All posts by Michael Perry
Below are all of Michael Perry's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
So that means 62% approximately are listening via an analogue method. That strongly suggests that the figures being bandied about that 46% are listening via DAB are not correct and cannot be trusted. However, they are the figures being relied upon by those who take the decisions!
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Mike Parker:
When did your reception cease? I ask because last year there was a change to the pattern of broadcasting channels from the Astra satellites used by Sky and Freesat such that reception of programmes aimed at UK viewers was made much more difficult, even impossible, in 'out of area' locations such as southern Spain.
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John Luke
It is unlikely to improve reception if it has the same number of elements as your existing aerial. And it may not be suitable for reception in the near future if the suggested frequency changes are implimented.
The ideal would normally be a log-periodic with at least the same inherent gain as your current aerial as that has the ability to receive the current transmissions and those that may become available in the future.
What is the reason for asking? Do you have reception problems? Remember that sometimes too much signal can be as bad as too little, if you're close to Sutton Coldfield that may be a factor. Ideally we would need a post code, or that of a close-by shop, so that your reception conditions can be assessed by others contributing to this website.
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Mark
That's not how the data is being presented in the media. I am always wary of such figures as they get 'massaged' out of all recognition and the originbal data gets 'lost' amongst the spin.
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john Martin:
The talk from Ofcom, the 'regulators', suggests that sometime in the future they would like to see TV being carried by the internet, so freeing up the transmission spectrum currently used for TV broadcasting to become available for them to sell to mobile operators, etc.
That would mean everyone able to get a fast enough broadband connection might be able to watch TV services - providiong that the equipment used to make the services available on the internet are capable of handling the vast amounts of data they will be required to deliver at a speen fast enough to avoid incessant 'buffering' which is so annoying.
Plus it does not take account of those who are unable to get an internet connection and are unlikely to get such in the future. The Government requirement is that those with internet should be able to get at least 2 Mbps - which is not quick enough for current SD programmes, HD will require around 4 times the speed and UHD something around 16 times - if the server equipment can deliver it for everyone!
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P. Kieran Ward, et al:
I totally agree and as a very experienced computer and internet user (over 20 years) I know that such short versions can easily be hijacked to a spoofed URL. I'm not saying that Muhammed Ishfaq has supplied a suspect link but the format does not lend itself to openness.
Therefore, may I make a plea to everyone who wants to supply a link, please make it in plain format and give the original URL so that it can be clearly read and interpreted by everyone and is not obfuscated behind a shortened form.
The dangers are that some websites have been infected with malware or viruses or trojans and anyone connecting to them is liable to be infected without their permission and usually without their knowledge. At least with a overt (clear URL) link you have some idea where you are looking, which is not possible with a covert shortened link until it's too late!
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Colin Swan:
All the outputs should be at the same level and it should make no difference which of the outputs you use as they are identical. They will be at the output level as a single, twin or quad of the same make and design. The variable could well be that the 'F' connectors may not be fitted to the cables correctly on the ones giving the 'no signal' legend. It is vital that all strands of the outer screening and sheathing do not come into any contact with the central core of the cable. Both ends of the affected connections should be checked. If you have a multimeter that has a resistance function you can use that to check that the cables do not have a short circuit once both ends have been disconnected from the LNB and the receiver. If the cable shows a very low resistance then a strand, at least, of the outer is touching the inner and cancelling the signal. It could potentially damage you receiving box power supply too. The ideal measurement in this test is to see an open circuit, often shown as an infinity reading or no reading at all with just the omega symbol.
It is rare to need more than a quad Low Noise Block in any domestic installation. If more receivers are to be fed from a single dish then a powered distribution system designed specifically for use with satellite signals and able to distribute the outputs in pairs (to meet the needs of Freesat PVRs and Sky+ boxes which require two independent inputs). There are many suppliers and manufacturers and these generall provide distribution of Freeview, DAB and VHF FM radio as well. These take inputs from two of the LNB outputs (but I have seen some that use four inputs from the LNB), the terrestrial TV aerial (does not need to be labelled 'digital' as there is no such thing!) and the radio aerials. How they are distributed depends on the make and model, instructions are usually provided.
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Nor:
Sky will not authorise any equipment outside the UK. If however you have a UK address they may authorise and issue a card for that location. It may not work in Spain though.
Reception of Sky and Freesat signals on the Costa del Sol can be problematic and a 90cm dish may not be sufficient (the amount of signal received is a function of the dish size as well as the footprint of the satellite transponders required). You need to look at the transponder maps for those used by Sky, the Astra 2e maps will not be sufficient on their own. Check which transponders are being used for Sky services and look at the maps for those. You may find that some services cannot be received at all and others may well need a bigger dish. But are there any rules/laws regarding permitted dish size and location where you live? Some local authorities may have their own rules. In the UK you are rarely allowed a 90cm dish and it may require planning permission plus there are rules about where they can be mounted.
Just because there is a pan-european beam on the Astra 2e satellite does not necessarily mean that Sky use it nor that you can legally receive the Sky services in Spain.
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Bob Barfoot
To tell you that we would need top know your location by supplying a post code for that (or of a close by shop).
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Wednesday 11 February 2015 10:21PM
Geoffrey O'Neill
One possibility is that it may not be available for viewing on-line? I don't have an IP TV so can't check.
You might try finding out if they have their own website and that might tell you what the delivery options are.