All posts by jb38
Below are all of jb38's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
Stephen: Well, you will certainly be able to record those two programmes from the same Mux channel, but though if others have popped up on COM7, then whatever you are using must be capable of receiving T2 (HD) transmissions.
Undermentioned is a link for the latest update on programme LCN numbers / Muxes used on applicable to the Oxford transmitter.
Freeview HD local/regional channel list | British Isles: England: Central: Oxford
| link to this comment |
Mike: Community HD (109) closed down on March 12th, this programme is now only available on LCN63, a retune being required to update the EPG.
| link to this comment |
Lee s: Aerial amplifiers of the mast head variety cannot really be damaged by anything, about the only exception being in cases where its aerial input circuit is subjected to a high level burst of static discharge during thundery type weather, however, in most cases amplifiers simply fail through a defective component.
As far as your missing COM4 is concerned and also your dodgy PSB2, your problem "might" be caused by your TV or box having locked onto a transmitter other than the one deemed as covering your area, however this cannot be checked out with having knowledge of your location, this preferably being in the form a post code or one from nearby, e.g: a shop / post office.
Further advice dependant on feedback.
| link to this comment |
hels: Set top type aerials are seldom ever satisfactory simply because they are vulnerable to reacting to human movement within the same room. As far as aerials are concerned, Log periodic aerials are perfect for use in any location prone to suffering from high blasts of wind. (link for below)
Without having knowledge of your location relative to that of the transmitter, nor the brand of equipment you are using, but Keelylang Hills BBC transmits on Mux C46 and with ITV being on Mux C43, therefore in order to search for a signal go into your TV or boxes set up menu / tuning / and select "manual" tuning, followed by entering (or selecting) 46 but do "not" press search or scan, as on most devices if any signal is being received it will appear on the strength / quality bars, if nothing is indicated try moving the aerial around until it (hopefully) does.
Online FM DAB TV Aerial sales
| link to this comment |
hels: With regards to the manual tuning procedure, I had also meant to add that once you have started moving the aerial around to search for a signal, check every now an again to ensure that the screen you are using has not dropped out, as some brands of equipment has a time limit on viewing screens other than the initial tuning menu.
Another point being, that mentioned with regards to moving the aerial around is purely based on what you have been told by the TV people, who I assume must be acquaint with your area, insomuch that you should be OK with that type of aerial, otherwise I would advise a loft aerial provided that it isnt facing into a water tank.
However the DM18 (or 36) Log periodic is suitable for all applications.
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: Purely on the subject of the Horror Channel / LCN70, this is transmitted on Mendip's COM6 / 722.0Mhz, if 70 isnt seen on the EPG list then a retune is required to update the listings.
As far as your location problem is concerned, the post code you entered "is" for Calne, the location being close to the Oxford Road / Wood street mini roundabout, the Calne Freeview light / PSB only "relay" transmitter (no COM4/5/6 etc) which is listed as covering that particular area, located at 0.5mls from the post code location.
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: I just noticed on one of your earlier postings made back in January, that BS15 is listed as the post code area, whereas the latest is SN11, so there has to be an error somewhere along the line.
| link to this comment |
Gill pitman: Although your aerial may only be 3 or 4 years old it could still be defective, particularly where the coax is terminated in the aerials junction box, or alternatively the screw type "F" connector such as used on some aerials.
However, the situation as far as signal strengths expected in your area is concerned is impossible to assess unless a post code is supplied, or at least one from nearby such as a shop / post office.
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: Although, just like yourself, I preferred the previous system rather than this updated one, however the easiest way I found is to click on the "cog wheel" seen on the extreme right hand side of the red header bar at the top of the postings, this will open another screen where you can enter your post code, once entered click on "predict" and that will (or should) have changed your location.
You can check if it has without even typing out another posting, as your new location should be included in the information under "Your comment please".
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: Well, Briantist really is the best person to advise on this, as he designed the whole system, but though when you say that No new screen appears, I omitted to mention that the one that allows you to enter your post code will "not" appear if a post code is already stored, which in your case should apply albeit with the incorrect code, the point being that you have to click "clear" to the right hand side of the code that is showing before the one I referred will appear.
Of course it all depends on what system you are using, as I noticed others also experiencing problems since the update, I use Win7 Pro with the browser being Mozilla FF36, but I also tried the same test on an older Win XP Pro PC that I keep a load of technical files stored in and the results were exactly the same as on Win7.
| link to this comment |
Gill pitman: Indications are that you area is covered by the the Freeview "light" Winterborne Strickland transmitter located @ 3 miles away at an angle of 2 degrees, the receiving aerial being vertically mounted, i.e: elements facing up and down.
However, a number of aerials are also seen to be facing towards the Rowridge transmitter @ 40 miles / 102 degrees, although reception from this station could be a bit iffy due to the signal path from said station suffering from multiple obstructions close to where you reside, and so it really depends on where your aerial is facing towards, the easy way to tell being whether or not you were able to receive ITV3? as this programme is only broadcast from Rowridge.
The other point being, that if your aerial is facing towards Rowridge then you might possibly have an aerial amplifier installed to compensate for the poor reception expected from this station, if you have? then it could have failed hence the reason for no signal.
Should on the other hand your aerial not be facing towards Rowridge, then your husband should double check the terminations on each end of the coax, as you should receive a good signal from Winterborne.
By the way, what brand of TV or box are you using, and has this been retuned since the signal vanished? which or course is a most inadvisable action, as all it does is scrub everything already stored in the tuner.
Further advice dependant on feedback.
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: I also experienced that very same problem, but I managed to get over it by clicking on "terrain plot" seen in the middle of the three choices (mapping - terrain plot - full details) this then allowing the newly entered post code to appear.
| link to this comment |
J
My Freeview box has no EPG, is blank on FIVE, ITV3, ITV4, ITV2+Monday 16 March 2015 11:40PM
Stamford
`hels: Good news then!! As you are obviously receiving a good signal on your indoor aerial you should try installing it in the loft, if though you cannot get satisfactory reception then you should think along the lines of purchasing one of the Log aerials as seen on the link, the DM18 being perfect for the job.
However, although its somewhat of a departure for me to recommend this sort of thing, but this mini compact log also gives great performance in strong signal areas.
Labgear LABLPC 400mm 9dB Compact Log Periodic 20: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
| link to this comment |
john mcarthur: Are you able to view anything when you click on 8 in the EPG listings, that is if 8 is seen on the list? if not then carry out a retune. If though 8 is still not seen on the list, then the reception expected in your area from the Pontop Pikes LNE Mux can be checked out if you supply your post code, as quite a number of reception black spots exist in the area covered by this multiplex.
The LNE Mux transmitting on C56 / 754.0 Mhz.
By the way, Bilsdale is indicated as providing a better signal in a number of areas, but it doesnt transmit a local channel.
| link to this comment |
Charles Stuart: Yes! all would certainly seem to be OK now, as I clicked on "digitaluk trade" coverage checker (via your posting) and see that your area is now indicated as being served by the Mendip transmitter rather than Calne.
Thanks for the update / pleased to have been of assistance!!
| link to this comment |
w mc bride: Ballycastle is only a "public services" relay transmitter of the Limavady main station. Relay transmitters do not broadcast commercial "run for profit" channels paid for by advertisers, the reason for not doing so basically down to the fact of the advertisers not being willing to pay for transmission facilities in areas of lower populations, as its considered by them that the profit expected from running such channels would not justify the costs involved.
| link to this comment |
Gill pitman: The reason why retuning resulted in the pictures disappearing, is more likely down to the level of the signal received being under that necessary to resolve a picture, and not necessarily the case that none exists.
If any of your TV's has "manual" tuning you can use it as a form of signal meter, the procedure being to select manual tune and enter Winterborne's (BBC1) C46 / 674Mhz but stop at this point, do "not" press scan or search, as on most devices if any signal is being received, the strength and quality of the signal will be seen on the level indicator bars "no matter how low it may be", as the TV's tuner is more sensitive than a normal (non professional) signal meter.
If your husband makes another check on the aerial, look out for water having crept into the coax and not just for an iffy connection.
| link to this comment |
Gill pitman : Further to that said, "if" any type of powered splitter is being used to feed the signal from the aerial into the outlet points used by the three TV's you should try bypassing, that is by connecting the aerial directly into one of the TV's followed by carrying out a normal auto-tune, should though nothing be received, then carry out the procedure referred to in my previous reply.
| link to this comment |
daniel tristan : You should try retuning your TV whilst it temporarily connected into the aerial point used by your Mums TV, should this fail to make any difference to the situation, then carry out a "reset" on your TV (or box) followed by a second retune.
The reset referred to also known as "default setting" / "first time installation" etc.
| link to this comment |
john mcarthur : If you click on the undermentioned link this will take you to a website where you will be able to check the progress of Made in Teesside, however it doesn't look to promising as far it starting soon is concerned, as its only on the 2015/16 Phase 2 roll out list.
It does though confirm / indicate that it will be broadcast on Bilsdale's Mux C24 on LCN8
http://www.a516digital.co…tml:
| link to this comment |
john mcarthur : The link sent would seem to have been compacted by Briantists site resulting in "not found", and so this is a second attempt.
Local TV multiplex information
|
a516digital
Local TV multiplex information
|
a516digital
| link to this comment |
Paul GRANEY: Yes, as your HD sports channels will simply be displayed as SD images in exactly the same way as on the old Sky box.
It should though be pointed out that Sky+ HD boxes require twin feeds from the dish to enable the recording side of the box to operate correctly, was your old Sky box a Sky+ version?
| link to this comment |
Briantist: Yes! many thanks for pointing this out, apologies for aspersions relating to your site.
Although its rather puzzling as to how the colon appeared at the end of the URL, especially as the offending URL wasn't actually typed in but via "copy and paste" from address bar. Anyway, I will watch out for this potential problem in the future.
| link to this comment |
john mcarthur : Update re: Made in Teesside. I having been in contact with the company concerned with operating this channel, the outcome being that they are presently negotiating with the company that provides the capacity for additional Freeview channels with the intention of launching the programme in autumn of this year.
| link to this comment |
Karen McIntyre: I am personal acquaint with the vagaries of reception along most of the Ayrshire coastlines, likewise can say, that about the only way of achieving satisfactory "all year round" (or 99.9% anyway) reception in areas such as yours (and beyond) is by changing over to Freesat, as problems of the nature such as presently being experienced will never really vanish for any great length of time.
| link to this comment |
Karen McIntyre: Although in areas such as yours the Freesat route is indeed the best way to go, as reliable reception is virtually guaranteed using this mode, heavy thundery type downpours or snow on the bowl of the dish being about the only things that can affect it, although only for a one or two minutes or so in the case of a downpour. But though purely out of curiosity, on the occasions where your reception has gone downhill, are you aware as to whether or not your neighbours are also experiencing similar difficulties with their reception?
| link to this comment |
J
Can I stop paying Sky and use my satellite receiver to get FreeMonday 23 March 2015 4:56PM
Bourne End
ann: The only programme channels affected by cancelling your subscription are those dedicated to a Sky package, you can test this out for yourself by removing the viewing card and running through the programmes that you normally view, any dedicated to a package will trigger a "please insert card" message,
The other thing that should be pointed out being, that you will lose the ability to record or playback anything recorded on the hard drive, as Sky will disable access to this side of the box.
| link to this comment |
Brenda Newby: If you reside in an area close to the Waltham transmitter then the addition of a booster box could actually make the situation worse, therefore, should the booster box be easily accessible try bypassing it by connecting the lead from the aerial directly into the EE box.
However, if the start of the problem coincided with the installation of the EE box, then you may not get over the problem referred to, as the tuner in the EE box is possibly less able to cope with the type of interference you are experiencing from the trains, especially if they are of the 25Kv overhead wire variety, as their current collection pantographs radiate massive levels of interference.
Of course this isn't a particularly good week for trying tests antway, as engineering work is being carried out at Waltham starting today.
| link to this comment |
Barry : With reference to the connection / recording facilities on your Bush TV, it should be appreciated that the USB recording feature is purely operable from the TV's internal Freeview tuner and "not" from any device (ie: Sky box) that happens to be connected into any of the TV's input sockets.
My only reason for pointing this out is because of you having made reference to a viewing card, which its assumed is the Sky boxes viewing card? my thinking being that you are possibly intending to record a programme from the Sky box into a flash drive via the TV, which of course cannot be done.
| link to this comment |
Miriam : If you have tried auto and manual tuning, its assumed the latter was on L-LON's Mux 29 / 538.0 Mhz?, if this is correct then try it again, but this time "stop" after having entered 29, because if any low level signal is being received, the strength and quality of the signal will appear on the indicator bars.
However, it would be prudent to ascertain if others are also unable to receive London Live, if not, then the problem is being caused by either the communal aerials distribution amplifier, or alternatively a defect on the actual communal aerial.
| link to this comment |
Mary: If you are viewing Freeview on a TV and "not" via a box, then try carrying out a "reset" on the TV followed by a retune, reset also being known as "default setting" or "first time installation" etc. If though on the other hand you are using a box? then check that the scart or HDMI lead coupling the box into the TV is firmly inserted into their respective sockets.
Should the aforementioned fail to resolve the problem, then carry out a manufacturers reset on the box.
| link to this comment |
Frederick Foulkes : A study of your area is more inclined to suggest that your aerial has been installed facing towards the Winter Hill transmitter (@ 50miles / 359degrees) in order to received BBC North West and ITV Granada regional news services, rather than the BBC West Midlands and ITV Central West micro region from The Wrekin transmitter @ 16 miles / 187 degrees.
Another aspect of reception from Winter Hill being that it transmits the relatively new COM7 HD transmissions whereas the Wrekin does not.
Although water towers can cause an element of signal blocking if located "directly" in line with the signal path from the transmitter, and especially if the receiving aerial is relatively close to the tower, but you should try a test to ascertain if any signal is being received from the The Wrekin on the reverse of your aerial, as its only 6 degrees or so out.
