patch discreetly if needed. Can Cube mount a TV above a fireplace? Yes, but only if the wall temperature is safe. We often install tilting brackets to improve angle and reduce heat exposure. What Do Cube Clients Ask About TV Wall Installs? Every area has its quirks. In Harrogate, we’re often working around solid stone walls. In Leeds terraces, space is tight and cabling is tricky. Over the years, we’ve mastered television wall mounting on walls that are anything but straight—uneven brickwork, crumbly plaster, you name it. We use low-profile trunking where needed and know how to get a clean finish without damaging period skirting, cornicing, or original detailing. And when running HDMI or coax, we’ll always find a path that doesn’t tear the room apart. If your setup also needs aerial or satellite feeds, we can take care of that during the same visit. We often extend or relocate aerial points, run coax behind walls, or integrate with Sky Q and Freeview setups. If you're unsure how your wall type affects your TV plans, just ask, we’ve almost certainly done something similar nearby. Want to Get It Done Right, First Time? If you want your setup to look sharp and stay that way without needing a redo in six months give us a shout. Our installers often fit new jobs within days. We handle everything: wall mounting, signal testing, clean cabling, flush plates no mess, no fuss. We’ll get your setup sorted and ready for whatever you plug in next. Explore our television wall mounting services on our Domestic Services page , or Contact Cube directly to discuss your setup.

With more ways than ever to watch TV, it’s no wonder people get stuck choosing between digital TV aerials and streaming. We’ve worked in homes all over West Yorkshire, and time and again, we find that the right setup comes down to how you live, how you watch, and what kind of frustrations you're hoping to stop, whether that's weak signal, rising bills, or tech that just won't cooperate. What problems are people trying to solve with TV setups today? We often hear the same few complaints: buffering during big football matches, the kids getting frustrated when Netflix freezes upstairs, monthly bills creeping up, or rooms where the telly just doesn’t work. That’s usually the point where people start looking for something that just works every time, in every room. In many cases, digital TV aerials end up being the answer. Why do people still install digital TV aerials in 2025? Streaming grabs the headlines, but digital TV aerials are still the go-to choice when you want a reliable live signal particularly in older homes where thick stone walls make Wi-Fi unpredictable. We regularly meet homeowners who assumed streaming would cover everything, only to realise their router can’t handle it across the whole house. Others are just fed up with juggling logins and remote controls. A proper digital TV aerials setup gives you instant access to 70+ Freeview channels — no buffering, no subscriptions, no waiting. In listed buildings, we often use loft-mounted aerials to keep things discreet. For properties in Otley, Ilkley, or the surrounding hills where signal can dip, we fit high-gain aerials with filters to cut through the noise. We’ve set up digital TV aerials that power four or five rooms from one spot — no lag, no fiddling. Once it's in, it just works. Check out our Domestic Services or Commercial Services to see what we offer. What are the downsides of relying on streaming services? Streaming can look great when it works but it leans entirely on your internet. We’ve been out to homes where people built beautiful media walls, only to find out their router was tucked away downstairs in a cupboard. The result? Lag, dropouts, or frozen screens just when you sit down to relax. Even in well-connected areas like Headingley, we see interference from neighbouring networks and overworked bandwidth. Add in someone on a Zoom call and a teen gaming upstairs, and your stream stalls. People also tell us they’re spending far more than they expected. Subscribing to three or four services can easily top £60 a month. A digital TV aerial cuts all that out and keeps live channels available on demand. And for those who prefer things simple, a remote, a screen, and a picture that works, an aerial setup is still unbeatable. Not sure what’s right for your setup? Start with these questions Before you decide, think about what happens in your house. Do you get dead zones? Are you setting up new TVs in different rooms? Want a solution that works even when the Wi-Fi doesn’t? If your router’s nowhere near the TV or your walls block the signal, an aerial is a solid fix. Coax points are easy to run to wherever you need them from bedrooms, garden offices, even garages. A lot of people use Freeview for the day-to-day stuff, then stream when they want a boxset or film. When we install media walls or full-room setups, we usually pair aerial feeds with internet connections. If you’re unsure what type of aerial would suit your property, our team can advise during a quick site check with no obligation. Can you have both a digital aerial and streaming setup? Absolutely and we can help with both. We also install and align Sky dishes for homes that need access to premium channels alongside Freeview. If you want everything wired up cleanly, without signal issues or messy cables, this is where we come in. See our Sky services . Definitely. In fact, that’s what most people go for. You can stream through the apps on your smart TV, and your digital TV aerials keep the live channels steady no matter what the internet’s doing. We run all the cables neatly out of sight, and we often add extra coax points while we're there so you're future-ready. We’ve lost count of the times a customer thanked us when everything worked without a second thought. In homes with tricky layouts, thick stone, or long cable runs, we’ll often add signal boosters or plan alternate routes to protect quality. That’s the sort of detail we think through before we even pick up the drill. Many of our customers ask the same things once we get talking so here are a few answers up front. Why trust Cube Communications for your aerial installation? We’ve been climbing ladders and cabling homes across West Yorkshire for more than 35 years. From storm-damaged chimney installs to neat loft jobs in listed buildings, we’ve seen and sorted every variation. We don’t guess. We measure the signal, talk through the options, and build systems that last. Whether you own your home, rent it, or manage a property portfolio including HMOs or short-lets, we’ll get you a setup that’s solid and future-proof. Read our reviews to see what others say. Talk to Us About Your Setup! Stop putting up with weak signal and over-complicated systems. Whether you’re sorting out the lounge, upgrading the rental property, or wiring up new rooms, we’ll give you practical, honest advice that fits your home and timeline. We can often book installs within just a few days. Still not sure whether you need streaming, digital TV aerials, or both? Let’s figure it out together. Contact Cube Communications and speak with someone who knows how to get it done right.  Common Questions About Digital TV Aerials Can I still get Freeview with an aerial? Absolutely. We install digital TV aerials every week in new builds and 100-year-old terraces — all feeding Freeview, no subscription needed. Is it worth installing an aerial if I already stream? Most of the time, yes. It gives you a backup when Wi-Fi lets you down and lets you catch live events without delay. Will I need a new aerial for a smart TV? Maybe. If your picture breaks up or the cable looks ancient, it’s worth upgrading. We’ll always check your current setup first. What if my aerial signal is poor? It’s usually down to the aerial being too low, the cable being damaged, or the connectors rusted out. We test the lot and fix what’s needed, simple as that.

Mounting your TV on wall enhances comfort, declutters your space, and transforms your room with a sleek, professional finish.

CCTV systems installation is key to avoiding blind spots and keeping your business, staff, and property secure. Here’s what you need to check.

Professional CCTV installation ensures reliable security, compliance, and quality for your business, avoid the risks of DIY systems.