All posts by jb38
Below are all of jb38's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Steve Williams: Sudbury (308 degrees) is only 14 miles away from your location, but as far as those other stations mentioned are concerned you could if you wish carry out an ITV1 mux signal test on each of them, this achieved by going into your TV or boxes tuning menu / manual tune and entering Dovers C51 (714.00Mhz) but NOT followed by pressing search or scan after having entered the number, because on most devices if any signal is being received the level / quality of will appear in the signal indicator bars as this procedure causes the tuner to act like a signal meter.
If nothing is seen then change the number entered to Bluebell Hills C43 (650.00 Mhz) and see if anything appears, you could even try Crystal Palaces C26 (514.00Mhz) although judging by that indicated on two separate prediction sites I am very doubtful if anything will be seen from either Dover or bluebell Hill but "might" from Crystal Palace, as every one of its muxes are indicated as being receivable at your location albeit with the status of "variable".
By the way, Dover is located at 167 degrees / 53 miles and with Bluebell Hill at 208 degrees / 43 miles, Crystal Palace at 235 degrees / 57 miles.
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Steve Williams: Yes, you should give it a try! even if only for test purposes, although if you do maybe you could give an update on your findings as I would be interested in the results.
As far as your comment on reception is concerned, as digital reception basically works on a threshold level system this automatically makes it not near so tolerant as analogue to a less than perfect signal, because if the signal drops to under a certain level the reception will cut out thereby giving the impression that the signal has vanished altogether when in most cases it hasn't, the aforementioned manual tuning procedure by-passing the threshold circuitry provided that search or scan is not pressed, because if it is the threshold circuitry jumps in.
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Lee : Its not really possible for anyone to be able to say for certain whether the problem "is" being caused by a faulty LNB or not as a defect in the boxes tuner can also result in a similar range of problems being experienced, and so the quickest way by far of determining which of the two applies is by either trying your box out on someone else's dish or alternatively theirs on yours, because even although you have a Sky+HD box the dishes LNB can still be signal strength / quality tested using an ordinary single input Sky box on each of the input feeds one at a time whilst on the boxes signal check screen, this accessed on a normal Sky box (or white + box) by pressing "Services - 4 - 6".
However, this type of problem can also be caused by water having entered the "F" connector on the dish resulting in intermittent short circuiting of the band switching control voltages sent from the box to the LNB, therefore if you can access the dish it would be prudent to check this out by unscrewing each of the "F" connectors from the LNB "one at a time" by loosening the connectors gland nut sufficiently to enable the connector to be pulled free of the LNB, then further unscrewing the body of the connector from the coax to check for water, this action being taken on both connectors.
That said, I do have to say that in your case I do have doubts if the water contamination referred is the main reason for your problem as you have reported problems on both inputs 1 and 2, this being somewhat unusual, and so as your boxes LNB1 is the main input used for viewing you should concentrate on only using that input to test each of the two feeds from the dish one at a time using your boxes signal check screen, if OK try the reception out on a range of channels.
I realise that you have already tried a few things, but you should also try placing the box in standby for about one minute before disconnecting it from the mains then leaving it for 15 minutes or so to allow the tuners power supply circuitry to cool down before reconnecting it again? because boxes that operate OK for a while before faulting again "after" having carried out this action generally have defective power supplies.
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Graham: Have you carried out a retune on your box in more recent times? as in August 2013 Film4 changed from being on COM6 over to PSB2 as used by ITV1 etc, and if you haven't retuned your box its EPG would still have Film4 associated with COM6 hence the blank screen when you try to record it, as although you might well have set the PVR to record Film4 there is no way of knowing whether or not it is actually recording it unless by playing it back.
By the way, its always best to carry out a "first time installation" retune in cases like this to guarantee that the tuners memory has been blanked out, an alternative method is to carry out an auto-tune with the aerial removed then check that the EPG listing has vanished, if it has then reconnect the aerial and carry out a second retune.
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Lee : Pleased that your box "appears" to be OK when tried out on another dish, appears being emphasised when keeping in mind any possibility of that said in the last paragraph of my reply being applicable!
By the way, if when the "F" connectors are unscrewed / checked out no signs of water contamination are found then you should replace the LNB, these in the form of a kit (as used by Sky) being available from a number of e-bay outlets for around £10.00 to £15.00 or so.
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Briantist: Lately I have noticed that for some reason or another when a reference is being made to a price of something an A appears in front of a £ sign, an example of seen in my 3.38PM reply to Lee.
I also noticed this in replies made by others such as a posting made by vinny jones on Wednesday 19 February @ 9:22AM.
Is it possible to rectify this problem?
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Paul: The chassis used in the Techwood AEDTR80S7 are manufactured by a Turkish company called Vestel who also supply virtually the same chassis to a large number of other well known brand names, e.g: Hitachi, Wharfedale, Goodmans, Alba, Digiholme etc to name but a few.
Since those chassis were first released in 2007 they have undergone a series of software updates and with V13 being the final "over air" download back in 2010, this being released in an attempt to cure a notorious stuttering, jumping problem that affected playback of previous recordings on a number of models.
However, as it appears that you have not reported any problems with playback other than with Film4 I was curious as to what version of software is installed in your box? this being revealed by pressing - menu / set up / configuration, receiver upgrade indicating the number required.
The other aspect I wondered about being, does this blank screen on playback issue also apply if you carry out an "instant record" at the start of a programme? also if you wish to "view" Film4 from say ITV3 rather than inching up the channels one at a time from 10 does pressing button1 then 5 result in Film4 being seen?
My only reason for enquiring being that I coupled up (then rescanned) an old Hitachi PVR I have that uses the same chassis as your Techwood and it recorded / played back Film4 OK, that is with the exception of the stuttering problem previously referred to simply because of me not (as yet) having installed the V13 software update that I downloaded last year from the website.
By the way, I do realise you are considering having a look at the Humax range as suggested by MikeB and which is a good idea!, albeit that although Humax manufactures a range of good quality reliable devices they unfortunately all lack the sheer user friendliness of the menu system used in the Vestel range of PVR's.
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Paul: On the basis of what you had reported before leaving for work this morning I set the Hitachi PVR to record two programmes of a more lengthy nature over that of the 45 minute test recording I had previously reported as having worked perfectly OK, both programmes set for recording having running times of about 105 minutes or so and with one being set for recording on Film4 and the other for recording on Film4+1.
Checking the result of tests this evening rather indicates that things have deteriorated since the box was first stored away approximately two years ago, as the programme set for recording on Film4+1 (45) was also seen to have been recorded on Film4 (15) even although I had double checked that it hadn't been duplicated on the recording list, the other programme (Please Sir) set for recording on Film4 having been split shortly after an hour by its latter part being partially recorded on Film4 +1, this being similar to what you have experienced.
When I get around to finding the time to fish out my RS232 cable I intend to install the V13 upgrade as the boxes software version is presently 2.7, that said I don't really hold out much hope for the device as those software updates are up to a point a bit hit and miss as to whether or not they will improve the situation or even make it worse, although the whole thing is really being done as an exercise as I have two Humax Freeview PVR's I can use for recording, my wife though much preferring the user friendly menu system used in Vestel chassis devices.
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Briantist : Re the articles featured in the heading of this page, I was just wondering if you were aware that both Tony Hall and Danny Cohans speeches would appear to have been duplicated.
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Briantist: No problem!, my only reason for drawing your attention to it being because I am fully aware that you constantly strive to keep everything on your site just so-so.
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Andy McArthur: You should try disconnecting the box from the mains supply for about 1 minute or so before powering it up again and checking to see if this had made any difference, if not then the next thing to try is a "First time installation" to wipe out everything stored in the tuner, this achieved by pressing Menu / option 2 / then select "First time installation" followed by pressing OK.
By the way, this procedure requires you to enter your post code in order to receive the correct news services for your area.
The other point being, that "First time installation" on most devices does not normally affect anything stored in your hard drive, however if by any remote chance it was going to on your particular box a warning to this effect will always pop up on the screen.
As far as the dish is concerned, the quality indication on a perfectly aligned dish should really be leading the strength and with what you have reported suggesting that yours is a fraction out of alignment, however in order to check the LNB's skew setting select EPG 206 (RT / HD) which is transmitted on vertical polarity and check the S & Q indications, next select EPG 212 (BBCNews HD) which is a horizontally transmitted programme and check if there are any "significant" differences seen in the S &Q indications between those two programmes, which there shouldn't be! although they are very seldom ever the same!
Further info dependant on outcome of test.
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mrdt: Indoor (same room) aerials are seldom ever satisfactory except in cases where the viewer is located in a line-of-sight situation with the transmitter mast, and if not near to a window with the signal passing through only one wall of the house.
That said excludes loft aerials, as they can be perfectly satisfactory provided they are not installed facing into a water tank or where the signal being picked up has to pass through the separation walls of adjacent properties.
However its not possible to judge as to whether or not an indoor aerial is liable to work in your situation without your location being known, this preferably in the form of a post code or one from nearby, e.g: a shop / Post Office.
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J Peter Wilson: This problem would not have occurred if the licence exemption application had been filled in and returned as that's the only way of avoiding the "automatic" process of a warning letter being sent out, something you should have been informed about when you phoned the TV Licensing office and so in this respect they slipped up.
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Carol: When you say "connected to Sky", are you simply meaning that you have a Freesat box connected to the ex Sky dish? or are you meaning that you have a TV in the bedroom that is connected to the RF2 socket of an ex Sky box located in another room, and you are using a magic eye system to change the channels on the Sky box?
If the latter applies, check that the TV button hasn't been accidentally pressed on the Sky remote control you are using in the bedroom, because when a person stops subscribing to Sky nothing changes as far as remote control operation is concerned.
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Andy McArthur: Those readings are not terribly far off what would be expected from both of the channels mentioned, however, although slight variations in the strength and quality (and especially quality) of the signal received are not exactly uncommon the frequency that the fluctuations seem to be occurring on your box is of concern as it could indicate the possibility of water having entered the "F" connector on the LNB or even a defective LNB.
As far as water contamination in the connector is concerned, if you can gain access to the dish you should loosen the "F" connectors gland nut and unscrew it from the block followed by unscrewing the body of the connector from the coax to enable it to be checked out, drying with a tissue if required then smearing the inside of the connector with some Vaseline (should really be silicon grease) before screwing it back onto the coax.
That said, before forging ahead with the procedure mentioned it would be the best policy by far if you could manage to try your box out on someone else's dish, the reason for suggesting being that this problem could also be caused by a defect in the boxes tuner especially as it only seems to affecting HD reception albeit that this mode is more critical than SD, but testing your box out on another dish would instantly reveal the source of your problem.
I should of course also add, that those type of boxes do not have the best of reputations where reliability is concerned and this is another factor that has always to be taken into consideration.
By the way, everything said is on the assumption that your dish does have an unobstructed view of the Sky free from such as tree foliage etc?
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Andy McArthur: In addition to that already said, should access to the dish be possible leave the box on EPG 206 and get someone to press lightly on the right hand edge of the dish whilst noting the effect this has on the strength / quality being indicated, should it be of an adverse nature then the same test should be carried out again but on the left hand edge of the dish, once again noting the changes.
Needless to say, if one side does give an improvement to the S & Q then the left / right swivel lock bolts on the dish should be loosened just enough to allow the dish to be nudged in that direction.
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Andy McArthur: Pleased to see that the problem has now been resolved by replacing the box as I did have my suspicions about it as mentioned in my 8.49pm reply on the 9th, although being a "never say die" type of engineer felt obliged to mention everything that could possibly be the reason for your problem.
By the way, did you replace your box with another of the same type?, or possibly another brand altogether?
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mr p clark: It presently does on Mux Ch39 and has been doing for some considerable time.
Although indications are that the signal path from the Chatton transmitter (@ 3.3 miles) is completely obstructed at approximately 1.75miles prior to your location "if" you receive the other channels OK then are you sure that your TV is capable of HD reception and as such is fitted with a DVB-T2 tuner and not just DVB-T?, if you have the user manual for the TV check the specifications section or come back with the model number of the set and this can be checked out for you.
Should though you do have a TV capable of HD reception and you receive the other channels are OK even although the signal is obstructed, then another thing that can block HD reception is if the signal being received is too strong, and at only 3.3 miles away from the transmitter this is a distinct possibility, and so if you are using any form of booster try by passing it by connecting the aerial directly into the TV followed by carrying out a retune on the set if nothing appears on EPG2.
Further advice dependant on feedback.
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Dell: Indications are on Digital UK that those two programme channels are not due to start service until April 1st 2014 from the Oxford transmitter, the transmission being on C31 (554.0 Mhz) on the COM7 mux.
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Dell : In addition to that said, I noticed that the starting date for COM 7 is indicated on this site as being May 2014, and so DUK's starting date "might" possibly be an update.
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John Barnes: You can find out the information required by clicking on "J's Digital UK tradeview" (second bottom) seen in the choices on the right hand side of your posting, or alternatively by opening the undermentioned link.
