All posts by jb38
Below are all of jb38's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Mark Bateman: If receiving from Waltham then ITV4 (MuxD/ArqB) is presently showing as being poor, however this should improve on switchover (31st Aug) when its present Ch42 changes to Ch57.
Its also noticed that MuxA (Ch29) will remain in the poor category until 12th of October, although this is not shown as being presently possible for reception anyway.
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robert binstead: Just to add to what Briantist has said, you might have to manually tune in Olivers Mount multiplexes, as your other possibilities for reception (Bilsdale and Hunmanby) are all on lower Mux channels numbers.
Olivers Mount using - Mux Ch's 57 - 60 - 53 - 54 - 58 - 61 (Ch57 and 54 showing as variable)
Your aerial will also require to be turned slightly clockwise, as Bilsdale is at 285 degrees, Olivers Mount at 309 degrees. (using Filey post office as a marker)
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mr b smith: If you are referring to a Panasonic analogue device then BBC2 ceased transmission on the 17th, as indeed will the remainder of the analogue channels on the 31st Aug.
If you still wish to use your VCR after then then it will have to be purely via its scart connection into a Freeview box.
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Stephen F: As your BT vision box is first in line from the aerial and as such receiving the maximum signal, then the symptoms you are getting could possibly be caused by an over strong signal that's swamping the tuner, especially if you are using a roof aerial, or worse if a booster is also involved, if this applies then it should be removed, but if the signal is too strong then a simple attenuator in line with the aerial socket should cure that.
Purely for a test, if you have access to a set top aerial give that a try, as although the picture (should one be there!) might well be poor it would be interesting to know if the type of interference seen was still in evidence or not.
Regarding the TV being OK but the box not, no two tuners are the same in sensitivity nor their ability in coping with over strong signals.
(Is the BT vision box a grey or black type?).
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Stephen F: Meant also to say, try leaving the co-ax link from the BT box to your TV disconnected.
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David: These signal test indications aren't really that good considering they are been seen on a Panasonic, most of usually indicating more than on anything else, so your problem is suggestive of the signal being a bit on the weak side, albeit of course that the reception predictor (as usual!) does give glowing reports for reception at your location.
If your roof aerial is in order then a booster would help the situation, these obtainable from as you mention Maplins, although numerous choices can be found on e-bay, one example seen on the link.
By the way HD is on Mux Ch31, but could you indicate the model of your TV, this to enable its tuner spec to be checked on.
2 Way TV Aerial Signal Booster Amplifier Freeview | eBay
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David: This is another one that I can actually recommend for reliability, its four way but you could just leave two of the outputs unconnected, irrespective of what the purists would maintain.
4 Way TV Aerial Distribution Amplifier/Booster Splitter | eBay pt=UK_ConEle_SatCableFreeview_RL&hash=item35ae216caf
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David: Just had a look at the spec and it would appear as though it does have a Freeview HD compatible tuner fitted, this being DVB-T2.
It wouldn't do any harm though for you to check your user manual / tuner details for DVB-T2 being seen, as even some quite sophisticated TV's with Freesat HD etc doesnt have an HD capability on Freeview.
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Stephen F: Yes the black one is a later type, the only reason I asked about the colour was that its rumoured (unable to check for myself) is that the older type you have is fitted with an RF modulator whereas the later black ones doesn't, not of course that this would be liable to cause the problem you are experiencing, as it would be the TV that would suffer.
However, if you have now tried a set top aerial and the problem still exists, then there is only about one thing left that I suspect could be responsible, that of the BT vision box not being fully compatible with the new 8k transmission mode that is now in use.
I have had a look at the spec and it does state that its 2K/8K compatible, though experience has proven that this is not always the case in various pieces of equipment. A test you could try for this being, blanking out the channels stored on your BT box by scanning without the aerial being connected, then to manually tune in Mux Ch49, as MuxA/SDN is the only channel that's shown as still being on 2K operation, so it would be interesting to know if this one works OK, if you can receive it that is, as its shown on the predictor as being variable. (Ch49 as)
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Stephen F: "If" it has that facility then it should be seen within the tuning menu selections, but not being acquaint with that particular box I appreciate that it might not offer this facility, if it doesn't then you will have to carry out the normal re-tuning then try tests on ITV3 or QVC, as these are on Mux Ch49.
A thing you might be able to do though is, if during re-tuning you can see the tuning bar running up the screen then leave the aerial unconnected until about Mux Ch45 then quickly plug it back in again, as that will miss most of the higher powered channels with the exception of the HD one, which shouldn't register anyway.
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Stephen F: But that's the very point I am making, being, that your box doesn't show any interference when receiving channels from the Mux still on the original 2k operating mode, whereas it does with channels which are on a Mux now operating on the 8K mode, such as the BBC and Ch5 etc.
8K is known to cause a variety of problems on some older equipment, these ranging from either not working at all to erratic performance if it does, so I only take account of the programme channels you mention to cross check them with the technicalities of the multiplex they are on.
The main other possibility for the problem, that of the signal being too strong, has already been discounted when you tried the set top aerial, this only leaving the possibility of 8K incompatibility as the main suspect, that is unless your box has developed some other odd fault, which I doubt it has. Local interference also being excluded as your TV works perfectly OK on the same aerial.
In other words, "you" would have discounted the 8K problem theory if you had seen the same type of interference on programmes using Mux Ch49, which you say you haven't done.
Needless to say "if" 8k is indeed the cause then you cannot really do anything about it, as its a software issue.
PS: Just spotted your latest posting when I scrolled up the screen. Although these can cause problems, however you having witnessed the interference using a set top aerial means that the problem is nothing connected to the aerial system.
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Michael: "If" you are referring to a Satellite Freesat box then you have to carry out a factory reset and enter your post code, as this instructs the box to store the signal info appropriate to your area.
Although I doubt if this is what you are meaning, but if its a Sky box complete with viewing card then the card cannot be used, as the region info on the card cannot be altered by anyone other than Sky, although using it without the card usually gives the London region as default.
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Offbeat Dave: Well Mux Ch53 does indicate variable reception at your location although Mux Ch60 shows as being reasonably OK, of course this taken with the usual pinch of salt as predictors cannot accurately cater for local variables.
Come the 23rd of November though these problems should vanish.
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Chris Low: If you can receive Freeview perfectly OK on the Panasonic but not on the new Samsung (on the same aerial) then a simple booster is all that should be necessary to correct this, as changing your aerial would be like taking a sledge hammer to crack a nut, to use the expression!
Have a look on e-bay under "TV amplifiers" or "boosters", something shown as about 10db gain would suffice so long as its shown as having two outlets, one lead to each device.
(Maybe you could indicate the model number of your new purchase)
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Chris Low: You should also be aware that Mux 1/2 (BBC & ITV) presently indicate as being variable in reception at your location, and with this continuing until April 18th next year, so even although taking the predictors element of inaccuracy into account good reception isn't guaranteed on these two multiplex channels no matter what you might do.
That said though, the booster I mentioned should certainly get over the problem you mentioned "if" its caused by a signal just under its receiving threshold, although I am a bit suspicious of you not getting anything and that's why I requested its model number.
Just for a matter of interest, boosters are generally always better as near to the aerial as you can get them "if" excessively long downleads are involved, (loft mounting perfectly OK though) although based on what you report anywhere in the vicinity of the TV or PVR being used should be OK if a weak signal is the reason for your problem, and not caused by a fault in your new purchase.
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Lawrence: Taking it you are referring to a "powered" 4way splitter then yes! as it doesnt matter how many points you add, this so long as they aren't made by looping from one point to the other and kept as individual feeds from the splitter.
So you should have no problems with what you are suggesting.
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Lawrence: Meant also to add, that if you are presently not experiencing any problems with the main Mux channels already on high power then you likewise won't on November, should however you do at any time then a simple attenuator in line with the "input" to your splitter will instantly cure the problem.
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Mike Dimmick: Don't you really think that db levels and insertion losses etc, especially when elements of the theoretical coupled to variables are involved, nothing being exact, are more appropriate to "some" on MB21 rather than a site where people of basically a non technical nature are seeking assistance without wishing to be baffled by science.
(My self also being a member of aforementioned site albeit wearing a different hat, that is as well as generally being in the background)
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Mike Dimmick: Yes, but these loses you refer to have elements of "in theory" attached to them, as it all depends on whether or not every additional point installed is actually loaded up by something being plugged into them, and if something should be then what the device actually represents impedance loading wise on the circuit, considering that is we are not dealing with professional spec equipment and so nothing can be taken as exact, as indeed nothing can when dealing with anything connected with RF signals, as assumptions are frequently the order of the day!
Or in other words, in practice, Lawrence would not notice one iota of a difference in the signal received if done via a four or six way splitter, unless maybe rather than looking at it on the TV he was observing the level on a good db meter where small variations of signal level would be noticed.
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Mel Bruce: I find it a bit strange that your elderly father was set up with a Sky dish rather than a Freesat one in the first place, however as far as the problem is concerned its suggests that its the box at fault, so did you try re-setting it by removing the mains power to it, waiting about 10 secs or so before reconnecting, then after it starts to respond to the remote control when Sky is pressed letting it go through its usual "searching for listings" procedure.
A Freesat box works on the same dish as a Sky one, as there is no difference between the two as far as that side of things is concerned, and unless something has been added to the shed to obstruct the dish view to the satellite then nothing will have changed.
Satellite reception can be had anywhere in the UK provided the dish can view South and not into a "tall" obstruction like a tree or close by high rise building etc.
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Sally: The magic eyes are purely Sky box devices and cant in any way be used to control anything else.
If you are saying that the magic eyes do not work now, I am assuming that you have been trying to use the Sky boxes RF output into the Freeview box, then the problem is likely because you are killing to magic eyes power supply by connecting the Freeview box into one of the leads from the Sky box without the use of a two way powered splitter in one of the TV's leads "after" the magic eye, (between the magic eye and the TV) the lead that went into the TV now going into the splitters input, and one of the splitters outputs going to the same TV, with the No2 output going into the Freeview boxes aerial socket, the Freeview box being coupled to the TV via a scart lead.
You have to ensure that the Sky boxes RF2 output is not clashing with any of the Freeview channels in use, but unable to advise on what channels to use as your location (post code) is unknown.