This can be done if your TV or box offers a "manual tune" facility rather than just auto-tune, the procedure being to select manual tune followed by entering or selecting C26 (The Wrekins BBC1) but stopping at this point, do "not" press scan, because if any evidence of a signal is being received, the strength and quality of will appear in the indicator bars. If a signal is being received, it might then be worth swinging your aerial around to face towards The Wrekin.
By the way, I feel that you can discount the masts referred to as being responsible for your problem.
| link to this comment |
Frederick Foulkes : In addition to that said. As reception in your area is indicated as being good from both Winter Hill and The Wrekin, and it might possibly be the case that your aerial is simply facing in the wrong direction for the Mux channels stored in your TV or box, therefore undermentioned is a list of the Mux channels used by both stations, this will enable you to check this out by carrying out a signal test on each of the programmes in question.
Winter Hill:
50 (BBC1) / 59 (ITV1) / 54 (HD service) / 58 (10-ITV3 etc) / 49 (11-Pick TV etc) / 55 (18-4Music)
31 (63 - Community on COM7)
The Wrekin:
26 (BBC1) / 23 (ITV1) / 30 (HD service) / 41 (10-ITV3 etc) / 44 (11-Pick TV etc) / 47 (18- 4Music)
| link to this comment |
ann: No engineering work is being out on Belmont's Freeview transmitters, therefore the problem referred to has to be associated with your installation. If a jumper lead is being used to couple the TV into a wall socket, check that the connector plugs on both ends of the lead are fully inserted into their respective sockets.
On the issue of no sound from the Sky box, if this is coupled into the TV via a scart lead, then check it out in similar way as done with the jumper lead.
Further advice dependant on the outcome of the aforementioned.
| link to this comment |
Mary: Thanks for the update on the situation, insomuch that your audio drop out problem would seem to have vanished, although the reason for it happening in the first place is a bit of a mystery, as no faults were listed against the Whitehawk Hill transmitter.
That said, irrespective of how official the fault reporting sites might appear to be they are not by any means 100% accurate, as its not necessarily the case that every little event is reported.
Although, only time will tell as to whether or not the audio defect was caused by a problem on the transmission side of the equation, or possibly by something associated with your receiving equipment, however irrespective of cause, the main thing is that the problem no longer exists.
| link to this comment |
Janet Isaac: Indications are that "That's Oxford" is presenting being tested "on air", the channel being beamed towards Oxford but stretching as far as Swindon. However, the coverage in outlying areas is seen to be somewhat patchy, therefore your ability to receive this channel is totally dependant on your location, a post code being required for checking.
That's Oxford transmits on Oxfords Mux29 / LCN8 (the programme guide listing) other programmes being QVC extra LCN57 & POP on LCN125.
| link to this comment |
Janet Isaac : Omitted to mention, that a retune will be required in order to receive this channel, the retune being necessary to update the programme guide.
| link to this comment |
Sam Townsend: When you say, "other TV's in the house are working fine on the same aerial", are you referring to a number of different outlet points? if you are, then try the TV in question connected into one of these other outlets.
You should also try using a different jumper lead on the problem TV, if this makes no difference to the situation, check that the circular centre piece on the TV's aerial socket (the bit that grips the aerial connector's centre pin) hasn't become widened, crimping it slightly if required.
| link to this comment |
mark holland: Quite possibly! as Sutton Coldfield is listed on the "planned engineering works" page for the week commencing 23/03/2015 as being subject to "possible service interruptions".
| link to this comment |
Joe: Engineering work has been taking place at the Waltham transmitter all of this past week, therefore your BBC B problem is most likely to have been as a result of this action. However, have you tried a manual scan this evening?, as a signal check carried out on Mux58 (I also use Waltham) indicates as normal.
I will say though, that Belmont is indicated as providing a somewhat superior signal in the Rainsworth area compared to that from Waltham, meaning that any slight reduction in TX power at the Waltham transmitter will have a more significant effect on reception.
| link to this comment |
Judith Shaw: Should repeated switching between BBC1 & 2 fail to make any difference to the situation, then try disconnecting the box from the mains for about 30 seconds or so before reconnecting it again, as the problem might have been caused by a glitch in the system.
Although prior to carrying out this procedure, if your box is of the Sky+ variety? try swapping the LNB1 & 2 inputs over and see if this changes anything.
By the way, channel changing on a satellite box is achieved by the box sending instructions (voltage and tone) to the LNB mounted on the end of the dish arm, needless to say, these control signals can be shorted out if any water manages to creep into the LNB's "F" connector plug on the end of the coax.
| link to this comment |
John Couch: Although the fact of your home being relatively isolated from your nearest neighbour is inclined to eliminate the possibility of the interference entering your receiver via the aerial, therefore it could be caused by mains borne interference, something which you can check out with the aid of a small AM / FM portable radio using the following procedure.
Although portable radio's with an LW facility are better for this type of test, however medium wave or VHF FM types can still be used. The procedure being to tune the radio to the top end of the band where no transmissions take place followed by turning up the volume until background noise is heard, finally positioning the radio close to a socket near to the incoming mains, as should any interference be entering your household via the mains, its presence will be known about by a loud ripping type noise coming through the radio.
By the way, if using an FM radio, make sure that you fully extend its telescopic aerial.
| link to this comment |
John Couch: In addition to all said, there is another aspect of the problem that I omitted to mention, insomuch, does the interference affect the audio in any way?
Also, there is another test that I would like you to carry out "during" the next spell of interference, that being to press the menu button and see if the interference is still evident or not, because if it is still there, then that's inclined to point to the problem being caused by an internal fault on the TV rather than anything picked up by the tuner, as selecting menu takes the tuner out of the equation.
| link to this comment |
Mike: The transmission frequencies used by Tacolneston "are" in the range most likely to affected by 4G
, that is should any 4G transmitters exist near to your particular location. You can easily find this out by contacting a company called AT800 using the undermentioned link, if your location (they will request your post code) is deemed by them as possibly being affect by this mode of transmission they will supply you with a filter free of charge, the filter being inserted in line with the TV's (or boxes) aerial input socket.
If though you are using a mast head amplifier? the filter really has to be inserted between the aerial and the input to the amplifier.
Contact us | Advice or general enquiries | at800
| link to this comment |
MikeB: Yes quite so, as the number of instances where a 4G transmission has been positively proven as being responsible for problems being experienced with reception is indeed quite small, but though this number is bound to increase as more 4G transmitters are rolled out across the country.
The other point being, that up to date information on the exact location of newly commissioned 4G transmitters is (or was, as far as I know) only supplied to AT800, therefore if anyone suspected of residing in an iffy area for reception complains about reception from a station transmitting on frequencies in the range known as being the most susceptible to be affected by 4G, then its always best to eliminate this possibility from the equation, especially as the time factor mentioned by Mike spans the period over which the 4G service is liable to be used the most.
Of course that said is in addition to the advice given by yourself, and was not intended to take anything away from the content of the reply.
| link to this comment |
Mike: Thanks for the update on the outcome of your contact with at800, with a bit of luck you may even receive the filter tomorrow as they are usually quite quick off the mark.
I was having a look at your area via Google Earth street view, and if you are located anywhere in the properties facing towards the the James White school? then the rather substantial tall multi services mast is certainly positioned not that terribly far away from you, meaning that if, as suspected, it now contains a newly commissioned 4G transmitter, you are well within range of being affected by its transmissions.
By the way, are you using any form of powered splitter / amplifier on your aerial system?
| link to this comment |
Martin: It all depends on what you mean by "every other station", as UK Drama (20) is broadcast on the COM4 multiplex along with ITV3 (10) / ITVBe (26) / QVC (16) etc. If you are also unable to receive any of these programmes? then this is suggestive of you residing in a Freeview "light" (PSB only) reception area, a post code being required for checking.
| link to this comment |
Lesley: Should the troubleshooting measures referred to have involved retuning?, then this action has possibly been carried out whilst maintenance work was being carried out on the Crystal Palace transmitter, the effect of being to delete the programmes already stored in the tuner, but with them not being reloaded into the guide list.
You should try resetting your TV (or box) followed by carrying out another retune, "reset" also known as "default setting" / "first time installation" etc.
However, if, as it would appear, you reside in an apartment block? then you will likely be connected into a communal aerial system, therefore it would be prudent to check with a neighbour to ascertain as to whether or not they are able to receive these two programmes, Drama being on the same transmitter as ITV3 (COM4 - C25), and with Dave being on the same transmitter as Pick TV (COM5 - C22).
Further advice dependant on feedback.
| link to this comment |
m.whitbrook: Re: Picture break up only occurring during winter months. On having read through your various postings made on this subject, I note that in your Jan 12th @ 7.47am posting you reported that both your kitchen TV and also the one used by your son, both of using indoor aerials, also break up, should this still be the case? then it would be interesting to know the result if you temporarily connected your sons TV into the roof aerials outlet socket.
The second point being. You also state in your 4th Feb @ 10.27am posting that an attenuator did not make any difference to the situation, what value of attenuator did you try? because at only 5 miles from the Sutton Coldfield transmitter and with (according to info on terrain) a clear line-of-sight from same, any attenuator under 12dB or so is not likely to make any difference as far as excessive signal level problems are concerned.
However, if you still have the attenuator? then no matter what its value might be, there is a test you could try that would give you an idea as to whether or not your problem is definitely being caused by a slightly over the top signal level, although the test will only work if whatever you are using is capable of indicating the "quality" of the signal and not just the strength, the former being essential for the test.
The procure being, connect the roof aerial directly into the TV (or box) and select BBC (or ITV) then carry out a signal check on the levels received, making a note of the "exact" quality level being indicated, that is if its not diving up and down? which of course makes things slightly more difficult.
Once the quality level has been noted insert the attenuator in line with the aerial lead and note if the quality has improved any, if it has (even if only fractional) then this is a positive indication that the signal being fed into the TV (or box) is a tad on the high side.
| link to this comment |
Dawn Quinn : In addition to the advice given by MikeP. Freesat devices are 100% compatible with Sky dish systems, a basic reliable Freesat box such as a Manhattan PlazaHD-S2 (£44.00 from J/Lewis) being an ideal replacement for a standard Sky box, or if you require the same facilities as that offered by a Sky+, or Sky+HD box, then a Freesat PVR (recorder) would be the device to go after, a popular brand with a reputation for reliability being manufactured by "Humax", although Manhattan also has a recording version of the Plaza called a HDR-S, (£129.00 JL).
A point to note being, that standard Freesat boxes in common with standard Sky boxes only requires a single input from the dish, whereas Freesat PVR's in common with Sky+ devices require twin inputs, i.e: one for each tuner.
That said, you will of course still be able to view Sky's non subscription channels even after you have cancelled the contract with Sky, that is "if" your box is still fully operational and has not developed a fault.
| link to this comment |
Brud: Using two Post Offices in South Shields as reference points, Pontop Pike is located at between 15/16 miles away on a bearing of approximately 238 / 240 degrees, both districts mentioned indicated as having a clear line-of-sight (excluding any man made objects) to the transmitter.
As far aerials are concerned, I would suggest an aerial of the Log periodic variety such as a Log 36, as this type is designed to have an element of protection against the possibility of being affected by 4G transmissions, this being especially applicable to reception from Pontop Pike as six of the multiplexes used by that station transmits in the 50's ranges of channels, the range most vulnerable to be affected by any potential 4G transmissions that may take place in your area.
| link to this comment |
Brud: The undermentioned is a link to a site where you can see the type of aerial I was referring to, once you open the link click on Log36, or alternatively just scroll down to the Log 36 section.
ATV`s Choice Of Aerials for digital TV
| link to this comment |
sj: Check the connectors used at both ends of the cable used to extend the Sky cable, that is on the one with no signal, as what you have reported suggests that there is a short circuit on it, this usually caused by a single strand of the braiding having wrapped itself around the middle core of the cable.
Of course before you carry out the aforementioned trying swapping the boxes two inputs over, because if the problem is being caused by a short circuit, then the no signal will also swap positions.
The other point being, and although you havent mentioned it as such, but if your Sky+ box was set up for a single input mode? then the signal strength check screen does not indicate two inputs.
| link to this comment |
Paul: Crystal Palace (@ 23miles / 223 degrees) is indicated as being the station that covers your area, however, as no engineering work is being carried out at this station, then no immediately obvious explanation exists as to why you are not receiving the HD channels, that is except one, that of the tuner fitted into the TV being a DVB-T type and not of the DVB-T2 variety which is required for HD reception.
If you come back with the model number of the TV in question this aspect concerning the tuner can be checked out.
By the way, that said is based on you not receiving BBC1/2 HD / ITV1 HD etc.
| link to this comment |
vicky peace: Without having knowledge of your location, but if you receive Freeview from the Sutton Coldfield transmitter then this station is listed on this weeks engineering page as being liable to suffer from "possible service interruptions", although any such interruptions to service are only of a very short term nature of up to an hour or so at the most, usually much less of under 5 minutes.
The point to note being, that "if" you carried out a retune your TV after having possibly found a blank screen, then this action will have deleted everything stored in the tuner, frequent retunes then being required in order to recover the channels.
| link to this comment |
sue Hickerson : Although the Sandy (Anglia) transmitter is listed in the "Planned Engineering Works" page under the heading of "Possible weak Signal", this may not necessarily be the cause of your problem, as a number of Northamptonshire areas are notorious for suffering from erratic reception at certain times of the year, basically due to the signal path from both stations receivable in your location, namely Sandy (mostly used in your area) and Sutton Coldfield, both suffering from line-of-sight obstructions, the terrain indicator showing multiple obstructions from the latter mentioned.
Before making any attempts to improve the situation, I would try and make an enquiry with another household in your immediate vicinity to ascertain if they are also suffering from similar reception problems, because if they are, then the problem is out with your control.