Coverage Checker - Detailed View
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charles carrington: In addition to that said, when making queries of this nature its always advisable to provide a location in the form of a post code or alternatively one from nearby such as a shop / Post Office, as although this particular mux is indeed directional the cut off areas shown on a radiation pattern chart for such a transmitter are seldom ever of a sharp precise nature, meaning that in certain instances reception within the cut off area's of each "side leg" (NOT rear) of the coverage area shown is possible by anyone located at relatively short distances from the transmitter, which in the case of Kirkcaldy could be as little as 3 miles.
However, although you have said that a "no signal" message was seen this does not necessarily always mean that no signal whatsoever exists, but possibly one that's just under the reception threshold for your receiver to produce a picture, therefore when you entered C30 into your "manual" tuning menu you should try it again but do NOT follow entering the number by pressing search or scan, because if any signal is evident then no matter how weak it might be it will show on the strength / quality bars.
My reason for mentioning this is that a couple of test codes around the Hunter Street area of Kirkcaldy (@ 4 miles / bearing 226°) indicated good reception of LEH, and with reception still being indicated as possible at 7.8 miles near to Coaltown of Wemyss, albeit this under the status of being variable.
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Chris: Its really a case of whether or not the repositioned aerial has been aligned facing in "exactly" the same direction and mounting polarity as before? as what you have reported is inclined to suggest that it hasn't been, or alternatively that you are located in an area where the signal level received from the transmitter can vary over a few feet or so, something that's not exactly uncommon in certain areas.
A couple of "Mumbles" SA3 test codes tried out (5AS / 4DH) indicated that your reception could be (as mentioned) from the Wenvoe (horizontal polarity) transmitter @ approx 31 miles or alternatively the Kilvey Hill (vertical polarity) transmitter @ approx 4 miles, signal levels from both being good dependant on your exact location.
However, more precise information can only really be supplied with knowledge of the post code applicable to the premises being referred to, or alternatively one from somewhere nearby such as a shop / post office.
By the way, and aerial such as a DAT45 "has" to be precisely aligned to avoid the possibility of erratic reception quality being experienced due to the narrow pick up acceptance angle of this type of aerial, Log periodic's being superior in areas where minor fluctuations in the angle the signal is being received at is liable to occur.
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Ian Edge : "Hear, hear", well said!, although as far as Richard E's accusation of left wing bias in the BBC is concerned, I feel that in many instances its inclined to err in exactly the opposite direction, that is judging by the amount of air time that's given to views being expressed by some right winger relative to that from someone on the opposite side of the fence.
Of course it could just be that the right winger just seemed to be going on for longer!!
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MikeB: Re: BBC and allegation of left wing bias, I would say that the various examples given in the second / third paragraphs of your posting just about sums the situation up perfectly, insomuch that it's total nonsense!
I also found your references / links to other articles on a similar theme most interesting!
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Gillf: If you are not receiving any signal whatsoever then the problem is liable to be caused by something associated with your installation, however Walthams PSB3 / HD service on C58 as well as COM5 / C56 has been problematic throughout the entire day.
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Alan Sleigh: Apart from requesting assistance from your local dish installer, or alternatively purchasing one of those cheap / simple sat finder meters, then about the only option you have is to leave the Freesat box on say BBC1, then with the TV temporarily positioned where it can be viewed from the dish "slowly" press lightly on each end of the dish (in turn) whilst carefully observing for any signs of the "no signal" warning breaking up and an image reappearing, because if the dish has been blown or knocked slightly out of alignment its nearly always in the horizontal (right to left) plane.
At least that is in the case of a dish mounted on a brick wall, yours not being possibly bringing the vertical aspect of an alignment problem into the equation.
That said is on the assumption that you have "not" tried to retune the box? because if you have then its best to carry out a another retune with the box connected to someone else's dish to recover the channels.
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john: Yes! it certainly is on COM7 / C31 (554.00Mhz), although you will have to carry out a rescan to receive it, or alternatively a manual tune on C31.
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Idris Martin: You cannot use channels 22 / 25 or 28 for the purpose of determining the origin of the signal you are receiving because as Dave Lindsay has said these channel numbers are common to both Rowridge and Stockland Hill, although as DL has also mentioned some receivers indicate network / region names on a signal strength test.
Therefore the only way of finding out the info required is by carrying out a signal strength test on your BBC and ITV channels, Rowridges BBC-C24 / ITV -C27, Stockland Hills BBC-C26 / ITV - C23.
As far as aerial direction is concerned, should your aerial be facing Rowridge then Stockland Hill will be picked up on approximately (as its roughly 30° out) on the reverse of the aerial, and of course vice-versa, but in non line-of-sight situations such as yours signals can sometimes be picked up at different angles to that expected due to reflections from hills etc.
By the way, Rowridge is located @ 47miles / 85°, and with Stockland @ 31miles / 294°, your reception predictions not being particularly good from either station.
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Idris Martin : Just in case you are wondering, please ignore the A after the degree angle number, as this is something that has automatically appeared in recent times ever since Briantists site came back on after having been off for a day due to a fault having occurred.
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Briantist: Many thanks! much appreciated, as "some" people might possibly interpret this as some technical abbreviation rather than simply being a glitch, it also appearing on pound signs.
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Idris Martin: Well, although the signal path from both Stockland Hill and Rowridge is obstructed the terrain indicator shows that the severity of the obstruction is far greater in the case of the latter, this somewhat tallying up with your findings insomuch that Stockland's C26 was received but not Rowridges C24, albeit that Rowridge's "vertically" polarised PSB transmissions "are" indicated as providing a superior signal to that from Stockland H.
Of course if (as expected) your aerial is mounted horizontally then this could account for nothing being received.
That said, although it does have to be admitted that anything seen on a reception predictor has to treated with an element of caution, but a point to note is that when carrying out a manual tune test for the purpose of signal assessment its always advisable to enter the "C" number into the box but "not" follow this by immediately pressing search or scan, because on most devices hesitating before pressing same will cause the tuner to act like a proper signal strength meter whereby it will indicate signals down to very low levels underneath that necessary to resolve a picture, but which are ignored during a scan.
By the way, the info seen by opening the undermentioned link (copy and paste into your browser) provides details of the what's expected in your area, the two following being that indicated on the terrain predictor from both the stations in question.
Coverage Checker - Detailed View
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
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Iain Davies: In addition to that said by MikeP but still relating to, although nothing is seen on C51 it does not necessarily indicate that zero signal exists, and so you should try a test by going into your TV (or boxes) tuning menu / manual tune then entering C51 into the box but "not" followed by pressing search or scan, as this procedure on most devices will result in the tuner acting like a form of signal meter free of threshold limits, albeit that overload conditions can affect this test.
This procedure should be tried both with, and without, the distribution amplifier connected in line, if the signal still vanishes with the amp in-line then try the same test on Mendips COM6 C52 and see what the result is.
Of course, another way of testing is to insert one of these cheap (around £4.00) variable attenuators in-line with the amplifiers aerial input socket, then check to see if C51 appears whilst you adjust the level of attenuation.
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Iain Davies : Provided that you are within the coverage area of the directional C51 transmission then nothing of a technical nature can be done at the transmitter to stop anyone from receiving it, however could you please confirm (or not) that when you fed the signal into your Blue-ray recorder for the purpose of looping through into your TV that it was coming directly from your newly installed aerial? and that you can actually view the programme "content" (not just signal) on C51 without the amplifier in circuit.
It would also be of assistance as far as signal level assessment at your location is concerned if you could provide a post code from somewhere located nearby, plus it would also help to have knowledge of the distribution amplifiers model number and is this a newly acquired item? because apart from that said in your update the problem could be suggestive of either the amplifiers input being overloaded or even a fault in the devices input circuitry, especially when more than one device is seemingly being affected.
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Christopher Pugh: Provided that can put up with the inconvenience of having to use the TV / AV button to select your Freeview box as the input, then your problem might be rectified by opening up the scart lead socket and snipping the wire connected to pin8.
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Iain Davies: Although I still feel that its a bit unusual for signal overload symptoms to suddenly appear on all of your devices by simply changing the aerial, that is unless the one you were using was grossly inefficient!, however now its known that all of your devices are of the same Panasonic brand (my main TV being same) then its likely that their level of susceptibility to signal overload conditions (swamping) will be roughly the same on them all, whereas not the case with different brands.
As far as the Blue-ray recorder is concerned, passing the signal through its loop-through facility does not usually result in any amplification of the signal (or very low if it does!) although it would have been of interest to know if the C51 signal could be picked up by the Blue-ray recorders tuner before being fed into the TV via the HDMI connection rather than just using the device as a loop- through facility.
Although still being unable to assess the signal level expected at your location, but dependant on where your distribution amplifier is sited you should try a test using either a set top aerial or a short length (about 6' or so) of wire connected into its aerial input socket to see if this results in C51 appearing, if it does then you will have to purchase an attenuator such as that seen on the link and use it in line with the splitters aerial input socket, or alternatively purchase another splitter but of the passive (non-powered) type.
Just a little point about Panasonic's, the strength level indicators on these devices are inclined to be over lively compared to the reality of the situation, Humax being more in line with the actual, but should the Humax also indicate a strength of 100% then the signal level "is" excessively high.
TV Aerial Attenuator Variable 0-20Db Freeview Digital | eBay
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Iain Davies : Fully appreciating how frustrating this type of problem must be, but though it does have to be said that faults of this nature are seldom ever cured except by trial and error and with the person suffering from usually having to make some minor purchase, and if your signal is as strong as what your report would suggest then its either a variable attenuator to place in-line with the input to the distribution amplifier, or alternatively to do away with the powered splitter and replace it with a passive version which also gives an element of attenuation to the signal.
But though, and as mentioned on a couple of occasions, its not possible to estimate the level of signal expected in a particular area with any degree of accuracy without having knowledge of a post code from somewhere nearby, as this then gives access to the reception predictor plus more importantly (in some cases) the terrain indicator.
Anyway, purely for information purposes the undermentioned link is for a relatively inexpensive 4 way passive (non-electronic) splitter of the coaxial connector type, screw "F" connectors being the norm for this type of device.
Wellco 4 Way Aerial Splitter Allows 4 TV's or other: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
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Iain Davies: Yes, but its not the low powered 10Kw LBS that is overloading the tuner, but the swamping / desensitizing effect caused by the 100Kw main transmitters resulting the tuners auto gain circuit coming into play to avoid instability, the side effect of this being that it makes the tuner less sensitive to weaker signals whereby causing them to drop under the threshold level required for reception, hence they vanish!
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Iain Davies: Thanks for the update!, pleased to see that you have now managed to rectify this problem.
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Steve: Could well be! as older Sky boxes such as the DRX280 were notorious for power supply problems caused by leaky / dried out electrolytic capacitors. Try the undermentioned procedure, if all appears then the problem is most likely to be down to a defective power supply. LNB checking procedure: 1: Press Services and select 4" (opens with picture settings highlighted) 2:- Press: "0 - 1 - select" (opens with LNB set up highlighted) press on this. 3:- A list of the various settings will appear, and although they may match up with what's indicated below still press on the red "reset all settings" button (at bottom left hand side under the menu list) 4:- Use the up/down arrows to highlight "Save New Settings" then press select. The correct settings for the LNB are / Low frequency - 9.75 High Frequency - 10.60 The LNB power supply should always be set to on. The 22KHz Command should always be set to on.
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DemThonp : Indications are that your location is line-of-sight with the Winter Hill transmitter @ 27miles / 126°.
However, you should carry out a signal check on the HD channel you are viewing to make sure that you haven't picked up Lancaster's HD service rather than Winter Hill, Lancaster's HD being on Mux C21 whereas Winter Hill's HD is on Mux C57, and with its new COM7 HD service being on C31.
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DemThonp: No!. The channel numbers you have given correspond to that being used by two different stations, namely Lancaster and Moel-Y-Parc, neither of indicated as providing the best signal in your area. Nearly all of the aerials seen in the Falkirk Avenue area are pointing towards Winter Hill, therefore you should delete everything stored in your TV tuners memory by removing the aerial followed by carrying out an auto-tune, reconnecting the aerial on completion to ensure that "no signal" is indicated if you try to select a channel Should this be the case, then the next stage is to go into your TV's tuning menu / "manual" tune / and enter the following channel numbers "one at a time" followed by scanning each of them in turn and storing the results. Winter Hills channels being / C50 (BBC) - C59 (ITV) - C54 (HD) - C58 (ITV3 etc) - C49 (Pick TV etc) - C55 (4Music etc) - C31 (this being the new COM7 HD service)
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hector: 60% is at the lower end of what is considered acceptable as far as the reception level of "quality" is concerned, however when you say that all channels are 60% apart from the HD channels are you meaning that nothing is being received on HD?, because should this be the case then are you sure that your TV is not just a Freeview HD ready model? as these types can only display and HD image from some externally connected source as their tuners are not capable of receiving it, HD reception requiring a TV or box to be fitted with a DVB-T2 tuner and "not" simply DVB-T as used for normal SD reception.
