All posts by Dave Lindsay
Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
jinxy209: If you get 5 channels using a set-top aerial, then you may be able to receive Freeview channels from tomorrow.
If you face Crystal Palace which is south west, then you have a better chance than if you don't. The higher up you are, the greater your chance of receiving signals. So if you're above the rooves of surrounding buildings and facing south-west, I think you have a good chance. If your lower down it may still work.
If the powers that be will be installing an aerial system in the coming weeks (or months), then you will need a Freeview receiver. If your TV does not have one built in, then you might as well buy one now and try it out with your set-top aerial.
If your flat faces a different direction, you may be able to receive from another transmitter. Woolwich is to your north east, although it doesn't broadcast all the channels, but it does give you more than the current five "main" channels.
If you would like some help with this, let us know some more information such as how high up you are and what direction you are facing.
| link to this comment |
Corin: I'm not a professional myself, but I agree that it appears that the current power is now greater than was previously planned.
I have seen this before; where the Ofcom document (the PDF regional ones you linked to) was out of date. These do seem to be more friendly to read than the licences one.
It seems that whoever was keeping them up-to-date isn't do as well now.
The Digital UK Newsletter has a date on and I wouldn't expect it to be updated. The Tradeview predictor system, on the other hand, is presumably updated as situations change.
| link to this comment |
Mark: It's probably the difference in strength between the now strong BBC signals and the (weaker) other channels.
Tomorrow you will have to retune again, once all the non-BBC channels have also switched to full power. So your problem should hopefully be rectified tomorrow.
| link to this comment |
Colin Newman: If I may, I offer an observation about GDB2 and GDB3 models.
I came across this previously:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u….pdf
Channel 28 is the only service from Crystal Palace with a negative offset.
If I were you, Google around as others may well have experienced the same problem.
| link to this comment |
Dermy: You are correct that the Derry transmitter on Sheriff's mountain will not broadcast Freeview until switchover in October. You should also be aware that it will only be a "Freeview Lite" transmitter as it won't carry the Commercial services; it will be for Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) only. The PSBs being BBC, UTV, ITV2, Channel 4, E4, More 4, Channel 5 and the four HD services.
However, on looking at your road using Google Streetview I can't see any aerials on the Sheriff Mountain transmitter. Most houses have two aerials; one on Limavady and one on Holywell Hill. The former is a main UK station that carries low power Freeview now and at switchover will carry the full range of channels. The latter carries the Republic's services.
Whilst Holywell Hill and Sheriff Mountain transmitters are probably in the same direction from your location, the former broadcasts horizontally polarised signals and the latter vertically polarised ones. So for Holywell aerials will be horizontal (elements flat) as they are and this is the same as for Limavady. Sheriff Mountain aerials are vertical (elements up/down).
Try connecting a Freeview receiver to your Limavady aerial. It "may" be sufficient to receive some or all or the low power services.
Come October, you will still have to rely on Holywell for RT as Limavady won't transmit it.
| link to this comment |
Geoff Smith: If you are attempting to receive Rowridge in Haslemere then its COMs are co-channels with Haslemere's PSBs which are also co-channel with Crystal Palace's COMs.
Rowridge now broadcasts vertically as well as horizontally. 200kW for PSBs vertically and horizonatally. 50kW for COMs horizontally and 200kW for COMs vertically.
| link to this comment |
Harry Butler: On that date ArqB (Yesterday etc) on C50 will go up to full final power. If you presently get Yesterday, or it is intermittant or at least given in your receiver's channel listing, then you probably won't need to retune.
If it's not listed at all, then try manually tuning to C50. If it you can't pick it up now, then manually tune on 25th (as opposed to a full retune) and this should add it.
| link to this comment |
fatima redwan: The Commercial broadcasters' interest is profit. They have no "Public Service" obligations, unlike BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
For a more in-depth explanation of why Alexandra Palace transmitter does not carry these services, see Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
However, if you received Freeview before switchover then you must have been picking it up from another transmitter which carried it then. Transmitters that carried it before have a full service now. So I expect that you should be able to get all channels.
Therefore "if" your aerial points at the Alexandra Palace transmitter and you got Freeview before, then it was on a wing and prayer as the aerial was facing the wrong way. If this is the case, then you probably need to have your aerial replaced with one on, probably Crystal Palace, to pick up all services.
| link to this comment |
Phil K: Stockland Hill's COMs are co-channel with those of Rowridge. Last night they had a power increase so you could be getting interference from them. You may have to switch your aerial to vertical to reduce the chance of such interference as well as picking up stronger COM signals from Rowridge.
| link to this comment |
fin: Could the Sony Bravia TV be referring to TV channels (not radio and others) only whereas the recorder shows all?
I would be more concerned with ensuring that all channels are present. Confirm that you have BBC One, ITV1, ITV3, Pick TV and Yesterday and these are one service from each group or multiplex. If you have all of these then you have all multiplexes and therefore all services carried by those multiplexes.
| link to this comment |
Mike: A HD TV does not necessarily have the ability to receive HD signals. These are usually described as HD Ready. Full HD simply means 1080p and doesn't mean that a Freeview HD tuner is contained within.
Look in the specifications. DVB-T is the standard definition format and DVB-T2 is the high definition one. So if it says the only the former, then it won't receive HD pictures itself.
| link to this comment |
Sean Marshall: The signal strength is not the main factor with digital reception; it is quality. So long as the strength is great enough to produce give "good" reliable quality, then I suggest that you do nothing with your aerial if you will have to pay someone to make any changes.