That said is based on you using the Sandy transmitter for reception and not the Dallington Park Freeview "light" relay.
| link to this comment |
Mike: On the assumption that the "freeview channels" you refer to is really meaning programme channels not attached to a Sky package, then the answer is no, as Sky disables all access to this side of the box as soon as the subscription is cancelled.
| link to this comment |
Helen Hassard: In addition to, and as a back up to that said by MikeB, although engineering work has been taking place for just over a week now at the Brougher Mountain station which covers your area, the work is involved with its DAB and FM radio service and not Freeview.
| link to this comment |
Marian Wilson: There could be a number of possible reasons for your problem, however, the reasons referred to cannot be assessed as being applicable or not without having knowledge of your location, this preferably given in the form of a post code or one from a nearby shop/post office, this info enabling access to details of the transmitter that covers your area.
| link to this comment |
john garratt: Although the signal may well have returned, purely out of curiosity I was wondering that if whilst no signal was being received from the Redruth transmitter whether or not you managed to verify that this situation was also being experienced by any others located in households in your immediate vicinity? if not, then what is the strength and "quality" (the most important by far) of the signal being presently received?, as the levels indicated might give a clue as to why your reception dropped out in the first place.
The aforementioned said on the basis that no faults have been reported against the Redruth transmitter, nor have I seen anyone else complain about reception from this station.
| link to this comment |
rhonda: If you have any doubts as to whether the Freeview recorder is OK or not, test it out by temporarily connecting it into the outlet socket used by the "basic" box.
Should the box prove to be OK whilst connected into the aforementioned aerial socket, then all that's now required to purchase a "two way" aerial splitter to feed the Freeview signal into each of the two devices referred to, the aerial being connected into the splitters common input.
However, maybe you could clarify on the following. Does your flat have two bedrooms? and if it does, then are any of the two fitted with coax cable type outlet points similar to that seen on the rear of the Freeview boxes?
As far as aerials are concerned, its impossible to give an assessment as to the suitability of any type of aerial unless your location is known, this preferably given in the form of a post code or one from nearby, e.g: a shop / Post Office.
By the way, a Freeview box "has" to be connected into an aerial, the others mentioned such as ethernet can be classed as access to extra facilites via a broadband connection, whereas HDMI refers to the type of connection you are using between the box and your TV, scart being the norm with older equipment.
| link to this comment |
Paul: The non internet version of Motors TV (71) can only be viewed in the Guildford area by viewers capable of receiving Crystal Palace's COM7 HD transmitter on Mux C33 as the transmitter line up at Guildford does not include COM7 nor COM8 multiplexes, therefore it all depends on where you reside within the Guildford area as to whether its receivable or not, as the coverage area of Crystal Palaces COM7 is seen to extend to parts of Guildford.
However, a more precise assessment of the situation is only possible with knowledge of your location, i.e: a post code or one from nearby such as a shop / post office.
| link to this comment |
tracy buckley: When you say "wont work" are you meaning that you get a "no signal" message when you use it in the living room? if you do, then are the outlet points in each of the locations independent of each other, i.e: a cable from each point is connected into the LNB on the dish? or are they linked to each other by a coax cable? Should the former apply (which is the norm) then the LNB port used for that socket is defective, possibly by water having entered the "F" type connector on the LNB.
| link to this comment |
Phil B: If you are referring to the Sky+HD box not working, then have you ensured that the feed from the LNB on the dish is connected into the Sky boxes LNB1 input and not LNB2. If it is, then check that the box is actually working by trying it out on one of the other outlet points.
| link to this comment |
Thomas: There are 11 relay (PSB only) transmitters dotted around the CF46 postal code area and one main full service transmitter, namely Wenvoe.
As relays do not transmit commercial programmes such as ITV3 whereas the main station of Wenvoe does on COM4 Mux C42, its really a case of whether or not you reside in an area with a chance of picking up Wenvoe, a post code being required for checking.
| link to this comment |
Chris: Possibly yes, as its still listed in the planned engineering page with the status of "possible weak signal". Although a better assessment could be made with regards to whether or not your problem is likely to be connected with any possible reduction in power if you had indicated your location, i.e: post code or one from nearby such as a shop / post office.
By the way, that said is on the assumption that you are referring to Belmont.
| link to this comment |
Keith Miles: Unfortunately, as engineering work is also taking place on eight other transmitters in the Central Region as well as Sutton Coldfield, its not really possible for anyone to estimate how long the work will take.
That said though, any work being carried out involving power reductions rather than a straight cut to the service, is usually only for a short term period of maybe up to an hour or so at the most, that is unless some unforeseen snag has cropped up! which of course can happen.
Taking this into consideration as well as the fact of you having only experienced the problem with reception since the 10th when engineering work has been taking place since well before this date, it would therefore be prudent to eliminate any possibility of a defect having developed in your aerial system, by (if possible) checking with others in your immediate vicinity, this being said on the assumption that although all TV's in your household are experiencing problems, that they are all connected into the same aerial system? possibly via a powered (or passive) splitter.
| link to this comment |
TinaE : Although MikeB has covered various possibilities, but variations in reception when moving about a room is something only really experienced when using an indoor aerial, if though an aerial of this type is not being used, then its usually an indication that the continuity of the braiding around the coax is broken at some point, because as soon as this happens the coax becomes part of the aerial system rather than just carrying the signal from the aerial.
Loose fitting coax connector plugs when plugged in, can also cause this type of problem, likewise if the braiding earthing screw on the "rear" of the wall plate outlet socket has not been fully tightened. Another possibility being if a "F" screw type connector has been removed and refitted without the outer having been screwed back in again, this if responsible, more likely to have happened at the distribution amplifiers side of the equation.
| link to this comment |
Myra: No one can possibly offer advice on problems of this nature without having prior knowledge of the system being referred to, insomuch is your reception via a satellite dish as used by Sky or Freesat? or alternatively Freeview via a normal aerial?
A post code being required if its the latter, as this enables access to details of the transmitter covering the area you happen to reside in.
| link to this comment |
Myra: DUK's coverage checker indicates your area as being served by either the Sutton Coldfield transmitter @ 61miles / 120 degrees, or The Wrekin @ 35miles / 140 degrees.
However, a terrain check on your location relative to that of both stations has revealed that the signal path from both Sutton Coldfield and The Wrekin transmitters suffers from line-of-sight blockages starting from approx 1 mile prior to the area you reside in, line-of-sight blockages always having a much greater effect on reception if the obstruction is located at only a relatively short distance away from the receiving aerial, any signal that is received being via diffraction (signal bending) likewise vulnerable to being affected by weather conditions / slight atmospheric changes etc and which I feel is the reason for your problem.
That said, although the signal might well have vanished from your screen its not necessarily the case that the signal doesn't exist, as its possibly just dropped under the threshold level necessary to resolve a picture, something which you can test for yourself using the following procedure provided that your Freeview TV or box has a manual tuning facility.
The procedure being: When the signal vanishes go into your TV or boxes tuning menu and select "manual tune",
then "if" your reception is from Sutton Coldfield enter 43 (BBC) into the box (if The Wrekin 26) but "stop" at this point, (do not press search or tune) because if any signal is being received the level of will appear in the strength / quality indicator bars no matter how low it might be. The point of the test being, that if you do get an indication of strength "and" quality (essential) then it might be possible to recover the picture with the aid of a variable powered booster.
By the way, have you ascertained if others in your area suffer from similar problems with reception?
| link to this comment |
Rob: Not quite sure about exactly what you are meaning, but though "if" you are referring to a 4G transmitter affecting the analogue output from a Sky boxes modulator? then a 4G filter fitted in line with the Sky boxes aerial input socket should (in theory) rectify the problem.
Its also advisable to set the modulators output on a lower channel number, of course ensuring that it doesn't clash with any of the Mux channels used by the station you receive Freeview from.
| link to this comment |
Paul curtis: Your area is indicated as mainly being covered by Bilsdale transmitter, this station listed on the "planned engineering works" page under the heading of "possible weak signal".
| link to this comment |
Mary sutherland: This type of problem can be caused by either a glitch having occurred in the box, or alternatively by the dish having been moved slightly out of alignment, e.g: blown by high wind, or struck by an object.
The easy way of testing if the former applies being to disconnect the box from the mains for about 30 seconds before reconnecting it again, checking if the channels have returned after the box has gone through the usual "checking for listings" procedure.
If by any chance they haven't, then carry out a signal check on the box. The procedure on a standard (or white Sky+) box being to press : Services - 4 - 6 and noting the levels indicated, both of having to be around 60% minimum (norm being higher) for satisfactory reception and with the quality "never" being under the strength, an indication usually always associated with a misaligned dish.
The procedure on Sky+ HD boxes being /
(1) : Press "Services" and you will see the main menu with "Options" being highlighted.
(2) : Press the right arrow once to change from Options to "Settings" and press on. (pictures highlighted)
(3) : Finally, scroll across to the right to select and press on "Signal", the grey bars now displayed will show you the strength / quality of the signal.
| link to this comment |
a. ayusawa: The problem referred to can easily be rectified by carrying out a retune on your TV or box, this action being necessary to update the programme guide due to changes having been made to the listing numbers.
| link to this comment |
a. ayusawa: I should of course have added, that 5USA is now on EPG21 and with VIVA being on EPG74.
| link to this comment |
Belynda Giles: Looking at the situation from another angle. As Mendip, the station indicated as covering your area, is on the engineering list under the heading of "possible weak signal, which in your case of being located at approximately 27 miles away from the transmitter could result in no signal being received, therefore, if by any chance you carried out a retune whist the signal was down? this action will have deleted everything stored in the tuners memory, creating the situation of frequent retunes being necessary to recover / reload the channels back into said memory.
Should though the aforementioned not be applicable in your particular case, then if, which appearances might possibly suggest, you are connected into a communal aerial system? it would be prudent to make an enquiry with a neighbour to ascertain if they are also suffering from the same problem with reception as yourself.
The point being, that although engineering work might well be in progress of being carried out, the signal is never turned down for any more than about an hour or so at the most.
| link to this comment |
Margaret: Advice as to the possible reason for your problem can only be given once the following points are known.
(1) : Your location, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a shop / post office. This info being necessary in order to access information on the transmitter covering your area.
(2) : Do you have your own aerial? or are you connected into a communal system? such as used in apartment blocks etc.
(3) : Is the aerial connected directly into the TV? or does it pass through some other device first?
| link to this comment |
Tony: The problem referred to could possibly be down to a temporary glitch having occurred on the COM4 / C42 transmitter, as no engineering work is being carried out at this station.
The main point to remember being, "not" to carry out a retune in an attempt to recover the channel, as all this will achieve is to delete all the COM4 programme channels already stored in the tuners memory, this then requiring frequent retunes (manual tune on C42) being made in order to recover them.
However, it would though be prudent to check with a neighbour or someone else nearby purely for confirmation that the signal on Mux C42 is actually down, thereby eliminating any possibility of the fault being associated with your equipment.
| link to this comment |
margaret: The Dalry area is indicated as being served by either the Darvell or Blackhill transmitters, the latter providing a better signal as far as the commercial channels are concerned.
However, as the TV in the second room would apparently receive all the channels OK, this then indicates that the signal is actually there, but is possibly being received at a level under that necessary to resolve a picture on your main TV, as tuner sensitivities vary from set to set.
Therefore, if your main TV is not wall mounted? you should try temporarily connecting it into the outlet socket used by the TV in the other room followed by carrying out a retune, if this results in the restoration of all channels? then the next stage is to reinstall the TV into its original location followed by checking that the channels normally viewed are still there.
Should they be OK? then this is inclined to suggest that your system could benefit from the addition of a powered amplifier / splitter to feed a higher level of signal into your two aerial outlet points.
However, before carrying out any of the aforementioned procedures, you should try carrying out a manufacturers reset on your TV or box, this procedure also known as "default setting" or "first time installation".
| link to this comment |
Ian: If your CCTV system is of the type that sends the image picked up by the camera to the TV via its aerial input socket? then this signal is from the control units "analogue" RF modulator, therefore in order to view the signal on your TV you will have to set the TV's "input select" button (on remote control) to "analogue", followed by carrying out a scan to pick up the signal sent out by the control units modulator, which its assumed is on C50 on your device, that is unless the analogue modulator offers the choice of more than one output channel.
Many CCTV devices do to avoid the possibly of the signal clashing with a channel used for Freeview reception, although C50 is OK in your particular case "if" you are receiving Freeview from Blackhill.
However, if on the other hand your CCTV device is of the "movement sensor" variety that couples into your TV via a scart lead connected into the TV's AV1 input? then that said with regards to analogue does not apply, in other words you do not require to alter anything on the TV, because as soon as movement is detected the control unit sends a signal (via scart lead) into the TV that switches it over to the CCTV device no matter what programme you happen to be viewing.
| link to this comment |
G,newcomb: Although engineering work is presently undergoing at the Pontop Pike transmitter, any periods of reduced power found to be necessary are usually only of an intermittent short term nature of possibly up to an hour or so, and although the effects of reduced power may not actually be noticed by viewers who reside in a good signal strength area, it can however cause problems to viewers located in less than ideal areas for reception, which judging by what you have mentioned "might" possibly be applicable to your location.
Although unable to assess if its liable to or not without a location being known, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from nearby, such as a shop / post office.
That said based on you "not" having carried out a rescan on finding a blank screen, because if you have? all this action achieves is to delete everything stored in your TV or boxes tuner, frequent rescans then being necessary in order to reload the channels back into the tuner.
If by any chance you havent carried out a rescan and yet the channels are still missing, it would be prudent to check with someone nearby to ascertain if they are also suffering from similar problems with reception, the purpose of the check being to eliminate the problem being associated with your installation.
| link to this comment |
D Mutter: If your are meaning that programme channels normally viewed are now indicating no channel when selected, then carry out a reset / retune on your TV or box to update the programme guide, as changes were recently made to some of the the EPG listing numbers.