If you have the instruction manual for your TV have a look in the specifications section / tuner and check what's mentioned under that heading.
Should you experience any problem in finding this info, if you come back with the model number of the TV in question this can be checked out for you.
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Mark W: If you are located line-of-sight at a distance of say under 10 miles or so from the transmitter then you should be aware of the fact than a signal that's slightly over the top in strength can block HD reception, this sometimes being in an intermittent fashion dependant on weather conditions etc.
Another point to note being, that the signal strength / quality indications (especially latter) cannot be relied on as being in any way accurate when a device is operating under signal overload conditions, as the excessive signal level upsets the measuring circuitry usually resulting in a low, or zero reading.
However, a more accurate assessment is not really possible without a post code (or one from nearby) being known, as this would then enable details of the signal strength expected at your location to be accessed .
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hector : Well, although 60% quality cannot really be said as being ideal, it can however be perfectly OK on many devices provided that its observed to be completely stable if monitored over a minute or so, 80% + quality being a far more desirable level and with the signal strength usually lagging slightly under this.
If you have positively verified that your TV is indeed fitted with a DVB-T2 tuner? then its unusual "not" to be receiving anything at all on HD, therefore in order to get a better idea as to the cause of the problem maybe you could provide your location, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a shop / Post Office, plus also a run down on the aerial system you are using.
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hector: The HD transmitter you are referring to is already one of the second most powerful in the country, and so your problem is really being caused by the aerial system you are using and not in any way connected with the transmitter.
However, unfortunately its not really possible to be able to offer advice as far as remedial actions are concerned without having knowledge of your location, PLUS of course knowing where your present aerial is located? although "if" by any chance its a "same room as the TV" type then there isn't much that you can really do about it except to try moving it around whilst you are observing the quality being indicated on the screen.
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STEPHEN PARTNER: Engineering work is presently being carried out at the Ivybridge transmitter and so unfortunately breaks in reception can occur at any time, the main point to remember being "not" to try a retune or alter anything with your installation if its found that the signal has vanished as it will return of its own accord.
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sam: This could suggest that the signal you are receiving from the high powered Clermont Carn transmitter is overloading the input of your receiver.
Try a test by checking the result of using a short length of wire (about 5 feet or so) connected into your boxes aerial socket rather than the loft aerial, the test only being applicable as far as the reception of RTE programmes are concerned.
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sam: Meant Divis "not" Clermont Carn! However, a much better assessment of your situation could be made if you can provide a more precise location, this in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a post office etc.
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Denis Allen: Purely for information purposes, I tried an "instant record" and also a timed recording on EPG61 using a Humax freeview box, both having worked perfectly OK without any problems whatsoever.
True entertainment (EPG61) is broadcast on the same transmitter as used by ITV3, the question being, can you record ITV3 OK?
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Denis Allen: In addition to that said with regards to ITV3 (10), if you can "view" EPG 61via the DVD recorders tuner ("not" the TV''s) but for some reason or another are unable to record it, then this indicates an issue with the recorder, therefore you should carry out a reset on the device.
If though you are unable to view EPG 61via the DVD's tuner but can ITV3 (10), then carry out a complete retune.
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David Moore: As indications are that no engineering work is / or has been taking place at the Sandy transmitter last week then the problem you are experiencing could possibly be down to the normal seasonal night / daytime fluctuations in levels experienced by many viewers residing in non line-of-sight situations such as shown on the terrain indicator as applying in the case of your location, multiple obstructions to the signal path being seen starting from approximately 3.5miles from same.
The effect of these variations are not really noticed by most except in cases where the signal being received is sitting at a level that is not that terribly far above that necessary to resolve a picture, i.e: the reception threshold, and so its really a case of when you refer to "low" or "full" signal what does this represent in strength / quality indications?
The other point I wondered about being, as more than one Freeview TV is involved are all TV's being used fed from a splitter? powered or otherwise!
The obstructions referred to being seen by opening the undermentioned link.
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
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Grace: Although I fully agree with A.Black that Freesat is really the answer to solving the extra channels problem in your particular situation due to technical snags in trying to use a alternative transmitter or a combination of two of them.
But apart from that I would advise "not" making any changes to your present arrangements until after Beacon Hills new service has started and you are able to conduct a test on your Panasonic to find out if any traces of a signal is being picked up from Beacon Hill's new COM7, as although your aerial is slightly out as far as picking up a signal on its rear is concerned, "if" a signal of any magnitude is being received it should still appear on the signal level bars, possibly giving a yellow indication on both.
The procedure involves pressing "menu" on your Panasonic's remote control then selecting DVB tuning / manual tune and entering C33 (Beacon Hills COM7) into the box but "not" followed by pressing search.
It all hinges on whether or not Beacon Hill is indeed a clear line-of-sight from your location? as the terrain indicator suggests that its not, DUK's reception predictor somewhat backing this up by zero reception being indicated on the two main PSB channels (BBC & ITV1) and with poor reception on the normal HD service plus SDN (ITV3 etc) and ArqA (Pick TV etc) variable being indicated on ArqB (4 Music etc) including COM7.
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Grace : Yes, its really a case of wait and see, as the reality of the situation as far as the reception levels expected from these stations can be quite different from that forecast on the predictor, which by the way can be viewed by clicking on "G's DigitalUK tradeview" seen in the blue selection box on the right hand side of your posting.
You can presently get a rough idea of whether or not Beacon Hill is likely to be an option by carrying out the manual tune test (as described in my reply) by checking for a signal from the lowest mux channels used by the station, Panasonic menu systems being ideal for tests of this sort.
Press: menu / set up / DVB tuning / manual tuning, then pressing "up or down" on the large centre button on the remote control until you see C42 selected, hesitating for 30 secs or so to see if anything is indicated in the strength / quality bars before moving on to C45.
The reason for the test using Beacon Hills lower channel numbers is because the aerial you are presently using for reception of Stockland Hill is likely to be group A which will be inefficient for the reception of Beacon Hills higher channels, although if signals of any significant level are received from Beacon Hill then you "might" be able to pick up its COM7 on C33 which "is" in the same group as used by Stockland Hill.
The aforementioned is purely for test purposes.
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Lizzy: Unfortunately that would appear to be the case, as a quick tour around the rooftops in and around your area reveals a series of "vertically" mounted aerials facing the Skipton Town Freeview - light - PSB only transmitter, although in some cases further away from your particular location pointing towards Skipton or Sutton In Craven Freeview - light transmitters.
The reason for highlighting "vertical" being, that most aerials used for reception from full service transmitters such as Winter Hill as was previously used when you resided in Grassington (but not now receivable) use horizontally mounted aerials, none of seen on any rooftops anywhere near to your location.
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Pauline Tweddell: Drama (EPG20) is broadcast on the same transmitter as ITV3 (EPG10) and with the Bilsdale transmitter transmitter covering the Northallerton area, this station being located at approximately 12 miles away on a bearing of 82 degrees.
If ITV3 can be received but not Drama then carry out a "first time installation" on the TV rather than a normal auto-tune, this also known as "factory reset" or similar.
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Clair: If the TV is of a moveable nature (not fixed on a wall) carry out a retune on it whilst its connected into another outlet point that is known to be OK.
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Doug: If the TV's in other rooms are being fed from the Sky boxes RF1/2 output socket have you reconnected this lead?
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Ros : If the flats are fed from a communal aerial? then the problem is most likely being caused by a failure of the distribution amplifier that the aerial is connected into, maybe even that the power supply to has been accidentally switched off !!
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edward healy: Try disconnecting the TV from the mains for about 30 secs or so before reconnecting it again then selecting to carry out a "factory reset" on it, this also known as "default setting" or "first time installation".
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Clair: Well, if the TV still operates OK when reinstalled back into its usual outlet point then (1) the problem could have been caused by an iffy aerial connection, or (2) that a glitch had developed in the TV's tuners circuitry but which has been rectified by the action of disconnecting it from the mains whilst moving it.
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Trevor Martin: ITV1 on the Caradon Hill transmitter is on C25, this station seemingly used fror reception in your area due to the signal from the relatively local Plympton transmitter being completely blocked close to your location.
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Trevor Martin: By the way, you cannot manually tune in individual "programme" channel numbers into a Freeview TV as its the "multiplex" channel number that carries them that you tune in, this in your case being Carradons muxC25 which not only carries ITV1 but also Ch4 / Ch5 / ITV4 etc, etc.
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Trevor Martin: I have already replied to this question yesterday at 08.40PM and which you had made under a different heading, this being seen by opening the undermentioned link.
However, in addition to that said, if manually tuning Caradon's C25 does not resolve the problem then carry out a "factory reset" on your TV followed by an auto-tune, this also known as "default setting", "first time installation" or a similar sounding term.
My ITV/C4 Freeview channels have disappeared - what can I do? Is it my SCART cable? | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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donald hughes: It would make it somewhat easier for anyone to be able to offer advice if you indicated the type of equipment you are referring to, e.g: a Freesat TV or box, or a normal Sky box / Sky+ / or a Sky+HD type?
Also, if you are referring to a satellite system, then are you using your own dish or are you on a communal dish system?
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Christine Clarke: The area referred to is approximately 5 miles away from the Crystal Palace transmitter and as such in theory anyway, should be in a high signal strength area.
However could you clarify exactly what's meant by a "portable Freeview TV"? does this refer to one of those small (9" or less screen size) TV's that use a pull out aerial? if you do, then are you using its "search for channels" facility or is Crystal Palace already pre-tuned.
The other point being, "if" whatever you are using is of the type mentioned and which "some of" also offers the option of using the TV with a normal aerial rather than pull out, check that you have the aerial selector switch (if it has one) set to match whatever aerial you are using.
It would though be of assistance to know the brand "and" model number of the TV in question.
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Richard Sangster : What you have reported suggests that your best policy is to carry out a "factory reset" procedure on your TV followed by a normal auto-tune, as the programme channels that are missing are already being carried on multiplexes that you are presently receiving, CBBCHD (73) being on the same mux as BBC1,2,3HD and with CBeebiesHD (74) being broadcast on the new COM7 mux as used by BBC4HD.
By the way, "factory reset" is also known as "default setting", "first time installation" or some similar sounding term dependant on the brand name of the set.
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Richard Sangster : To add to that said, although the factory reset (etc) procedure is really the guaranteed way of resolving the problem by deleting any glitches that may be lurking around in the tuners memory system, however "sometimes" the problem can be rectified simply by manually scanning the mux channel(s) in question.
If you wish to try this first, then in the case of (74) CBeebiesHD go into the set up menu / tuning menu / manual tuning / then enter and scan C33 (570.00Mhz), whereas with CBBCHD (73) you enter then scan C58 (770.00Mhz)
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Alan Nicholson: A quick check of the aerials installed in your area revealed all as being "horizontally" mounted and pointing in the direction of either Pontop Pike or Bilsdale, some of both stations, whereas aerials used for reception of the Fenham transmitter require to be "vertically" mounted to suit the polarity of the transmitter, the question being is yours?
The other point being, that a reception predictor check does not indicate Fenhams COM7 transmitter as being operational as yet, this raising the possibility that the BBC4HD you are receiving is originating from the Pontop Pike transmitter (@ 11 miles / 242°, or possibly Bilsdale @ 43 miles / 159°.
This can easily be checked out by carrying out a signal strength test on BBC4HD, not quite so much for checking the strength but noting the mux channel number seen listed along with the signal indication, if its C33 then its Pontop Pike, whereas if C31 its Bilsdale and which will also be used by Fenham, the reception from seen as being in the category of "variable".
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david: Although what you have said re: "stopped working" would appear as being self explanatory, but purely out of curiosity can it be assumed that this also includes the "reception" of programme channels?
The only reason for asking being, that although its not exactly unheard of for the hard drive fail after a period of prolonged use, it is however extremely unusual for the receiver in a 9300 to fail and which is inclined to point to failure of a component in the power supply.
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Christine Clarke: Thanks for the update, however with reference to the content of, when you tried retuning the TV at Wimbledon Park last year "if" this was carried out using the aerial supplied with the set then reception cannot always be guaranteed using this type of aerial even although it might well have been satisfactory at home, as reception is not only dependant on terrain conditions (trees / high buildings etc) associated with where you are located within the Wimbledon Park area but also the screening effect of the walls in the building you are tuning the set in.
Judging by what you have said, if the W / Park location does not have an external (or loft) aerial installed then your best policy is to try and retune your TV whilst its temporarily connected into one in the same area as yourself, this being purely for the purpose of storing the channels into the set thereby making it considerably easier to experiment with the positioning of the aerial supplied with same by knowing that the TV is pre-tuned.
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Martin Gibbs: As no faults have been reported as far as Sutton Coldfield's BBC on mux C43 is concerned you should try and make one or two local enquiries to find out if others are being similarly affect to yourself.