You could of course use the old TV to also view the Sky channels via its aerial socket, and to that you would link the old TV's aerial socket into the Freeview boxes RF output socket, making sure that the said boxes RF modulator is not clashing with anything else, these being the Sky boxes RF output or any Freeview channels.
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Sally: Should have also mentioned, or you could just plug one of the leads used "from" the magic eye to the TV into the Freeview box rather than the TV, then use a jumper from the Freeview boxes RF output into the TV's aerial socket, scrapping the powered splitter suggestion.
The main thing is, always watch to see that you aren't killing the magic eyes power supply when connecting anything, as if you are then the magic eyes red light will go out.
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Mark Anderson: The ITV4 programme you cannot receive is on Mux Ch55, so you should try a manual tune on that to see if anything shows listed during the scan, or indeed if you can see anything indicated at all on the signal strength / quality bar when you select that channel to scan.
If nothing, I would try and check with neighbours on the same aerial system to see if they are having any problems, this just in case the problem is with the distribution system.
It should be said that come the 21st of September when switchover stage 2 takes place, that channel will be changing to Mux Ch39 as well as its power increasing, but indications are that you should be presently receiving it.
Anyway try a scan etc as suggested, giving an update on the result.
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graham campbell: Well what both Sony and the DVD supplier have said is quite correct, as they aren't responsible for you receiving a poor signal, this aspect of reception possibilities unable to be checked on as you havent mentioned where you are located (pref:post code) nor anything about your aerial being used, such as loft or roof mounted, or maybe even on a communal system.
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graham campbell: Apologies, just noticed that you did state that your aerial was on the chimney, if you indicate your location the signal expected at your location can then be checked on.
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Robert: Just out of interest I was checking your various postings, and on Dec 11th 2010 @ 07:11PM you stated that the aerial that was affected worst was the one that was the highest mounted.
I found you comment interesting, as this is why that in difficult reception areas where distance is not the cause of the problem I always advocate that the usual rule of "highest is best with the largest dB gain aerial possible" being mounted on the chimney stack does most definitely not apply, as the best signal is often found a few feet away from the stack or even much lower down altogether, this obviously not being terribly convenient for the person installing the aerial as well as it being a time consuming task to arrange, if at all possible!
This is where aerials such as amplified logs score every time over large pieces of metal work mounted on high poles, as if the best signal is found to be lower down at about loft level, then aerials such as mentioned mounted in the loft are much better by being easier to move around to obtain the exact "chosen spot".
Gutter mounting of these type of aerials getting over the occasionally experienced problem of the signal being degraded somewhat by certain types of wet roof tiles, or even snow, although when they are loft mounted facing into a gable end (TX direction permitting) then they don't suffer in the same way as they possibly can when facing through sloping roof tiles.
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Kathryn: Without knowing the full post code its a bit difficult to assess where you are receiving your signal from, as indications are that you can get first class reception from either Emley Moor or your local Sheffield transmitter, the latter showing "0" distance on an S10 code, but whether or not that is where you are receiving your signal from isn't for certain.
To check on this, if you carry out a signal check on BBC1 Emley would be Mux Ch52 with its HD Mux being on Ch39, whereas Sheffield BBC1 is Mux Ch27 and its HD Mux being Ch21.
If you hadn't have previously had HD reception I would have been suspicious about the capabilities of your TV, but if its manual states in the tuner spec section DVB-T2 capable, then that can be excluded.
The other great possibility is that the signal is too strong, so "if" you have a set top aerial around carry out a re-tune with that temporarily installed, of course trying it out beforehand to make sure you can actually get BBC1 / ITV etc using it, if HD is received via the set top then you will have to purchase a simple attenuator to place in line with your aerial socket.
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Mrs Friel: Anyone living in Market Rasen is virtually underneath the umbrella of the Belmont mast, and as such liable to be receiving an exceptionally strong signal to the extent of it verging on blocking a sensitive sets tuner.
If you have a set top aerial around try using that to see if that cures the problem, if it does then you will require to purchase a simple attenuator to place in line with your aerial socket.
By the way you should give the set another re-tune with (if available) the set top aerial, this just in case anything was corrupted on the previous re-tune by the signal strength being received on your normal aerial.
(Wouldn't go amiss just to carry out a factory re-tune)
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Kathryn: Just a further bit of info regarding your reception. It seems to be that the further along Crookes you travel the better the reception gets, as a test code of S10 1UA (15 Crookes) gave Emley reception as only being possible on three Mux channels, whereas moving upwards along Crookes through codes of 1UD (181 Crookes) showed 4 Mux channels as good with two zero, then from 214 - 257 Crookes (codes 1TG / 1TE and 1TF) revealed perfect reception being indicated from all six multiplex channels.
So as you will see what you receive very much depends on where you are located within relatively short distances, although no matter where it might be reception is always indicated as being good from the Sheffield transmitter, so try a test using manual tuning on the Sheffield HD Mux channel mentioned, that being Ch21.
That said though, "if" your aerial has been set up for Emley then it will be pointing a little too much to the North at about 337 degrees, whereas using all of Crookes as a reference it should be from 208 / 247 degrees for Sheffield, so with the possibility of the direction angle being out coupled to the polarity (V /H)) being wrong then this would have a negative effect on your signal strength received from Sheffield, but one never knows at such as close range, as these errors have much less of an effect as such.
By the way Emley Moor HD on Mux Ch39 is on low power until September 21st, so even although it does show as being good (reasonably anyway) for reception on a number of test codes, I wouldn't really have too much faith in it.
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caroline: Giving a clue as to your location (pref post code) would be of considerable assistance, as nothing can be checked regarding the signal you should be receiving without this info.
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Kathryn: Just carried out a check using the post code you provided, indications being that of superior reception being possible to anything previous seen with any of the other codes, this being a good thing in one respect but problem causing in another if tuning using auto-tune, the reason for this being that Belmont now comes into the equation.
The problem is that auto-tuning always starts scanning from the bottom of the entire channel range, slowly travelling upwards locking onto each Mux channel found and storing the programmes from it, then once done travelling on to the next doing likewise on so on. Because you appear to be able to receive Sheffield, Emley Moor, Belmont and possibly two others, this means that when carrying out an auto-tune your TV is liable to store the odd Mux channel from anyone of these other stations if its Mux channel is strong enough for the box to lock onto, storing the stations from it rather than just keeping on the station that you require, being Sheffield.
Lots of people get this problem, although some sets have the option on their tuning menu of being able to select scanning a particular area, but this can be iffy in practice and not always as good as it might appear, so its always best to carry out manual tuning in these circumstances, starting with say BBC1 and using the add channels facility for each additional Mux Channel of the station required.
In your case Sheffield uses Mux Ch's 27 - 24 - 21 - 42 - 45 - 63.
As far as HD is concerned, you might well have possibly been receiving HD from Emley, but for some reason or another it dropped out for a short spell and you just haven't managed to recover it as yet during auto-tuning, possibly because of its lower power not proving enough signal for your TV to lock onto, especially "if" your aerial is pointing at Sheffield.
Anyway, if you see "Set up" on your menu that's where you will (or should) see the options for tuning, that said though, I am aware that some boxes do not allow manual tuning, but best try and find your user manual.
Maybe you could indicate the model number of TV you have.
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caroline: Your post code indicates reception being possible from either Melling(@ 2 miles)or Lancaster(@ 7 miles), Melling being a freeview "light" service meaning limited channels being available, so the full service from Lancaster is your best bet "if" actually receivable, albeit the reception predictor does indicate that it is.
I cant see anything shown engineering wise on these stations so I would have another try at re-tuning, preferable a factory re-tune to blank out anything stored, or just remove the aerial and carry out the first scan without it, that having the same effect of blanking the memory, then replace the aerial plug and re-tune as normal.
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Kathryn: Just a little addition, as HD was your main issue I would concentrate on trying manual tuning purely on the HD Mux channels, storing anything received.
This can be done without scrubbing anything already stored using the "add channels" facility in your tuning menu.
Sheffield HD - Mux Ch21 / Emley Moor HD - Mux Ch39 / Belmont HD - Mux Ch28.
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DavidHufton: But they dont share the same multiplex and thats why the signal strengths can be different, normal main stations using 6 multiplexes with two of them being BBC and the rest commercial concerns.
Freeview "light" stations having limited services because only three multiplexes are involved, two of them used by the BBC, with one being for HD transmissions.
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Mary: As the question is based on reception then for any accuracy your location really has to be known, however in general terms the fact of you being at the 6th floor level puts you at a decided advantage, and so in theory an indoor aerial should work provided the window near to it is facing very roughly in the same direction of the transmitter, so have a look and see what direction any aerials located nearby are facing.
Trial and error usually always applies using these type of aerials, as so many variables attached to positioning applies.
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DavidHufton: Or can I put it another way David, if two different signal strengths are seen on what you are looking at then you are comparing two different multiplex transmitters, so rather than just looking at the signal strengths also look at the multiplex channel numbers (not EPG programme ones) associated with them.
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marie: Thanks for the update Marie and really pleased to hear your good news, something I am certain Tesco likewise will be on receiving your e-mail. Needless to say I feel that the manual will be treasured from now on, just in case!!
Best Regards / jb
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DavidHufton: Are you absolutely positive that your TV / box is picking up BBC from Chesterfield (Mux Ch26) and not Belmont (Mux Ch22) as that is shown on the reception predictor as being very possible at the post code given.
The only reason I mention this is, because its a very common thing to happen when auto-tuning a TV in any area where signals can be received from more that one station, as the receiving device generally locks onto the first Mux channel it finds. (if strong enough!)
Try a signal check to see what Mux channel is shown.
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Richard S: I would try a test by connecting one of the TV's that presently isn't picking up PSB2 (ITV1 etc) whilst on the outdoor aerial over onto the indoor aerial, then after having blanking out the channels already stored on it, done by removing the aerial and carrying out a scan without it, and then carrying out the second scan after having reconnecting it.
If by doing that you see that ITV1 etc has returned, then that's liable to indicate that the signal received in its other position from the outdoor aerial is slightly too strong on that particular Mux channel and is blocking the tuner, this requiring a simple attenuator to be placed in line with the TV, that is unless your distribution amp is one of the variable types.
The second part of the test being, that if you now find that COM3 (ArqB Mux Ch40) has vanished then that's because it is only transmitting on low power until October 12th and the indoor aerial isnt picking it up properly because of this.