Directional aerials by their nature are more sensitive in one direction and less so in others. So if the interfering signal is coming from a direction at which your aerial is least sensitive then it will produce less interference to your receiver than had it been from a direction where your aerial is more sensitive.
So don't read the Tradeview predictor as being what you will actually get. It is simply a guide.
If your aerial happens to be in a spot where it picks up no signal from Crystal Palace then it will endure less interference than had it been in a location where it got a little. Such a difference could be metres.
Clearly the only way to give a definitive answer is to measure the signal levels on-site. On the basis that this will cost and that you already have an aerial, I suggest, just as the response from Digital UK says, that you leave it and see.
Should you find that you have an issue, then you are now briefed on the possible cause and possible solution.
| link to this comment |
Mike: I found the manual here:
http://pdf.crse.com/manua….pdf
The specs on page 48 only say "DVB-T" and not T2.
This review mentions it coming out in 2008:
Sony KDL-40W5500 review from the experts at whathifi.com
DVB-T2 was only finalised in 2008, so when the model was conceived, the specification for HD broadcasts had not.
| link to this comment |
Tony Browne: Where are you? To the west there is Stockland Hill which uses the same channels and in the east there is Crystal Palace which does. There are probably others that might interfere in places.
In some locations adjusting the aerial from horizontal may be helpful for reception of the three Commercial channels you refer to.
| link to this comment |
mh: What's the make and model of your TV? The description you give suggests that it may be that it won't receive post-switchover signals.
| link to this comment |
mh: That model is on Digital UK's "2k-only" list of equipment so will not receive post-switchover signals:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u…ment
2k mode was used for signals before switchover and they are in 8k mode after switchover. Hence on 4th April BBC standard definition services switched to 8k mode which is why your TV wouldn't tune to them.
| link to this comment |
JohnM: There are less ITV1+1 regions due to the cost of creating +1 feeds for all ITV1 regions. For the same reason there are limited ITV1 HD regions and similarly the BBC does not provide regional BBC One HD feeds.
If missing local ITV1 programmes is that much of an issue, then set them on your PVR and you can watch them back at any time. I didn't realise that there was that much local programming left on ITV1....for cost reasons.
| link to this comment |
mh: Any box will do, particularly if you just want to watch programmes as they are broadcast. I can't give you any recommedations.
If you want a recorder such as one with a hard drive (that stores the programmes within itself), then if you get ones with two tuners in you can watch one channel on the TV whilst recording another, or you probably can record two channels at the same time (depending on the model).
| link to this comment |
Paul Brennan: The Hertford transmitter doesn't carry the Commercial channels like Dave and Film 4 and probably never will. Those broadcasters work on a profit basis only. See here for a fuller explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The predictor suggests that you may be able to receive the full Freeview service directly from Crystal Palace or Sandy Heath.
A look at your road on Google Streetview rather confirms these possibilities as there is a mixture of aerials on Hertford, Crystal Palace and Sandy Heath.
If you wish to retain London programming, then Crystal Palace is best if you can get it.
| link to this comment |
Prof. R Pollock: You can watch that programme on BBC iPlayer:
BBC Four - Beautiful Minds - Upcoming episodes
It also says that it will be transmitted again on BBC Four at midnight on Tuesday 24th.
| link to this comment |
margaret price: Look for ITV1 in the 800s (i.e. from programme number 800). If you have Channel 4 and Channel 5 then you would be expected to have ITV1 as well because they are in the same group.
| link to this comment |
margaret price: My apologies, I was thinking of Freeview rather than Sky. I can't help with getting your Sky box to show ITV1. Hopefully someone who can will be along soon.
| link to this comment |
Steve Flynn: I remember when you raised this issue a couple of months back:
Haslemere digital TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
I'm surprised that the Haslemere transmitter has been given channels that are used by another transmitter that will clearly interfere in its designated service area.
Whilst you could use Crystal Palace for PSBs only, it is London region whereas your nearest "designated" transmitter is Meridian.
The Digital UK Tradeview predictor just gives a guide to reception but does not give any indication of where this may be limited by interference and crucially, which transmitter providing the interferce.
In some cases it is clear; for example Crystal Palace which is "good" where you are is likely to be the culprit for degradation of Haslemere's signals.
I suggest that Heathfield might be the reason why DUK suggests that reception of Hannington's COMs and PSB2 will get worse in June.
See the "After Switchover" maps for C41, C42, C44 and C47:
UK TV Frequency map - channel C41 (634.0MHz) before switchover map | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Heathfield would surely be the likely candidate as it uses these four channels but not C45 and C39 as used by Hannington's PSB1 and PSB3 which aren't forecasted to change in June.
What this doesn't mean is that you "will" have an issue. Hannington and Heathfield appear to be roughly 180 degrees apart for you.
If, for example, there are trees or a building in the direction of Heathfield, then this will probably work in your favour; helping to block Heathfield's signals.
Can you pick up Hannington's COMs now that they are on their full final power. Note that Hannington's PSBs are 50kW and its COMs are 25kW. The latter use a less robust mode which allows them to carry more services at the expense of some viewers in fringe areas.
| link to this comment |
Steve Flynn: I should also point out that as Heathfield is at 180 degrees to the direction your aerial is facing, the degree to which your aerial can "reject" signals from the back will probably play a part.