I also noticed that B76 is an area of only 4 miles or so away from the powerful Sutton Coldfield transmitter, and as such purely out of curiosity I wondered what kind aerial system you use?
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jason: Although I wish you good luck with your system updating, but in general terms you should never attempt to carry out a system update if even the slightest suspicion exists that a "no signal" message "might" be connected with work carried out on the coax cables feeding into a Sky box, the danger being that you could possibly end up by corrupting / destroying the boxes software operating system, something which is not recoverable.
By the way, this is partially the reason for the "do not disconnect from the mains or satellite dish" warning.
The disconnecting the box from the mains procedure is however perfectly OK.
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Ruth vH: Dave (12) is transmitted on the same multiplex channel as used by PickTV (11) and Sky News (82), are those latter two programme channels also problematic?
It would also have been of assistance if you had given an idea of your location, this in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a shop / Post Office, as this would then have enabled info regarding the transmitter to be accessed.
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Christine Clarke: If you are indeed using a DA100C model, then according to the manual for same all you require to do is follow the procedure described in paragraph 5 under the "DA100C quick start guide" at the start of the manual, an excerpt from shown below.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have done the first time installation before, and would like to
search for Digital Freeview channels again, or if you have moved to a
different region and need to scan channels again,
Press MODE to switch to Digital TV & Media Player mode.
Press MENU, select "Digital TV" by pressing ENTER.
Select "Installation", then select "Auto Search" then press ENTER.
Once the search has finished, press CH+, CH- or EPG to select channels.
Press TV/R to switch between Freeview TV and Radio channels.
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Sam: In addition to that said by MikeB, have you as yet verified that the problem you are suffering from is also being experienced by others in your area? because if its caused by some oddball problem connected with the transmitter then it should also be affecting other viewers receiving ITV on Mux C23 (490Mhz) from the Wrekin transmitter.
The other point being, when you say that the signal strength and quality is 100%, then does this still apply where the "quality" is concerned when the picture freezes? In other words, if you leave the TV sitting on the signal check screen and observe it over 5 to 10 minutes or so, is the "quality" seen to dive downwards now and again?
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John Candler: When you say that your signal is mostly OK, it really depends on what this represents as far as the "strength" and "quality" of the signal is concerned, especially the quality!
Therefore you should carry out a signal test during daytime hours followed by one later on in the evening / night time whilst on these (Sudbury's) higher channels, namely (11) Pick TV mux Ch60, (10) ITV3 mux Ch58, making a note of the levels seen on both occasions for comparison purposes later on.
The reason for requesting the two sets of checks is because that the problem you are complaining of is inclined to suggest that although the picture might well appear to be OK during the daytime the actual levels involved are not that terribly high, whereby should they fall off slightly in the evenings due to naturally occurring atmospheric reasons, they might then be hovering at not too far above the minimum threshold level required for reception and which can cause problems of the nature described by yourself.
Although another possible reason does exist connected with the fact that three mobile phone masts are seen to be positioned in your area, because "if" one of these masts happens to be radiating a 4G signal then this can affect the reception of the high channels (Ch60 downwards) due to its powerful signal having a swamping effect on your receivers tuner, the effect of obviously being greater if the Freeview signal is falling off during night time hours.
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M. Archer: As the new COM7 channel is transmitted on Ch33 then your present C/D aerial will be inefficient when receiving this much lower frequency due to the active element of the aerial being too short, therefore yes! you would be much better to change the aerial to such as a Log36 as can be seen on the undermentioned link.
Online FM DAB TV Aerial sales
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B Copcutt: Yes, provided that your TV has an "analogue" reception option as well as the normal DVB (Freeview), as the output from the RF sockets on a Sky box are analogue.
By the way, you only require to to use the RF1output for your particular purpose, the two "F" input connectors are necessary to enable you to record one programme whilst viewing another as the Sky box has twin tuners.
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Phil: If you are referring to a Freeview TV and which has already been disconnected from the mains (or completely switched off) and the situation has remained the same, then carry out a "factory reset" on it followed by an auto-tune, this procedure also known as "default setting" or some similar sounding term.
If though you are using a Freeview box coupled into a TV, then check that the lead coupling both devices together is still firmly seated into their respective sockets, if they are, then carry out that said in the first paragraph but on the box.
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JOHN: Showcase can only be viewed via a satellite dish as it is "not" broadcast by any terrestrial services, and the only way of viewing it other than via Sky (191) is by using Freesat (400).
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amanda: When you mention "booster aerial" where exactly is this aerial located? because should you be referring to an indoor type of the "same room as the TV" variety then this is unlikely to work at the location given.
If though the aerial is installed on the roof or in the loft and its feeding into a booster / distribution amplifier, then check that the power supply to the device is switched on.
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Mike Rothwell: As you have only mentioned this happening on your PVR (recorder) then does the BBC1 / 2 signal break up problem also occur on your Freeview TV? because if it doesn't, then that could possibly indicate that the signal level received from the Pontop Pike transmitter located at only just over 6 miles away is a tad on the high side for your PVR tuners input circuitry to the extent that its causing overloading.
You should carry out a signal strength test on your TV and also your PVR for the purpose of observing the "quality" of the signal over a few minutes, noting if its seen to dive downwards now and again.
By the way, I do realise you have said that this has only happened recently, but if your signal is indeed "slightly over the top" then even the slightest increase in the level of the signal received (as it can change for various reasons) can trigger instability in one type of a tuner whereas not in another.
It would also be of assistance to have knowledge of the aerial system being used, such as are you using any type of powered distribution amplifier?
Further info dependant on reply.
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Eshan: The only transmitter that your location is indicated as being able to receive is Winter Hill @ 33 miles / 197 degrees, therefore your best policy would be first of all blank out anything stored in your TV's memory by carrying out an auto-tune with the aerial unconnected, once completed reconnect the aerial then go into your TV's tuning menu selecting "manual tuning" and enter C50 (Winter Hills BBC) into the box but do NOT press search or scan, as on most TV's (or boxes) if any signal is there to be received the strength and quality of will be be shown on the indicator bars, if anything is seen then leave the TV on that signal test screen and adjust your aerial for the best results. On completion, you can then either carry out a normal auto-tune or alternatively continue manually tuning in the remaining 5 (or 6) mux channels used by Winter Hill, those being / 59 (ITV1) - 54 (HD) - 58 (ITV3) - 49 (Pick TV etc) - 55 (4Music etc) - 31 (the new COM7 HD channels which may, or may not be receivable at your location)
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Eshan : In addition to that said, I also meant to enquire as to what type of Antiference aerial you chose to install? because to be able to take advantage of the new COM HD channels transmitting on mux C31any newly installed aerial should really be a wide band type and not C/D grouping and which its assumed was the type previously fitted? a C/D type's lowest operating channel before its performance drop's off being C48.
By the way, a C/D aerial can be identified by a green plastic plug being seen on the end of the elements support boom, wide band types being black.
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Nigel Milton: On the basis of that said then unfortunately no!, as there really isn't anything that you can do except try and have the aerial positioned as high as possible, as the signal drop out effect every time a train passes might be found to diminish quite rapidly with every few feet that is added to the height of the aerial.
Other than that, changing over to Freesat "might" be the only answer to your problem, that is dependant on your exact location with regards to how close you are to the railway line, although advice of a more precise nature is only possible with the aid of a post code.
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MR K Wilson: The IM9 location mentioned is indicated as receiving Freeview from the Port St Mary transmitter @ 4.3 miles away, a secondary station being Douglas at just under 8 miles, both transmitters being of the Freeview light "PSB only" variety meaning that no COM channels are transmitted from either station.
As far as the licence is concerned, the PSB channels are associated directly with the licence fee whereas the missing COM channels are paid for entirely by advertisers, but with same "not" being willing to pay towards the running costs of the additional COM transmitters in areas of lower populations where its known that the cost of running same is liable to outweigh any profit made.
This of course also applies to numerous stations located in areas of lower populations in the UK mainland, as COM channels are purely profit based.
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MR K Wilson: Also meant to say, that the ITV4 programme you mentioned is carried on the ArqB / COM6 transmitter on a main station, as the only reason you can view it on your friends Freesat TV or box is simply because Freesat does not have any boundaries, likewise programmes can be received over the entire UK mainland and also Ireland.
Most people find that Freesat is the only answer to the limited channels problem because of residing in an area covered by Freeview light transmitters, this really being your only way of overcoming this difficulty.
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Tony Walker: Although the indoor aerial referred to (same room as TV type?) may well have worked OK in the Cardiff location the only reason it done so was because that the situation was totally different from where you are presently located, insomuch that the signal was being received from the Wenvoe transmitters rated @ 100Kw (PSB) / 50 Kw (COM) respectively and with the station located at only around 5 miles or so away, whereas in the case of Ferndale its only rated @ 20watts as well as being directional.
Although I have my doubts as to whether or not you will be able to receive anything from Ferndale using an indoor aerial, but go into your TV's tuning menu / manual tune / and enter Ferndales ITV's mux channel C57 into the box but do NOT press search or scan, because if anything is there to receive the strength / quality of should appear in the signal bars.
If nothing is seen, leave the TV on that screen and try moving the aerial around to different positions in the room.
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Josie Bailey: Try removing the aerial "before" carrying out and auto tune and check if the scan still freezes at 19% or possibly carries on to 100%, if it does complete a full scale scan then reconnect the aerial followed by carrying out a normal auto-tune.
If though its found that the situation has not changed, then carry out a "first time installation" as described on page 26 of your manual, should you still have it?
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Andrew: Its really a case of when you see "weak" or "no signal" being indicated what this represents in the actual signal strength and quality of the signal is concerned as this message can be triggered if either the S or Q is under a certain level rather than non existent, therefore you should carry out the undermentioned procedure as this will give a clue as to the cause of the problem as far as your satellite reception is concerned, as although you have said that the dish has not been moved "if" the quality of the signal is indeed seen to be lower than strength then one the two undermentioned possible reasons for just has to apply.
Signal checking procedure on Sky+ HD boxes. (some models)
Press "Services" on your Sky remote control and you will see the main menu
with "Options" being highlighted.
2:- Select the "Settings" menu using the right arrow button and press
select.
3:- Use the left / right arrows to scroll to "Signal" and press select, the
grey bars displayed will show you the strength of the signal being
received.
Should anything be indicated then the strength / quality levels of that
seen have to be around 50% minimum to produce a picture, this especially so
where the quality is concerned which should never be lower than the
strength, because if it is then this points to the dish being slightly out
of alignment, or alternatively that the signal to the dish is being obstructed.
On the subject of Freeview, its not really possible to make an assessment of the situation when no location has been given, this preferably in the form of a post code or one from nearby, e.g: a shop / post office etc.
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Josephine: If you are referring to a black Sky+ HD box then the card is hidden under a drop down flap located on the front lower right hand side of the box.
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Susan Castle: That just said by Robert Dallenger is quite correct, therefore you might have been better purchasing a Humax Freesat PVR (recorder) rather than a Freeview device, as the leads referred to that come from the dish are directly 100% compatible as far as using them on a Freesat box is concerned.
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Susan Castle : An example of that referred to can be seen by opening the link.
HumaxDirect
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yvonne schofield: Although indications are that the area you reside in is not the best for reception the problem you are experiencing could be caused by a fault in your aerial system, for example, such as a bad joint where the coax is terminated into the aerials connector box etc.
As far as your TV losing channels is concerned, I don't think its so much a case of it actually losing the channels but more that they are just dropping down now and again under the threshold level for reception and possibly caused by the suspected aerial problem referred to, therefore I would advise you to try and refrain from continually retuning the set as all you are really achieving is to wipe out everything already stored in the tuners memory.
However, its relatively easy to find out if this situation does apply or not by carrying out a couple of tests, one whilst the signal is OK and the other when it is not (appears to be missing) by using the following procedure.
Whilst the signal is OK go into the TV's set up screen / selecting "tuning menu" / "manual tuning" followed by entering C22 (Belmont's BBC1) into the box but NOT followed by pressing search or scan, as this procedure will allow you to monitor the strength and quality of the signal, make a note of the indications seen for reference purposes (later on) but also paying particular attention if the quality of the signal is seen to dive downwards now and again.
Now that you are armed with this signal strength info, the next time you get a "no signal" warning when BBC1 or 2 is selected then carry out the same test as before to determine if the signal has completely vanished (zero indications) or that it is actually still there but possibly sitting at a level much lower than before, hence why the TV is unable to resolve a picture.
Another point being, any time in the past that your BBC reception was found to have vanished did you make any checks with your neighbours to find out if they were also suffering from the same problem?
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M Booth: Provided that you have not made any alterations to the coax cabling from the original Sky boxes RF output socket, then the problem "might" possibly be caused by your I.O device being faulty as many of them were.
