My high gain aerial can't get all the Freeview channels I expected
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV You need a "wideband" aerial rather than a high gain one (see all about aerials). Also, if you use a signal booster in the setup, this can cause problems with digital signals.
Can I suggest that you try the following:
1. Check that all the connectors are OK, in particular that there are no stray wires and that both the outer shield and inner wire are connected;
2. If you are using any signal boosters, turn them off;
3. Check to see if you have anything like a VCR connected via a UHF fly lead - sometimes these can changed to use channels such as 68.
4. If you have a wideband aerial, if you can try raising it up an additional metre;
See also all about aerials.
All questions
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Tuesday, 15 February 2011
H
H Akin11:10 PM
Redhill
round and he was pretty certain I could get freeview without any amplifiers. The question is do i need to change my aerial or is it a simple matter of realignment? my postcode is rh1 4lr. Any help would be appreciated.
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H's: mapH's Freeview map terrainH's terrain plot wavesH's frequency data H's Freeview Detailed Coverage
M
Mike Dimmick11:29 PM
Reading
H Akin: you don't have a particularly good option now, but the Heathfield transmitter is probably your best bet.
You need a wideband aerial to get the BBC and ITV/C4/C5 multiplexes before switchover. After switchover, the public-service channels will be within the former analogue aerial group, but the commercial channels will be below it and you probably still need a wideband or semi-wideband (group E) to receive them reliably. You will need a fairly high-gain aerial at present, but you have a very high probability of reliable reception after switchover with your existing aerial. If your current analogue reception is very good, you may not need to change it.
Amplifiers usually do nothing useful. They amplify the noise as much as the signal, and add extra noise of their own. If the level is marginal at the aerial's terminals, a low-gain amplifier offsetting the losses in the cable can help. Always go for an aerial with higher gain before adding amplifiers, though.
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Mike's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Monday, 28 February 2011
M
martin8:37 PM
Maybole
Hi,
Would appreciate if you can advise on what best method of getting a good digital signal from KA19 8JZ Postcode(Maidens, Ayrshire). Analogue picture was through booster. Would a high gain or wideband digital ariel be best suited.
Many Thanks in advance.
Martin
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martin's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
martin: On 11th/25th May 2011 the Kirkoswald transmitter will provide a digital service. You will need nothing more than your existing aerial. You may need to disconnect your booster at this time. See Kirkoswald VP digital switchover date | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
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Sunday, 13 March 2011
P
Paul10:45 PM
West Bromwich
Hi Live in B70 6LR, digital aerial just installed in loft but on new bush digital tv only get BBC1,2,3 News channel and red button; analogue signal very weak as can only get a fuzzy channel 5. Have checked aerial is pointing in same direction as all neighbours. Can you let me have advice on what to do next please. Want to get another tv connected - do i use a splitter or do i have to get another aerial.
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Paul's: mapP's Freeview map terrainP's terrain plot wavesP's frequency data P's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Monday, 14 March 2011
T
Tom Fletcher10:57 AM
Paul
Digital reception is no good from a loft aerial the aerial must be out side on the highest part of your house. Tom Fletcher Alpha Aerials Sheffield.
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P
Paul 8:44 PM
Hi Tom - thanks for your comment; my problem is that the roof has a very high pitch - 4 metres above loft hatch - and there's no chimney to put it on so presume need a long pole to attach aerial to back wall of house? Regards
Paul
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Tuesday, 15 March 2011
T
Tom Fletcher11:24 AM
Paul
As long as its outside and pointing in the direction of the mast it should be OK, try not to make any joints or connections to the cable if you can, its always best to have one length of cable from the aerial straight to the TV.
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Friday, 18 March 2011
M
Maggie12:19 PM
I can't get any digital channels and the analogue ones are not good
My arial is in the loft will this make a difference?
I believe I should be able to get digital tv in Olney Bucks
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T
Tom Fletcher11:41 PM
Maggie
The aerial must be out side on the highest part of the house, loft aerials are no good for digital reception.
Tom Fletcher Alpha Aerials sheffield.
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