If though on the other hand you are referring to additional HD channels broadcast on COM7 and COM8 multiplexes, then Dover is not one of the stations allocated to provide extended HD services.
| link to this comment |
Gary Briggs: Indications suggest that you are receiving Freeview from the Hemel Hempstead Town transmitter located at just over 1 mile away, no faults being listed against the transmitter nor is any engineering work taking place at the station, therefore although you have tried a few measures to overcome the problem such as trying a new booster, your best policy would be to ascertain if the problem is actually associated with your installation or not by checking with some other household in the area to find out if they are also suffering from similar problems with reception.
My reason for suggesting this being two fold, the first being the fact of the signal path from the low powered (8 watts) transmitter being obstructed by dense vegetation in the Felden Lane area, secondly that there is also the possibility of 4G being involved, as the frequencies used by H / Town transmitter are in the range potentially most affected by any 4G transmission tests possibly being conducted in the area.
| link to this comment |
Grant: With regards to the aerial being placed next to the window, does the window referred to face towards the Clevedon Road railway bridge (@ 81 degrees) where the transmitter is located?
The point that has to be appreciated being, that the Kelvindale transmitter only rated at 2 watts output with its transmission being vertically polarised, and even although its located at only 0.6 miles away from you it cannot be taken as a foregone conclusion that you will receive a workable signal from it under your particular circumstances.
You should try a test by going into the tuning menu on your TV or box, selecting "manual" tune" followed by entering C52 (Kelvindales BBC) into the box but "not" followed by pressing search or scan!, because on most devices if any signal is being received the level / quality of will appear on the indicator bars no matter how low the signal might be.
If nothing is being indicated? leave this menu on the screen and move the aerial around to see if there are any traces of a signal, as this procedure causes the tuner to act like a form of signal meter devoid of threshold cut off levels.
| link to this comment |
J: P/code indications would suggest that you are connected into a communal aerial system, if you are? then you should check with someone else who resides in the block to find out if they are also experiencing problems with reception, as a fault could have developed on the distribution amplifier system.
The other point to remember being, that as you have already tried retuning your TV or box and not received any signal, then the retuning action when no signal is present will have deleted all channels stored in your TV or boxes tuner, frequent retunes now being required to recover same otherwise you will be unaware when/if the fault has been rectified.
That said being on the basis of you having checked the jumper lead coupling your tv into the wall plate outlet socket, and that you are on a communal aerial system.
| link to this comment |
Grant : Small correction to that said regarding the location of your local transmitter, it is of course Dalsholm Road railway bridge (next to the recycling centre) and not Clevedon Road.
The other point I ommited to mention being to try the test twice, one with the gain control fully advanced, and the other with it set at minimum.
| link to this comment |
John Dunmall: When you cancel your Sky subscription your viewing card automatically reverts to being a normal viewing card of the type referred to, as all Sky does is to disable (via OA download) the access code which enables you to view the channels associated with the package you happen to be subscribed to.
You can of course view a range of channels on a Sky box without the card even being inserted into the box, as all the card really does (when no subscription is involved) is to allocate the news services etc appropriate to the area you reside in, otherwise the box defaults to London.
However, you will lose the recording and playback side of your box by cancelling your subscription, plus you will be restriced as far as viewing HD channels are concerned, as you will be limited to BBC HD channels / ITV1HD / Ch4 HD but not anything of a +1 nature.
But though on the subject of recording, Sky was offering ex-subscription customers the chance of retaining the recording / playback side of their box if they took out a new subscription "purely for this purpose" at the time of cancelling their package, the cost being around £10.00 or so per month, although to my knowledge, most viewers decided against going down this route and opted to purchase a Freesat twin tuner recorder which is 100% compatible with Sky dish systems.
By the way, you can easily find out what you will, or will not be able to view once you cancel your subscription by removing your card then running through the channels normally viewed.
| link to this comment |
wayne: Stating that the TV "is tuned in correctly" is inclined to suggest that you are recording from the TV into your recorder?, if you are, then did you remember to set the video recorders "input" selector to the socket used on the recorder to connect it into the TV? And of course "not" placed the TV in standby unless its known that recordings can still be made whilst its in the standby mode.
By the way, according to the programme guide on my recorder True Entertainment starts at 06.00 every day, with The Waltons being on at this time next Saturday and Sunday.
| link to this comment |
John Dunmall: On the latter mentioned, the answer is yes, as both boxes would be operating completely independent of each other.
However, if your Sky HD multiroom box is of the Sky + (recording) variety and not just an HD Sky receiver, then the twin feeds from the dish would enable you to purchase a Freesat HD twin tuner recorder (PVR) to replace it, as this would allow you to view one channel whilst recording another, or indeed record two channels at the same time in exactly the same way as on a Sky+ box.
If though your multiroom box is only a receiver? then you will only have one feed from the dish, which although being perfect for a Freesat HD receiver, e.g: A Manhattan HD-S2 @ £44.00 (J/Lewis) being an excellent lower cost device, you could possibly have a second coax feed run from the dishes LNB "if", as is likely to be the case, its fitted with a 4 port quad block, although if its not, quad block kits are available from e-bay outlets for only around £10.00 or so.
| link to this comment |
Darren Glynn : If the reason for asking this question is because you are unable to view programmes in HD?, then this is most likely down to your TV or box only being fitted with a DVB-T tuner, and "not" one of the DVB-T2 variety required for HD reception.
If you TV or box has a manual tuning option try scanning C21 which is Nottinghams PSB3 HD multiplex, if no signal is received then the tuner fitted in your receiver is a DVB-T type.
| link to this comment |
John Jones: The answer to your question is dependant on various factors, and so maybe you could clarify on the following points.
(1) : Are the Humax 1010's ("if" two are involved) intended to work in parallel with the Sky boxes in order to offer each room the choice of viewing either Sky or Freesat?.
(2) : What input connection facilities are offered on the TV's involved? because if both are fitted with HDMI inputs? then HDMI leads could be used to couple the Humax 1010's into the TV's in the same way as possibly already done in the case of your Sky HD box.
(3) : If your Sky boxes are of the Sky+ variety? then each will have two coax feeds coming from the dish, two more then being required for each of the Humax 1010's, that is unless you fit a two way "satellite" grade switch box onto each of the two feeds from the dish prior to them terminating on the Sky boxes LNB input sockets.
A more precise answer can be given once the aforementioned points are clarified.
| link to this comment |
John Dunmall: I would certainly second that said by MikeB as far as Humax is concerned, as speaking from the engineering point of view, Humax brand devices are known as being about the best in the market for overall reliability and performance, this backed up by my own Humax Freesat twin tuner HD PVR having given 100% reliable service for over four years now since purchasing same, the device having been powered up continuously over the entire time.
This company manufactures a number of Freesat PVR's with slightly different specifications, some more sophisticated that others, and so rather than rhyme them off you can have a look at what's on offer by clicking on the undermentioned link, the Freesat range shown on the right hand side of the screen, although ignore the HB1000S as its only a receiver.
HUMAX
By the way, on the subject of Manhattan, although I did recommend the HD-S2 Freesat receiver, this does not necessarily extend to the PVR version of this receiver.
| link to this comment |
Dawn Pryor: Your safest bet would be to use any channel in the range from 63 - 68, remembering to set your TV on "analogue" before retuning it to pick up the Sky boxes modulator.
| link to this comment |
Dawn Pryor : In addition to that said. The procedure of choosing a channel for a Sky boxes modulator to operate on to avoid it clashing with one used by the local DTT transmitter is no longer necessary since DTT transmissions ceased using channels from 61 upwards, this being the reason why I stated to choose anything from 63 - 68 as these channels are safe to use irrespective of where a person might reside in the UK as nothing transmits in this range.
I would though avoid using channels 61 and 62, as these two channels are in the range liable to cause problems in the "analogue" tuner of the TV receiving the signal from the Sky box, that is should any 4G transmissions be operating in your area.
| link to this comment |
Steve : Although being located at just over 5 miles away from the Bluebell Hill transmitter, the terrain indicator reveals multiple obstructions to the signal path from said transmitter starting at around 1.75 miles prior to your particular area, this being a possible reason for your problem.
Taking this fact into consideration, if at all possible, you should try and make one or two enquiries with others in your immediate area to find out if reception problems of a similar nature to your own are also being experienced elsewhere, if they are, then this will save you wasting time searching for something which is effectively outwith your control.
That said though, you should carry out a signal strength / quality check on the BBC1 and ITV1 channels stored in your TV or box for the purpose of ensuring that the tuner has not stored Freeview channels from Crystal Palace rather than Bluebell Hill, Crystal Palace which uses lower channel numbers, therefore being scanned first by your tuner, indicated as also being receivable in your location albeit with a somewhat less reliable signal.
Bluebell Hills channels being : 46 (BBC1) - 43 (ITV1) - 40(HD) - 45 - 39 - 54 - 32
Crystal Palace : 23 (BBC1) - 26 (ITV1) - 30 (HD) - 25 - 22 - 28 - 33 - 35
| link to this comment |
Dave Lindsay: Yes, quite correct, as 4G providers were indeed allocated individual slots to operate on over the range of channels mentioned. However what I was really getting at in my posting, albeit not explained very well, is that it's unlikely anyone using the output of a Sky boxes modulator to feed the analogue signal into a TV in another room would experience any problems by using this range of channels.
My reasoning behind this being based on the fact, that if they were resident in an area close to a 4G transmitter, the effects of (if any!) would manifest itself by causing problems to their Freeview reception well before being high enough to impose noise (grain etc) on the analogue picture. Plus, if they had previously been experiencing problems with Freeview reception as the result of 4G transmissions, then their aerial system will already be fitted with an in-line 4g filter, and as such eliminating any remote possibility of experiencing any problems in the first place.
Of course, it goes without saying that this only applies to Sky box users who also use Freeview, because if they don't, then they wouldn't have anything connected into the Sky boxes aerial input socket.
| link to this comment |
m.whitbrook: Although some Freesat devices do not have very good signal strength / quality indicators, but you should carry out a check on the programme channels you are having problems with, observing the indications seen over about a minute or so to check for any possible variations in levels that might occur.
By the way, the quality should never at any time be lower than the strength, as this is usually an indication of the dish being slightly out of alignment, and which if it does apply, is nearly always in the horizontal (left / right) plane.
If though the quality is seen to intermittently jump up and down, then as well as possibly being a symptom of a bad connection on one of the "F" connectors, it can also be one of water having entered the "F" connector on the LNB.
Another thing to observe being that nothing is intermittently obstructing the dishes view of the Skyline, such as branches from trees or vegetation of any other sort, that is should you reside in an area where this is likely to apply!
| link to this comment |
Maggie: The undermentioned is a statement made by the channel on May 8th.
Sky & Virgin Media viewers : The Africa Channel is currently experiencing technical issues. Service will resume shortly. Please bare with us.
| link to this comment |
dennny: A test code from the Rugby area used in the reception predictor does not indicate the Dallington Park Freeview light transmitter as being receivable anywhere near to your area, and so your report of the signal breaking up is not really surprising.
The station indicated as providing the best signal in the Rugby area, and which you neighbour across the road is most likely receiving from, is Sutton Coldfield at 29 miles away on a bearing of roughly 301 degrees (dependent on where located), with Waltham @ 35 miles / approx 32 degrees being the second best.
| link to this comment |
jayne: Cancelling your Sky subscription will only result in you not being able to view channels that are linked to the subscription. If though your Sky box is of the + (recording) variety, then Sky will disable access to this side of the box.
You can easily find out what you will be able to view simply by removing the card and running through the programme list, any that requires a subscription will trigger the caption, "please insert viewing card".
By the way, when you say that the picture breaks up into little pixels when you turn the Sky box off, are you referring to that seen on a Freeview TV or box?
| link to this comment |
jayne : In addition to that said. If you are referring to a picture seen on a Freeview device? then if your Freeview devices (TV or box) aerial input socket is connected into the Sky boxes RF1 / 2 rather than the actual aerial, this being connected into the Sky boxes aerial input socket, then your picture "will" break up (or vanish) if you switch the Sky box off.
Should your system be connected in this way? then you can get over the problem by simply connecting the lead from the actual aerial straight into the Freeview TV rather than into the Sky box.
| link to this comment |
Sharon Allbrighton: 5 USA is broadcast on the COM4 multiplex as is ITV3. Rather than just retuning your TV, try carrying out a reset on it first, this also known as "Manufacturers reset" / "Default setting" / "First time installation" etc.
By the way, 5 USA is on EPG21 and with VIVA being on EPG74.
| link to this comment |
Re : Waltham. - Purely for information purposes.
Although COM8 / C37 has been running on test for the last three weeks or so albeit with a dead carrier, as from today (12th May) it is now broadcasting QVC+1 HD on EPG111, and with QVC Beauty HD on EPG112.
Needless to say, viewers receiving Freeview from the Waltham transmitter will have to carry out a retune on their TV or box in order to update the programme guide, further retunes being necessary as programmes are added.
| link to this comment |
Jim Jackson: As the problem is only affecting one of your TV's, then the problem is more likely to be caused by a faulty aerial connection rather than a defective aerial amplifier, as amplifier failure would affect both TV's.
You should check the jumper lead used to connect the TV into the wall plate outlet socket "whilst the TV is working", wiggling the cable at both ends whilst observing the picture for glitches.
One point I was wondering about being, when TV in question failed again after a few days, provided that you did "not" immediately try retuning it again when it failed, it would have been interesting to know the result if you had tried it out back in the other room previously used to retune it.
| link to this comment |
S Brown: The Newbattle Freeview light relay transmitter (the one referred to?) will have no effect whatsoever with your Freeview reception, that is unless whoever has provided you with the information has been referring to a 4G phone mast?
However, on the subject of reception, the Craigkelly (Fife) transmitter is the station indicated as the one covering your area rather than that mentioned of Blackhill, this latter station indicated with a status of poor as far as signal reliability is concerned.
