All posts by jb38
Below are all of jb38's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Andrew Way: Referring to the Humax Freesat box. Carry out a signal test on the box for around a minute or so whilst viewing ITV HD, paying particular attention for any fluctuations in either the strength or (more importantly) the quality of the signal. By the way, accessing the signal indications on some Humax Freesat devices is under diagnostics.
Another thing to check is that your dish has a clear view of the S/S Eastern skyline, and is not being intermittently / partially obstructed by anything such as tree foliage etc.
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alexei romanov: Hopefully, long may this continue to be the case!! Although the fact that nothing has changed at the transmitter is inclined to make me suspect that the problem might possibly be caused by something local to where you reside, for instance, such as interference being radiated from a neighbours iffy cable box or similar device, the owner of said devices usually being totally unaware of the problem by the interference only affecting others living nearby who receive their signal through an aerial, you apparently being one of the few according to that previously said by your good self.
Still, only time will tell as to how long this upturn in the situation remains.
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Ron: These indications are perfectly in line from what would be expected on a Manhattan Plaza Freesat HD-S2 / minidish combination, and slight variations in strength between channels is quite normal as you are receiving signals from different transponders, i.e: Sat equivalent of a Mux transmitter.
As far as the variation in levels during certain weather conditions are concerned, you should consider scrapping the minidish in favour of purchasing a Zone 2 Sky dish such as used in most areas North of the border, (even larger in some Highland areas) as these types capture a higher percentage of the signal, likewise will perform better under adverse weather conditions over what you are presently using.
Of course, it has to be appreciated that signal breakup usually occurs in most satellite systems during really heavy thundery type downpours.
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DaveN: I would try using either 37 or 38, as although channel 37 is used by both Waltham and Oxfords COM8 transmitters, I very much doubt if the slightest trace of a signal from either station would be detectable in your area.
However, if by any remote chance it was, the level of would almost be guaranteed not to be of a magnitude high enough to cause problems with reception of the Sky boxes analogue modulators output.
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DaveN: Many thanks for the update, pleased to know that the problem has now been resolved.
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alexei romanov: Considering the length of time that this problem has been going on for, I am of the opinion that the only way you are going to get to the bottom of what's causing it is by testing your aerial system out using another HD receiver, or alternatively, having your aerial system checked out by an engineer equipped with a professional grade signal meter.
But to reiterate on something previously mentioned, can you confirm (or otherwise) that your previously made statement of the signal being too weak without the booster did actually involve completely by-passing said device and not just switching it off? i.e: physically removing it by connecting the aerial down lead directly into the coax used to feed the signal into your TV's aerial input socket?. My previous request for this info having been unanswered.
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derek: On the assumption that you receive Freeview from Crystal Palace, if you can view Talking Pictures (81) but not CBS Drama (71) then your EPG listings require updating.
You can achieve this in two ways, the first being to carry out a manufacturers reset on your box followed by an auto-tune, this procedure changing any personal preference settings back to their original default values.
The second method being to carry out retune on your box *after* having first of all removed the aerial connector, this action purely deleting everything stored on the tuners memory, reconnecting the aerial on completion of same followed by a normal auto-tune.
By the way, if you are unable to view Talking Pictures (81) then for some reason or another you are not receiving the COM7 HD multiplex, a post code being required to enable a check to be carried on your reception possibilities.
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James : These indications are perfectly in line with what would be expected with good reception, 100% quality being the target figure that should always be aimed at when aligning an aerial system.
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James : The main point to remember when dealing with signal strength is that its always best to keep it under 100%, as this figure represents the maximum level the device is designed to operate at, the 88 - 90% on your receiver being ideal.
The reason for saying "under" 100% is basically because 100% is the maximum "indicated" level in domestic receivers, meaning that the "actual" signal strength level could anything from a few points above this - causing the occasional glitch in the picture - up to a level capable of overloading the tuners input stages resulting in zero reception, some HD receivers (e.g: slightly older Samsungs) being particularly vulnerable in this respect.
The main thing about signal strength indications on Freeview receivers is that said indications can vary quite considerably between different brands (or even models) of receivers, this being why the only really accurate way of measuring signal strength on an aerial downlead is by using a proper dB level meter such as used by aerial installers.
Purely for information purposes /
Ofcom's recommended levels for DTT reception:- 45 to 65 dBuV, but though in practice 6dB should always be added above the minimum level to allow for variations in signal strength, this making the minimum level 51dB. (i.e: 51dB - 71dB)
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Monday 13 June 2016 5:09PM
Jenny: Both the the recording and playback side of your box will be disabled by Sky at time (or very shortly after) cancelling your subscription, that is unless you are willing to take out another same at time of cancellation purely for the purpose of retaining this (and only this) facility.
However, many viewers do not consider the fee of around 10.50 per month is worth paying to retain the recording / playback facility by opting to change over to Freesat, this system being 100% compatible with dish systems previously used by Sky boxes, in most cases purchasing a Freesat HD twin tuner recorder which offers facilities almost identical to that of a Sky+HD box.
By the way, the easy way to find out which channels will still be viewable after cancelling your subscription is by placing the box into standby then switching off the power supply to same. Switching it back on again "after" having removed the viewing card and allowing it to go through the usual searching for listings etc procedure, then on completion of running through the channels you normally view, any that requires a subscription triggering a "please insert viewing card" or similar message on the screen.