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Richard S: Just in addition to what I mentioned. If the results of the test turn out as was suggested, when you then return the TV back to its original position do NOT carry out a re-scan as you will already know that ITV1 etc is stored in its memory, and indeed because of this it "might" work, however if not then you know it will again as soon as you take measures to slightly reduce the signal.
As COM3 (ArqB) will obviously not be there just add it by using the "add channels" facility on the TV, as that wont scrub whats already stored.
You have to always remember that unless TV etc are all of the same brand their sensitivities can be totally different, this why some will work and others not even although on the same aerial.
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Richard S: I think I may well have misinterpreted what you were meaning in your original posting, insomuch that when you mentioned the TV's on the loft aerial couldn't get COM3, I didn't realise that this was in "addition" to them not receiving PSB2 either, as I assumed it was only COM3 that was the problem on these sets. Anyway the test you carried out of by-passing the distribution amplifier proved interesting by this action having enabled you to receive PSB2, as that could indicate the signal is indeed possibly over powerful, however the puzzling bit of this being, that if it was powerful then I would have expected that the TV's on the loft aerial should have been able to receive PSB2, the fact that they don't suggests that some other factor must be in existence, what Mux Ch23 signal level is shown on them?
I have to say though, that the reception predictor on the post code provided indicates your position as being able to receive from a number of sources, namely Hasland as well as Belmont, although these being indicated as less than the 100% rating seen from Chesterfield on Mux Ch's 26 - 23 - 29 (HD service), although SDN (Mux Ch43) - ArqA (Mux Ch46) - ArqB (Mux Ch40) are all listed as being variable (as you are experiencing) this improving slightly by coming out of variable on Sep11th, then being fully OK from the12th of October.
I would like though if you could try a Mux channel check on a TV that is connected to "each" aerial, the channels to use being Mux Ch25 and Mux Ch60, these corresponding to Belmont and Hasland's PSB2.
Regarding the distribution amp in the loft what model is it?
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Richard S: Another addition, could you also verify that the Mux channel numbers in question are actually being seen as these numbers whilst on the signal checking screen, and not just being referred to from the transmitter list.
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John hewitt: Stamford is a Freeview "light" transmitter and as such only provides PSB multiplexes, these being Mux Ch47 (BBC) - Mux Ch41 (ITV) and Mux Ch44 (HD service)
It should be said though, that Waltham (or even Belmont) reception is possible in "some" spots within area's where Stamford would have been the only station expected to be received.
(Ch47 BB)
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DavidHufton: Re your 3:25pm query yesterday, yes! its almost certain that the two Mux's referred to are from Hasland, although the BBC one you didn't want (Mux Ch57) may well now be found stored somewhere up in the 800 ranges.
Its possible that the Humax did reject Mux Ch26 during auto-tuning "if" its been slightly too powerful, so your action of manually tuning it is the correct procedure, as tuners (some anyway) are more likely to respond better to a fixed command, this also applying in reverse situations where signals might be a bit on the weak side.
This kind of problem is already widespread across many areas, and wont really calm down until the switchover process has finally been completed, unless that is someone is purchasing a new set that doesn't have area selection facilities attached to the tuning menu, as dependant on location, they might also have to carry out manual tuning to obtain the correct Mux channels for their area.
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Chrissy: There is a trick method you could try to eliminate stations other than Waltham from being received during an auto-tune.
What you do is first of all take out the aerial and carry out a re-scan without it, this for purposes of blanking out anything stored, then you carry out a second re-scan whilst carefully watching as the progress indicator starts to creep (hopefully!) along the indicator bar, then as soon as it passes about Mux Ch50 immediately replace the aerial lead and let it scan the rest of the way. This procedure allowing only channels above Mux Ch50 to be received, which applies to all of Waltham's multiplexes anyway except one, namely Mux Ch29 ITV3 / QVC etc.
Of course the point is that you might not actually get this in the first place, as its on low power until the 12th of October.
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Chrissy: Just to emphasise, after the first re-scan do NOT replace the aerial until the position mentioned, that being Mux Ch50 or immediately just after, as you want to catch Walthams ITV1 etc on Mux Ch54, the remainder being Mux Ch's 56 - 57 - 58 - 61.
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Doug B: Just purely for information purposes, reception of MuxA/SDN (Ch31) is indicated on the trade predictor as being poor at the location given, with this state continuing right through until April 2012 when it then picks up until sometime after June, as then its forecast as dropping back off into the variable category as far ahead as 2013.
Predictors (even trade ones) cannot ever be 100% accurate as they cannot fully cater for local conditions, but Mux A certainly doesn't look promising as its only this Mux on its own that stands out as being unreliable.
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raymond Bell: Many people living in areas where both stations can be picked up experience this problem, and unless your box has a region selection facility in the tuning menu then the only way of avoiding this is to first of all blank out everything stored in the memory, this done by carrying out a re-scan without the aerial being connected, then once done re-connected the aerial and manually tune in the channels required using the add channels facility.
Waltham being Mux Ch's 29 - 54 - 56 - 57 - 58 - 61.
(Note: Ch 29 is presently on low power)
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Sue: I take it that you are scanning the TV whilst the TV in question is set on analogue and not digital?
If you have then whats been said does obviously not apply, so do you get a picture without the magic eye in line? that is with the co-ax straight into the TV, although to do this test use the Sky boxes RF1 output to avoid the possibility of the TV shorting out the magic eye's voltage, as that can happen with some TV's.
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jg: In your particular location it will nearly be impossible to receive Waltham without doing so by manually tuning in the various Mux channels involved, that is unless your TV has a "region" facility within its tuning menu, if it has have you tried using that?
The reason for your problem being that its likely you are picking up Sutton Coldfield on some channels and Waltham on others, as Sutton is shown as being not too far off the same reception level as Waltham.
To manually select the channels you first of all blank out everything stored in the memory, this done by carrying out a re-scan without the aerial being connected, then once done re-connect the aerial and manually tune in the channels required using the add channels facility, storing what's received if not done automatically by the set.
Waltham's Mux channels being: 29 - 54 - 56 - 57 - 58 - 61.
(Note: Ch 29 is presently on low power)
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David: Have you actually tried manually tuning in Waltham HD on Mux Ch58? as I don't see you having mentioned this.
Best though if you bank out everything stored in the memory first, this done by carrying out a re-scan with the aerial disconnected, as if you then manually tune as suggested it will be the only station in the box so cant get mixed up with anything else.
If by any chance nothing comes in, then have a look at what the signal level is showing as, this observed via the tuning menu.
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Charles Fox: I just rigged a test aerial up facing Waltham and can confirm that HD is definitely perfectly OK on Mux Ch58, so I am inclined to agree with KB as regards to an over powerful signal being your problem, as a 100% indication of strength coupled to no quality being shown is a classic sign of this occurring.
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David: As you may have noticed on my reply to Charles Fox I can confirm that Walthams HD service on Mux Ch58 is OK. Regarding your LNA (Ch48)= ON, I am afraid you have got me stumped there unless its something connected to a setting on your receiving equipment, so maybe you could give some info on what you are using, as I forgot to request this info on my 5.35PM posting. (brand / model)
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Alice: Your area of Peterborough can receive Freeview from either Waltham or Sandy (Anglia) although Waltham is possibly the better of the two although both are transmitting as normal.
What you say can indicate that something has came adrift with your aerial connection, so you should temporarily move the box to another position and give it a try there, if it doesnt work then it could be the box at fault.
Have you tried unplugging it from the mains for about a minute before re-powering it again?
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Ivan Dilks According to the specifications I have seen that model does not have a DVB-T2 tuner and as such is only an HD ready set, in other words can display HD via an external HD box.
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kB Aerials Sheffield: Yes, you are quite correct on that Keith, and I likewise had similar thoughts to yourself about mentioning the fact in case it was something ridiculously simple, the point that got me though was where the Ch48 came into the equation? as it was Ch58 that David was supposed to be scanning. (Could have been a typo though!)
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Dominic Payer: I suspect that you are mixing up EPG numbers with actual multiplex transmitter ones, as there is only one MUX (not an EPG number) channel on low power on Waltham and thats Mux Ch29 (ITV3/QVC etc) MUX Ch58 is the HD channel as I receive it on one of my sets.
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kB Aerials Sheffield: Yes I noticed that Ivan had referred to that number as being a Hitachi device, but according to my info there isnt one, so what I mentioned regarding the tuner (not DVB-T2) was referring to Toshiba.
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Keith G: Yes! as DVB-T cannot receive Freeview HD.
In your area you might require to manually tune in Waltham channels if your TV / box does not have a regional scan facility, although the predictor does indicate first class reception being possible from Waltham, that said I would exclude Mux Ch29 as thats on low power until October 12th.
Walthams Mux Ch's 29(SDN) - 54(ITV1 etc) - 56(ArqA) - 57(ArqB) - 58(HD) - 61(BBC1 etc)
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Keith G: And just to add to above, before trying a manual tune, first of all blanking off anything stored in the memory by carrying out a complete re-scan without the aerial being connected.
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Mike Dimmick: Well I just look at that facility being offered on a household TV as a fancy form of built in booster and as such an unnecessary expense, as far more people do not require the use of one than those in difficult reception areas that does, although admittedly by it being built in the noise level etc is liable to be more controlled than from an external device.
What I do wish though is, that more sets were fitted with switchable aerial powering facilities, as this would eliminate the necessity of an aerial amplifiers (masthead or otherwise) power supply unit using up a power socket as well intercepting an otherwise tidy downlead, this facility being considerably less technical or as expensive to build in over that of a low noise RF amp, something more associated with a communications receiver anyway rather than a Freeview device, although obviously being given the title of an LNA by this manufacturer.
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Terrance Ferri: Stating your location would have been of assistance as what you mention is totally dependant on your area.
But its not just QVC that's involved as its also ITV3 / CITV / 5USA and everything on that particular multiplex channel "if" its transmitting on lower power than the other multiplexes, as applies in my own particular case with Waltham, one of the two stations I use for reception.
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Ivan Dilks: Thanks for the update on the situation, its unfortunate about your set but I can assure you that you are not by any means alone by being caught out by misleading descriptions being given, as I can see them virtually any time that I take a stroll around TV showrooms, even I have to occasionally scrutinise what I might be looking at as its not always immediately obvious whether a device can receive HD or not.