As no engineering work is being carried out at any of the aforementioned stations, its advisable to make one or two local enquiries to ascertain if anyone else in the area is suffering from similar problems with reception, the purpose of being to eliminate the possibility of your aerial system being responsible for the problem.
By the way, Craigkelly transmits on the following multiplex channels.
27 - 24 - 21 - 42 - 45 - 39 / COM7 33 / COM8 34 / L-EDN (local) 30.
Blackhill
46 - 43 - 40 - 41 - 44 - 47
| link to this comment |
LOX: Yes, for the time being anyway, this being in common with all other stations COM8 multiplexes of the "On air" variety.
It is though advisable to carry out a rescan now and again in order to update the programme guide, purely to check if any additions associated with COM8 have been made to it.
| link to this comment |
BOLANLE ILORI : Basically no, as POP (125) along with City TV (8) is transmitted on Sutton Coldfields LB (Local) multiplex transmitter which is aimed at providing the service to viewers in and around the Birmingham area, likewise with the signal being beamed in that direction, Coventry being well outwith the coverage area of this transmitter.
I am unaware, as yet, of any plans to provide the Coventry area with a similar local service.
| link to this comment |
john robertson: No, as Sky will disable this side of your box at time of cancelling your subscription.
If though you wish to retain the recording and playback side of your box, Sky will allow this provided that you take out another subscription for this purpose (and only that!) at a cost of around £10.25 per month, however most ex Sky subscribers decline going down this route and opt to change over to "subscription free" Freesat, usually purchasing a twin tuner Freesat HD recorder which offers exactly the same facilities as a Sky+ HD box.
Sky and Freesat devices being 100% compatible with each other as far as dish connections are concerned.
| link to this comment |
Lewis Spedding: The problem referred to is more inclined to be caused by some form of glitch having occurred in your TV or boxes tuner, you should try carrying out a manufacturers reset on your Freeview device rather than just a normal auto-tune, as resetting wipes out everything stored in the tuner including any possible data glitches.
By the way, "reset" is also known on some devices as "default setting" - "first time installation" or some other similar sounding meaning.
| link to this comment |
Lewis Spedding : Meant also to say. That this procedure is sometimes more effective on some Freeview devices if the device in question (TV or box) is completely switched off (unpowered) "after" having carried out the reset, the retuning being carried out once the TV or box is powered up again.
| link to this comment |
Ian Steel: If you are referring to a late edition Sky+HD box? then these devices are not fitted with RF modulators, therefore the way of getting around the problem is by purchasing a device called an I.O port modulator. This is effectively an external RF modulator which is connected into the I.O port on the rear of your box and which performs exactly the same as the previous internal same.
These devices can be obtained from a variety of suppliers such as e-bay or Amazon etc, the undermentioned links used purely to illustrate the type of device I am referring to.
GLOBAL iO-LINK TVLINK RF OUT REPLICATOR MODULATOR FOR SKY HD - Turbosat International Ltd
Triax IO Link RF Output FOR SKY HD BOX USE 370419 | eBay
If though you are not referring to the aforementioned? then please give the model number of the box in question.
| link to this comment |
Kevin Farley : Although as MikeP has mentioned, a post code is really required in the interests of accuracy, however according to DUK's reception predictor the post code of RH8 9EH is best served by Crystal palace (@ 12miles) and with Reigate (@ 9 miles) being second best, Heathfield (@ 22 miles) not being receivable except for D&4 and SDN, although both are indicated with a status of poor.
It should also be pointed out, that only Crystal Palace and Reigate's PSB multiplexes are indicated with the status of good, all COM's from both stations having the status of variable.
| link to this comment |
Ian: Try the following.
Make sure that you have the coax to the other room connected into the boxes RF2 outlet and "not" RF1.
(1) Press : Services then 4 (picture highlighted)
(2) Press : 0 - 0 - 1 - Select (this will take you into the installers menu)
(3) Select : 4 - then press on RF outlets.
(4) Finally : Ensure that RF2 power is switched on.
(By the way, when you press 0 - 0 -1 - Select, do it in continuous fashion)
If the Sky link light is still off, try connecting it straight into the Sky boxes RF2 outlet.
| link to this comment |
Patricia: As no engineering work is listed against the Ashburton transmitter, the best policy would be to find out if anyone else in your area is also suffering a similar problem with their reception, because they are, then this will eliminate the fault being associated with your installation.
If though others are also being affected, then the problem could be caused by the "electrical power supply to the transmitter" being interrupted due your local energy supply company carrying out essential maintenance work, something which will not be listed as a transmitter fault.
As far as the fault being associated with an installation is concerned, one example of where a time factor can be involved is on an installation that uses a mains powered aerial amplifier connected into a socket fed via an electro mechanical time switch used for other purposes, e.g: switching outside lights off / on, any interruption in the power supply to the time switch upsetting the on/off time, likewise the Freeview signal.
Further advice dependant on feedback.
| link to this comment |
Christine: Pressing "OK" on some brands of devices can result in the TV or box rescanning to update the programme guide, the problem there being, that "if" you reside in an area where programmes can be picked up from more than one station? your equipment has possibly tuned into the one with the weaker signal.
You should try carrying out another retune as this "might" rectify the problem, if though it doesn't, then your reception possibilities can be checked if you indicate your location, this preferably in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a shop / post office.
| link to this comment |
Tommy Dobson: Your problem is possibly down to the planned engineering work being carried out at Pontop Pike this week, as a "possible weak signal" notification has been in force since the 18th.
You should try carrying out a standard retune in the evenings and check if this resolves the situation, although it may not dependant on the reason for it having to be temporarily reduced in the first place.
However, a better way to determine if the signal has returned to normal without upsetting programme channels already stored, is "if" your TV/box offers a manual tuning facility? if it does, then carry out a "manual" scan on the PSB Mux C49 (BBC / ITV etc HD) the two other HD Muxes being COM7 / C33 and COM8 / C34.
| link to this comment |
Nigel Gout: Quest (37) is on the same multiplex as ITV3 (10), if you are also unable to view the latter then you are not receiving COM4/SDN.
It should though be noted that engineering work has been taking place at Rowridge since 18th, with a "possible service interruptions" tag listed against the station, and so this might be the reason for your problem.
As COM4 from Rowridge transmits on Mux C25, try carrying out a manual scan on C25 now and again, as this might resolve the problem without upsetting anything already stored.
Just out of interest, is your aerial mounted vertically or horizontally? as the ERP power on COM4 horizontal is only 50Kw, whereas on vertical its 200Kw, therefore should any temporary reduction in power prove to necessary for safety reasons etc, this will always have a greater effect on installations with horizontally mounted aerials.
| link to this comment |
david brown: If, as appearances might possibly suggest, you are connected into a communal aerial system? then its advisable to check if any of the other residents in the apartment block are also experiencing a no signal problem, if they aren't, then you should check the jumper lead used to connect your TV or box into the wall socket.
The reason for suggesting this being, that although Sudbury was tagged as having a weak signal on the 19th & 20th, however according to engineering info it did not apply to the 21st / 22nd.
Another point to note being, that is "if" applicable, should you retuned your TV / box whilst the signal was down? then this will have deleted everything stored in the tuners memory, another retune being required to recover same.
| link to this comment |
Brett dingwall: Intermittent reception of a Sky satellite signal is in almost 100% of occasions caused by a problem with the installation rather than anything connected with Sky.
You should go into the signal test screen and check that the strength and quality are indicating at least 50% or so, with the quality preferably indicating higher than the strength, if its lower, then this is an indication that the dish is slightly out of alignment.
Whist on the signal test screen, try wiggling the "F" connector(s) on the rear of the box watching for any variation in the levels, which of course there should "not" be unless something is slack.
If you experience a problem accessing the test screen, assistance can be given if the model number of the box in question is known.
Intermittent reception can also be as the result of water having crept into the "F" connector on the dishes LNB, unscrewing same and drying out nearly always rectifying the problem.
Another reason (albeit less common) is by the dish being partially obstructed by vegetation, such as a branch of a tree being blown by the wind.
| link to this comment |
a heron: Although you may well be working on a building site in Aberdeen, info is required as to the location of said site, i.e: an approximate post code, as although the Durris transmitter covers most of the Aberdeen area, many black spots for reception exist to the NorthWest of the city, this area being covered by the Balgownie Freeview light transmitter.
However, that said, indoor aerials are never entirely satisfactory for Freeview reception as they are vulnerable to movement with the room, but as far as recommendations are concerned, any indoor aerial with a built in amplifier is your best bet.
If though the scaffolding referred to will be in place until the end of the project , then a small log periodic aerial mounted on the scaffolding could prove to be more satisfactory, the undermentioned being a link for the item referred to.
Labgear LPCT Compact Log Periodic Aerial - 4G: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
Labgear LPCT Compact Log Periodic Aerial - 4G: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
| link to this comment |
MikeB: I very much doubt that there will be, as members of my family have informed me that the mornings on Notts TV comprises of a permanent (zero audio) live feed of Peregrine Falcons sitting in their nest, the info caption stating that viewers can observe their progress over the entire period , a statement which to me anyway, is strongly related to the old saying of "watching paint dry".
| link to this comment |
Sharon collins: You should try carrying out a "manufacturers reset" on the TV, as what you have reported could possibly be due to a glitch having occurred in the TV's processing circuitry.
By the way, "manufacturers reset" is also known as "default setting" / "first time installation" etc.
| link to this comment |
Kath: Although an indication of inputs 1 & 2 not being locked can be caused by a fault having developed in the box, but though, it can also be symptomatic of the box not receiving a signal due to the dish having been knocked out of alignment, or alternatively something having happened to the coax cables from said dish.
As far as a fault in the box is concerned, about the only fault Sky boxes of the older variety suffer from is power unit failure caused by defective (dried out) electrolytic capacitors, a simple way to test being to disconnect the box from the mains for about 25 minutes or so to cool down before reconnecting again, if the box bursts back into to life then the power unit is defective, likewise likely to fail again after an hour or so.
When you mention "going back to normal TV viewing", if your TV is capable of freeview reception and your aerial is still OK?, then there is no reason for not being able to return to normal viewing, just make sure that the aerial is connected into the TV and that the TV's remote control "input select" button is set to either TV/D/or DVB, you should also remove the scart cable connecting the Sky box into the TV.
By the way, is the colour of your SKY+ box white?
| link to this comment |
a heron: Although the Durris transmitter is indicated as being able to provide excellent reception in Fraser Street and surrounding areas, this may not necessarily apply in your particular situation, that is, of being screened from the signal due to residing in the ground floor of a three story building, and which would appear to be surrounded by other buildings of a similar structure
Taking this into account, I very much doubt if you will be to achieve satisfactory reception unless you manage to mount the aerial as high as you can on the scaffolding, dropping a length of coax from same down to your ground floor location, the aerial mentioned in the link on my previous reply being ideal for the job.
By the way, the Durris transmitter is located at 15 miles away on a bearing of 224 degrees, if though you are unsure of the angle you are facing, use the direction the communal aerials are facing that's installed on the gable ends of the surrounding buildings.
| link to this comment |
Gilli Pettinger: This type of problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the signal being wiped out by severe localised interference emanating from equipment being used by a neighbour, although this is not so likely to apply if your place of residence is separated from your neighbours, i.e: not through a wall.
Apart from that, if the aerial input socket on your TV is fed via the PVR's in / out sockets, the next time the signal goes off try connecting the aerial directly into the TV.
Another thing to try, is selecting say ITV1 on your TV and also the PVR, switching between the two receiving sources when the signal vanishes using the "input select" (or source) button on the TV's remote control.
This test is only to verify that the signal has actually vanished, and that the problem is not being caused by the actual TV or PVR.
Maybe you could also clarify regarding the following. Is your roof aerial exclusively for your own use? and if it is, is any form of powered distribution amplifier being used?
Further advice dependant on feedback.
| link to this comment |
David Potter: Its better to refer to the inputs as being either LNB1 (dish input 1) & LNB2 (dish input 2) rather than RHS & LHS, which is dependant on where you are viewing them from (top or rear).
However, if you are receiving a signal on dish input 1 but not on input 2 (or vice-versa) and swapping the two inputs over does not make any difference to the situation, then this indicates that the boxes number 2 input has failed.
Should by any chance you happen to have access to a simple voltmeter capable of measuring 0 - 20 volts DC, try connecting it (in turn) across the centre pin and screwed thread on each of the two inputs which should give an indication of around 13+volts, if one of them doesn't, then the power supply to same is defective, something which no amount of rebooting / resetting is liable to make any difference to, as LNB power off / on (in the settings menu) affects both tuners at the same time.
That said is based on you "not" having set the box to single input mode.
You should also check the LNB settings using the undermentioned procedure
LNB checking - reset on a Sky HD box.
1:- Press services on your Sky remote control and you will see the main menu with "Options" highlighted.
2:- Highlight the "Settings" menu using the right arrow button and press select.
3:- Press "0 - 1 - Select" to access the Installer setup menu (this menu is not listed on the Settings menu options).
4:- Press Select to see the Setup menu displayed with Hi and Lo band frequencies indicated.
The correct LNB values should read:
LNB Type: Standard
1:- Low Band LO Frequency: 9.75
2:- High Band LO Frequency:10.60
3:- LNB Power Supply: ON
4:- 22 KHz Command: ON
5:- Single feed mode normally off.
Press the red button to reset them to default values even although they may
already be indicating them.
| link to this comment |
j waters: Its not really possible for anyone to offer advice with such scant information, insomuch that any query involving a "freeview" (not satellite) reception problem "has" to be accompanied by a location, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from nearby, i,e: a shop / post office, this info being essential to enable access to details on the transmitting station that covers the area you happen to reside in.