The pros that frequent this site can probably tell you more, but perhaps there are some types of aerial that have better rejection of signals from the rear than others.
| link to this comment |
Bob: The range of channels available from the Luton relay transmitter is not likely to increase. The Commercial broadcasters don't transmit from Luton and nearly 1,100 similar small relays because, evidently, it isn't worth their while (from a cost/benefit point of view). They broadcast from 81 of the largest transmitters (largest by population) and achieve a 90% coverage of the population. Transmitting from all the small relays would roughly double their cost of transmission whilst only adding a further 8.5% of the population to their potential viewer base. They were asked if they wish to increase coverage and they declined. See Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice for a fuller explanation.
The mention of "ITV3 (CI)" on the other page means that ITV3 is carried on transmitters on the Channel Islands and this is in lieu of ITV1+1 because there is no +1 feed of ITV1 Channel Television region.
In some cases where one is on a "lite" transmitter, it is possible to receive from another station that carries the Commercial ones. Obviously this will mean a change of roof-top aerial where it faces the local "lite" relay.
If your roof-top aerial points to Luton, then you aren't going to pick up the Commercial channels. Alternatively, if it faces another transmitter, it may perhaps offer the Commercial services.
Or you may be in an area where you can get sufficient signal on the Commercial channels using a set-top aerial. The thing with aerials, and particularly so with set-top ones is positioning. That's why knowing what might be receivable is worth checking on before you set out trying to tune in.
| link to this comment |
Clive: What transmitter is your aerial directed to and which you are attempting to receive from?
If you don't know, they what direction does it face and is it horizontal (elements flat) or vertical (elements up/down).
| link to this comment |
Sean MacIntyre: Or perhaps the problem is not sufficient signal from Divis, but interference from another station.
Another thing to point out is that C33 and Mux A on C23 is in 64QAM mode which isn't as robust as the rest which are 16QAM. From what you say, these would appear to be the two that you're having difficulties with.
| link to this comment |
Rosie Neville: What's the make and model of your set? Some won't work after switchover (assuming that you're in the London area which switched yesterday).
| link to this comment |
Bob: Freesat will work with a dish installed previously for a Sky service.
If you wish get a satellite recorder, you will probably need two leads from the dish and dual LNB (the bit on the dish that the cable connects to). This is because in order to watch one channel and record another, there needs to be a single cable for each channel being received.
| link to this comment |
Gary Faulkner: All HD services are carried on the same signal as part of the same multiplex, therefore the same strength and quality will be given for BBC One, BBC HD, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD from the same transmitter and the same time.
Therefore, check that the UHF channel that they are all tuned to is C30.
| link to this comment |
Clive: I concur that your aerial would appear to be on Tunbridge Wells. With a month and half to go before switchover completes there is probably little point in spending money making changes to your aerial system.
However, I will say that Tunbridge Wells is traditionally a Group B transmitter. That means that the channels used for analogue (including analogue Channel 5) are in Group B which is the middle third of the band.
Consequently, aerials that are fitted, particularly older ones, will be Group B ones, them being much more sensitive over the middle third of the band and dorpping off above and below Group B channels.
The services that you're not picking up are on C61 which is the highest channel and well out of Group B.
As an example, see the trace here: Gain (curves), Again
Here, the yellow "C10B" gain curve drops off to nothing by C61. I stress that this is simply an example to illustrate a point. Your aerial may not be exactly as that shown but TV aerial (yagi types) have much the same sort of gain curve.
Try manually tuning to C61 if your receiver allows. It may give a signal strength reading when you do this and may say that there is a signal but that it's too low for your receiver to use.
| link to this comment |
Margaret Philips: C42 is coming from Hannington (Hampshire) which is why you have poor reception.
As your aerial is directed at Crystal Palace, run the automatic tuning scan and unplug the aerial when it gets to 30%. All of Crystal Palace's channels are within the first 30% and Hannington's are after 30%.
| link to this comment |
Clive: The problem should hopefully be rectified at the second stage of switchover on 13th June.
If it is too weak a signal, then the transmission will be stronger.
If the issue is that your aerial is Group B, then all services after switchover will be within that group, and so it won't be a problem after switchover.
| link to this comment |
Richard: See "After switchover configuration" on this page: Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Quest is carried on the COM4/"SDN" multiplex.
If the sets have a manual tune option, try manually tuning to C25 for SDN.
| link to this comment |
Peter Danckwerts: See here for the specification:
27-inch D5000 Series 5 Full HD 1080p LED TV | UE27D5000NW - Samsung UK - TECH SPECS
Under "System" it says "DTV Reception DVB-T / C", so no, it doesn't have the ability to receive Freeview HD signals over the air as they use DVB-T2.
It is "Full HD" which means that it will show HD pictures in the resolution 1080p. Despite how this "may" be interpreted by some, it does not give any qualification to the Freeview part of TV being able to decode HD signals.
| link to this comment |
Clive: I'm happy to help; it's not trouble.
I found the manual here:
http://www.sony.co.uk/pro…nual
Page 12 of the manual (page 14 of the PDF file) describes the manual tuning procedure.
| link to this comment |
Clive: If you've already tried this, then perhaps the signal on C61 isn't good enough, for whatever reason.
| link to this comment |
Peter B: If your Sky box feeds TVs in other rooms using conventional aerial leads, then it could be that the channel that it is using is now used by post-switchover digital signals. A digital signal interfering with an analogue picture will manifest as snow or grain.
The TV is probably (and really should be) fed by scart lead or HDMI lead which is why it won't be affected.
To test the theory that it is interference from a new digital channel, turn on one of the TVs and tune to the Sky box. Turn on the Sky box.