My advice to anyone is to get a cast iron guarantee from someone in authority that a device can receive what's desired, or ask to look at the spec in the user manual, DVB-T2 for Freeview HD or DVB-S2 for Freesat HD.
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Clive Doody: Nice to see you can resist the temptation and save yourself a major inconvenience! However this should be indicated somewhere within the set up menu under maybe "automatic up-date" warnings or whatever, the actual wording varying depending on what device you are using as no two brands are the same.
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Ivan Dilks: Meant to add, and as you will likely already realise, but your TV can display HD perfectly OK by simply coupling it into a separate Freeview HD box via the HDMI connections on the rear, as there is virtually no difference in quality doing it that way over viewing via a built in tuner.
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Ivan Dilks: Unless you specifically want the facility of being able to play Blue-Ray DVD's then you would be better off with a Freeview HD twin tuner PVR, as I am sure that your wife would find this far easier to use than a DVD recorder, as there is a limit as to how much their menu system's can be simplified compared to that of the average PVR.
Of course me mentioning this is not intended as any derogatory reflection on your wifes operational skills!
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kB Aerials Sheffield: Nor was my comment intended to take away from your own Keith, as I dont reply using the actual box provided but on another screen, then just paste whats typed back into the box, sometimes not noticing that it has been updated.
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p wright: For a test try manually tuning in Walthams BBC and ITV channels, These being (BBC) Mux Ch61 and (ITV) Mux Ch54.
I would first of all blank out anything already stored by carrying out a re-scan without the aerial being connected, then of course re connect before tuning, if this works just use the "add channels" facility to store the remaining four multiplexes.
These being - 29 - 56 - 57 - 58. Please note though that Mux Ch29 is on low power and might not be received properly.
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Angela: When this happens carry out a signal strength check (within tuning menu) whilst still on the same channel, (with blank screen) and also observe if the channel number has changed, or not even there at all!
Waltham (BBC1)Mux Ch61 and (ITV) Mux Ch54.
(that is assuming that you are receiving from there).
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Jeff: Possibly yes, especially as the HD service is on relatively low power. The only way I see you getting over the problem is by carefully positioning the aerial, this not meaning as high as possible but preferably somewhere that an element of screening can be achieved from the offending transmitter.
Sandy at 22 miles on a bearing of 11 degrees, Crystal Palace at 30 miles on a bearing of 155 degrees.
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Mike: I have to say that none of the two reception predictors (one being trade) indicate any reception being possible other than from Brampton at 1 mile away.
If you are high up then it might be possible to receive a signal from Stockland Hill, but I don't see you would really gain anything if you did as any signal received would likely only be from Stocklands three main multiplexes on high power, in other words not any more than you presently get from Brampton.
Two of Stocklands commercial Mux transmitters (ArqA & ArqB) are expected to be on low power until some time next year so the chances of picking them up could be quite limited, but if you are prepared to experiment then you don't really have anything to lose, but remember that as well as swinging your aerial around to face towards Stockland Hill to also turn it for horizontal polarisation.
Another point being, that your aerial might be group B (yellow) whereas Stockland is A (red), although for testing purposes this isn't of prime importance, and especially so "if" you decide to use an aerial amplifier during tests.
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john Fuller: There is always the possibility
that your LNB is faulty or that the dish has moved very slightly, and you really should start afresh by checking this.
If you acquired another box and there is still a problem then it certainly points to one of the aforementioned applying, if not a cable / "F" plug fault. (short circuit)
Unless you are aware of a particular power surge problem, then I would dismiss this as a possibility.
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john Fuller: Just in addition to above, you should use the signal strength / quality indicator on your box (services - 4 - 6) to detect if even the slightest signal is showing, as if it is then although not being enough to resolve a picture it would indicate a dish alignment problem.
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phil w: Your location is indicated as being capable of having perfect reception from either Mendip (16 mls) or Wenvoe (18mls) but if you are using auto-retune for your TV it could be picking up the other more local possibilities shown (albeit poor) that use much lower channel numbers.
Try when on BBC1 going into the signal checking menu and have a look at what's shown as well as the Mux channel number associated with the signal, as if its Mendip it should be Ch61 whereas Wenvoe is Ch41.
Also do this test whilst on ITV1, Mendip Ch54
and Wenvoe on Ch44.
Your problem could be caused by other means out with your control, e.g: interference from other stations due to atmospheric conditions etc, but try what was mentioned giving the results.
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Nick Madina: The post code provided is not recognised by the predictors, could you please check on this.
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Stuart: What you mention is strongly suggestive of either the method used to couple up the PVR, or that your signal is below a level that they can resolve a picture, although this unlikely if experienced on more than one device.
What method are you using to feed the aerial into your PVR's aerial socket?
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steve: Having knowledge of your location (post code) would be of assistance to enable signal checking, but what is the model number of the TV or box being used?
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john Fuller: Yes! as I think your problem all along has possibly been caused by the dish (or LNB) rather than the box, although if you have tried to carry out the system resetting procedure whilst having no signal then you might have corrupted the software resulting in a real problem, but if its just the LNB procedure you tried then thats OK so long as you followed the instructions.
The main thing is that you will have to ensure that your dish is aligned properly for 28.2 degrees before trying anything else, this greatly simplified if you have access to another box that hasn't been altered in any way.
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James: Well it could possibly be, as work is on going there all the time, with any unexpected reductions in power usually only found out about after they happen,(if reported!) although at only 3 miles away from the transmitter it must really be down, unless as I suspect, your signal level wasn't that much above the cut off threshold in the first place, any slight reductions in power having more of a dramatic effect in this type of situation.
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Ivan Dilks: A wise choice! as I have three Humax devices myself, one Freesat HDR and two older Freeview 9200's, all having proved totally reliable since purchase.
The other thing about Humax Freeview devices being, that due to the sensitivity of their tuners and generally good circuitry, any signals received in a category of less than perfect will not result in glitch levels anywhere near as bad as if the same signal was being received by some of the other devices around, albeit some of these devices (Vestel chassis based) being much more user friendly in operation.
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Ray Humphrey: Yes, you are referring to Mux Ch29 which will be on low power until 12th of October of this year, as I likewise (located near Stamford) have very erratic, and sometimes no reception at all from it, nor can I get it from Sandy (Anglia) on my other aerials either as its on lower power there as well.
Thank goodness for Freesat, as ITV3 etc is a popular channel in my household.
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Kieren: I haven't experienced any problems when I have been using Freeview HD from Sandy, and what you mention is inclined to suggest that although you might have been receiving HD OK it was possibly at a level not far above your boxes receiving threshold, and which it may now have dropped under due to atmospheric condition changes.
As you have re-set your TV (or box) you will have blanked out the stored channels memory, so go into the tuning menu and check the signal strength on Mux Ch21, that being Sandy's HD Mux transmitter channel, and if you get about 40% or so level showing try a manual tune, storing as necessary, unless done automatically on your device.
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James: Well its anyone's guess! as this will happen as and when necessary, as its not exactly abnormal when pre switchover work is going on.
What you should do though is to keep checking the signal level on Mux Ch22, that being the multiplex you are referring to, signal level / quality indications accessed within the receiving devices tuning menu..
It should be appreciated though that even although it might vanish from your screen its only because it has dropped under the reception threshold of your equipment, and is still being received. (unless the transmitter has been shut down)
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Sheena: Only a post code will give an answer, as Edinburgh can receive Freeview from either Craigkelly, Blackhill or a local Cannongate transmitter, that said though parts of Edinburgh can be quite iffy for reception no matter where its from, even with an outside aerial.
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Jeff: Well Mux Ch31 is shown as zero reception at your location until 9th of May 2012 when it changes to Mux Ch51, however Mux Ch67 should come into the equation from 14th of this month when it changes to Mux Ch48, likewise with Mux Ch40 on 23rd of November when it changes to Mux Ch52.
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Colin: You haven't mentioned your location, so an expected signal strength check cannot be made, however the answer is yes if your Freeview reception is OK.
You do exactly the same as before but feed the Sky boxes RF1 output into your Freeview boxes aerial socket, then the Freeview boxes RF output is fed as normal into the other sets.
The points to note being, you have to verify that the Freeview box you purchase has a built in RF modulator, secondly that the Sky boxes RF output channel doesn't clash with any of the Freeview channels being received, keep it about 2 away, and finally that the Freeview boxes RF output doesn't clash with the Sky boxes similar.
In operation your other rooms will be able to receive Freeview channels directly, as they pass through the Sky box and also the Freeview one, or if an analogue only TV is used in one of the rooms via the RF outputs from both the Sky box and the Freeview one. (in effect two analogue channels, with Freeview on one Sky on the other)
You will of course still have to place other dual standard TV's in use on analogue to receive Sky.
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Colin: Just an addition. Place the Freeview box first in the chain rather than the Sky one, as its best that the Freeview device gets the best signal from the aerial, although it would work perfectly OK the first method described so long as you have a good signal.
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Matt: No! but you could do if you were referring to a FreeSat TV ot box, the emphasis being on "Sat", as dishes do not discriminate against anything connected to them so long as whatever is designed as a satellite device, Freeview isnt!
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George: I always hesitate at recommending anything other than Freesat, this because that so long as any dish installed is not facing into a nearby tree then Freesat is 99.9% reliable, anytime not usually being for only few minutes during a really thundery downpour.
Anyway, you are predicted as being able to have good reception from either Craigkelly, Blackhill or even Durris, although I have serious doubts about the latter, but as you are only 8 miles away from Craigkelly Freeview would indicate as being OK for your requirements, Freeview being much more flexible than Freesat if TV is required in more than one location in the house.
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Terence Carpenter: If you have connected your TV into the Freeview boxes RF output and carried out a scan on your "analogue" TV, then that should have picked up the boxes output, likewise anything seen being from the box.
However, as you havent mentioned where you are located its not known if analogue signals can still be received, so to save confusion carry out the above "without" the aerial being connected into the box, then anything seen will only be from the box.
After completion, you will then have to replace the aerial into the box and carry out a complete scan on the box to pick up the Freeview channels.
Please be aware though that these boxes are not without their problems!
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kB Aerials Sheffield: Yes, re: Freesat TV's being uncommon, to be strictly accurate I should have inserted the word "capable" between Freesat and TV, because as you say Keith Freesat only TV's are not really available.