It would also be of assistance if the brand / model of the TV being referred to was known.
| link to this comment |
Bea: If you are referring to a genuine Freeview box and not a Freesat box?, then the former has to be connected into a normal roof or loft mounted aerial system and "not" coax cables previously used by a Sky satellite box, these only being suitable for use with Freesat devices.
| link to this comment |
David Potter: As you have now verified that both LNB input sockets on the box are indeed powered, and that the LNB settings match up with the check list and yet no signal is received / indicated on input 1 nomatter which of the two input cables are connected into that input, this then makes your options somewhat limited to carrying out either a "new install", or, the more dastardly "system reset".
The reason for describing the latter as such, is that although it's the most effective way of eliminating any glitches which "may" have developed in the boxes operating system by returning it to its original "out of the box" condition, it does so at the expense of deleting everything stored in the hard drive including your recordings.
Of course in saying that, if a "component" fault has developed in the tuner used by dish input 1 rather than some odd form of glitch, then resetting the box is unlikely to resolve the situation, and so if "new install" does not make any difference to the situation and you have a number of favourite programmes recorded in the hard drive, you will really have to choose if it's worth deleting them in an attempt to overcome the tuner problem.
The only other way of getting over that difficulty being to record programmes stored in the hard drive onto a separate recorder, the snag being that it has to be done in "real time", as there is no way of speeding it up.
| link to this comment |
David Potter: Well, it certainly doesn't look too promising, but nothing to worry about regarding the "new install" option, as it "is" simply achieved by selecting and pressing on it then following any instructions that might appear on the screen.
On the subject of a software upgrade, there would be no harm in trying it so long as you didn't attempt to alter anything whilst it was being carried out, as in some cases it can take a considerable time giving the impression that the box has locked up. Undermentioned is a link explaining the procedure dependant on the model being used.
Updating the software on your Sky box - Sky Community
By the way, in your original posting you mentioned having rebooted your box, are you meaning that you disconnected it from the mains after having placed it in standby? should you not have done, then try that as well.
Procedure used to select "new install".
1 : Press "Services" on your Sky remote and you'll see the "Options" menu
highlighted.
2 : Press the right arrow to select "Settings" then press on.
3 : Press (in smooth succession) 0 - 1 - Select then you will see the
set up screen.
4 : Press the right arrows to highlight "Install" which then changes to New
Install when you do this - press "select".
5: Follow the instructions on your TV screen until you see the message
"Installation Complete" is displayed then press select.
| link to this comment |
David Potter: Re: reference to "one good signal", you have to look at it from the point of view that the signal on "both inputs" from the dish must be OK, because if your problem was caused by a fault in the coax (or the LNB port on the dish) feeding into the boxes LNB1, then the signal would have returned when you swapped the boxes two inputs over, the fact that it didn't, indicating that the tuner associated with LNB1's input socket is the reason for your problem.
That said, the thing that still puzzles me about your problem is the fact that any signal at all is being indicated, that is "if" your rebooting exercise involved disconnecting the box from the mains, (which it should have done) the reason for saying that being, LNB1 is the main input on a Sky box, LNB2 being secondary, therefore the box cannot be tuned up unless a signal is being received on LNB1's input, and yet you have reported a signal being indicated on LNB2.
Therefore I would like you to try one final test "without switching the box off". Go into the signal test screen on the box checking that a signal is still being indicated on the LNB2 input, the next stage is to remove the "F" connector on LNB1's input and leave it aside, now unscrew the "F" connector going into the boxes LNB2 and connect it into LNB1 and see if anything is indicated on No1's signal indicator bar.
By the way, signals can on occasions take about 10/15 seconds or so to appear, so don't rush this test.
Regarding a non+ box / Freesat box, Sky (or ex Sky) dishes and leads from are 100% compatible with all Freesat devices, the same rules apply as with Sky+, insomuch that a single lead is only suitable for use with a receiver, whereas a twin tuner Freesat PVR (recorder) requires twin feeds.
| link to this comment |
Hill: No! as you are referring to two completely different operating systems, insomuch that satellite reception can only be achieved via a dish, whereas aerials are only suitable for use with "freeview" devices.
| link to this comment |
David Potter: Well, now that the LHS/RHS aspect has been clarified (your reply on the 5th @10.54am having somewhat swayed me) then yes!, as the tuner associated with LNB2/dish 2's input would appear to be defective. However, the various tests you carried were not necessarily a waste of time, as they are applicable to "both" tuners used in the box.
That said, there is one (and only one) procedure that can be carried out where one tuner can be singled out from the other, that being by selecting "single input mode" on the box, this procedure killing the power supply on dish input 2's side of the box, then "after" completion of the process reverting the box back to normal, the idea being that this might possibly shock the tuner into operation again, if though it doesn't, then I'm afraid that there isn't anything else to try.
By the way, the single input mode as you have possibly noticed, is in the LNB set up screen.
Just in case you were wondering, the single input mode is not really of any assistance to you "if" you are wishing the record programmes, as you can only record a programme being broadcast on the same transponder (satellite equivalent of a Freeview multiplex) as you might be viewing.
| link to this comment |
keith Blackham : If, as you have said, others in your area are also experiencing similar problems with reception then the reason for is obviously outwith your control, that is unless an alternative station is found as providing a more stable signal.
As far as your aerials direction is concerned, a rooftop aerial check (via Google) in your area indicates aerials as being vertically mounted matching up with the polarity of the local Bromsgrove transmitter, but though, according to your post code, located at an angle of 190 degrees, the Ridge Hill transmitter being at an angle of 217 degrees but which is a horizontally polarised transmitter.
You can of course study this for yourself by opening the undermentioned link, this giving details of the various stations and the Mux channels used said stations, as this will enable you to check where a channel is being received from.
It will also be noticed that the channels used by Bromsgrove are also used by two other stations, namely Larke Stoke and The Wrekin, this under certain atmospheric conditions being something which "might" cause problems with reception.
Coverage Checker - Detailed View
| link to this comment |
Dave Lindsay: Sorry for the delay in replying, this being due to working in another area which involved an overnight stay. However as far as your query is concerned, yes! in the majority of cases they do, and with no problems whatsoever being experienced with reception, that is provided none of the transmitters involved are only being received via diffraction and why I had mentioned "atmospheric conditions, as signals received under these conditions can suffer from elements of data corruption, which on its own is neither here nor there, but not if the signal is part of a synchronised SFN network.
My main thoughts being centred on The Wrekin, that is even although DUK indicates that reception from this transmitter is possible in B61, as I personally have my doubts about whether or not it can actually be received in Keith's B61 location, albeit with this being well-nigh impossible to confirm without a series of mobile checks being made.
| link to this comment |
kelly gray: Unfortunately there isnt any way of knowing if the dish is fully operational or not without testing it out by borrowing someone else's receiver, which of course can either be a Sky or Freesat box,
| link to this comment |
Brian Porter : The best way to test if 4G is responsible for your problem is simply by temporarily removing the aerial from your sky boxes "aerial input" socket.
If the problem vanishes, then it could be that either 4G is responsible, or that your Sky boxes RF modulator is set on a channel used by a Freeview transmitter, unable to advise on the best channel to use as you haven't provided your location, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from nearby, i.e: a shop / post office.
| link to this comment |
Andy: Apart from anything else said, you should also keep in mind that engineering work is presently being carried out at the Winter Hill transmitter, the work having started on the 8th, a notice to this effect of "possible weak signal" having been posted on the engineering page.
| link to this comment |
Dave: This is, or was, as it should on again by now, the reason for your inability to receive 5 live today.
Radio 5 Live - Planned work at the Moorside Edge Transmitter
Due to essential engineering work, we have had to temporarily shut down one of our major transmitters in the north of England, making 909AM unavailable to 5 live listeners in that area. To keep listening to 5 live, you can still find us on DAB digital radio, Digital television or online via bbc.co.uk/5live. Service will be restored after the work is completed, which is expected to be around 7pm. We're sorry for any disruption to your listening that this may cause.
| link to this comment |
Tim H: You should carry out a test on the outlet socket used by your main TV by temporarily connecting the bedroom TV into it and selecting channel 60.
If the bedroom TV has a signal checking facility? check the strength of C60 whilst its still connected into the bedroom outlet, and use this for comparisons purposes against the indication obtained when its connected into the main sets outlet.
Of course, if your main TV is moveable? you could always try the test in reverse.
| link to this comment |
Stephen: Regarding the latter query in your posting, yes! its entirely possible for one device to play up whilst another connected into the same aerial system doesn't, the reason for being purely down to the design of the tuner, as wide variations can be found across a range of tuners as far as their sensitivity and stability levels are concerned.
On the subject of 4G, transmissions from this source can affect freeview reception by swamping / desensitising the tuner, the effect of making it insensitive to picking up freeview transmissions, however judging by what you have said, I more inclined to think that the tuner used by the PC has the edge on the ones fitted into your TV and freeview box.
If you wish to find out if any 4G transmitter equipment is operating (or being tested) in your area, a company set up for this purpose called AT800 are the people to ask, details available via the link.
Contact us | Advice or general enquiries | at800
| link to this comment |
Frank: If you are referring to a standard Sky box? then use the undermentioned procedure.
Press SERVICES on your remote control
Select (4) :- SYSTEM SET UP
Select (4) :- ADD CHANNELS
Then enter the following /
FREQUENCY :- Punch in 10.964
POLARISATION :- H
SYMBOL RATE :- 22.0
FEC :- 5/6
followed by selecting and pressing on FIND CHANNELS.
When the new channels are found, highlight FIVE by pressing the
Yellow button, not forgetting to press store after the channel has been selected
Ch5 can be viewed by selecting SERVICES then OTHER CHANNELS, this accessing the menu where manually tuned channels are stored.
| link to this comment |
tim: Selecting and clicking on "digitaluk trade" under your posting indicates that your area is served by the Hannington transmitter
Coverage Checker - Detailed View
Maybe you could explain as far as exactly what is not working?
| link to this comment |
Walt: According to that seen on digitaluk's coverage checker it is, and although numerous reception dead spots exist along the beam angle of this transmitter, your particular location would appear well to the right of the one nearest to your area.
If you have recently retuned your Freeview TV or box and no signal was indicated on C57, this does not necessarily mean that the signal isn't there, as it could be, but is being received at a level just under that necessary to resolve a picture.
The way to test if it is or not, is by going into your Freeview devices "manual" tuning menu and entering C57, but stopping at this point and waiting to see if anything shows up on the signal strength / quality indicator bar, as on most Freeview devices this procedure results in the tuner acting in a similar fashion to a signal meter, i.e: no threshold cut off levels involved.
Further advice dependant on outcome of test.
| link to this comment |
TimH: The content of your update is inclined to suggest that the problem is really being caused by the signal fed into your TV being a tad over powerful for "its" HD tuner to cope with, this resulting in instability in same, the reason for highlighting "its", being that the overload level tuners are able to cope with varies from one brand of set to another, HD tuners being far more critical to this sort of thing over SD, although SD can also be affected if any multiplex channel is being received at a slightly stronger signal level than the others.
If your signal is really strong, purely for a test, you might be able to resolve a picture of sorts by connecting a short length (4 feet or so) of wire into the TV's aerial socket, or better still, if you could access a set top aerial, otherwise you have no option other than to purchase a signal attenuator (around £2-4) to insert in line with the TV's aerial input connection, a value of around 6dB or so might possibly suffice.
By the way, you should also check the set up menu of the TV in question to make sure that it isnt of the variety that incorporates an internal booster facility, if it does, switch it off.
| link to this comment |
Walt: Yes, but this is where the difference between theory and practice comes into the equation, as indeed as stated in the qualifications mentioned under the map.
If you carried out the manual check exactly as stated, that is "not" pressing tune or search after having entered C57 (doing so triggers reception threshold levels) and nothing was indicated, then the signal doesn't appear exist in your area, this possibly being due to the signal from the very low powered 1Kw transmitter being blocked by the numerous trees seen in your area, whereas the six main muxes (100Kw each) and with Com7 and Com8 rated at 25Kw/22Kw respectively can.
| link to this comment |
Walt : In addition to that said, although you may have drawn a blank as far as reception from C57 is concerned, but though I was wondering if you can you receive any signal from Winter Hills 2Kw Mux on C56?, and if you do what programme comes up on EPG 8?
| link to this comment |
rob : Thanks for the update, pleased to know that you have succeeded in overcoming the problem.
However, I do have to say, that as far as your old mast head amplifier as well as the age of is concerned, they either work or they don't, never partially unless through internal corrosion caused by water ingress, and your success is more likely to be attributable to the 4G filter incorporated within the new amplifier rather than anything else.
Although you cant go wrong by updating / replacing your old masthead amp.
| link to this comment |
Chris Norton: Although the user manual for your HDX860 does indeed indicate that the only tuning method offered on this model is auto-tune, purely from the curiosity point of view, after you have selected "DTV settings" and pressed "ENTER" three choices come up, one of being auto-tune, pressing this bringing up another choice of "do you want to start auto tuning "Yes" or "No", what happens if you press "NO"?
| link to this comment |
Mrsouth: If you are referring to "not" getting a signal via a rooftop mounted aerial?, then the problem has to be caused by a fault on the aerial system, as the Winter Hill transmitter (@25 miles) covers the Blackpool area.
If though you are referring to the indoor aerial previously used for reception in the South of England?, then you must have been located in an exceptionally strong signal area, as indoor (same room) aerials are not really recommended for digital reception unless used in area's close (within sight) of the transmitter.
| link to this comment |
Eddie Murphy : Although a quality indication of 100% is always the target to aim for, however, this figure is not always achievable in every location due to various factors such as the terrain surrounding the area, and so 70% is basically OK provided that its reasonably constant, as rapid fluctuations in same generally results in glitches in reception.
| link to this comment |
Eddie Murphy : By the way, that said is mainly referring to Freeview reception, another factor that has to be kept in mind being, that the strength and quality indications generally vary from one brand of device to another when connected into the same aerial, the only one factor that does remain the same nomatter what brand of device is being used, being that rapid fluctuations being seen in the quality of the signal nearly always results in picture glitching, accompanied (in some instances) by audio problems.
| link to this comment |
Tony: Two cables in each room points to the previous occupier using either Sky+ boxes or alternatively Freesat PVR's (twin channel recorders) in each of the rooms in question
Try connecting your old Sky box into both cables in "each" room, as these cables are completely independent of each other even although they all go into (or should do) the LNB on the dish, which by the fact of having six cables connected into it must be of the type known as an "OCTO" (8 output) block, although obviously only six of the eight ports are being used.