That said, many complaints were found to be caused by a problem that existed with the actual Sky box itself, insomuch that the power being fed from the box was not high enough to enable satisfactory operation of the I.O ports modulator, the effect of being far worse if the I.O port was feeding more than one additional TV or being used with a magic eye channel changing system.
However, you can test this out for yourself by connecting one of your secondary TV's "directly" into the I.O ports RF output socket, leaving same on its default setting of C68 and carrying out an auto-tune on the secondary TV whilst it set on "analogue" reception, if this results in a slight improvement in the noise level (speckles etc) seen on the secondary TV's picture then the problem is likely being caused by the voltage being fed from the box to the I.O port being lower than that required.
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M Booth: Thanks for your update on events and pleased to see that the problem has now been resolved, that said being inclined to indicate that your Sky+HD box / I.O port combination could well be of the variety mentioned, but with this known deficiency being up to an extent compensated for by the newly acquired upgraded powered splitter.
Of course on the other hand, "if" your original splitter was also of the powered variety then there is always the possibility that its internal power supply had failed, although it would have been a bit of a coincidence for this to have happened at the same time as your box was changed over.
However no matter which of the two applies, the main thing is that the system is now operating as normal.
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Mark Morris (withold): If you are meaning that you are unable to receive the new COM7 multiplex? and possibly COM8 when it starts transmission, then this is not caused by anything abnormal at the transmitter end of the equation but possibly because that the signal received from COM7 (Ch31) is under the level required for your TV (or box) to resolve a picture, as COM7 radiates on a power of 18.48Kw compared to the other three COMs on 50Kw, whereas PSB transmissions radiate on 100Kw. Should that initially said be applicable? then you should try a test by going into your TV's tuning menu selecting "manual tuning" then entering Bilsdale's C31 (554.00Mhz) into the box but NOT followed by selecting search or scan, because if anything is being received from mux C31 the level / quality of will appear on the indicator bars. By the way, purely for comparison purposes you could try the test mentioned on Bilsdale's six other mux channels, those being as follows / C26 (BBC) - C29 (ITV1) - C23 (HD service) - C43 (SDN / ITV3 etc) - C46 (Pick TV etc) - C40 (4 Music / ITV4 etc).
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Patricia: Although you are indicated as residing in the Southampton area, its not really possible for anyone to be able to advise as to the possible reasons for your problem without having knowledge of exactly where you are located, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a shop / Post Office etc.
If by any chance you carried out a retune when the signal vanished? (which should "never " be done) then you will have to repeat the procedure .
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Patricia : Please ignore the location request, as reloading the page seemed to have cured the problem. However indications are that you could be receiving Freeview from either the Hannington or Rowridge transmitters (the latter being nearest) but with neither of currently indicating that any problems exist, then "if" you have carried out a retune and are still not receiving a signal? then the problem has to be down to to something associated with your installation.
If you are using any form of powered booster / distribution amplifier to feed the signal into more than one room then try bypassing it.
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Patricia: "Only" if you have already tried retuning it since being confronted with the "no signal" warning, because "if" you have and the no signal problem was due to a very short term glitch in transmission, then retuning the TV during whilst no signal was there to receive will have wiped the TV tuners memory of everything stored in it whereby they will not return unless its retuned.
If though on the other hand your problem is caused by a fault in "your" (not shared) aerial system and you have "not" tried retuning the TV then the channels will still be stored in its tuner, meaning that if you find something amiss with your aerial system (connector sockets etc) the channels will automatically return on rectifying same, i.e: without having to retune it.
The only reason for pointing this out being, that if a TV's tuner does not have any channels stored in it then its much more difficult to fault find on an aerial system for obvious reasons.
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yorky: A Sky+ box is purely for satellite reception purposes, terrestrial refers to reception of ground based signals such as from Freeview transmitters. However as far as your question is concerned, you cannot record (or playback) anything on a Sky+ box without having a subscription with Sky for the purposes of, do you have one?
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John Dann: You should try carrying out a "manual" scan on Mux C33, as sometimes than will capture a weaker signal that the auto-tuning process is inclined to bypass.
On the subject of Mux C33 on the COM7 transmitter, BBC4 HD has always been on this Mux channel along with BBC News HD, Al Jazerra etc, etc, COM7 only radiating on 15.6Kw whereas the other Muxes are on 200Kw which could account for the lower signal strength being received, although this increaes to just over 43Kw on September 3rd.
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yorky: In that case Sky will have blocked access to the recording and playback side of the Sky+ box when your subscription expired or was cancelled, this done via an over air download into your viewing card.
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Susan Arm: Abercraf, along with seven other Welsh relay transmitters, are liable to suffer from interruptions to service at any time during this week due to engineering work being carried out, time factors involved being impossible to forecast in advance.
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Phill: Winter Hill is located @ 22 miles on a bearing of 249 degrees, you can check the Mux channel frequencies used by that station by opening the undermentioned link.
C58 (770.0MHz) after switchover | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Phill: Apologies! pasted in wrong link, this is the one required.
Winter Hill (Bolton, England) transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Phil Almond: To my knowledge there hasn't been an O.A. (over air) software update download for your particular Luxor model as yet, the Vestel T8300 chassis fitted in same being used by approximately twelve other brand names and with all of obviously suffering from the same problem as your Luxor.
With regards to the procedure used to update the software, you can find out the info required by opening the following link, the first page that appears explaining the problem and with the second (viewed by clicking on "Service bulletin document") explaining the procedure used. (not for the faint hearted!)
Unofficial Vestel PVR Information (UK) - News
However, an O.A. download is by far the most convenient way to update the software and the second link is to DTG's info page of weekly downloads which be viewed by opening the link, and although no updates are mentioned for this week its advisable to check it every few days.
DTG :: DTT Receiver Downloads
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Joseph Dodds: Bonanza - Bonanza was only broadcast as a temporary channel to fill in empty bandwidth in preparation for the launch of commercial services, I think the Chart show (67) replaced it.
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Andrew Toomer: The levels recommended for DTT reception are between 45 to 65 dBuV, however in practice 6dB should always be added above the minimum level to allow for variations in signal strength thereby making the minimum level 51dB, and so the target levels should be between 51dB - 71dB.
It should also be noted that erratic reception can be expected if the minimum signal level falls below 45 dBuV, whereas on the other hand care must be taken to ensure that the level does not exceed 80 dBuV or this is liable to result in picture problems being seen such as severe glitching / freezing or indeed a blank screen due to the excessively high signal level triggering instability in the tuners RF input / mixer stage.
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PHIL BLACK: The transmitter referred to is not connected with your Freeview reception, which in your location can be from either Blackhill or Craigkelly.
However, if you are using any form of booster in line with the aerial then this has possibly been damaged by high statically charged rain, that said only applying if you are using an outdoor aerial, but should it apply then try bypassing the booster.
If on the other hand no booster is being used in line then try completely resetting your TV by carrying out a "factory reset" procedure, this also being known as "first time installation" or "default setting".
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Mike: In addition to that said by MikeP, if everything looks to be OK at the booster side of the equation purely an extra test try swapping the two "output" connections over on same and check if the signal situation at the receiver end has changed or not.
You should also check that both the You-View box and the Samsung TV are tuned to the same COM7 mux, Mendip (45miles @ 320 degrees) being on Mux C33 / 570.0Mhz and with Rowridge (27 miles @ 98 degrees) Mux C31 / 554.0 Mhz, the only reason for mentioning this being that COM7 is indicated (on the DUK site) as only being receivable from Rowridge, although I fully appreciate that this "might" be an error.
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Mike: Prior to the outcome of your tests, the situation has to be looked at from the angle that if indeed your You-View box with its 49% signal strength (which does leave a bit to be desired!) results in a stable signal with a quality indication of 100%, then irrespective of my previous advice, the quickest way of determining the source of the problem is by temporarily testing your You-View box on the outlet used by the Samsung and checking the strength / quality of the signal, because if the indications on the You-View box are similar to that previously obtained when used on its own outlet then this points to the problem being with the Samsung.
Should this be found to apply, then it does not necessarily indicate that the Samsung's tuner is faulty but possibly just that the You-View boxes tuner is more sensitive to that of the Samsung's, something that's not exactly unusual as tuners can vary even within models in the same brand let alone in other brands, and so even although its always a good idea to find out if others in your immediate locality are also experiencing similar problems to yourself, then no matter what the reply might be the aspect of variations in tuner sensitivity has always to be kept in mind.
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elil: The missing channels are transmitted by the COM7 multiplex on C31 / 554.00 Mhz, this being a much lower powered transmitter radiating at just over 16Kw compared to the other COM's on 50Kw.
The other point being that C31 is aerial wise out of group with all the other channels used by Oxford, and if the aerial installed was, as is most likely, a group C/D type to give maximum reception of these channels (i.e: a C50 - C60 channel span) then this will be inefficient at receiving low frequencies such as C31 resulting in a low signal strength being received which might be under the reception threshold level for your receiver, therefore should this apply then your aerial will require changing to a wideband type.
The way to test if this situation applies or not is to go into your TV's set up menu / tuning, selecting "manual" tune and entering C31 / 554.00 Mhz into the box but NOT followed by pressing search or scan, because if any signal is there to receive its strength / quality will show on the indicator bars. If something is seen make a note of the level then enter C50 (ITV3 etc) into the box and make a note of the levels seen from it compared with C31.
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sarah: Place your box in standby for about 30 seconds before disconnecting it from the mains power supply followed by reconnecting same "after" another 30 secs or so has passed, then once it starts to respond to the remote control allowing it to go its "searching for listings" procedure when hopefully 319 will then be available
It would though have been of assistance if you had indicated the model of Sky box (Sky standard / Sky+ / Sky+HD) you are referring to, as the procedure can vary between models.
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kayleigh: If indeed your are located in the RH10 postal code area? and you are receiving Freeview from the Crystal Palace transmitter, then please note that as from yesterday 19th this station is listed as being liable to suffer from possible interruptions to its service due to engineering work being carried out at the station.
It should also be noted, that "if" on finding no signal when you tried to select a channel you then proceded to carry out a retune? then this will have wiped out everything stored in the tuners EPG memory, therefore a further retune will be required to refresh the tuners programme memory.
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Annie: If your Sky box is "not" of the Sky+ variety then you will only have one coax lead coming from the dish, therefore is only suitable for use with Freesat receiver box.
If though your Sky box "is" of the Sky+ / Sky+HD variety then you will have two coax cables coming from the dish thereby enabling you to purchase a twin tuner Freesat recorder (PVR) this type of box allowing you to view one programme whilst recording another, or alternatively record two programmes at the same time.
Should you only have one feed coming from the dish and you wish to purchase a Freesat recorder of the type mentioned, then the end piece on the dish where the coax is joined into called the LNB, will have to be changed over to a quad version (twin types no longer supplied) and an additional cable run from same to wherever your box is located.
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Annie : In addition to that said, although you will see a range of "FREESAT" boxes advertised in a variety of places I would advise you to think along the line of the more reliable "Humax" brand devices, one I can personally recommend by it being in constant use without fault in my household for the past three years, namely a "Foxsat - HDR / 500 -G", these managers specials offering excellent value for money along with a one years guarantee.
HumaxDirect
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Russell Bedford: Your problem could simply be down to the signal level received via your internal aerial being low to the extent that its under the "capture" level required by your TV's tuner.
Your best policy would be to tune the additional TV on the the main TV's aerial to load the channels into the tuner, then move the set back to its previous position and select BBC1 or ITV1 then move the aerial around to see if anything is picked up.
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Russell Bedford: OK, but further to that said, I just had a look at your location in respect to the station that you are receiving your Freeview signal from, namely Midhurst @ 16 miles away and a distance that could be considered as somewhat excessive for reception to be attempted using a "same room" type of aerial, as indoor aerials are seldom ever satisfactory at the best of times unless the aerial is positioned within a reasonable line-of-sight situation to the mast, a qualification I doubt will be met where you are located, the numerous trees seen around your area being another added signal killing problem.
However, apart from that previously said, you should also try a check using the indoor aerial on the main TV, (do NOT retune it) because if nothing is received on it either then I would abandon the indoor aerial and think along the lines of buying a two output powered booster / splitter and running another feed to the second TV.
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Craig: Indications are that's its doubtful as to whether or not you would receive a better signal from Hannington (@ 29 miles / 1 degree) as although the signal from Rowridge ( @ 15 miles / 200 degrees) suffers from the obstruction referred to at approximately 1.5 miles prior to your location, the signal from Hannington is seen to be obstructed in three separate places starting from just under 12 miles.
However as far as Rowridge is concerned, are you receiving this station on vertical or horizontal polarity?, because if its the latter then you should try rotating your aerial to its vertical mounting position to take advantage of the fact that the COM channels (SDN / Arqa / ArqB) are radiating on 200Kw on vertical whereas only 50Kw on horizontal, excluding COM7 or L-SOT which do not radiate on vertical, as apart from power increase sometimes vertical polarity signals can overcome problems better than horizontally polarised ones.