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Scott: Yes to the latter! as each device requires its own connection to the dishes LNB, because in Satellite reception the box communicates with the dish regarding polarity switching etc.
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Liam McLoughlin: Well although I do suspect that this problem is most likely to be out with your control, as it could possibly be due to Mux Ch61 being interfered with by some distant transmitter, this due to the atmospheric conditions prevailing at this time of the year causing a signal to travel further than normal, something that's happening in some other parts of the country and likewise causing similar problems.
However, it would be beneficial though if you could try a signal strength / quality check on Ch61 at various times of the day, as this would be an indication of whether or not its normally running at a level reasonably above the cut off threshold of your TV (65%+ quality) or is just hovering above it, this making reception much more vulnerable to picture break up, although it should be said that the percentage figure mentioned varies quite a bit between different brands of sets, but it does give some indication as to what is happening.
PS: Even try a signal check on Ch61 should the picture completely vanish, as a signal level should still be there.
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James: Its most likely that the signal level just dropped under the receiving threshold of your set, as its likely that it wasn't running at a level that very much above it in the first place, that's why I asked if you could carry out a signal check so that this could be assessed.
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Werner: The issue is not so much re-setting or re-tuning but carrying out "manual" tuning of the multiplex channels involved, as the chances are that you are picking the odd channel up from another station, maybe even Reigate at 11 miles away, albeit that DUK's trade predictor does not show this as possible.
Blank out the channels on your Humax by removing the aerial and carrying out a scan with it, then after plugging back in again manually tune in the following channels, storing as required.
Ch25(BBC1) - Ch22(ITV1) - 31(HD) - 32(SDN) - Ch34(ArqA) - Ch29(ArqB) - Ch28(MuxB)
Note you may not receive Ch31(HD) properly, as many are having problems with it since the end of August when Sandy started using the same channel.
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Mary Nolan: On your remote control press "services-4-6" and note what the strength / quality indications are showing as, they should be about 75% along the scale with both about even with each other. (or very near anyway)
If they are not, then your dish is liable to be slightly out of alignment.
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andy: As you are referring to a reception issue, its quite impossible for anyone to assist without knowing your location. (post code)
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Neil: ITV4 etc is on a much lower powered Mux transmitter until 14th of this month when a further re-tune will be required, as it then changes from Mux Ch67 to Mux Ch48.
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Doug B: You are possibly suffering from the reverse of many experiencing problems with HD from Crystal Palace on Mux Ch31, this because of Sandy also using that frequency on a temporary basis until May of next year.
In other words Crystal Palace HD is likely to be affecting your reception from Sandy.
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gibson: If you are referring to Waltham, then its likely that when you re-scanned you have picked up a number of (if not all!) channels with lower numbers from Sutton Coldfield or Belmont, as indications show that this is possible from your location.
Waltham uses Mux channels 29 - 54 - 56 - 57 - 58 - 61, so whilst viewing any channel that might be breaking up, carry out a signal strength / quality check noting the Mux channel number being shown, and if its not one on the list its not from Waltham.
By the way, you might not receive Mux Ch29 very good,as its on lower power until October 12th.
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john Fuller: Sorry, on reading you posting again I see that you did "not" actually manage to carry out the LNB reset as you couldn't find it in the list, however I would consider that to be a plus point as its very unlikely that any fault of this nature actually existed with the LNB anyway, so you have only two choices left, the first to verify your dish.
(1) Temporarily acquire another working box to check if any reception is possible from your dish, if not then take measures to re-align it, as that's what it will be provided some form of signal indication can be seen at some point on a Sat detector (even simple types) when the dish is "slowly" swung from left to right, although if not, then that could mean an LNB failure.
(2) Should you not manage to acquire another box try and find someone who will let you try your box on their dish, (you cannot damage their LNB by doing this) and once connected go into "services - 4 - 6" and observe if any signal is showing, if it is then carry out the software upgrade procedure as seen in "Re-set method 3", as this "might" get over anything minor lost by what you have done. (no guarantees though!)
Should of course no signal be showing then it doesn't look very promising, as there might have been a fault with the box itself before you even touched it.
By the way if you know any obliging person with a Freesat box, you could use that to test your dish.
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sandra: You would really have to provide your post code for an answer of any accuracy, this required for signal checking purposes.
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David Phillips: These programmes, as well as a number of others, are on two multiplexes (ArqA / ArqB) operating on low power (4Kw) until November 23rd.
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margie: If you are enquiring about reception, then you should be getting good reception from Anglia (Sandy) on the main (BBC/BBC HD/ITV) channels, although others are on lower power and can possibly suffer from break up depending on exactly where you are located within PE29.
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Joanne Pollard: Is the TV in the other room working on the same aerial as the front room? and if not what is it working on?
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Joanne Pollard: Just in addition to what was mentioned.
You should always be aware of the fact that a signal that's too strong can cause "exactly" the same symptoms as one that is too weak, and if the TV in the other room is on a different aerial, or is coupled directly into the loft one, then an over powerful signal could possibly be causing problems for it.
The reason I say this is that no two TV's or boxes have the same sensitivity, and if a signal is a bit on the strong side one TV might appear to work OK whereas another wont, this purely because an over powerful signal can on some sets cause blocking of their tuners, either on that channel or even all of them.
I only mention this with reference to what you mention about your location, as in my opinion you are very likely at some point to start suffering from this type of problem.
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andrew Jamieson: The post code you have given comes up with two contrasting areas when used on reception predictors, none of the channels seen matching what you have indicated, therefore could you please indicate the transmitting station you are referring to.
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Ade: Try a manual scan on Mux Ch31, as at only 3 miles away from the transmitter there is no reason that you shouldn't be receiving it, unless that is your boxes tuner is on the verges of blocking because of an over powerful signal from the main stations on high power.
If you have a set top type aerial around, try using that for a test.
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Wendy: You cant really do anything, as the multiplex ITV3 uses (Mux Ch29) will be on low power until 12th of October, many people are having problems with this including myself.
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Wendy: Just out of interest, when you say that a signal is showing but is not strong enough to resolve a picture, is the signal showing of a reasonably constant nature, or is it diving up and down?
The reason I ask this is, that if the signal is reasonably constant then a booster could well help in this type of situation, maybe you could also mention where your aerial is situated.
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andrew Jamieson: Thanks, got it now. However on checking I have to say that it does not really look promising at any time as far as Freeview reception in your post code area is concerned, as present indications are that you should only be able to receive Ch29(BBC1)poor - Ch33(ITV1)OK - Ch23(MuxA/SDN) poor - Ch34(ArqB)OK just - Ch26(MuxB)poor.
From about Mid 2012 this should improve with you being able to receive the three main multiplexes, namely BBC/ITV/HD service, which in effect will be like a Freeview "light" transmitter albeit that Divas is a main station, as the other three Mux channels are indicated as remaining in the poor category.
To put it in a nutshell, although reception predictors cannot really cater properly for local conditions and as such have elements of inaccuracy, but in my opinion you are really in an area that any reception of a reliable nature could only be obtained is by using Freesat.
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andrew Jamieson: Omitted to mention that Mux Ch48 is not shown as being receivable at all at your location, so its really a fluke that you are getting it at all.
This being why I mentioned about predictors having elements of inaccuracy etc, although the DUK trade one I use is usually somewhat over optimistic in its forecasts, in other words having the "Rose tinted glasses" approach!
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andrew Jamieson: I think I must be suffering from a touch of colour blindness! so please amend what I said regarding Ch29 and Ch26, as they are both variable reception not poor, likewise the remaining three Mux channels I mentioned also being in the variable class from Mid 2012.
(Ch23 still poor though until approx Mid 2012)
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david faulkner: Put in basic terms, if the tuner in whatever Freeview device you are using is overloaded it will either totally block reception altogether by swamping of its input circuitry, or if the signal is slightly over the top in power is very likely cause erratic reception in the same way as can be experienced when a signal is being received that is just hovering above the reception threshold of the equipment being used, in other words the picture breaking up or disappearing at random as the signal level being received fluctuates slightly.
Needless to say this can vary between different brands of equipment because the varying sensitivity levels of the tuners being used, but in cases of excessively strong RF signal overloading a whole range of odd symptoms can be experienced.
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Jim: I realise that you say you have checked that the dish hasn't moved, but was this physically as far as your fixings are concerned? or was it by using the Sat finder meter? as only the latter is liable to confirm.
Scaffolding by the very fact of not being rigid is liable to creep or settle slightly, this possibly just enough to knock the alignment out. What levels do you see on the box by pressing "services-4-6" on the remote control.
Its just that I feel its a bit coincidental for anything other that either an alignment or cabling / "F" plug problem to be involved.
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jim: The mild tingling you are getting is quite normal, and is due to the RFI suppression techniques used in all non-transformer type power supplies fitted in most domestic equipment over the past 30 years or so.
Regarding your dish fixings, I dare say you have fitted it perfectly OK, but the possibility exists that the whole framework has moved a fraction thereby knocking your alignment out, which only your sat meter could verify one way or the other, although testing your box out on your Dads system, or his on yours, will give 100% proof of where the fault is.
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Glen R: Well on trying two test post codes for Gravesend, both Post offices not too far apart, revealed quite different results in the reception possibilities, neither presently being Crystal Palace or Bluebell Hill, with the former being variable (or poor ITV1) until the 18th April 2012, and the latter likewise until 27th June 2012 with the exception of MuxC/ArqA (Ch42) and MuxB (Ch45)
The only stations shown as being presently possible to receive being Sudbury / Rouncefall, but on a Freeview "light" basis, as Sudburys other Mux channels are indicated as not receivable.
Only the post code of your intended destination would give any reasonable level of accuracy as what to expect, but predictors do have elements of inaccuracy as they cannot fully compensate for local conditions, so this always has to be kept in mind.
Have to say though, it doesnt look that promising without careful aerial positioning being the order of the day!
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Val Fletcher: It could be the Freeview box, but this is a bit doubtful judging by what you report. What to do is try carrying out a further re-scan "without" the aerial being connected, this being done to blank out anything stored, then after reconnecting the aerial carry out another scan to load the channels back in.
If still nothing, then try a manual scan on Mux Ch24(ITV1), if you dont see a manual scan option mentioned, sometimes its under the "add channels" facility.