Then remove the terrestrial aerial lead going into the Sky box. If this is the problem, then the interference should subside and you need to change the RF out channel to a clear one:
How do I change the RF output channel on a Sky Digibox? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Clive: No problem. Hope all goes well at switchover. If you have any issues, let us know.
| link to this comment |
Gary Faulkner: I assume that "U21" means UHF channel 21 is HD services from Sandy Heath which are available at your location.
I am surprised that the TV has not stored all services from one multiplex.
What you do depends on the design of the TV; what it will allow. You may find the Crystal Palace ITV1 HD in your 800s and you may just swap the two. Or you may delete the main ITV1 HD and manually add the CP one which is on C30.
| link to this comment |
James Elliston: Try manually tuning to C28 for ArqB from Crystal Palace; you may be able to pick it up off the back of your aerial and it might give you some degree of service until 27th June.
| link to this comment |
Pam: What's the make and model?
If it's a Grundig GDB2 or GDB3, for example, then I wouldn't expect it to work with these channels from Crystal Palace as there is a known issue.
| link to this comment |
Pam: Sorry, I meant Goodmans GDB2 and GDB3 rather than Grundig. They both begin with a G!
| link to this comment |
betty_chienne: That model is on Digital UK's list of devices affected by the "Split NIT" issue which means that they won't work after switchover:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u…tnit
However, this site's own page says that it may have problems between the first and second stages of switchover:
TVs and boxes that do not support the 8k-mode | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
As this has now passed, all are in 8k mode.
If it does turn out to be only fit for the bin, then all I can say is they don't make them like they used to!
Probably get a replacement with in-built modulator such as Ferguson F01SDB:
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/…8737
| link to this comment |
sparky: Have you confirmed that BBC One on number 1 is coming in on channel 23?
Or are those on 810-819 BBC services on channel 23 (from Crystal Palace)?
| link to this comment |
Sarah, Roger Kent, John Nutt and anyone else missing Film 4 since retuning for Crystal Palace, please give the make and model number of your device.
There are some known issues with known devices that may prevent them from receiving Film 4 and other services on Arqiva B multiplex such as Yesterday.
| link to this comment |
Dave Hughes: What transmitter does your aerial point to? If it is Crystal Palace then you need to select London or if it is Sudbury then you need to select Anglia.
If you have two aerials (one on each transmitter) that are combined into one cable, then you should be able to choose either.
| link to this comment |
martin: It is likely that in October, it will work OK for you. So anything you do (sand spend) now (if there is anything to improve matters), will be likely to be purely to affect reception between now and October.
If your new TV has some sort of in-built booster then you could try that.
| link to this comment |
martin: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC News etc are on UHF channel 67 from Limavady, so try manually tuning to that channel if the set allows.
| link to this comment |
martin: I would also like to suggest, if only to test, connecting the TV directly to the aerial, i.e. so it doesn't go via other box(es) such as a recorder and Sky box.
| link to this comment |
Peter B: Channel 37 should be clear for you to use but this may change in the coming years when the authorities finally make up their minds as to what is going where.
| link to this comment |
sparky: I can't answer your questions as I', not that up on these things (perhaps jb38 or someone else can help). I am surprised that the user should have to set something like bandwidth manually; I would expect these things to be set automatically.
| link to this comment |
Steve Cheshire: I can't help you with regards an installer in your area. Personally I would search the internet. Someone who has a website and one which looks as though they know and have an interest in what they're dealing in.
| link to this comment |
John Nutt: It appears that the issue is as I suspected; that your box will not receive channels with a negative offset and in 8k mode.
Basically, signals are transmitted on channels. Each channel is at a particular frequency. This channel from Crystal Palace has a negative offset which means that the signal is at slightly lower frequency than the "centre" frequency of channel 28.
After switchover, signals use 8k mode rather than the former 2k mode.
See this bulletin from Digital UK:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u….pdf
There was a firmware (similar to software) update for your model.
If came across this page on the Vestel T810 (which your model is based on):
Unofficial Vestel PVR Information (UK) - T810 Freeview Recorder
Google various terms such as vestel t810 negative offset. You may be able to confirm that the firmware version you have (it will tell you somewhere in the menu system) is not the most up-to-date.
I am not sure whether there is a way of updating the firmware now it's not broadcast over the air. Perhaps one of the pros on here could advise.
| link to this comment |
sparky: The signals from Hemel Hempstead cannot interfere with those of Crystal Palace. They can, however, be stored as the "main" channels but this may only happen at the automatic tuning stage when the box makes its "decision" as to which BBC One to go with, which ITV1 to go with etc.
You can eliminate the possibility of picking up Hemel Hempstead by unplugging your aerial during the tuning scan when it gets to 30%. All of HH's channels are above this and CP's are below.
| link to this comment |
nick: This effect is caused by the Commercial broadcasters being allowed to operate in a way that suits them. They transmit from 81 of the largest sites (largest by viewer population) and achieve a 90% coverage of the population. To transmit from the other 1,000 or so small relays would roughly double their costs of transmission whilst only adding 8.5% of the population to their potential viewer base. Clearly they don't think this is worth the outlay. For a more in-depth explanation, see Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
There is no financial help for any viewer who needs to upgrade their aerial or install Freesat in order to receive more channels. If there was, then I think that that money should have been given to the Commercial broadcasters as a subsidy to cover the less profitable areas.