You could though try a simple test to see if any traces of a signal can be detected by carrying out a "manual" tune test on Hanningtons BBC or ITV1 channels, this achieved by entering BBC1 C45 (666.0 Mhz) into the box but NOT followed by pressing search or scan, because if anything is being received the strength / quality of the signal will be seen in the signal bars, if nothing appears then try ITV1 C42 (642.0 Mhz)
Your aerial is of course approximately 20 degrees out from being a proper rear pickup of Hannington and so that error has always to be kept in mind with this type of test, also if your aerial is vertically mounted for Rowridge then this test is unlikely to work anyway.
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Maggi Reimann: It should not automatically be assumed that reception will be possible using a "same room" type of aerial as indoor aerials of the type mentioned are frequently found not to work.
Your best bet would be to try and tune your TV on an neighbours "outdoor" (or loft) aerial to load the programmes into the tuners memory, this would then give you a better chance of finding a good spot for reception back in your own room by leaving the TV on BBC1 or whatever and moving your aerial around to see if anything is received.
By the way, your signal will be from the Craigkelly transmitter located across the water near to Burntisland.
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Mike: No obvious reasons are seen for this problem, as your move only amounted to around two miles or so further away from the Belmont transmitter but still on the same bearing of 157 degrees from same.
ITV4 is on COM6 Mux Ch60 and with ITV4+1 being on COM4 Ch30, and so its a question of whether or not you can view (18) 4Music which is also on COM6 or (10) ITV3 which is on COM4, and if you can then you should try carrying out a retune with the aerial connection removed for the purpose of wiping out everything already stored, then on completion reconnect the aerial followed by carrying out a further retune to re-load the programmes into the tuner.
By the way, a somewhat superior method to the above is to carry out a "first time installation" procedure, this also known as a "factory reset" or "default setting".
However, if you cannot receive the two programmes mentioned then are you on a communal aerial system? or do you have your own aerial? if on the former I would check with others to find out if they are also experiencing similar problems.
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Mike: On having studied the terrain between the Mendip and Rowridge transmitters relative to that of your location, I have to honestly say that I feel nothing can really be guaranteed as far as continuity of reception throughout the year is concerned due to the signal paths from both stations suffering from line-of-sight blockages, in the case of Rowridge this being mainly at around 2.5 miles prior to your location, albeit that the signal could be affected from around 6 miles out, whereas in the case of Mendip the problem mainly starting from 11 miles out but could be affected in various ways from as far out as 16 miles.
As far as your suggestion is concerned, yes! as that mentioned would in theory anyway be about your best action to take, although on the subject of boosters, I would use one of the variable gain types with a rating of around 15db (min) or so, as anything under this would be a waste of time.
I would like to add though, that reception under these conditions is always liable to suffer from signal quality issues corresponding to changing weather conditions altering the reflective effect of the terrain.
By the way, you can see for yourself the problems referred to by opening the undermentioned links.
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
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j.robinson: You can safely use any channel from 62 to 68, as nothing transmits in that range.
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Nick Taylor: As Channel 5 is on the same Mux (D3&4) as ITV1 / Channel 4 etc then there is no reason for you not being able to view it unless some glitch has taken place in the tuner, therefore as a first measure I would try removing the the aerial from the device followed by carrying out an auto-tune for the purpose of blanking out anything stored in the tuner, once completed reconnect the aerial and make sure that you get a "no signal" message if you try to select a programme channel, if not (which is correct) then carry out another auto-tune to load the programmes back into the tuners memory.
If Channel 5 has returned good and well, but if not then you will have to carry out a factory reset on the hard drive device, this also brand dependant known as "default setting" or "first time installation".
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Nick Taylor: Re: my reply to your posting, please cut the following > > if not (which is correct) < < which on reading over same tends to be somewhat ambiguous.
I also meant to add to my reply, that channel 5+1 which you report as being able to see is not transmitted by the same D3&4 Mux as used by Channel 5, but by the COM4/SDN Mux as used by ITV3 / Drama / QVC etc.
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dixon: What type (model) of satellite box are you referring to, Sky or Freesat?, and if the former is it a Sky+ or Sky+HD model?
However, a "no satellite signal" warning can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the dish having been moved (or knocked) slightly out of alignment, a faulty connection (short circuit) on one of the coax "F" connectors or water having entered same on the one connected into the dish, a faulty LNB being another possible reason.
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Chris: No! because its purely intended as a Freeview "local" channel, as indeed is rather indicated by its name.
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Joel : If both inputs 1 and 2 on the box are indicating "NOT LOCKED" then this points to the problem being with either the the dish, such as having been moved out of alignment, or the coax leads from the LNB having been damaged.
You should make a visual check for any signs of damage to the coax , but if none is seen then its almost certain that your dish will have to be realigned.
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Christy Godfrey: "Initialising" generally indicates that the hard drive requires resetting, and is something which can take up to 5 minutes (or more) on some devices, if though you have already waited longer than this you should try disconnecting the box from the mains for about 30 seconds or so before reconnecting same then waiting on the result of this action..
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Christy Godfrey : In addition to that said, should the aforementioned fail to resolve the problem with the "initialising" warning being seen for over 15 minutes or so, then this can unfortunately be an indication that the hard drive has failed and with your only option then being to try reformatting the hard drive, that is should it respond to that command!, the unfortunate but unavoidable downside of this action being the deletion of everything stored in it.
By the way, which model of Goodman's are you referring to?
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Marjorie Wann: An easy way to find out what you will, or will not, be able to view by cancelling your subscription is by removing your viewing card and running through the programme list, a point to note being, that if you have Sky+ or Sky+HD you will be unable to access the recording / playback side of your box as Sky will disable this along with your ability to view programmes dedicated to Sky packages.
By the way, even after cancelling your subscription you will still require the card to be inserted to view Sony TV (157), as even although its a free channel its encrypted.
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Christy Godfrey: Thanks for the update on the model number in question, unfortunately though a model not exactly unheard of for requiring frequent reboots to restore operation.
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Christy Godfrey : I somewhat suspected that this might apply!! which unfortunately does not really leave you with anything further to try "if" you have already tried the "disconnecting the box from the mains" procedure?, as that already mentioned has covered the only limited options that are available to you when attempting to overcome hard drive failure.
However, and although unlikely, but only other possible cause of the problem would be if a defect occurred in the power supply feed to the hard drive, as other than that there isn't any.
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RAY CARHART: If the TV you were viewing is the one connected into the Sky boxes RF outlet socket? then go into the TV's tuning menu and select "analogue" followed by carrying out an auto-tune to recover the Sky boxes RF output signal.
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RAY CARHART : Further to that said, "if" the TV in question is fitted with a scart socket then select AV input on the TV whilst its scart input is coupled into the Sky boxes scart output and this will allow you to alter the settings on both devices without the RF coupling being involved.
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John Scott: It depends entirely where you are located? and whether or not you are able to receive the new low powered (5Kw) L-GLW Multiplex transmitting on Ch51, the programme referred to being on guide number 23 along with the Chart show (67) and Pop (75).
If you are unable to view any of the latter two programmes mentioned?, then go into the tuning menu of whatever you are using and select "manual tune" followed by entering Ch51 into the box then waiting to see if any signal strength / quality levels are indicated before pressing search or scan, because if they aren't then nothing will be achieved by pressing same.
That said is based on you receiving Freeview from Blackhill?, and which is the only station presently transmitting the new L- GLW Mux.
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Keith Peach: Yes! and you can easily find out what you will, and will not, be able to watch by removing your viewing card then running through the programmes that you normally view, as a "please insert viewing card" message will appear on any that requires the card.
By the way, please ignore Sony 157, as although its a free channel its encrypted for legal reasons and such requires a "free to view" card which your present card will change into on cancelling your subscription.
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Ali: Cancelling your subscription will in effect render your Sky+HD into being a standard non-recording box, as Sky will disable access to the recording "and" playback side of the box at around the same time as your ability to view subscription channels, therefore if you wish to record programmes you will have to purchase a Freesat PVR (recorder) as your dish is 100% compatible with all Freesat devices.
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kira: On having carefully read over everything said, the main point that stands out above everything else is the fact of you having reported that everyone else's TV's in the shared apartment block are fine except the one next door to your flat, this automatically indicating that your entire problem is down to the signal level being fed into the flats in question being low to the extent that the TV's in question are liable to be running at a level that's not much above the threshold minimum necessary to resolve a picture, hence why any slight dip in same, such as caused by passing traffic, causes problems.
Aerials in your area are seen to be pointing towards the Crystal Palace transmitter, and even if 4G was operating in your area it would be unlikely to have any effect on reception from that station by it using channels in the C22 - C29 range, whereas its channels from C60 downwards that are susceptible to being affected by 4G signals.
I feel that the only way you are going to resolve the problem is by contacting a "proper" aerial installer and who will have the equipment necessary for making an accurate assessment of the signal level (and quality of) being fed into your flat, and not anyone connected with the building maintenance team, that is "if" this is who you were referring to?
A factor that could be responsible for the problem having only recently started could be down to an increased level in tree foliage, as trees are not exactly in short supply in your area and tree foliage can causing blocking of DTT signals.
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Sian : Knowledge of the model number involved would have been of assistance, however I would advise you "not" to delete anything concerned with the data in reserved section of the HDD as this could render the device to the proverbial scrap heap.
If you haven't already done so, you should place the device into standby for about 15 seconds or so before disconnecting it from the mains, this then followed by reconnecting it again after about 30 seconds and waiting until the HDD had completed the process of initialising, checking the result of this action after it does.
If the situation is found not to have been resolved then about the only thing left to try is reformatting the HDD, the downside to this being that it will delete the programmes previously stored in it.
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kira: In addition to that already said, could you please clarify with regards to the shared attic indoor aerial referred to, insomuch is this used purely by your neighbour and you? "or", which would be most unusual if it was!, used by the other residents in the block?
Another point being, do you reside on the top floor of the apartment block whereby the aerial referred to is located immediately above the ceiling of the flats? the point there being that if any device capable of causing interference (albeit of an intermittent nature) was being used in the flats then the impact of would be much greater by the fact of an aerial being located relatively close to it.
This of course, only being applicable if the aerial is used purely by your neighbour and you, as you have already mentioned that no one other than the two flats are affected by the problem.
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russ: If you have verified that the channels have indeed been stored in the TV whilst it was still connected into the main aerial and yet you are unable to view anything via the indoor aerial, then its extremely unlikely that any form of booster (no matter how powerful) would help the situation, as a booster would only have helped if you had managed to obtain a picture of sorts.
If at all possible, you would be better purchasing a two way powered splitter
and running a coax from its No2 outlet into the bedroom, its No1outlet used to feed
the main TV.
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colin1951uk: In addition to jamie's reply, in areas where DTT reception is liable to be affected by 4G transmissions the reason for is simply down to the powerful (usually) RF signal transmitted by the latter swamping the TV's (or boxes) tuners input circuitry thereby desensitising it to the reception of DTT signals.
As 4G transmissions take place above C60 then the tuner swamping effect of diminishes in a downwards pattern from that channel, and as Rowridges channel span ranges from C21 - C31 then its highly unlikely to be affected "unless" the 4G transmitter is located within say 750ft or so of the receiving aerial, or at a slightly greater distance if its located directly in line with the signal path from the Rowridge transmitter.
Of course the other factor which does play a role in whether or not reception is affected by 4G is the strength of the signal being received from the Rowridge transmitters, because if the signal is inclined to be a little on the low side then the effect of 4G will be much greater, likewise less on strong signals.
I would advise you to leave things as they are for the time being as the 4G issue is somewhat over hyped, likewise you may find that your reception has not really changed after the 4G transmitter comes into service, however it would be prudent to try and find out where the 4G transmitter is located relative to that of your location.
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Nick Taylor: Thanks for the update! pleased to see that you have succeeded in rectifying the problem, as on browsing through a few of the more recent replies made I was rather curious as to the outcome of the advice given.
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VIVEK SARAWGI: Have you as yet checked with anyone else in your locality to find out if they are also suffering from the same problem as yourself? as its highly unlikely that O2 is connected in any way with your problem.
That said, further advice can only be given dependant on information as to your whereabouts, (post code) as well as whether or not you are connected into a communal aerial system in such as an apartment block?
