Changes to commercial multiplex capacity - 2012 timetable
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV By a modification to one of the parameters used for broadcast (the "forward error correction") the capacity of the multiplexes increases by 12.5%, which is sufficient for an additional standard-definition channel to be broadcast - see Freeview modes - a simplified explanation.
Changes to the ArqB multiplex were completed in 2011. The changes to the SDN and ArqA multiplexes are taking place on a rolling programme:
Transmitters where FEC changes are to happen during 2012
| Transmitter | SDN multiplex | ArqA multiplex |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | 17 January 2012 | 17 January 2012 |
| Moel y Parc | Complete | 17 January 2012 |
| Storeton | 18 January 2012 | 18 January 2012 |
| BlaenPlwyf | Complete | 18 January 2012 |
| Wenvoe | Complete | 19 January 2012 |
| Pendle Forest | 24 January 2012 | 24 January 2012 |
| Winter Hill | 24 January 2012 | 24 January 2012 |
| Keighley | 25 January 2012 | 25 January 2012 |
| Saddleworth | 25 January 2012 | 25 January 2012 |
| Emley Moor | 31 January 2012 | 31 January 2012 |
| Olivers Mount | 31 January 2012 | 31 January 2012 |
| Belmont | 01 February 2012 | Complete |
| Idle | 01 February 2012 | 01 February 2012 |
| Sheffield | 07 February 2012 | 07 February 2012 |
| Bressay | 14 February 2012 | Complete |
| Tacolneston | 14 February 2012 | Complete |
| Keelylang Hill | 21 February 2012 | Complete |
| Rumster Forest | 22 February 2012 | Complete |
| Eitshal | 28 February 2012 | Complete |
| Angus | 06 March 2012 | Complete |
| Durris | 07 March 2012 | Complete |
| Knockmore | 13 March 2012 | Complete |
| Rosemarkie | 14 March 2012 | Complete |
| Bristol Kings Weston | 20 March 2012 | 20 March 2012 |
| Craigkelly | 20 March 2012 | 20 March 2012 |
| Torosay | 20 March 2012 | 20 March 2012 |
| Bristol Ilchester Crescent | 21 March 2012 | 21 March 2012 |
| Black Hill | 27 March 2012 | Complete |
| Mendip | 27 March 2012 | 28 March 2012 |
| Rosneath | 27 March 2012 | 27 March 2012 |
| Darvel | 28 March 2012 | 28 March 2012 |
| Nottingham | 03 April 2012 | 03 April 2012 |
| Waltham | 04 April 2012 | 04 April 2012 |
| Malvern | 10 April 2012 | 10 April 2012 |
| Ridge Hill | 11 April 2012 | 11 April 2012 |
| Brierley Hill | 17 April 2012 | 17 April 2012 |
| Oxford | 18 April 2012 | Complete |
| Rowridge | 18 April 2012 | 18 April 2012 |
| Sutton Coldfield | 24 April 2012 | 24 April 2012 |
| Fenton | 25 April 2012 | Complete |
| Bromsgrove | 01 May 2012 | 01 May 2012 |
| Lark Stoke | 01 May 2012 | 01 May 2012 |
| The Wrekin | 01 May 2012 | 01 May 2012 |
| Sandy Heath | 09 May 2012 | Complete |
| Sudbury | 27 June 2012 | Complete |
Transmitters where FEC changes are already complete
- Aberdare
- Beacon Hill
- Caldbeck
- Caradon Hill
- Carmel
- Chesterfield
- Huntshaw Cross
- Kilvey Hill
- Llanddona
- Plympton
- Pontypool
- Preseli
- Redruth
- Selkirk
- Stockland Hill
Transmitters where FEC changes happen at switchover
- Bilsdale
- Bluebell Hill
- Brougher Mountain
- Chatton
- Crystal Palace
- Divis
- Dover
- Fenham
- Guildford
- Hannington
- Hastings
- Heathfield
- Hemel Hempstead
- Limavady
- Midhurst
- Pontop Pike
- Reigate
- Salisbury
- Tunbridge Wells
- Whitehawk Hill
Help with Freeview, aerials?
In this section
Friday, 13 January 2012
Sunday, 15 January 2012
P
Paul9:08 PM
Thanks for the info, but where FEC changes have just happened (e.g. Winter Hill) are we users meant to retune or do anything at all at this stage?
Thanks
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Monday, 16 January 2012
R
Robert3:56 PM
Kilmacolm
Are there any plans to upgade the Balrossie transmitter serving Kilmacolm village. Only a small number of tv stations being received and radio channels stop at 6pm.
Best regards. bob
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Robert's: mapR's Freeview map terrainR's terrain plot wavesR's frequency data R's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Robert: The likely answer is no. See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
You might get Rosneath if you're lucky, but that's the only way you will ever get the commercial channels on terrestrial.
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Monday, 23 January 2012
D
DARIO1:40 PM
Ashton-under-lyne
with the changes to the SDN multiplex and ArqA multiplex on winter hill tomorrow and Wednesday. Will it improve signal for Chanel M and Movies for man chanels.
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DARIO's: mapD's Freeview map terrainD's terrain plot wavesD's frequency data D's Freeview Detailed Coverage
B
Bob Smith5:22 PM
Stafford
Problem I am having is that I get the sound faintly in the background followed by the actual picture and sound together. I am on the Wrekin transmitter and most major channels are showing maximum reception (my 6yr old Panasonic recorder freeview box allows this to be checked). What could be the reason for this since it is most annoying and has been going on for some time now. Thanks.
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Bob's: mapB's Freeview map terrainB's terrain plot wavesB's frequency data B's Freeview Detailed Coverage
DARIO: There is very little difference in the DVB-T protection values between "mode 3" and "mode 8", so if there is a positive effect on the reception of the Manchester exclusive it will be a very minor one.
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Thursday, 26 January 2012
Bob Smith: You might find thttps://ukfree.tv/fullstory.php?storyid=1107051892 useful.
Is the recorder connected to the TV by just a single SCART cable?
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Sunday, 29 January 2012
J
James Brown9:21 PM
Hi
I am in Crouch End, North London (N8) and a bit marginal for Crystal Palace on freeview. I have had solid reception until the last few days when BBC1, 2, 3, ITV, C5 have all but disappeared. BBC4 is ok as is CBeebies (thank goodness!). Any changes that might have caused this and therefore can I expect it to improve again? Thinking I might have to go back to paying for cable.
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