Looking at Digital UK, it would seem that the only transmitter that may give you the full service is Crystal Palace. As your road slopes, some houses are lower than others and therefore may be blocked from getting enough signal from Crystal Palace. So what can and can't be received could vary house by house.
| link to this comment |
Nick: Whilst it is correct that Tacolneston has a taller mast, having checked on your post code (obtained from an earlier posting) with Digital UK Tradeview Sudbury is better than Tacolneston.
All of Sudbury's Commercial channels are on low power until 27th June. On that date all will go up to 100kW, the same as the PSBs. The disadvantage of Sudbury is that it requires a Group E or wideband aerial as PSBs are Group B and COMs Group C/D.
The prediction for four of Tacolneston's muxes go from "variable" to no reception in June which coincides with switchover at Dover where three of the four affected muxes (the three Tacolneston PSBs) are co-channel. The other two COMs are "poor".
The Megalithia tool that shows terrain to transmitters shows that you, theoretically have line of sight if your aerial is at 10m above ground:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
However, for a number of miles, the trace passes within metres of the ground.
The one for Sudbury is much better:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
A look on Google Streetview shows aerials on Sudbury with very few on Aldeburgh. As a non-professional, looking at this information, I firmly believe that you need to try for Sudbury.
As I say, you will probably have to wait until the end of June.
For information on aerials, see A.T.V (Aerials And Television) TV Aerial, DAB Aerial, FM Aerial.
ATV has a page with advice for Sudbury: A.T.V (Aerials And Television) TV Aerial, DAB Aerial, FM Aerial. sudburytx.html
| link to this comment |
pele: Can you post the model number of the Alba box? Some won't work after switchover.
| link to this comment |
B Brown: Without giving the model number, I cannot answer the question. However, "Full HD" simply means that it is 1080p and does not give any qualification being able to receive Freeview HD signals over the air.
| link to this comment |
Frustrated in Culmstock: In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the power of Stockland Hill's COMs went up. However, Rowridge began transmitting on the same three channels.
Rowridge is in the same direction as Stockland from Culmstock.
| link to this comment |
Stephen: Channel 41 is SDN from Hannington.
It is on exactly the same bearing as Oxford (183 degrees), Oxford being 28km and Hannington 82km!
As you're tuning in Oxford, when you run the automatic tuning scan, have the aerial unplugged up until 60% as all of Oxford's channels are above this. This should also prevent the receiver picking up pretty much all other channels in your area.
| link to this comment |
Esther: See Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Nick: No, Tacolneston will not reduce power. The prediction guide for your location goes down, presumably, due to interference from Dover and another station.
This is quite common, particularly for locations that are clearly outside of the main service area such as yours.
| link to this comment |
Dennis: That is correct. Hannington and Crystal Palace are now in their final state power wise and channel wise.
| link to this comment |
A NORTON: I think that you've got absolutely no chance at your location of getting the Commercial channels, unless perhaps, you have a mast maybe around 100m high to mount your aerial on!
The problem is that you are in a valley and the small "filler-in" relays that are available to you (Bincombe Hill, Weymouth and Charmouth) are all "lite" transmitters. That means that they only carry Public Service channels.
For an explanation of why the Commercial services don't cover your area, see Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Freesat is probably your best bet for additional free-to-air channels.
| link to this comment |
Big Mart: Check that the HD channels on your recorder are coming in on UHF channel 30 and not 21 which is Sandy Heath.
| link to this comment |
Hami: See:
My Freeview box has no EPG, is blank on FIVE, ITV3, ITV4, ITV2+1, has no sound or the channel line up is wrong | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
chris: On the basis that you are a mile or two from the Crystal Palace transmitter, it is quite likely that the problem is that the signal going into your TV is now overwhelming it. Put an attenuator inline with your aerial lead to reduce the signals' levels.
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
As a temporary measure, in order to watch television, you need to find a way to put less signal into the TV.
Some suggestions:
- A set-top aerial.
- If the aerial lead is one that screws together, try removing the outer part of the plug so that you can insert only the inner pin into the socket.
- A wire coathanger or large paperclip around 6in long inserted into the inner part of the socket may work.
- You may find that an aerial lead on its own may work, perhaps fixed to the wall.
See which of the above works the best with the BBC channels that you have. The signal strength screen should give you some idea. The signal strength screen should hopefully also be telling you that it is tuned to UHF channel 23 (which is BBC standard definition from Crystal Palace).
Having done this, then use manual tuning instead of automatic, adding each group of programme channels, as shown at the top of this page. If you find that one is unavailable (no signal), then move on to the next, noting which are missing.
As shown above (for tuning):
BBC One=C23
ITV1=C26
BBC One HD=C30
ITV3=C25
Pick TV=C22
Yesterday=C28
If, having done a manual scan of these channels, you are missing one or more, then use the ones you have to guide you as to where to best position your makeshift aerial and then try again manually tuning to the missing channel(s).
As the programme channels are in groups, there is no need to look at the rest in the group. So if BBC One is OK, then you know that BBC Two, BBC Three etc are OK as well. Stick to viewing the strengths and qualities of the above six services.
| link to this comment |
Lucy: Assuming that the four channels were BBC One, BBC Two, ITV and Channel 4, then these were probably the analogue ones, in which case analogue has been switched off now, so your TV will need a separate set-top box to receive TV channels.
| link to this comment |
Lucy: If your TV has a scart socket, then all set-top boxes will work. If it doesn't, then you will need one with an in-built modulator which outputs the box's picture in analogue form (the same type as has just been switched off).