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Jackie Rimmer: Yes it would, but I think you should first of all try and investigate why the bedroom socket does not work. Try coupling the TV used in the bedroom into the lounges aerial socket, but with the jumper lead used in the bedroom.
Is the lounge TV's aerial socket (if one used) a double type?
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Marie: The 29 is just an indication some boxes have when they cannot connect with the default transponder. As you have already tried the mains lead out procedure which you say has made no difference, then the only other possible reason is that of your dish having moved very slightly out of alignment.
You should try (if possible) and borrow someone else's box and try it on your dish, or alternatively try your box out on theirs, as this would verify the location of the fault.
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john: As you have said that you use the Freeview built into the TV upstairs then you must be using a dual standard TV, as to receive Sky upstairs you must have had to change its operating mode from DVB to analogue to do this.
So what is it that you want to be able to switch to Freeview on?
What you mention about the picture being grainy can be caused by using a reasonably powerful booster on the normal aerial that's plugged into the Sky boxes input, or possibly by the Sky box having a weak RF modulator, so try setting the Sky boxes RF output channel on a much lower number, re-tuning the upstairs TV to find the new channel, plus of course ensuring that the new channel number is not clashing with a Freeview (or analogue) channel being received on normal aerial.
Cannot advise on best channels to use as you have not indicated your location.(post code).
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Sheila: This is quite possible, try wiggling it at each end whilst listening to a music programme, as this will instantly show up a bad connection to a scart socket.
If it is this, pull it out and in again a few times as that usually cleans the pins.
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Wendy Wheeldon: Indications are that you should be able to receive Freeview from Sutton Coldfield as well as Waltham, however what you have mentioned suggests that you are using Sutton, and its HD service on Mux Ch34 (from "Hints" Litchfield) is operating on low power until the 21st of this month, so its very unlikely you would be able to receive it irrespective of what might be seen published.
I initially suspected that your TV might not be capable of HD reception, but I checked the spec and indications are that it is fitted with a DVB-T2 tuner.
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Wendy Wheeldon: Further to what said, you could try manually tuning it in on Mux Ch34, as sometimes a manual tune will pick up a signal where an auto-tune wont, but I still doubt that you will receive it.
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sue: Its impossible to assist with any reception query when your location (post code) has not been provided.
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louise: The S42 post code area indicates that (in theory) a number of different stations can be received, so in the interests of accuracy you really have to provide a full post code.
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Rob: As well as what David mentioned possibly applying, it could also be that Emley Moors PSB1 is giving an over powerful signal for the boxes concerned and which can block some equipments tuners from receiving anything, so for a test try by-passing your booster.
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Jim: What you mention is a classic symptom of a weak signal, the Sky box may well have appeared to work OK, but its possible that the signal wasn't that good on it either, with the only reason for it working OK being because it was more sensitive than the FreeSat receiver.
I know that you say that the signal was perfect, but was it on a "services-4-6" signal check? as its likely that the quality would have been seen to be down.
Anyway your dish alignment requires a slight trim, unless that is you have a faulty co-ax to "F" plug connection.
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David: My information is that Emley Moors PSB1(BBC1) and PSB3(HD service) are both on full power
As far as Belmont is concerned only two Mux channels, ArqA(Ch53) and ArqB(Ch60) are temporarily on low power (@ 4Kw) until November 23rd when they then increase to 100Kw, SDN presently being at, and staying on 50Kw.
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Liz: As your problem involves reception strength (or possibly lack of!) you really have to provide your post code to enable your possibilities to be checked on.
This is because of the fact that an over powerful signal can in many cases give exactly the same symptoms are one that is too weak, so one of the contradictory replies you were given has to be correct.
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john mckinnon: As you havent mentioned the transmitter you are receiving from this possibility cannot be checked on, but should it be one that has just switched over to high power operation on BBC channels (e.g: Emley Moor) your signal could be too strong and is causing blocking on your tuner.
If using a booster try by-passing it, or using an attenuator in line with the aerial socket.
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Mike Dimmick: Yes, thanks for that, as I was just really going by what I seen listed on the transmission details at the top of the page as far as Emley's HD was concerned.
Briantist: Thanks for the confirmation that Emley's BBCA is indeed on full power at Emley, that is as well as the other stations that have carried out DSO1 switches.
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eddie: It all depends on whether or not the TV you have is dual standard, that is capable of analogue as well as Freeview (digital) reception.
The other important factor as far as Freeview reception is concerned is your location, preferably in the form of a post code so that your reception possibilities can be checked on.
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Briantist: Perfectly excusable! and to be honest about it, I find it amazing how you can manage to keep up with so many changing statistics anyway, that is without making any more errors of a minor nature than you might occasionally do, quite mind blowing!!
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louise: Well on having a look at the trade reception predictor, although Sheffield (@ 15mls) is showing as a possibility for reception as well as Chesterfield (@ 7mls), I feel that its more likely to be Emley Moor you are receiving from, the problem there being that you are not forecast as being able to receive "C" (ArqA) until the 21st of this month when switchover stage 2 takes place.
This said taking it that when you say block "C" you are meaning the one containing programmes like - Pick TV / Dave / E4+1 etc? these presently being on Mux Ch50 from Emley but changing to Mux Ch52 on switchover.
Although a long shot, you could try a manual tune on Sheffield's Mux Ch45 or Chesterfields Mux Ch46 to see if anything comes up, as the programmes referred to are on the two channels mentioned.
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Louise Dooley: Its impossible to advise on this without knowing your post code, as the multiplex transmitter ITV3 uses could be temporarily on lower power, this only being verified one way or the other by your location being known.
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Louise Dooley: As Briantist has said, the first part of the code is not really sufficient enough, at least for any form of accuracy anyway as it covers too large an area, however indications on using a test code (York) are that if you are using Emley Moor (BBC1)Mux Ch47 - SDN Mux Ch52(ITV3 etc) then the situation will not improve until 21st of this month when switchover stage 2 takes place, as both the ITV1 / ITV3 multiplexes are shown as being variable as far as reception is concerned.
Bilsdale though indicates as being good reception, except no HD being available until later in 2012.
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mark: If using the Ashbourne transmitter then never, as its a Freeview "light" transmitter meaning that it only broadcasts public service programmes.
However on the 21st of this month you are forecast on the trade predictor as being able to have good reception on all channels from Sutton Coldfield.
Please note though, that predictors have elements of inaccuracy in their forecasts as they cannot really cater properly for local conditions that may apply, so this has to be kept in mind.
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Liz Hodge: Having a look on the trade predictor using the code provided, indications are that your best reception should be from Lark Stoke, with BBC1 being on Mux Ch26, Ridge Hill is also shown as being good with BBC1 being on Mux Ch28, Sutton Coldfield also good on BBC1 Mux Ch43, but with ITV1 etc being variable until the 21st of the month when switchover stage 2 takes place.
Malvern, the station you mentioned, indicating either variable, poor, or not at all right across the entire range of multiplexes.
If using anything other than Lark Stoke you may have to manually tune the channels in, as Lark Stoke being on a lower mux number will take up EPG1 position and so on.
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dillon: I wouldn't touch anything until the 21st, as on that date all channels from Sutton Coldfield as well Brierley Hill are indicated as becoming available, with Brierly Hill joining them on September the 28th.
Of course only then will it be found what in reality is your best bet, as elements of "in theory" always apply with predictors due to the fact that they cannot fully cater for local conditions.
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Roger Austin: Its the box! and with the only reason you are getting Mux Ch29 being because it hasn't as yet changed over to the 8K transmission mode, this happening on October 12th when that will also disappear from your box during Ch29's switch to higher powered operation.
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Tim Collingwood: Yes! with myself being one of the biggest advocators of aerial position being far more important than its height, this including its claimed for dB gain levels, this particularly applying when dealing with difficult reception areas that's not caused purely by distance.
Of course the only thing that has always to be considered is, that if the aerial positioning is arranged before high power switchover then there is always a slight danger that in "some" cases after switchover that the signal doesn't increase as much as expected, or may even go slightly the other way!, that is "if" the original positioning was only good because of taking advantage of a reasonable stable reflection.
Further slight re-positioning usually always sorting that kind of difficulty out.
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Alan: As your legal rights will be exactly the same after the 21st as is presently applying, then I wouldn't worry too much about it. If however that after switchover and you have completed a further factory re-tune only to find that the situation hasn't changed, then its possibly time for you to return to the store complete with box.
It should also be pointed out though, that you cannot really accurately judge one device not being able to do something that another can (or vice-versa) as a fault being in existence, as no two brands of devices respond in exactly the same way to the same signal.
What model is the offending item?
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dillon: I should of course have said "The Wrekin" joining Sutton Coldfield and Brierley Hill on the 28th of this month.
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lee: As far as the problem with your picture is concerned, press "services - 4 - 6" and check what the signal strength / quality is indicating, both bars should be reasonably close to each other at about 75% or so, if they are not the dish requires slight re-aligning.
Misalignment can also be a contributory factor regarding the problem when raining, although it has to be said that heavy downpours can cause this to happen even if the dish was perfectly set up, and moving it to a more sheltered spot doesn't make any difference, as its the rain content in the clouds that is partially blocking the microwave signal path, although larger dishes are slightly more immune to this problem by catching more of the signal.
Sky boxes don't usually boot up straight away, and so I wouldn't consider this to be a fault.
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Andrew Lowe: Although lots of other complexities are involved in this, but put very simply, this is because that pre-switchover multiplex transmitters were started up operating on relatively low power levels, the reason being so that they would not interfere with the more distant viewers reception of other transmitters operating on the same frequency covering an adjacent area, this usually on analogue although it could also be very low powered digital.
The switchover process involves all of these pre-switchover transmitters (usually six on a main station) significantly (as far as PSB is concerned) increasing their power levels, which if that was all that was done could then cause problems to the more distant viewers referred to, and so to avoid this happening their operating frequencies had also to be changed, this being why re-tuning is always necessary to enable viewers to keep track of the changed frequencies / channel numbers, the only reason for it having to be done on such a number of occasions (some areas) is because of the number of multiplex transmitters involved, and the automatic chain effect resulting by any change.
Analogue is/was basically a stable well established system, and this is why retuning was never really necessary.
