Freeview intermittent interference
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV There are several different types of interference that cause problems. This page deals with the situation where:
- Freeview reception is perfect or near-perfect most of the time
- The audio on TV and radio channels mutes momentarily a few times each minute
- The picture on a Freeview channel freezes a few times each minute
There are two main causes of this type of intermittent interference:
- 'Induction' interference
- Mobile phone interference
Induction interference
Induction interference is caused by mains-powered household devices that contain a large motor, such as:- Washing machine;
- Tumble dryer;
- Central heating pump or combination boiler;
- Fridge;
- Freezer;
- Power tools (drills, jigsaws etc)
- Vacuum cleaners;
- Water pumps;
- Automatic doors
You can identify if one or more of these devices is causing the Freeview reception problem by powering off the devices.
If one of these devices is causing the problem, then the reception problem can usually be solved by using a mains filter device and use it on the Freeview boxes mains connection.
Such as device is this: Maplin: 6-Way Flat Screen and HDTV Surge Protector and Mains Filter.
Mobile phone interference
If you keep a mobile phone by your Freeview box or digital television, keep it further away!This also applies to other transmitters such as baby monitors, video senders, walkie talkies, and portable phones.
Help with Freeview, aerials?
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
L Smith: I would wait for two weeks and see how things are, I can't really say more without a full postcode.
| link to this comment |
Thursday, 8 September 2011
L
Lesley2:09 PM
Willenhall
We have retuned today for the sutton coldfield transmitter and can no longer receive the BBC channels. Have tried manually retuning for Channel 43 but it doesn't find anything. Post code is WV12 5TH
| link to this comment |
Lesley's: mapL's Freeview map terrainL's terrain plot wavesL's frequency data L's Freeview Detailed Coverage
B
BEV8:31 PM
Huddersfield
on certain channels the picture quality is great with no interference, on others it is really poor. I have re-tuned quite a few times and am still getting the same problems. My TV is a digital one and is only a year old. The problems occur on what were the old analogue channels, the HD channels and the freeveiw chanels. Will this be rectified soon, should I keep re-tuning to hope it settles in or will it clear up after the 2nd re-tune? HD7 4DN
| link to this comment |
BEV's: mapB's Freeview map terrainB's terrain plot wavesB's frequency data B's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Friday, 9 September 2011
Lesley: Please first check that your equipment is designed to work after switchover - see TVs and boxes that do not support the 8k-mode | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
Second, check for Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice .
Third, you may have a signal overload: if you have a booster or amplifier, remove it from your system.
| link to this comment |
BEV: It sounds like you have an reception issue, not one related to the transmissions. You need to locate the source of the interference or faulty cable to sort the problem out, switchover will not fix a fault in your system.
| link to this comment |
C
Caroline Judd6:04 PM
Leamington Spa
Hi my elderly aunt lives at post code CV32 7AP and until the switchover she was receiving all stations but now the BBC stations are fine but ITV and many of the others are unwatchable as they are breaking up and a sign shows says signal scrambled. She rang the Unhelpful Helpline and was told that she needs a new box and they would come out but she would have to pay £44. She tells me that the box isn't very old. Help please.
| link to this comment |
Caroline's: mapC's Freeview map terrainC's terrain plot wavesC's frequency data C's Freeview Detailed Coverage
K
KMJ,Derby6:41 PM
Caroline Judd: If the BBC channels have good reception the box is clearly working properly. It is possible that signals from another transmitter have been stored for ITV1 etc, (Sandy Heath and Lark Stoke are two possibilities). Check in the 800s of the channel list for versions of the problem channels that work correctly.It may be necessary to do a manual tune on C44 if this frequency is being overlooked.
| link to this comment |
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Angela
9:24 PM
Motherwell
9:24 PM
Motherwell
Im on the blackhill transmitter,postcode ML1 3UB.Since about 11 pm last night I have been getting picture disruption on every channel,could the high winds be affecting the communal aerial?
| link to this comment |
Angela's: mapA's Freeview map terrainA's terrain plot wavesA's frequency data A's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Angela: It could be, but also check Freeview reception has changed? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice too.
| link to this comment |
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Angela
9:46 PM
Motherwell
9:46 PM
Motherwell
Thanks Brian.I had a look and checked everything again,but with no luck.I then tried unplugging the Freeview box as a last resort and plugged it into a different socket on the extension,so far,it has worked.Fingers crossed!
| link to this comment |
Angela's: mapA's Freeview map terrainA's terrain plot wavesA's frequency data A's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Select more comments
Your comment please