One example of a box with a modulator in is this one:
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/…8737
As I say, if your TV has a scart, then you are free to choose any Freeview set-top box.
| link to this comment |
jon: Some boxes and TVs won't work after switchover, so use one that you have found to work with your other (Sudbury/Anglia) aerial.
As I suggested to chris, above, try manually tuning to the five (or six if it's HD) channel numbers. Be aware that the receiver may already have stored them in the 800s, so depending on its design, it may appear to do nothing.
| link to this comment |
Briantist: Newhaven post-switchover channels have been changed:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u….pdf
| link to this comment |
Mike Davies: Do you normally receive London programming or South East/Meridian programming? I suspect the latter.
| link to this comment |
Louisa: According to BBC Reception, Bacup is working. BBC only mentions issues with its own services.
The posting immediately above yours from Transmitter engineering says that BBC TV was off the air from 19:16 to 22:45 on Saturday evening. The source is the BBC (as noted by the "[BBC]" at the end), so could have affected all channels.
| link to this comment |
Malcolm H: Maybe this can help if you would like to consider DIYing it:
Hannington Transmitter
| link to this comment |
Derek: I wonder if it could be too much signal:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Wideband aerials have much less gain at Group A frequencies (of which 21, 24 and 27 are). See these traces:
Gain (curves), Again
This is what makes me think that your problem could be overload on C57 and C60.
| link to this comment |
PP Ainsworth: Bring up the signal strength screen whilst on one of the HD channels and check that it is tuned to UHF channel 54.
If it is on C54, then perhaps it is signal overload, you being only 7 miles from the transmitter:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Try fitting an attenuator inline with the incoming aerial lead.
| link to this comment |
MR MANNING: See this posting where someone has reported the same issue with Rowridge:
Freeview on Rowridge TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Digital UK says that Rowridge digital TV is "liable to interruption":
Digital UK - Planned Engineering Works
See this list of channels:
Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Are you missing all services in the ArqB group and not just ITV4?
If so, try manually tuning to UHF channel 28 at intervals until it returns.
| link to this comment |
MR MANNING: Of course, you said that your TV has ITV4. Check that the TV is tuned to UHF channel 28 for ITV4 by viewing the signal strength screen whilst on it.
| link to this comment |
Paul H: See
Digital UK - Planned Engineering Works
Rowridge digital TV is presently "liable to interruption".
| link to this comment |
Debbie: It's impossible to give an answer to such a question without knowledge of the likely signal in your area. It could be that you reside close to a high power transmitter and that the signal level presented at its aerial input is too high for the box to cope with. Please can you give your location, preferably in the form of post code or nearby post code (e.g. shop)?
| link to this comment |
Peter: Transmitters don't vary their output power over the day.
You've said that you're in RH2. Whilst this is a large area, it is where the transmitter is. If you have good line of sight to it, your receiver could be suffering from signal overload which at times overwhelms it. Perhaps a bit of attenuation wouldn't go a miss.
See:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Peter: Follow the link. Attenuation is the opposite of amplification, i.e. it makes the signals smaller.
If you do have a signal booster/amplifier, then try removing that first if you can.
You can pick up attenuators for a few pounds from sources such as eBay. I put in <<variable attenuator>> and came up with this one (other sellers and models are available):
VARIABLE ATTENUATOR TV SIGNAL REDUCER 20dB 3 5 6 9 10 12 15 18 DIGITAL FREEVIEW | eBay
This is a variable one. You can also get fixed values; not sure what value you should get, a variable one allows a bit more scope for adjustment.
The objective of digital reception is not to get the signal strength as near to 100% as possible; it is quality that matters. Different receivers have different scales, but say you have 60% strength and 100% quality all the time, then that is fine. Too much (or verging on too much) is likely to have an adverse affect on quality and therefore cause break-up or worse, "no signal".
In the days of analogue, reduced signal strength usually meant more of a grainy picture, hence the need for a strong signal (then).
| link to this comment |
Peter: With technical fault-finding like this, it's a case of eliminating possibilities, targetting the most likely ones first.
As there is no way of measuring the signals effectively, then trying the solution of an attenuator seems the simplest method to determine whether this is the issue.
However, I have a few more thoughts that you might investigate before getting an attenuator:
Check that the receiver is tuned to Reigate for all its services and not another transmitter such as Crystal Palace. This is to ensure that the picture you are seeing (that you don't see at times) is coming from Reigate.
See "After switchover configuration" here: Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
For one service from each of those five (or six if it's HD) multiplexes bring up the signal strength screen and ensure that it is tuned to Reigate (UHF channel numbers at the top of the page):
PSB1/BBC A = C60
PSB2/D3&4 = C57
PSB3/BBC B (HD) = C53
COM4/SDN = C21
COM5/ArqA = C24
COM6/ArqB = C27
It's also worth pointing out that you will probably need to have your Group C/D aerial replaced with a wideband for Reigate. Group C/D is the top third of the band of frequencies used for TV. The four main analogue channels were C/D and the PSBs (above) are C/D, but the COMs are in the first third of the band (Group A). So if it's the COMs you're having issues with, and you have a C/D aerial, then this may be the cause.
That said, before switchover some of the digital channels were in Group A, so this issue may have cropped up before and therefore you may have already had the aerial replaced.
| link to this comment |
Malcolm H: Trees can cause issues with reception.
The signal being received may vary when the branches move, when leaves are on the tree or when they are wet. They may affect some channels and not others.