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colin1951uk: Signal strength indications taken from rear pick up can on some aerials not be that terribly far removed from the levels obtained from the front, likewise going by what you have mentioned with regards to the location of the 4G transmitter to that of your aerial does place you at a slight disadvantage to others in your area but who are located a different angle to yourself, whereby the 4G transmitters signal would be striking their aerial from the sides, albeit of course possibly still not at the ultimate angle for minimum pick up, namely 90 degrees. However, the fact of you having a group "A" aerial does up to a point give an element of protection to your reception due to the efficiency of the aerial tapering off from C37 upwards, therefore if by any remote chance you did suffer from the desensitizing effect of 4G then the addition of a 4G filter in line with your boxes aerial input is almost guaranteed to eliminate the problem. As far as the 4G service is concerned, if its expected to be up and running in another two weeks or so then the chances are that the transmitter "might" already be in operation for test purposes, but though irrespective of whether it is or not you should carry out a signal strength on the following channels, keeping a note of the readings obtained to use for reference purposes against a second test taken "after" its known that the service has officially started. Of course, the purpose of this test is purely to find out if your tuner is being affected in any way from the effects of the 4G signal should nothing have apparently changed by the time you are notified, because if the tuner is being affected the indications previously taken will all have dropped slightly. Test channels being / C24 (BBC1) @ 200Kw / C25 (ITV3) @ 50Kw / and either C31 (24Kw) or C29 (10Kw) making a note of the readings obtained. As far as your TV is concerned, I have to agree with Jamie insomuch that its most likely to be the TV at fault, basically because digital reception does not suffer from ghosting, this effect purely being associated with analogue TV reception due to such as signal refection from hills etc, although another thing that can result in a form of ghosting (or ringing) is "if" the analogue signal being fed into the TV's scart socket is a little on the high side whereby is overloading the signal processing circuitry. If possible, you should try and check your system out on another TV, secondly is your TV coupled into your Freeview box using comp video (CVBS) or are you using RGB? the latter being better by far!
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S Copeland: Have you as yet tried completely resetting the TV back to its factory settings, this also called "default setting" / "first time installation" or some similar sound name.
It would also be of assistance to know what postal code area you reside in? this being essential to enable access to details of the transmitter covering your area.
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stuart: Apart from anything that has already been said, have you as yet verified if anyone else in your immediate locality is also experiencing a total loss of Freeview reception?
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Al: In addition to that said by MikeP, if as you have said you are presently using Sky on a non-subscription viewing card basis then you should also be aware that if you did purchase a Sky+HD box, then you would only be able to view the BBC channels in HD as well as ITV1HD / Ch4HD and "not" ITV2HD / ITV3HD / Ch5HD etc.
Other HD channels available to view being RT on 518, NHK World 507.
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Lorraine Copley : The manual I have for the R120 indicates that it has two scart sockets, and so follow what MikeB has said but with the following alterations, insomuch that the TV should be connected into the R120's bottom scart socket marked AV1, and with another scart lead being connected from the Grundig box into the R120's top scart socket marked AV2, then press (repeatedly) the "input select" button on the recorders remote control to select AV2 as the input.
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Maureen: Is the dish referred to newly installed? and if so was the installation of same carried out by a recognised installer or was it a DIY job? because if the latter applies and it was it done with the aid of the signal strength meter referred to, then its possible that the "good signal strength" seen on the meter is not from the 28.2 degrees satellite but one of the others positioned adjacent to it, which in movement terms are only a fraction away from 28.2.
If though the dish is not newly installed, as has previously been used by either a Sky or Freesat box then it may have been accidentally moved (knocked) out of alignment, the easiest way by far of instantly verifying if the dish is OK or not being to test it out using another Sky or Freesat box, that is should you be able to borrow one!
Two other little points.
(1) Is the box a Sky+ HD type with twin LNB inputs?
(2) Was the indication of "no satellite signal" the result of carrying out a scan?
Further advice dependant on content of reply.
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Brian: What type of satellite box are you referring to, Sky or Freesat as well as the model involved.
However, when you say that you have good signal strength and quality what level does this represent on the indicator bars?, because both have to be around a minimum of 50% or so for the boxes decoder to operate correctly, anything under liable to give a "no signal" indication even although the signal is actually there, this type of thing applicable to all digital reception devices albeit that the minimum levels can vary from box to box.
By the way, the ideal levels for glitch free reception on Sky boxes is around 70 / 75% strength, and with the quality always being the same or in excess of the strength and never under, because if it is then the dish requires slight adjustment.
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Mandy Powell: Your problem is most likely being caused by the engineering work that is being carried out in the area, four relays being involved and with Dawlish being one of them.
Any breaks in transmission that may take place should only be of a very short term nature.
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cathy bell: If you are referring to switching the box back on again after it has been unpowered for a few hours then are you leaving it long enough to reset itself? as some Sky+ HD boxes can take 3 or 4 minutes before the orange indicator will turn to green.
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Brian T: Although no faults been indicated by the Winter Hill transmitter there has been a posting by David Roberts (Colwyn Bay) about bad reception from same of the BBC HD channels on Mux C54 including possible reasons for, this seen by opening the undermentioned link.
If indeed your reception from this transmitter has been good over the last twelve months then I feel that this was with an element of luck, because at 56 miles away from the transmitter and with the signal from the TX passing over an expanse of water, variation in the level of signal received is not exactly uncommon, but though on this occasion its possibly dropped slightly under the threshold for reception level, the usual way of getting over the problem being to fit a mains powered variable booster (0 -15db or so) in line with the aerial feed into the TV.
Winter Hill (Bolton, England) Full Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Richard: The reason for, can almost be taken as a foregone conclusion that the problem is connected with your installation and not Sky, being either with the box itself or the feed to from the dish.
If you are connected into a communal dish system? then the electrical supply to the distribution system amplifier is possibly being switched off for some reason or another.
Maybe you could clarify on what type of box you are using, and also whether or not you are on a communal dish system.
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Andrew: Many thanks for the update, better late than never! as I am always interested to know the outcome of any replies given.
On the subject of the tree, tree foliage no matter how dense has a blocking effect on all UHF RF signals, but especially so when they are of a microwave nature such as used by satellite equipment. and where line-of-site is super critical as far as any obstructions to it is concerned.
Anyway, pleased to know that you have now rectified the problem.
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matt auty : (Brian ? ROI) - (1) What type of satellite box are you mainly referring to? (2) When you select a channel is this done from the EPG (guide list) or purely by punching in the channel number?
My reason for asking being, if the guide list can be viewed then the box has to be locked onto the default transponder, the signal strength as well as quality also being indicated from same on Sky boxes.
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lorraine copley: The instructions given to you by MikeB were purely in relation to you recording (or playing back) programmes recorded from your Grundig "satellite" box, therefore the aerial referred to in the R120's instruction manual does not come into the equation, likewise should be ignored.
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lorraine copley : In addition to that said, the reason for me having said to ignore any references made to the aerial sockets on the R120E is simply because that they are in effect redundant, this being due to the fact that the device in question is only capable of analogue reception and not digital, analogue being a mode of transmission that ceased in more recent times.
Should you have a normal aerial? then it should be connected directly into the TV.
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Dan: In a Fibre optic system the signal is carried via cable at all times, and is not in any way connected with an over air transmission system such as the satellite dish you refer to.
If the "F" connector illustrated in the link does indeed go "straight" into your dish and "not" through anywhere else first, (e.g: boxes etc) then provided that the dish is still aligned correctly it can be used for either Sky or Freesat reception, as there are no technical differences between the two systems as far as the dish is concerned.
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Dan : By the way, that said is based on the dish referred to being of standard design be it elliptical or round such as seen installed on other properties in your area? likewise facing in a S.S.Easterly direction.
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There could be a number of possible sources, therefore in order for anyone to provide an answer with any level of accuracy its essential to know where you are located relative to that of the Mendip transmitter.
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bruce : Checking back on your previous postings provided me with the info required, and although none of the alternative signal sources matches up exactly with the direction your aerial is facing the signal is possibly being picked up from either Stockland Hill or the Rowridge transmitter, Wenvoe being another possibility.
Your best action would be to carry out a signal check whilst on BBC1 (likewise on ITV1), the purpose not being so much to check the level of the signal being received but to observe the Mux channel number indicated along with the strength / quality bars.
Stockland Hill : BBC1 Ch26 - ITV1 Ch23.
Wenvoe : BBC1 Ch41 - ITV1 Ch44.
Rowridge : BBC1 Ch24 - ITV1 Ch27.
If though none of the channel numbers mentioned matches up, then check the Mux channel numbers indicated on the two programmes mentioned and give an update on the results.
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Les Blakeman: Drama (20) is on the same multiplex as ITV3 (10), if you can view ITV3 but not Drama then rather than just retuning your TV you will need to carry out a "first time installation", this also called "manufacturers reset" - "default setting" or some similar sounding name dependant on the brand of equipment being used.
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RC: As the other TV's in your system are unaffected, then you should test the aerial outlet point used by your recorder / Sony TV using one of those, if though the TV's used on your other system are of different brands to each other then its best to try both to allow for variations in tuner sensitivities.
It would also assist if your location was known, this being to access info on the transmitter covering your area.
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RC: Indications are that Crystal Palace is the most likely transmitter dependant on where you are located within the RH11 postal code area, as in some places Reigate might provide a better signal.
However if your aerial is mounted horizontally then it will be Crystal Palace as signals from the Reigate TX are vertically polarised, the latters ArqB Mux being on C27 whereas C28 from Crystal Palace.
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M Roberts : Have you as yet checked with a neighbour to find out if they are also suffering from this problem? because if they aren't then you should make sure that your TV is receiving ITV from the Winter Hill transmitter on Mux C59 and not an ITV Mux from one of the other stations that's indicated (in theory) as being possible to receive in your area, all of using lower channel numbers which the TV is liable to latch onto during an auto-tune which starts at C21.
If though your neighbour is also being affected in a similar way to yourself then unfortunately the problem is out with your control, and with the reasons for possibly being atmospheric condition related as no engineering work is taking place at the transmitter.
Just out of curiosity, when your ITV vanishes during daytime can you still view ITV3(10) on Mux channel 58? this question being asked for the purpose of excluding the possibility of the problem being caused by a 4G transmission.
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RC: Many thanks for your update, pleased to see that the problem has seemingly been rectified, although another couple of days will soon reveal if your problem was simply down to a glitch having occurred in your box, or maybe not as the case may be! because if indeed it was the box then the channels should not have vanished on your Sony TV if ITV4 was being received via the TV's tuner.
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Jackson G: The problem referred to could point to a software glitch having occurred in the TV therefore you should try carrying out a "first time installation" on the set, this also being known as a "default setting" / "manufacturers reset" or similar sounding name, as problems of an odd nature such as described are frequently rectified by using this procedure.
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Tracey walker: Even although its always possible that a fault could have developed on your aerial system such as a bad connection in the coax cables termination box, but though by you being located at just under 7 miles away from the Sandy transmitter and with according to the terrain checker, a clear line of sight from same, then your problem "might" be caused by the signal level being a little on the high side (too strong), "if" that is the 5 TV's referred to are being fed from a powered splitter.
Should you be using a powered splitter? and you have access to same, then the next time the signal vanishes remove the aerial down lead from the input to the splitter and couple it directly into one of the TV's (bypassing the splitter) and see if the signal returns.
An alternative test could be carried out using a set top aerial coupled into your TV, because at the distance you are located from the transmitter reception of sorts might be possible using one of those type of aerials purely to check for evidence of a signal even although it had vanished via the main aerial.
Of course a somewhat simpler method would simply be to check with a neighbour the next time the signal vanishes, as that would at least confirm (or not) if the problem was confined to your installation.
Further advice dependant on content of reply.
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Sarah mc donnell: The problem you are experiencing is most likely to be caused by either the misalignment of the dish, a defect in the cabling from the dish, or indeed a problem with the LNB that's mounted on the end of the dish arm.
However, could you please clarify on the following points.
(1) Is the multi room box referred to in addition to another Sky box?
(2) If though the multi room box was fitted as a replacement for another Sky box, then were you receiving Sky perfectly OK on the old box?
(3) When you say that the signal strength showed nil, are you meaning when you carried out a signal strength check on the Sky box? i.e: by pressing "services" - 4 - 6.
(4) Was this installed as a D.I.Y job?
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Jackson G: Thanks for the update, however in view of the fact that the situation has remained the same even after having carried out the reset on the TV then this somewhat complicates the issue, therefore I would like to know the outcome of the following test.
Remove the aerial input from the TV followed by selecting any of the problem channels mentioned, (E4 / More4 / Film4) which of course will not result in a picture!, the reason for the test being to find out if the TV still cuts out then restarts when any of the channels mentioned are selected, or only does so when the actual signal being received?
By the way, all of those problem channels are transmitted on the same multiplex, namely PSB2 (C54 - 738.0Mhz) "including" the channel you report as being OK, channel 4. On the other hand E4+1 is broadcast on COM5 (C59 - 778.0Mhz), does selecting this latter channel also affect your TV in a similar fashion to the others containing 4?, and is the 3% signal strength you report referring to this channel?
As far as signal strength is concerned, it would be of assistance to have knowledge the location you reside in within the Newcastle area, as there are quite a few reception dead spots to the North of the Pontop Pike transmitter.
Finally, could you please indicate the model number of Samsung in question.
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brian perry : In addition to that said by Dave Lindsay, this problem is known about by the BBC and whom have issued advice on a way around it to enable a viewer to "choose" which of the two HD muxes they wish to store in the receivers tuner, "choose" being mentioned as both cannot be stored at the same time until the TV or box manufacturer comes up with an "over air" software fix for the problem, as its not one caused by the BBC.
