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?
Sunday, 21 February 2016
N
Norris12:20 PM
Hello
I reside in the Whetstone, London area and am experiencing pixelated picture and distorted audio. I have been through all the recommended checks and nothing changed. I checked with my neighbour and she is also experiencing the same issues. This does seem to suggest a common problem and since engineering work was carried out at Barnet just recently wonder if something has upset the balance for us.
It is very frustrating as it happens at intervals of approx a few minutes in a random fashion throughout at all times of the day and evening.
I would appreciate your help please.
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MikeP
3:57 PM
3:57 PM
Norris:
A full post code is needed in these circumstances as what affects one road or house may not affect others nearby.
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Tuesday, 8 March 2016
E
Eve Steadman11:13 AM
I live in Cambridge and am having problems of freezing and pixilated pictures on BBC News and Alzazeera only, which I understand are served by the Sandy Heath transmitter. We have been fitted with an aerial by the company which deals with FreeView aerial problems and the problem has reappeared after a period without problems.
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M
MikeB6:42 PM
Eve Steadman: We need a full postcode, and signal stength on BBC channels.
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Wednesday, 9 March 2016
E
Eve Steadman10:48 AM
Cambridge
MikeB: CB4 Thanks Mike: the problem disappeared so I wondered whether the cause had been the weather?
Have there also been engineering works at Sandy Heath?
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Eve's: mapE's Freeview map terrainE's terrain plot wavesE's frequency data E's Freeview Detailed Coverage
M
MikeB1:42 PM
Eve Steadman: Could be lots of things, but what leaping out at me is the fact that your just 27km from Sandy heath. High signal strength could well be a factor. If your readings are high, then search for 'too much of a good thing' on this website - it might help.
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Monday, 28 March 2016
E
Ellie 9:53 AM
New aerial fitted 2 weeks ago, signal very spasmodic today. Worked for 10 mins then out for 2 hours back for 5 mins and now gone again. NN4 ONJ. Can the weather be causing this ?
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MikeP
10:05 PM
Trowbridge
10:05 PM
Trowbridge
Ellie:
It could be as others have reported similar disturbances to their reception. Do not try to retune your TV though as you are likley to lose more channels that way.
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MikeP's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
Saturday, 28 May 2016
K
Kingston Bailey11:58 AM
Fishguard
Good morning.my location is SA65 9TA, Gwaun Vale Holliday and Touring park. Llanychaer, Fishguard.
I have carried out several retunes and programme scans but I am not getting good reception from Presely transmitter. What is the best antenna for this transmitter?
Thank you.
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Kingston's: mapK's Freeview map terrainK's terrain plot wavesK's frequency data K's Freeview Detailed Coverage
MikeP
1:46 PM
Trowbridge
1:46 PM
Trowbridge
Kingston:
If you click on the digitaluk trade banner below your post, you will see that they recommend trying the Fishguard transmitter for preferrence, but that Presely is a possible alternative.
Fishguard is a Freeview Lite transmitter and only the BBC A multiplex is thought to give reliable reception, BBC B and D3&4 being variable. Presely is a full sevive transmitter reception being expected to be good for all multip[lexes apart from ARQ B.
Fishguard will require a Group C/D aerial with rods vertical whilst Presely requires a Group B mounted with rods horizontal.
Looking at the reception map and the terrain plots it would appear that Presely is probably the better option.
As for what type of antenna/aerial you need then I suspect that good quality Yagi will suffice (but avoid the scam of a 'digital' aerial as they all receive the signals the same way) but you might consider a log-periodic type. How much inherent gain is needed is difficult to determine, but as the ARQ B signals are possibly suspect then a medium to high gain type is probably better, though you may need to add attenuators if the signal is too strong and giving break-up - especially on the HD multiplex.
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MikeP's: mapM's Freeview map terrainM's terrain plot wavesM's frequency data M's Freeview Detailed Coverage
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