If the result of the test is "no signal" on all six cables, then one of the following reasons has to apply.
(1) The dish having moved slightly out of alignment, e.g: through being blown by high winds or accidentally knocked against.
(2) The cables in question having been damaged.
(3) The LNB has failed, albeit this being unusual, a more likely bet being that your old Sky box is defective.
Freesat boxes can also be used to test dish leads, as Freesat boxes are 100% compatible with Sky dish installations. As far as Sky boxes are concerned, all Sky boxes nomatter whether Sky+ or not (such as yours) can receive non subscription channels without any card being used, although Sky+ devices are only able to record / playback previously recorded programmes when a subscription is in force.
Further advice dependant on feedback.
| link to this comment |
Heather wood: Sky satellite TV is not connected in any technical way with what its assumed you are referring to, that being Freeview TV via a normal aerial. However, its not possible for anyone to advise as to possible reasons for your problem unless they are aware of your location, this preferably provided in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby such as a Post office etc, as this info will enable access to details of the transmitter covering the area.
Other info which could prove helpful being, whether (or not) you reside in an apartment block connected into a communal aerial system?
| link to this comment |
TimH: Thanks for the update re model number etc, and having looked at the manual for the model in question can confirm that its not fitted with a switchable signal amplifier.
As far as your problem is concerned, it certainly wouldn't do any harm to try using an alternative jumper lead such as suggested by MikeB, although if this makes no difference to the problem, then the next stage is to try the set top aerial test, as Samsung HD tuners can, and frequently do, react in an adverse fashion to signals that come into the category of being "slightly over the top" strength wise.
This first witnessed by the fact that when the Craigkelly (Fife) transmitter switched over to high powered operation, a number of viewers in the Leith area of Edinburgh using Samsung devices complained (not via website) that their HD reception had vanished, attenuators in line with the aerial rectifying the problem.
Not saying that this is definitely the reason for your problem, but the possibility of it being has to be eliminated from the equation.
PS: I fully appreciate what you are meaning by - siting the indoor aerial on the window ledge won't pass internal approval! - but though as you have said, its only being done as a temporary temporary measure.
| link to this comment |
Andy b: Notts TV will only be listed in the EPG if you reside in an area where the LNG multiplex can be received, the programme being broadcast on Mux C50 if receiving Freeview from the Nottingham transmitter, whereas Mux C26 if your reception is from the Waltham transmitter.
Unable to advise as to whether or not you reside in an area where reception is (or should) be possible without knowledge of your post code.
| link to this comment |
Andy b: That said is on the assumption that you have already carried out a retune on your TV or box and that Notts TV (8) was not listed, because even if residing within the coverage area of either C50 or C26, the programme will not appear in the EPG unless a retune has been carried out.
If your receiver offers a "manual" tuning facility?, carry out one on the channel appropriate to where you are receiving your Freeview signal from.
| link to this comment |
Ron Taylor: There is no reason why they would be, as satellite systems (Sky or Freesat) operate independently of each other.
If your Humax is still connected into the normal aerial?, then you should still be able to use it as well as your Sky box, the Humax connected into the TV using a scart lead, the Sky box connected into the TV via an HDMI lead, switching between the two sources using the "input select" button on your TV's remote control.
| link to this comment |
Marlene grove : All satellite dishes have to be facing in a S/S Easterly direction nomatter where they are mounted, and your dish being mounted on the front of the building should not make any difference, that is provided the dish is not mounted at the same level as a downstairs window facing into a main road of only around 20 feet or so away, as high sided vehicles "might" cause intermittent signal blocking.
Unless this problem has been evident since you started using the satellite system, the more likely reason for the problem is that your dish has moved slightly out of alignment, therefore, go into the boxes signal check screen and observe the levels being indicated over a couple of minutes or so, both strength and quality should be reasonably stable with the former indicated at a minimum of 60%, with the latter (quality) preferably being higher, if though its under, then this is an indication that the dish is out out alignment.
It would have been of assistance to know what model of box you are using, i.e: a standard Sky box, or a Sky+ version.
| link to this comment |
Chris Norton: Thanks for that info, the only reason for asking the question being, that on some Freeview devices the option of manual tuning isn't always prominently displayed in the set up menu, this giving the impression of auto being the only option, and by your HDX860 manual stating....once the "Tuning" menu is displayed select "Auto Tune" then press ENTER....doing so then resulting in another box asking the question....Do you want to start auto tuning - Yes - No...., I just wanted to check that clicking NO didn't result in a manual tuning option appearing.
| link to this comment |
James lincoln : You cannot get a 100% signal level via an indoor aerial if, as you say, you reside in an extremely poor signal area, although all areas defined as being bad for reception has what could be classed as "hot spots" for reception, and I suspect that you might possibly reside in one of them.
As far as the height of an aerial is concerned, in areas known for bad reception the usual rule applying to aerials of "the higher the better" is frequently found "not" to apply, as in many cases the signal is far stronger lower down around the gutter level, this possibly being the reason why your roof aerial performs in an inferior fashion to your indoor same.
That said is provided that your roof aerial is not defective in any way, e.g: bad (corroded joint) where the coax is terminated in the aerials junction box, or that the signal from your roof aerial is not excessively strong as to cause overloading in you receivers tuner, this resulting in picture break up in exactly the same way as experienced with a weak signal.
And as far as the design of indoor aerials are concerned, they all work in the same principle nomatter what shape their elements might be, the only real difference between them being that some have built in amplifiers whereas others don't.
By the way, I speak not as an aerial installer, but a long standing engineer involved with non domestic TX / RX RF equipment, I do however get involved with domestic equipments / aerials etc as far as improvements are concerned.
| link to this comment |
doug: Any query involving problems with reception "has" to be accompanied by a location, this preferably being in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: a Post Office, as this info enables access to details of the transmitter (including coverage of) serving the area.
However, as you are connected into your own aerial system the problem has to be caused by a fault somewhere in same, as its highly unlikely that two boxes would fail at the same time, and although you haven't mentioned it as such, but if your two aerial outlet points are fed via any type of powered splitter?, try connecting the downlead from the aerial directly into the TV as the splitter could have failed.
That said is on the assumption that you have "not" tried retuning your boxes after having found no reception, because if you have? whilst the transmitter covering your area was either down, or alternatively was operating on reduced power for maintenance purposes, the action of retuning under said conditions will have cleared everything stored in the boxes memory, further retuning being required in order to load the channels back into the memory.
Further advice as required,
| link to this comment |
doug : Now its been confirmed that a powered splitter is indeed being used, then your problem is likely to be down to failure of the devices internal power supply, bypassing the device instantly revealing whether it is or not.
Although as you will probably find out, if not already known!, bypassing the device requires a "female" back to back coax coupler, (approx 75p) as you will end up with two male connector plugs, this also applicable if screwed "F" connector plugs are being used, although in this case, a female "F" back to back coupler would be required.
As far as attempted cable theft in your area is concerned, the only thing that would affect your own reception (apart from a failed booster) is by someone removing your aerials downlead.
By the way, Crystal Palace would appear to be the transmitter covering your area, albeit that the line of sight from same is blocked at two separate locations starting from just under 4 miles out, this possibly being the reason why a booster is required.
| link to this comment |
Matt HaLL: I would try resetting your TV, (not just an auto tune) as your problem is possibly caused by some form of gitch having occurred in its operating system, as neither I, nor any others known to receive Freeview from Waltham have experienced any problems with reception from that transmitter.
In addition to that said, Waltham is not listed on the engineering page with regards to any engineering work taking place at the station.
By the way, "first time installation" also (in most cases anyway) gives similar results to resetting the TV.
| link to this comment |
Matt HaLL: Yes, as a manual reset completely deletes everything stored in the sets memory system including corrupted data, whereas a normal auto-tune doesn't.
I would also follow the advice given by Dominic Player, as that's another possible reason for your problem.
If though none of the aforementioned rectifies the problem, maybe you could indicate the model number of the TV in question, plus it would also be of assistance if the area you reside in was known, this preferably given in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: the nearest Post Office etc.
| link to this comment |
Matt Hall: Thanks for the update, pleased to know that the manual reset rectified the problem.
| link to this comment |
Linda: Although not fully understanding as to exactly what you are meaning, as ITV+1 is on EPG 33, but though your best policy would be to carry out a fresh auto-tune on the box and see if this rectifies the situation.
However, should it not do, then the model number of the box plus your location is required, the latter given in the form of a post code or one from somewhere nearby, e.g: the nearest Post Office.
| link to this comment |
Bob : In addition to, but apart from that said by Dave Lindsay, the question of which is the best station to use for reception is entirely dependant on your location within the Worthing area, as wide variations were found in DUK's predictions for reception between a couple of post codes used for test purposes, Whitehawk Hill being far in a way best for reception in the DN14 area, whereas not in the DN11 areas, none of the stations predicting good reception in that area with the exception of Rowridges PSB channels on vertical polarity.
Therefore, I suggest that the best policy would be to enter your post code into the reception predictor referred to and study the results. (Link for below)
Another point to note regarding aerials, as you are intending to mount the aerial on a wall bracket, then be aware that not all aerials lend themselves to being mounted on such brackets close to a wall, this being where log periodic aerials score, as they, in most cases can, and of course are ideal for reception of the channels used by Whitehawk Hill, (excl Vision V20 A2 20) that is should you reside anywhere in, or near to the BN14 area.
Digital UK - Coverage checker
| link to this comment |
Linda: On the basis of that said in your update, your best policy would be to carry out the factory default procedure, (Menu - settings - installation - factory default) but though, double checking that the "Format HDD" box is "NOT" checked, because if it is, the factory default will wipe out everything previously recorded.
The next stage is to select the "Manual" tuning menu, entering then scanning each of the following channels in turn, storing the results after each scan.
Winter Hills multiplex channels numbers being /
C50 (BBC) - C59 (ITV) - C54 (HD/T2) - C58 (ITV3 etc) - C49 (Pick TV etc) - C55 (4Music etc) - C31 (Com7 /HD/T2) - C37 (COM8 / HD/T2).
| link to this comment |
John kirby: Although fully appreciating your thinking behind trying to receive BBC HD channels from Finchley's 13 watts relay station, you have to look at the situation from the point of view, that even without an attenuator being fitted in line with the aerial input connection on your TV, you might find difficulty in receiving that station anyway, as not only does it transmit on vertical polarity compared to that of Crystal Palace on horizontal polarity, its also situated at an angle roughly half way to the reception dead spot on your aerial, that being 90 degrees from the signal path, the attenuator being the likely cause of killing any signal that may have been received, hence the "no signal" indication.
What value of attenuator have you temporarily placed in line with your aerial facing towards Crystal palace? as the possibility exists the value of said attenuator is too low, this being why you are experiencing the problem.
| link to this comment |
John kirby: I also meant to mention, that the signal path from the Crystal Palace transmitter suffers from a mild restriction @ approximately just under 4 miles out from you location, something which under certain conditions could have an affect on your reception.
| link to this comment |
Linda : The reason for suggesting that you carry out a factory default is because of the the problems you are experiencing, such as being referred to another channel when attempting to set a programme for recording, as this is symptomatic of the tuners memory system already being programmed to record on that channel, such as by having selected series link when "first" setting the programme to record.
Whether this is, or not, the reason for your problem, it's always best to start afresh by scrubbing everything stored in the memory system, factory default being the only way of doing it. (Note previous warning re: HDD)
By the way, when you say that C54 is not applicable, is this because your TV is not of the HD variety?
| link to this comment |
Linda : Further to that said, if you still have the user manual for your HDR Fox T2? have a read at the features of the box as listed on page1, especially the undermentioned, as this will come into play once you start setting up the programmes to record.
Excerpt from the page /
" If a programme has two parts split by another entry in the Guide, (e.g: a film divided into two parts by a news programme) you will be given the option to set both parts to record".
| link to this comment |
E Mark : Please note that engineering work has been taking place at the Limavady station since last Monday 22nd, warnings of a "possible weak signal" having been posted on the engineering page, this being the most likely reason for your problem, no expected completion dates having been given.
Carry out a retune as suggested by derryuser, if though nothing is received keep trying, as the signal will return.
| link to this comment |
John Tory: It would have been of considerable help in diagnosing possible causes of your problem if you had given an indication of your locality, e.g: a post code or one from nearby such as a local post Office, as this would enable access to details of the transmitter covering your area.
However, with odd problems of the nature described, rectification of same is sometimes quicker and easier to achieve by carry out a manufacturers reset on the device, this then followed by a normal auto tune.
| link to this comment |
js: Thanks for that info, as I wasn't aware of this issue being experienced elsewhere, and although I didn't mention it as such, I do have suspicions with regards to the problem being caused by an error in the data being sent out by the programme provider, which might be the case, as the link on digital spy is referring to the programme being received via Foxsat box, whereas Linda is using a Freeview device.
| link to this comment |
js: Further to that said in my previous reply which was based on the link provided by your good self, I decided to carry out a test on my own Humax PVR's (Freesat & Freeview) by setting them to record the programme in question for next week, however, subsequent checking the results of giving me doubts as to exactly what will be recorded, that is, the first 25 minutes or the entire programme, as explained below.
The programme guide on my HD FOXSAT HDR showed the usual of the news gap between the two parts of the programme, pressing on the first part of "This Morning" then in the reservation box selecting "series record", this then marking both sections of the programme for recording, minus the news.