If it is BBC standard definition services that you are having difficulty with, then these are on C45. BBC Two analogue used to be on that channel, so did you suffer from intermittently poor reception on that channel?
| link to this comment |
Judy Clews: On 18th April these services changed channel/frequency and their transmission powers were increased. However, the Stockland Hill transmitter uses the same three channels/frequencies and on that date they also went up. Coincidence? Perhaps the Stockland signals are acting to make the Rowridge ones unusable.
Since 18th April, Rowridge has been transmitting all channels horizontally and vertically. Before switchover it was horizontally only.
You may benefit from switching your aerial to vertical polarisation. The reason I say this is probably two-fold:
1. If the problem you have is interference from Stockland Hill, then it transmits horizontally only. So having the aerial at right-angles to that signal will help reduce the level of interferance.
2. The transmission power of the Commercial channels (ITV3, Pick TV, Yesterday, Film4, Dave etc) from Rowridge is lower horizontally then vertically.
Thus the combination of increased rejection of Stockland's signals by mounting the aerial vertically and increased signal strength should improve matters for you.
If it doesn't improve matters enough to allow reception of these channels, then a change of aerial may help.
| link to this comment |
Judy Clews: If your TV has a manual tune function, then try using it to restore the missing channels.
See "Final switchover configuration" on this page:
Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Work out which one(s) you are missing and then attempt manual tuning for each.
For Rowridge they are:
SDN (ITV3 etc) = C25
ArqA (Pick TV etc) = C22
ArqB (Yesterday etc) = C28
| link to this comment |
Richard: Check that your receiver is tuning to Crystal Palace and not Wooburn which is nearly on the same trajectory.
For each of the following bring up the signal strength screen and it should tell you the UHF channel you are tuned to:
BBC One = C23 (Wooburn is 48)
ITV1 = C26 (Wooburn is 56)
BBC One HD = C30 (Wooburn is 52)
If this proves to be the problem, then when running the automatic tuning scan, unplug the aerial when it gets to 30%. All of Crystal Palace's channels are below 30% and Wooburn's are above.
On the basis that all have 100% strength, I would wonder if the signal level is too high if, having checked, you find that you are indeed receiving them from Crystal Palace. This is perhaps a little surprising as you are nearly 30 miles from the transmitter and you don't have clear line of sight with Berghers Hill being in the way.
If it is too much signal from Crystal Palace, then have you got a booster connected in there? If so, remove it or reduce its level of amplification if possible.
| link to this comment |
Richard: If your receiver is finding other channels, and those channels fall outside of the range used by Crystal Palace, then you can avoid them by using the unplugging aerial trick I mentioned.
If there are other transmitters that are within the "target" of say 21 to 30 for Crystal Palace (I allow a few channels either side to ensure that they're all picked up), then you may have to revise your plan.
I don't have first hand experience of these Humax devices. However, I have read that when tuning some HD tuners you need to select the HD mode when tuning in the HD channel, that probably being "DVB-T2" as opposed to "DVB-T" which is for standard definition.
I wonder, if you are doing it manually if you have to set the mode manually and that it does not automatically assume the correct mode. This would perhaps explain why it does find a signal, but just no quality.
| link to this comment |
Paul: I presume that the transmitter is Hannington.
If you are carrying out repeated automatic retunes in the hope that this will solve the problem, then this is unlikely and more likely to be a waste of time and effort to resolve the problem.
The first thing you need to do is to confirm that the channels being picked up are those from Hannington and not from another transmitter. Having established that they are all correctly tuned, then you should not retune because that will achieve nothing except perhaps undoing what has been done. Where there is poor reception on channels that are tuned correctly, then the problem must lie elsewhere.
Refer to "After switchover configuration" here: Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
You will see that there are six groups or multiplexes, one of which is HD. For one of the services from each multiplex, bring up the signal strength screen and ensure that the UHF channel that it is tuned to is that of Hannington:
BBC One = C45 (23 is Crystal Palace;55 is Midhurst)
ITV1 = C42 (26 is Crystal Palace;61 is Midhurst)
BBC One HD (if applicable) = C39 (30 is Crystal Palace;58 is Midhurst)
ITV3 = C41 (25 is Crystal Palace;62 is Midhurst)
Pick TV = C44 (22 is Crystal Palace;59 is Midhurst)
Yesterday = C47 (28 is Crystal Palace;50 is Midhurst)
Should it turn out that any of these are not Hannington, then run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial lead unplugged, plug in at 30% and unplug at 56%. This will have the aerial unplugged for Crystal Palace (which is below 30%) and for Midhurst (which is above 56%) and plugged in for Hannington.
Having done this, then check each of the above to ensure that they are Hannington. For any that are missing, use manual tuning to add them if it will allow. If it manual tuning won't allow them to be added, then make a note of them and add them later.
If the problem of poor signal prevails, even though you are tuned to Hannington, then I suggest that it could be too high a signal level which is overloading your tuner. See: Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The thing with Hannington is that before switchover, the amount of signal it put out in an easterly direction was restricted. So the signal you got at your side of the transmitter was less than someone on the opposite side at the same distance.
Now switchover has completed, the signal is omnidirectional. Hence the difference between the low power pre-switchover and high power post-switchover signals at your location is quite great. Consequently, in order to pick up the weak pre-switchover signals you may have had an aerial installed (perhaps with a booster) that was sensitive enough for the weaker signals, but is now OTT.
| link to this comment |
Elaine Fox: Please can you give an idea of your location so the signal in your area may be predicted, this being preferably in the form of a post code or nearby post code (of a shop for example)?