However although you can view the instructions by opening the undermentioned link, this procedure will only work if CBBC HD / BBC1HD / BBC2 HD etc are seen in the LCN / EPG listing, albeit that they cannot be viewed if selected, should they be seen in the listing then C40 would be the mux channel to enter ref:8 in the instructions.
If on the other hand they aren't seen in the listings then your best policy would be to remove the aerial followed by carrying out an auto-scan to blank out everything stored in the tuner, then on completion reconnect the aerial and carry out a "manual" tune on each of the muxes used by the station "excluding" COM7 (C33)
As you have made your posting under the Sutton Coldfield heading then the mux channels required would be as follows / 41 (BBC) - 46 (ITV) - 40 (HD) - 42 (ITV3 etc) - 45 (Pick TV etc) - 39 (4Music etc) - 51(local)
By the way, the advice given is to enable LCN / EPG 73 and also 101 - 105 to be viewed and not the COM 7 HD service.
Freeview Loss of BBC HD channels - BBC - FAQs - Home
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Amanda: Touching any modern box with one hand whilst the other (or any part of your body) is in contact with anything else of a metallic nature will nearly always result in one feeling a slight electrical tingle due to the design of the power supplies used in such devices. This type of thing can be experienced when removing a tight fitting coax plug from a TV or box whilst the outer of the coax socket is being held by the other hand, the reason for the tingle being caused by a potential difference in voltage developing as soon as the coax plug parts from the socket.
As far as your dish is concerned, if your dish had been struck by lightning then you would certainly have known all about it should you have been resident in the house at the time, however if you are meaning that your box lights up as normal but you are getting a "no signal" warning? then the LNB mounted on the end of the dish arm might have been damaged by a high level of static rain.
On the subject of a Freesat box, there is no difference between the two as far as the dish is concerned, but though its impossible to say whether or not your dish (or LNB) is still OK or not except by using another box (Sky or Freesat) to verify the operation of the dish.
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KMJ,Derby: Re: DAT HD Boss 790. l fully agree with your reservations regarding the design of the preamp used in this aerial, a device that in my opinion is a bit of a gimmick typical of Televes, the so called "plus point" of auto-gain being a ludicrous idea as its something which is almost guaranteed to cause problems in areas where some Mux channels are received at a different level from others, the end result being that the already weak Muxes get even weaker (or vanish) in the same way as happens in an area affected by a 4G signal, that is prior to a filter being installed!
I likewise fully endorse your latter comment with regards to using a log periodic in conjunction with a variable gain amp, a combination that in my experience gives excellent results that are hard to beat.
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I now see that I failed miserably in my "reading ease / grade score" another idea I have severe reservations about!!
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MikeP: Yes, as some queries made by a viewer can only, by necessity, be replied to in what's considered to be a technical fashion whereby triggering the red indicator bars.
The idea might be quite OK for certain types of sites, but in my opinion not on any site where technical issues are frequently involved such as in the case of UK Free - TV, as the grading & score system is too simplistic.
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Jackson G: The aspect of your problem that's still inclined to suggest its being caused by software defect is the fact of the TV shutting down when certain channels containing a 4 are selected, as virtually nothing you might try should result in this happening except when possibly connected with software updating, a TV shutting down / restarting on completion of same being the norm, but which in this particular instance is not applicable.
On the issue of the software, although the full model number of your TV is really required (that is including five letters after 4500) it would appear that the software version on your model should be 1027.2 issued on December 14th 2013 to replace the older 1027.1, maybe you could go into the software updating screen and check the number that's listed!, if though by any chance you do have version 1 (or older) then the snag is that the update can only be achieved via a download from Samsung's site into a USB memory stick, this then downloaded into the TV via its USB socket.
On the subject of the error rate spiking during channel changing onto the problem channels, if this is only observed when those channels are involved then its symptomatic of a problem being detected with same, although I wouldn't attach too much importance to this as its liable to occur on other devices that are not suffering from any problems.
However, as far as signal strengths are concerned, could you confirm that your aerial is horizontally mounted and that you are receiving Freeview from the Pontop Pike transmitter (@ 11.5 miles / 213 degrees? and its not vertically mounted to suit Fenham @ 2.9 miles / 225 degrees? this station indicated (in theory anyway!) as providing a good signal at your location.
The only reason for enquiring being by you having mentioned e4+1 as being 22, which if referring to strength then OK, other wise Mux C22 is the channel used by Fenham for e4+1.
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maggie: As the make / model of TV being referred to is unknown, before purchasing anything its best to take a careful look at the socket on the TV just to ensure that it isnt an HDMI socket, something that would create a more expensive problem if using an older Sky box fitted with two scart sockets. However, the undermentioned link might be to what you are looking for. Scart Adaptor Currys / Haier / Logik TV`s Only ** This cable is Not hdmi to scart **: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
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MikeB / Ian M: I, for one, would certainly like to second the entire content of that said!!
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Michael: Regarding the white card, the message referred to will always come on, no matter what type of Sky box is being used, if any programme channel associated with a subscription package is selected when none is in force, or alternatively should one have been taken out and any programme channel out with the subscription package is selected.
It's really a case of, does any of that mentioned apply?
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MikeB: Its not really me thats asking the question! but there are a few TV's around such as the brands mentioned on the link, that as a space saving measure are not fitted with a standard size scart connector to make the device easier to mount on a wall, and I think that Maggie has acquired one of those types.
One of the LG models (number of escapes me!) also requires a special connector.
When I referred to a possible problem if the socket was only an HDMI type and not a scart, then a special and higher priced, Scart to HDMI adaptor would have to be purchased if viewing via the Sky boxes RF modulator was also not possible.
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Graham : SDN being mentioned would indeed appear to be an error, however if you can view programmes on SDN such as ITV3 etc then you will likely be receiving it from the Preseli transmitter, a way to verify being to carry out a signal check whilst viewing ITV3 and note the number of the Mux channel associated with the strength / quality, if its C42 then the transmission is from Preseli.
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M Roberts : If the signal into your TV's aerial socket is being fed via the recorder, then try connecting the aerial lead directly into the TV and carry out a retune, if this action doesn't restore ITV then carry out a "first time installation" or "manufacturers default setting" on the TV followed by another retune.
Another point to note being, that dependant on the DVD recorders brand / model, if the problem mentioned only occurs when the DVD is in standby then make sure that its not set on eco mode, as on some models the RF link through from the aerial is disabled when its set on this mode.
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Dave Lindsay: Thanks for the update on this, as its something which I was totally unaware of including possibly DUK's (trade) reception prediction site, because after having read Graham's posting I carried out a reception check using SA17 5RN as a test code (Ferryside Post Office) and the SDN Mux was not listed, however I have just tried the test again using the same post code and low and behold it is now..
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Michael: In addition to that said by MikeP.
Purely on the subject of the viewing cards, they basically are all the same! but with the exception of the data programmed into I.C. embedded within the card.
If a viewer has just had a Sky system installed, then the viewing card that they receive will have been pre-programmed by Sky with the data codes necessary for the decryption module to allow the viewer to access the programme channels associated with the package that they had agreed to pay for, if though they happen to select a programme that is out with the package, then the code for said programme will not be recognised by the boxes decryption module when it compares it to the access code data loaded into it from the viewing card, this being what triggers the message you refer to, i.e: "this is not the correct card for the box" etc, although in this case its not so much the card but the data stored in it.
As far as the pre-programmed data on the viewing card is concerned, Sky can change this at any time via an "over air" download, and so if a viewer wanted to add a particular "special interest" channel to their package then the access code for same would be downloaded by Sky into the viewing card to allow the programme to be viewed.
Likewise if a person cancels their subscription, Sky will delete (over air) the pre-programmed access data for anything received if its of an encrypted nature.
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Brian: Although this test is not completely 100% accurate, but the best way to check for a power supply defect on one of the older models of Sky box such as the type mentioned, is to disconnect it from the mains for about 20 minutes to allow it to cool down, followed after said time by reconnecting it again and allowing it to go though the usual "searching for listings" procedure.
If the box had actually failed before is was disconnected from the mains, but now works (even for a short while) after having carried out the aforementioned procedure, then in 99% of cases this indicates that the power supply is indeed faulty.
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Brian : That said is in addition to Les Nicol's advice, as 29 can be caused by either of the two possible reasons mentioned.
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Michael : Re: The aforementioned (@ 11.28PM), please ignore my reference to " this is not the correct card for the box" etc, as that said by MikeP is totally correct when referring to warning messages associated with that seen on Sky boxes if the viewing card being used in same was originally registered for use in another box, because before it can be used in an alternative box Sky has to alter the data on the viewing card referring to the serial number of the previous box and enter that of the present one.
Sorry about the confusion! I was mixing my messages up.
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Ann Bartlett : The problem as described, can only be caused by one of three things.
(1) The signal to the dish being partially obstructed by such as tree foliage, should any trees be located nearby?
(2) The cable from the LNB mounted on the end of the dish arm has not been clipped properly onto the arm and has possibly got fractured at some point, this usually being near to where it leaves the "F" connector on the LNB.
(3) Although less likely, the screws holding the dish mounting plate onto the wall are slack, and this is allowing the dish to move slightly every time there is a gust of wind.
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michele: In addition to that said by Dave Lindsay, especially on the issue of excluding the aerials from being faulty, but on the subject of your signal check on ITV Ch44 indicated poor, its really a case what it is on BBC Ch41?, because although your reception was OK before the actual signal received "might" just have been high enough and no more to resolve a picture, this having now dropped slightly due to seasonal vegetation growth reasons (trees) thereby taking it under the critical level for reception, even although the BBC is still OK.
My reason for suspecting that this "might" be the case is due to the number of trees seen in your area, and "if" the premises referred to is located just off the Abersoch Road (Craig Y Glyn?) or another premises near to?, then reception being a bit on the iffy side is not entirely unexpected under these circumstances from a 2Kw transmitter located at around 14 miles away.
By the way, what type (brand/model ) boosters are being used?
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michele: Mains powered boosters being placed under floorboards is not a good idea when looking at it from a fire safety angle, plus of course its impossible to test them.
However, a signal strength of only 37% on Mux Ch41(BBC) is inclined to suggest that my suspicion with regards to the cause of your problem could well apply, because if the BBC's 37% dropped off any lower then its also liable to vanish, the critical level before cut off (on your receiver) possibly being around 35% or thereabouts.
To be honest about it, I cant really see you getting over this problem without gaining access to the boosters for the purpose of finding out what the dB gain rating is on them, because should it be found that the booster's (signal splitter?) in question are rated under 10dB, then increasing this to 15 -20dB could well lift the ITV signal to a level capable of resolving a picture.
By the way, I also suspect that if a signal strength check had been carried out on the BBC prior to ITV vanishing, then the reading obtained would likely have been much higher than 37%, likewise ITV's 31% also being higher, and the reason why you could view it.
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michele: I would certainly follow the advice given by MikeP / Mike B and steer clear of seeking assistance from such as Sky engineer sources, as digital reception of a terrestrial nature can be fraught with a multitude of problems compared to the merest handful of same that can be responsible for satellite reception failures.
As far as your problem is concerned, if you are unable to receive ITV on "any" of your TV's no matter which of your two aerials they happen to be connected into, then if it can be verified that the aerials in question are "not" physically connected at any point and are running as totally separate systems, which is the norm!, then signal level drop off caused by reasons "not" connected with your installation just has to apply.
Needless to say that this is why its essential to gain access to the booster(s), because as previously mentioned, "if" they are found to be minimum amplification / splitter types, then changing them for more powerful versions might solve your problem, if though on the other hand its found that they are already higher powered types (e.g:15dB or above) then unfortunately there isn't much that can be done about the situation as repositioning of the aerial, which does help in some situations, is not really an option when you already have a twin aerial system "not" installed on the same mast.
Re: Clarification of "any" mentioned in second paragraph, this means to ensure that any retuning tests you carry out are "not" all being made on TV's connected into the same aerial, because if the TV's in question are all of the same brand / model? then you only really require to carry out a test on two TV's, that is one connected into each aerial system.
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Bill McDonald: According to info, yes! on Mux C33 (570.0 Mhz) from the Mendip transmitter, the programme listed as being operational from 1900 - 0530 hours on LCN / EPG number 106.
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Wednesday 26 February 2014 9:12PM
Briantist : re:- Steve Williams, yes indeed! but only if a signal of any significant level could be received from Rouncefall and something I very much doubt, especially by it being located at 24 miles away from him and only radiating on 4Kw compared to Sudbury's 100Kw at only 14 miles away, Steve being line-of-sight from it.
I feel that his signal in his area is possibly that strong the null points on his aerial hasn't been noticed, and with rear reception levels on some aerials not being that terribly much different from a signal approaching from the front..
Still, nothing is ever exact where RF reception of a UHF nature is concerned.