However, this being the point, when checking "programmes scheduled for recording" only the first 25 minutes part of the programme was listed and not the entire programme, this result being exactly the same in Freeview PVR, an older Humax 9300T.
This apparently creating the situation whereby to guarantee that the programme will be recorded in its entirety, rather than clicking series recording, the two parts of the programme will have to be selected as individuals, in other words, series recording does not work where there is a gap between programmes, this obviously being Linda's problem.
| link to this comment |
Brian, I also would like to add to the sentiments as expressed by others, hoping your operation goes well, with the results of restoring you to your former self.
All the best, JB.
| link to this comment |
js: Update. Without wishing to be going on about the difficulty involved with trying to record split programmes on Humax devices, whether they be Freesat or Freeview, I have now tried a multitude of programming permutations since my earlier posting, but failed to find any way of overcoming the problem, as although red markers were seen on the first and second parts of the programme in the guide, only the first part appeared in the recording schedule list, that being 25minutes.
This would appear to be purely a Humax problem, as I decided to fetch and old Hitachi (Vestel chassis) Freeview box from my loft and give it a try, the result of being absolutely trouble free, as both parts of the programme were listed in the scheduled recording list.
Time allowing, I may decide to contact Humax about this problem, although I cant help but feel, that they will already be aware of it.
| link to this comment |
Jack : Basically yes, that is provided that its consistent when viewed over a couple of minutes or so, this being particularly important as far as the quality indication is concerned.
| link to this comment |
Daniels: The problem will most likely be resolved by carrying out another Freesat scan, as the device you are using possibly requires its EPG listings refreshed.
| link to this comment |
Sydney: If both outputs in the living room are intended for Sky or Freesat use, then they will be of the short threaded stub variety, the jumper leads that connect into same being screwed into the stub.
If indeed your TV is capable of Freesat reception, then it will be equipped with a connection exactly the same as your outlet points, if though as I suspect, it doesn't, then you will have to purchase either a Freesat box, or more sensibly (albeit more expensive) a twin tuner Freesat PVR (recorder).
By the way, you cannot use outlets intended for satellite use into a Freeview device, as Freeview requires a normal aerial.
| link to this comment |
Daniel: If you are meaning that you use a 4G phone and the TV is not affected by it, then nothing is likely to change, that is unless another phone company decides to install a 4G base station in the area, as then you "might" be if its installed near to where you reside, the chances of experiencing interference being greater if its located near to the signal path between your aerial and the station you receive Freeview from.
However, if you have any worries on this, the best people to contact is a company called AT800 set up by the phone providers for the purpose of answering queries of this sort, as they have all the info on sites proposed for use by 4G, anyone who they consider as being at risk supplied with a 4G filter free of charge, said filter being installed into the TV or boxes aerial socket, the lead from the aerial going into the filter.
Contact us | Advice or general enquiries | at800
| link to this comment |
Linda: Yes, it would certainly appear to be a problem confined purely to Humax boxes, something I, and am sure many other owners of these boxes are / were totally unaware of unless having tried to record a split programme, but though as mentioned to js, I will be interested to see /hear what Humax has to say about this, as I fully intend to contact them about it.
With regards to carrying out a factory reset, please disregard that said, as now its known that the problem is caused by a software problem, resetting the box will not make any difference to the situation.
By the way, a TV (or box) stating that its HD ready does not mean that it can receive HD transmissions, only that the the screen fitted into the set is capable of displaying an HD image, that is, if its fed into it from an external HD source connected into it via an HDMI jumper lead.
On the subject of HD, if you have the manual for your TV? in the specifications section look under tuner, equipment capable of receiving HD transmissions is listed as having a DVB-T2 tuner, DVB-T only being SD.
| link to this comment |
js: Downloaded the link for the NorDig PDF file relating to the specs for PVR's, the content of being something which Humax brand devices would appear not to be fully complying with.
On the subject of "programme item" rather than series, I have found it impossible to set the PVR's (Sat and Freeview) to record the second part, as although the guide suggests that both parts are by them being marked in red, the programme schedule list still only indicates the first 25 minutes.
However, I have set three of my PVR's to record this programme tomorrow, and so will give an update late tomorrow evening on the results.
| link to this comment |
Linda ; Further to that said, please disregard my previous comment on factory reset not really making any difference to your problem, as having now experienced similar problems to yourself when attempting to set this programme for recording, i.e: programme clash warnings / being referred to another channel that the programme isn't actually on etc, its best that you "do" carry out a factory reset to clear all stored in the tuners memory system, as although maybe not being indicated, there just has to be, and which is responsible for these clash warnings.
Once factory reset has been completed carry out another manual retune, this followed by going into the programme guide list and selecting "This Morning" for recording by pressing only on the "first" part of the programme, which is then marked in red, the second part being "automatically" marked in red a few seconds later, although if checked in the "scheduled for recording" list only the first part of the programme lasting 25 minutes will be seen, this being the main cause of confusion, as the box will (or should) have the entire programme logged for recording, subsequently witnessed by "both" parts being (hopefully!) seen in "recorded programmes" on completion of recording.
You will of course have to select each listing individually to view the programme, as the box treats "This Morning" as two programmes, albeit with the second part being invisible unless viewed in the guide list, or until appearing in recorded programmes.
| link to this comment |
js: Re: split recording problems on Humax PVR's and the tests carried out on same, the results being, that much to my amazement both boxes had successfully recorded the entire programme, not of course in one continuous fashion, as the screen reverted back to the recorded programmes list after the first part had ended, the second part having to be selected as though it was another programme, but though the main thing is, that both parts of the programme were recorded!
On the basis of these findings, I now feel that this whole issue is caused by errors / inaccuracies in the "on screen" indications rather than the actual box not being able to handle split programmes, the main cause of confusion being the misleading information that appears in the "programmes scheduled for recording" list, insomuch of only the first part of the programme being mentioned as well as the duration of, thereby giving the impression that only one half of the programme has been set recording, any attempts to set the box to record the second part failing, basically because the command for the second section was already stored, albeit invisibly!
Although Humax boxes are one of the best where reliability of the hardware is concerned, but they really do require to get their menu systems in order.
By the way, no problems whatsoever were experienced with the Hitachi (Vestel chassis) box, both parts of the split programme being listed separately in the scheduled for recording list, referred to as timers in this box.
| link to this comment |
Bob: The posting you are referring to made by Dave Lindsay on April 20th, was in reply to an enquiry from a viewer wanting to know whether (or not) the Angus COM7 (HD) transmitter was in full time operation as yet, the transmitter in question broadcasting on C31.
If by 24 you are meaning EPG 24 / ITV4? as C24 does not exist on this station, then ITV4 is broadcast by the Angus transmitter on COM6 / C49.
By the way, any enquiry involved with a reception problem has to be accompanied by a post code, as its impossible to make an assessment on your reception possibilities without this information being known.
| link to this comment |
Keith Bullimore: The EPG channel numbers referred to are associated with COM 4 /5 and 6 multiplexes as transmitted by Mendip, Chalford Hill by being a Freeview Light station, not transmitting COM channels, thereby not coming into the equation.
As far as your reception problem is concerned, a quick check made on the signal path from the Mendip transmitter (@ 39miles /211degrees) to your location as having to pass over some rather dense woodland located at only a short distance away from your area, a situation that nearly always results in reception being prone to reacting to not only seasonal changes in weather conditions, but also to changes in any vegetation (trees) that the signal has to pass over.
Although you have mentioned signal strength, you should carry out a signal quality and strength check on the aforementioned COM channels, observing the quality for a couple of minutes or so for any signs of it diving up and down, or indeed dropping out all together, the COM channel numbers being as follows /
COM4 / C48 (690.0 Mhz) - COM5 / C56 (754.0 Mhz) / COM6 / C52 (722.0 Mhz)
By the way, if your TV or box has a manual tuning facility, go into the tuning menu and enter each of the "C" channels in turn, but do "not" press search or scan, because on most equipment this procedure results in the tuner acting like a signal meter indicating the strength and quality of the signal.
| link to this comment |
Bob: On the subject of time factors involved with planned engineering works, these are never mentioned simply because of the nature of the work, as things aren't always as cut and dried as it might seem when dealing with RF equipment, as unforeseen snags can, and do, crop up.
The time factor involved being even less certain if said work involves anything connected with the mast, as the progress of the work is totally dependant on weather conditions etc.
However, on the subject of no signal on C49, although the signal path terrain indicator shows that the signal from the Angus transmitter (@ 11 miles / 236 degrees) is not quite line-of-sight to your location by being obstructed from around 1.5 miles prior to it, obstructions to a signal always having a greater effect when they occur close to the receiver, and with this possibly being the reason why you are not receiving any signal on C49, especially as COM channels are transmitted on half the power of the PSB channels, i.e: PSB 20Kw / COM's 10Kw.
Purely for a test, if your TV or box offers "manual" tuning, enter the facility and enter C49 into the box, but do"not" press search or scan but wait to see if anything is indicated in the strength / quality bars, as this procedure results in the tuner acting in the form of signal meter free of lower threshold for reception restrictions, likewise if anything is being received, it will be indicated no matter how low it might be.
| link to this comment |
Linda: Did you carry out a factory reset on your box? as its absolutely essential that you do this.
The other point to note based on that said in my previous reply, when you go into the programme guide you will see "This Morning" being mentioned twice, only press on the "first" one, as the second one is automatically selected, any attempts to set it for recording triggering these messages you are getting.
| link to this comment |
Linda: Yes! as that is the correct procedure, but though, the fact still remains that a conflict message can only occur when something you are trying to record, such as "This Morning", is either already stored in the tuners memory system, or that some other programme is, and the timing of the programme you are attempting to record is clashing with that already stored, remembering of course, that the second part of a split programme (including its running time) is "not" listed in the schedule list even although its there, this caused by a deficiency in Humax's menu system.
A factory default (page 55 in the manual) deletes "everything" stored in the tuners memory thereby giving you a fresh start, and although you prefer to use manual tuning because of your box storing welsh news channels on auto, purely for speed / test purposes you could just carry out an auto tune, this then followed by having another attempt at storing "This Morning".
But though, before carrying this out, check to see if anything is listed in the schedule list by pressing guide then the yellow button, deleting anything seen listed, remembering what I had mentioned about the second part of a split programme.
| link to this comment |
dave: If your neighbours TV is not of the large screen variety, thereby moveable, if possible, you should try tuning it on your own aerial system, as that's the easiest way of finding out if your neighbours aerial system is faulty, or alternatively that their TV is being overloaded by the signal from the local Redditch transmitter at around 0.5 miles away, although I doubt if it would be, as the transmitter in question is only 2watts.
| link to this comment |
Helena Cairns : Should you be referring to a Sky box? and have tried everything mentioned in the heading of this page, then there really isn't left to try, as your problem is either being caused by (1) the dish having moved slightly out of alignment e.g: blown by high winds, (2) failure of the LNB which is mounted on the end of the dish arm, (3) damage to the "external" section of the coax, or finally (4) the actual box having failed, the cause of nearly always associated with its internal power supply.
Therefore, the only way of determining which of the aforementioned applies, is either by trying your box out on someone elses dish system, or alternatively have them try their box on yours, if their box works OK on your dish then your box is defective.
| link to this comment |
John Smith: The only HD channels that can be viewed on a Sky+HD without a subscription are: BBC1 HD / BBC2 HD / ITV1 HD / Ch4 HD and a few others of the news variety, you cannot view Ch5 in HD.
You can of course find out for yourself which channels can still be viewed in HD, simply done by removing your viewing card and running through the HD channels normally viewed.
The aforementioned test is more accurate if the Sky box is switched off after having removed the viewing card, restarting the box minus the card.
| link to this comment |
Bob: Thanks for the update, your detailed findings on the outcome of the test having confirmed my suspicion as to the most likely reason for your problem, but which as you have referred to, might improve somewhat once the engineering work is completed.
One little point though, as far as possibly mounting the aerial on a taller pole is concerned, the general rule of "the higher the better" does not necessarily apply in every case, (transmission aerials excepted) as in situations where reception is non line-of-sight with the transmitter, its frequently found that a much better signal can be achieved with the aerial being mounted lower down at around gutter level, and with the aerial being tried to the left and right of the lower mounting position.
I only mention this just in case you, yourself would be installing a larger pole, if you are? leave the TV on the manual tune signal test screen whilst you adjust the aerial.
| link to this comment |
Bob: Fully appreciating the points mentioned in your reply, but though, I wasn't actually suggesting that you do this yourself anyway!, as I am fully aware of the range of logistical problems involved in carrying out tasks of this nature, especially on one's own, safety being the main concern.
The only reason for mentioning what I did, was just in case you had considered this task as being within your scope.
| link to this comment |
John Beardsworth: This type of problem is, in most cases, associated with the dish, such as it being intermittently obstructed by vegetation like a branch of a tree / bush etc.
Should this not be applicable, then another possible reason is water having crept into the "F" connector(s) that couples the coax into the LNB mounted on the end of the dish arm.
You should also unscrew the "F" connector on the rear of the box, checking the coax entering said connector for soundness and that it has not slackened off.
Finally, carry out a signal check on the box, making sure that the strength is at least around 60%, and with the quality also being around that figure and never under, as if it is, then this is an indication that the dish requires slight realignment, and which is nearly always in the horizontal (L/R) plane.
Further advice can be given provided that the model number, or type (standard or Sky+) of the box being used is supplied, plus info of whether or not you are connected into your own dish? or possibly a communal dish system?
| link to this comment |
Saturday 14 March 2015 12:57PM
K Hunt: No faults have been reported on the Belmont transmitter which is indicated as being the main station that covers your area, however said area does appear to be one of potentially poor reception, likewise if you are using any form of booster on your aerial system then this may possibly have failed, therefore if its easily accessible you should try by passing it.
By the way, if you are using a booster? it should be noted that this can still be defective even although the "power on" light on the device might still be illuminated.