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mark: Could you please clarify on a point. When you say that you run an HDMI to the TV and a red and white directly to the Hi-Fi, where are you getting the red and white from?
Is it one of the older Sky HD boxes that had analogue output sockets?
It would also be of assistance to know the Brand / model of TV that you are referring to.
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alan: As you are only 4 miles away from Crystal Palace, I would be inclined to use a standard log periodic type aerial in the loft, provided that is that you dont have to face it into a water tank to obtain the correct angle for the transmitter, and also that it isnt facing through the adjoining walls of other properties, as if it is, then gutter mount it. (Fixings permitting!)
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alan: Something like as seen in the link would suffice, as you don't want to over do it then suffer from overloading problems come next April when Crystal Palace switches to high power operation.
Online TV FM DAB Aerial sales
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Bill: Channel 52 is on very low power at present and so there really isnt much (or even worth) trying to do anything about it, as its only ten days until switchover stage 2 takes place, then your problem should be completely rectified.
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Mark: You are only one mile away from the local Leicester transmitter and are you sure that your aerial isnt directed towards that?
When looking at the signal strength also note that Mux channel number associated with it, if on your local Leicester transmitter then BBC1 is on Ch25 / ITV1 Ch28, but if Waltham then BBC1 is on Ch61, ITV1 on Ch54.
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Mark: Well, I do realise that the box you are using is very limited in its tuning facilities compared to a normal Freeview one, but if you can receive ITV4 (EPG 24) / or Dave (EPG 11) then its Waltham you are receiving these from, as they are not broadcast from the Leicester transmitter.
That said though, its possible that your box is picking up the main BBC/ITV channels from Leicester, these being lower Mux channel numbers, then the remainder of channels is being filled in from Waltham, which will (in theory!) be much weaker. Of course should you had mentioned the channels that you are having trouble with, then that would have somewhat taken the guess work out of the equation.
On the subject of the aerial, another way to tell if your aerial is set up for Leicester is to look at how its mounted, if its with the elements up and down then that's for Leicester, but if horizontal its Waltham. (This of course entirely dependant on the installer having mounted it correctly!)
Finally, on your initial posting where you mentioned thinking about a new Freeview box, I would without hesitation endorse this as being a good idea!
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Mazbar: Yes! you are quite correct on this, and indeed I should have added this qualification to the others mentioned.
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Iain: If you are referring to the first post code provided then it depends on where you are receiving the signal from, as if its Fenton ITV1 is on Mux Ch33, The Wrekin is Mux Ch23, or from Sutton Coldfield its Mux Ch44, however this is forecast as being poor for reception until the 21st of the month.
These channel numbers being given to enable a manual tune to be carried out "if" EPG3 is not being shown in the list, if it is then ITV1 might already be found up in the 800 channel ranges.
You can still use your VCR "if" the Freeview TV has output facilities via its scart socket, you would of course not couple the aerial into it.
What model number is the TV?
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Philip Crack: Although the trade predictor indicates that you presently be receiving Mux Ch67(ArqB) OK, the channel these programmes are on, your reception situation should improve in two days time (14th) when Ch67 changes to its final allocation of Ch48.
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Mick Tarrant: As this is involves a reception issue, its impossible to give an answer when you havent indicated your location. (Pref: post code)
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Densedog: The trade reception predictor indicates Malvern as your best bet for reception, Sutton Coldfield not showing anything except BBC1 and ArqB, the latter as poor, and although this is set to change come 21st of the month Malvern (@1 mile) still indicates as being better.
Have a look up in the 800 range of channels to check if Malvern's BBC1 is maybe up there, noting the Mux channel number associated with the indication. (Sutton/C Ch43 / Lark Stoke Ch26 / Malvern Ch53)
However I would wait until after the 21st before doing anything, as changes are also taking place at Malvern.
After this date you might have to carry out a manual re-tune to get the channels in the correct order, this done by carrying out a scan without the aerial connected to blank out the EPG memory, then once done re-connect the aerial and manually tune in the following, storing as necessary after each individual scan.
Malvern channels - Ch50 - Ch53 - Ch55 - Ch57 - Ch59 - Ch60
You maybe could also indicate your aerial set up, loft, roof or whatever, as you "might" be getting an over powerful signal from Malvern on BBC1 etc, although this is doubtful if ITV1 etc is OK.
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Densedog: Please ignore the latter comment re doubtful, as over powerful might well apply if you find zero indication on a Ch53 scan.
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Tim.T: I was reading your posting, and purely out of interest I would be obliged if you could indicate the model number of the Philips TV you are referring to?
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Iain: Looking at the TV's manual would suggest that the EXT1 scart does have input/output facilities, so if this socket is used to couple into the VCR then you should be able to record from the TV.
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lindsay: Regarding the channels breaking up, what ones are you referring to? (BBC1 / ITV1 or whatever) as you are forecast as being able to have good reception across the whole range of channels. That said though, I do have an element of reservation regarding the reception of other than the main stations mentioned as these are operating on lower power.
However if by any chance you are including BBC1 / ITV1 in your complaint, then its liable to be a deficiency in your aerial system, not being able to give advice on this as you haven't mentioned what you are using.
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Desmond: But ITV2 etc is only one of a number of programmes all under one multiplex transmitter channel, with the actual multiplex (Mux) channel number containing all of these programmes being shown on the transmission details at the top of the page along with its corresponding frequency.
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Rod: I would try manually tuning in these channels, but prior to doing this blanking out anything stored in the EPG memory by scanning without the aerial being connected, as the predictor indicates you as being able to have good Freeview from three stations, namely : The Wrekin - Bromsgrove - Lark Stoke, although with these being single frequency transmitters the channel numbers / frequencies are the same from all stations.
Channels concerned being: Mux Ch26(BBC1) - Mux Ch23(ITV1)
If this works, then just use the add channels facility to load the remaining in without affecting the two already stored.
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mark: These type of leads are generally available from places like "Pound shops", so if it doesn't work then you aren't really losing much.
I couldn't find the exact manual for your set, but I did manage to have a look at the one for the "G" model, however as was half expected it didn't give any details on the scart socket facilities as far as whether they were purely input, or input / output sockets, this facility being essential for the type of lead you are looking for to work.
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Niven: Purely on the Panasonic issue.
These sets have extremely sensitive tuners, and the symptom you describe of the quality initially showing low then jumping to high is quite commonly seen when the signal they are receiving is on the verges of being a little too strong. (although their tolerance to this is quite good)
This only mentioned in case you thought that it might be a fault.
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Ian Grice: The boosting effect (in reality) of most normal distribution amps is quite low, that is unless one has been chosen that isnt, but if it did exceed what was required and was causing problems on TV's connected into the system, then a simple attenuator in line with its input from the aerial would rectify the problem.
This said provided it wasn't the type of distribution amp that powered a mast head amp or similar, as then an attenuator would be required on each TV that was affected.
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richard gains: Basically yes, as dishes used for Sky are completely compatible for use with Freesat TV's / boxes.
Also, if the LNB on the dish is of the dual or quad variety then it can operate with a Sky box at the same time as a Freesat one.
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richard gains: Of course the "dual" aspect of my latter comment only applying for purely TV use, as any dual channel Freesat recorder requires to use both inputs from the LNB, so a quad LNB is essential if any other Satellite device is intended to be used as well as the Freesat recorder.
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Chris,(Sheff) / Robert Hill: According to what I see on the trade predictor, MuxA's present Ch52 changes Ch51 on the 21st, (next week) likewise MuxC's present Ch50 changes to Ch52 on the same date.
Chris: You should also be aware that any device receiving a signal that's on the verges of being slightly too strong can result in that device being hesitant about resolving a picture, this being due to the tuners circuitry taking time to stabilise on the excessively strong signal.
If however the signal goes over the level that allows this stabilising to take place, then it can completely block (swamps) the tuners selection circuitry resulting in nothing being received, this mystifying some people as to why they aren't receiving a signal.
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Ian Thompson: If you are referring to receiving signals from Emley Moor, then yes!
Remember a complete factory type re-tune is required then, or just carry out the first scan without the aerial connected, this to blank out the EPG memory, then re-connect the aerial and carry out the second scan
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Robert Hill: Yes, I did of course realise that you were only giving a reception report at your location for information purposes, and as such shouldn't really have included yourself in the postings heading, as the main content of it was mainly directed towards Chris.
It was only because the issue of that particular channel number came up that I thought it prudent to give a reminder that its changing next week, as although you personally might well be aware of this fact, that doesn't necessarily apply to all who may be reading through postings concerning Emley.
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ronald bailey: You have got me a bit puzzled, as Hemel Hempstead isnt listed as providing an HD service until next April.
Are you sure you aren't receiving your signals from Sandy (Anglia)?
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Ian Grice: A small point I wondered about is why you are using Waltham at 31 miles away whereas Sutton Coldfield is only at 19mls?
I ask this because the trade predictor on your post code indicates good reception across the board being possible from Sutton Coldfield, (especially high powered BBC1 Mux Ch43) whereas Waltham indicates either poor or no reception being possible, (on SDN Mux Ch29) with this not really improving at any time.
As for the TV that is susceptible to interference, what model is it?
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Ian Grice: Further to what I mentioned regarding you stating that Waltham is being used, carry out a signal test whilst on BBC1 and note what Mux channel number is shown, if its Waltham is Ch61, whereas if its Ch43 then its Sutton, which although maybe wrong, I suspect it might be! this being based on your reported signal strength.
If looking at the aerial it should be facing roughly West (actual 283degrees) for Sutton, Waltham being slightly to the North of East. (actual 53degrees)
Regarding the aforementioned signal strength, if you get almost 100% signal / quality before it reaches your "first" splitter amp, then although this is maybe inconvenient to arrange, but I would alter your set up whereby the aerial goes directly into a six way splitter to feed the various rooms, thereby doing away with the two way splitter presently used.
The only reservation I have over what Dave Lindsay has suggested is that I would keep the use of a powered splitter for this purpose, as you aren't exactly that close to a main station, and it has to be remembered are presently receiving a high powered Mux from wherever (BBC1) without a problem, that is even although you are using two powered splitters, which as said in my original posting doesn't in reality give that much of an amplification to the signal, this no matter what fanciful claim might be printed on the label.
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Graham: If you are receiving from Sutton Coldfield (as The Wrekin also possible) then blank out the memory again and manually tune in ITV1 on Mux Ch44 (The Wrekin ITV1 Mux Ch23) after doing so using the "add channels" facility to load the remainder.
I wouldn't fuss about too much though, as next week on the 21st another complete re-tune will be required on switchover stage 2, this where reception improvements should really be noticed due to power increases.
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gail: You are indicated as only being able to receive signals from Sandy(Anglia) and there is no reason for not receiving ITV1 (Mux Ch24) unless that is something has possibly happened to your aerial, that said though, difficulty could well be experienced on some of the other lower powered channels.
To give an idea of your signal strength carry out a signal check whilst on BBC1 (Mux Ch27) this facility accessed from the tuning menu.
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linda macdiarmid: Purely referring to the problem mentioned, its almost certain that the dish has moved a fraction hence the reason for no signal. If it was easily accessible you could try giving it the smallest nudge to the left or right, or more accurately obviously back "into" the direction the wind was sweeping across it.
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Ian Grice: Well I have to say that I really do feel that you must reside in a "chosen spot" for reception from Waltham, as being a long standing engineer (not necessarily aerial) I know that even a trade predictor can have elements of inaccuracy built into its forecasts, as its impossible for any predictor to cater properly for localised conditions, with DUK's usually always giving an element of a "rose tinted glasses" type of prediction, something I usually allow for, but using the post code provided it shows Waltham - Lark Stoke - The Wrekin as being totally out of the question for any form of reliable reception at any time, and this across the whole range of the multiplexes, this being why I doubted if it was Waltham being received.
Just out of interest, can you receive Mux Ch29 from Waltham? as that causes difficulty to many including myself, and will do until October 12th.
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Prog: A test post code (Wigston PO) indicates you as being able to receive Waltham as well as Sutton Coldfield, so first of all carry out a scan without the aerial being connected for purposes of blanking out the memory, then after re-connecting carry out a "manual" tune on either Mux Ch54 (ITV1 etc)if receiving from Waltham, or alternatively if receiving from Sutton Mux Ch44 (ITV1 etc)
If this works store whats received (if not automatically done) then use the "add channels" facility to load the remainder in.
By the way, if you are receiving from Sutton then this will all change next week on the 21st, when stage 2 of switchover takes place.
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Phil: WR5 indicates that you can be receiving from a few stations, this making it impossible to advise as reception possibilities cannot be carried out with any element of accuracy, as only a full post code can enable this to be done.
Digital does not automatically mean improved reception, this due to its "digital cliff" cut off effect whereby if the signal drops under a certain level it disappears, or if its continually hovering just above this level the picture can suffer from frequent spells of breaking up etc.
Digital scores over analogue because the picture quality remains constant over a wide range of reception strengths, unlike analogue where speckles start to develop as the signal gets weaker, albeit though that it doesn't cut off, this being its plus point!
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JB: indications are that you should only be able to receive a signal from either Oxford or Charlbury, however if its Charlbury then you aren't forecast as being able to receive ITV1 / Ch5 etc (even although you say you are) but you should be able to receive BBC1 / 2 on Mux Ch44.
If however its Oxford you are receiving from, then BBC1 / 2 is on Mux Ch53, but like Charlbury you are not forecast as being able to receive ITV1 / Ch5 etc until the 28th, although the fact that you are presently doing indicates that you are in a reception area where local conditions play a big part in what's actually received.
Have a look at your aerial mounting, if the elements are horizontal then it should be Oxford, whereas if they are vertical (up and down) then that's Charlbury.
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James; For a test try scanning without the aerial installed, this to blank out anything that may be stored up in the 800 ranges, then re-connect the aerial and "manually" tune Mux Ch53 (BBC1 Oxford), storing anything received if this not done automatically, then enter Mux Ch68 (ITV1 Oxford) and do the same again.
Preferably try this on the TV, this just to exclude any possibility of a fault on the box, as these are notoriously unreliable.
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James: I also meant to add, that come the 28th switchover stage 2 is taking place and so changes should then be noticed in reception.
Needless to say with a complete factory re-set scan being necessary.
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John: Are you referring to analogue from Oxford? as if you are all analogue channels will be getting switched off on the 28th of this month.
The only reason I ask is because of you distinguishing between BBC1 and BBC2, as on digital they are on the same multiplex and as as such have to be the same strength, whereas on analogue they are on separate transmitters.
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Ian Grice: Using the alternative post code given for your parents house a few miles away gives a different result altogether, as it does indicate them as being able to have good reception from both Waltham and Sutton Coldfield, that is with the exception of variable reception being indicated on ArqB Mux Ch57 from Waltham.
But as was previously mentioned, I feel that in your case you are just lucky enough to be in a favourable spot for reception from Waltham, (MuxCh29 confirming) although possibly on the verges of it not being if checks were carried out say a quarter of a mile away in another direction, as its not unusual in iffy reception areas for people even living in adjoining properties to have totally different signal strengths from each other.
Still, I did voice my reservations about the predictor, the only thing about it this time being, that in this case the rose tinted glasses effect that's usually in seen evidence, was changed to over darkened ones.
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Nick: Its very unlikely (although not impossible!) for a normal booster to cause overloading problems for anyone residing in the Spalding area, and you are shown as being able to have good reception from Waltham - Belmont - Sandy, although Waltham being the best.
You havent mentioned exactly what your problem is, but one I think you might well experience is with channels being in incorrect positions, but maybe you could clarify regarding the nature of your problem.
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Amanda: You really have to give your location (pref: post code) so that your reception possibilities can be checked on as the possibility exists that your present aerial is inadequate for Freeview reception.
Regarding your new TV, it has to be said they they really take a while to set up as far as picture preferences etc are concerned, as most of them straight out of the box leave a lot to be desired picture wise until settings such as contrast / brightness / colour etc are adjusted to individual taste.
The aforementioned applying even more the higher priced the TV might be, as they generally offer far more adjustments to be made.
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ness: Freeview doesnt really come into the equation, although I think you are just using this term to describe non subscription Sky channels.
As you have two Sky boxes, one being a Sky+ box, then you require your dish to be fitted with a quad LNB, that of it having four outlets, two being used for the Sky+ box and the third for the second Sky box, the fourth output not used.
Should be said though, that you have to subscribe to Sky for the Sky+ box or you will not be able to record on it. Likewise you will require a "Free to view" card from Sky (£25.00) or you will not be able to view a number of ITV stations as well as 5* 5US etc.
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ness: Also meant to include, if none of your Sky boxes receive anything the chances are that your dish might be out of alignment.
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Sophie: You havent mentioned where you are located (pref: post code) and as such checking on your reception possibilities cannot be done.
However, first of all take the aerial out and carry out a re-tune, this to blank the memory of anything stored, then after re-connecting the aerial carry out another scan to load the stations back in again.
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christine henderson: The reception predictor indicates that you should be able to have good reception from either Durris (@ 28miles) or your local Ellon station.(@ 2miles)
When you say that you have lost some channels are you meaning programmes like ITV3/ QVC etc? as if you are then you wont get them from Ellon, as its a Freeview light transmitter and only broadcasts public services.
To receive the full service you would have to use Durris, and I suspect that this is what the technician was referring to when he/she (PC!) mentioned the signal quality.
Have a look at your aerial, if its mounted with the elements vertical then you are using Ellon, but if they are horizontal then it should be directed towards Duris.
OR try a signal check on BBC1, if you see Mux Ch45 that's from Ellon, whereas if its Mux Ch28 thats Durris.
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J RUTTER: Indications are that you should be able to receive Freeview from either Wenvoe or Mendip.
You should try manual tuning the HD multiplex by first of all carrying out a scan without the aerial connected to blank out anything stored in the memory, then after re-connecting carry out a "manual" tune on Mux Ch47 (Wenvoe's HD service) storing anything received (if not done automatically) before adding the other channels using the "add channels" facility.
If though you are receiving from Mendip, then the HD multiplex is Ch58. Should be pointed out that Mendip only indicates you being able to receive the main PSB stations, as the others as shown as poor.
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chris: Without knowledge of your location (post code) its not possible to advise on what you should be receiving.
You could maybe also give some info on the aerial system. (where mounted etc)
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Amanda: Although I strongly suspect that your aerial isn't really good enough you should at least be able to get BBC1 from the Oxford transmitter, so if nothing at all has been stored try manually tuning it in on Mux Ch53, should you receive it OK then try ITV1 on Mux Ch68, although its not on high power as yet.
You say that three other TV's are running from the aerial, but are they on analogue? as if they are then they will be inoperable come the 28th when analogue is switched off. The other point I wondered about is regarding the arrangement being used to feed these other TV's from the aerial, are they from a powered splitter as well as your new Samsung? as its essential that they are or any signal you do have will be dragged down by being split.
It should also be said that many people have problems with receiving Oxford, and with you being at 26 miles away its somewhat pushing it as far as presently being able to receive anything other than BBC1 is concerned, it being the only channel on high power until the 28th when further changes take place at switchover stage 2, this date also being when the HD service starts from Oxford.
Needless to say I would hold off from doing anything until then, that is "if" you manage to get BBC1 using the procedure I mentioned, as if you don't you wouldn't see any improvements on the 28th because your aerial, or distribution system used requires immediate attention.
Cirencester is another station that's indicated as being possible for you to receive, but I have my doubts about that, however you could also give it a try while you are at it, once again provided nothing has been stored on your Oxford test, if it has blank out the channel memory by carrying out a scan without the aerial connected, then re-connect and enter Mux Ch23.(BBC1)
Another more local (4mls) station called Seagry Court also exists, its BBC1 being on Mux Ch41, but it all depends on where your aerial is directed, if on looking at it you see the elements mounted horizontally then its aimed at Oxford, or if vertically mounted one of the other two stations mentioned.
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steph: You will have to provide a post code, as trying out test codes shows a variety of them covering these halls of residence.
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Wednesday 24 August 2011 7:46PM
Grumpyoldman: I really don't think it would make much difference if Terry did try moving his aerial, as the Litchfield transmitter is only approx 4 miles away to the North East of Sutton Coldfield, this only requiring his aerial to have a "very" minor nudge to the right of where presently positioned.
Or put another way, for normal purposes if Litchfield was transmitting on a bit higher power, both it and Sutton could be picked up on just about the same angle from Terry's location.