The only thing I will say is that if you are close to the transmitter, then the signal will be much stronger and could be overwhelming your receiver which could be the cause of what you describe. An idea of your location may give us an idea of how likely this might be the case.
| link to this comment |
Big Mart: Where signals from more than one transmitter are picked up by the aerial, different pieces of equipment can decide to go with different transmitters.
Go to BBC One HD and then bring up the signal strength screen. For Crystal Palace the UHF channel used for HD services is C30.
According to Digital UK Tradeview predictor you may be able to pick up Sandy Heath (C21), Hannington (C39) or perhaps Hemel Hempstead (C47).
| link to this comment |
George Silvester: In order to help with reception problems, knowledge of your location is necessary in order for a prediction to be made of the likely strength of signals in your area. A post code is preferred; give on of a local business if you don't wish to give your own.
When did this problem start? Are you in the London region and have therefore completed switchover last Wednesday? Did the problem start then?
| link to this comment |
MJ: Digital UK reports that Rowridge digital TV is "liable to interruption":
Digital UK - Planned Engineering Works
| link to this comment |
threewheels: What's the make and model of your receiver? Due to an issue, some are unable to receive channel 28 from Crystal Palace.
| link to this comment |
Robert: I don't think so.
The reason that I suggest unplugging the aerial lead for part of the scan is because the automatic tuning process may produce to "wrong" results, i.e. the set of channels that the receiver decides to use as the "main" ones are not those from the transmitter to which the aerial faces.
The first thing that is done during automatic tuning is to scan frequencies from low to high and see what's available. Having done this, the receiver needs to decide (where duplicates are found) which ones to use as the main ones. The rest are usually put in the 800s. It is the process by which the decision is made that can vary between receivers and hence the outcome of what any one device may choose to be the "main" set may vary to that of another device on the same aerial.
Having chosen "wrong" channels, the user is then watching a transmission broadcast from a transmitter other than the one which the aerial faces. So it's not surprising if poor reception does ensue. It is therefore necessary to, somehow, get the device tuned to the correct channels. The same issue could occur in the days of analogue with automatic tuning.
Where the wrong channels that the receiver decides to go with are outside of the range of those used by the desired transmitter, then a simple way around the problem is to unplug the aerial so the device never gets to "see" them during its scan.
If you click the Digital UK (DUK) Tradeview link next to your posting, it will bring up the DUK prediction for transmitters you may be able to receive. You say that you have some services by 30% of the scan. The scan runs from channels 21 to 69, so you can convert to percentage and vice versa. At 30% it has completed looking in the 20s and there is apparently one transmitter in that range which is Chiseldon.
Looking at the predictor for your location, if you do the unplugging aerial trick, then the channels used for Mendip are interleaved within those of Oxford.
What I would say is that it is perhaps good practice to check that the main channels are the desired ones. Refer to "After switchover configuration":
Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Check the signal strength screen whilst on one of the services from each group (multiplex). Ensure that the UHF channel given is that of the desired transmitter and not another one.
As you have already done this, and confirmed it is channel 62, then this would appear not to be the issue (at least for this particular multiplex).
| link to this comment |
paul sheen: What happens when you manually tune depends on the design of the device. What you hoped it would do is replace the incorrect main channels with those of your desired transmitter.
However, if the multiplexes from the desired transmitter have already been stored in the receiver's memory (usually put in the 800s), manual tuning may just do nothing because as far as the receiver is concerned, the channels are already tuned.
I assume that the London broadcasts that you are picking up are from Crystal Palace which switched over to digital on Wednesday. These are all on frequencies within the first 30% of the scan. If the Anglia transmitter you are intending to use is Sudbury, then its channels are higher up, so if you run the scan with the aerial unplugged for the first 30%, your receiver won't get the opportunity to "see" the signals from Crystal Palace.
| link to this comment |
Jon D: As a test to see what transmitters you could be picking up in your area, I put the postcode for Cineworld in Stevenage into the Digital UK Tradeview predictor:
Postcode Checker - Trade View
As I suspected, Crystal Palace may be coming in strong in your area now that it has switched over (which it did so on Wednesday).
Confirm where the erroneous BBC One and ITV1 channels are coming from. Do this by going to them and bringing up the signal strength screen. Most receivers give the UHF channel number (equivalent to frequency) that it is tuned to. If BBC One is on C23 and ITV1 on C26 then those signals are coming from Crystal Palace. You then know what you're trying to avoid when the device goes through its scan.
Unfortunately the signals from Crystal Palace are all in the 20s, as are the Public Service channels from Sandy Heath. The Commercial channels (ITV3, Pick TV, Yesterday etc) from Sandy are in the 40s and 50s (except for one which I changes on 9th May and for which you will have to retune for).
Refer to "After switchover configuration" on this page Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The programme channels are broadcast in groups known as multiplexes.
Now, what I would do in your situation, if it turns out that the erroneous BBC and ITV signals are from Crystal Palace is to run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial lead unplugged up until 50%. This should give you ArqA (Pick TV etc) and ArqB (Yesterday) which are on 52 and 48 respectively. When you do this after 9th May it will also give you SDN (ITV3) which will then be on 51.
Having done this, then go to manual tune (if your receiver has this function) and manually add the missing multiplexes. BBC A (BBC One etc) is on C27 and D3&4 (ITV1 etc) is on C24. If the receiver has HD, then you need to manually tune to C21 for HD channels.
Finally, as SDN is presently on C31, manually add it. This will move to C51 on 9th May.
If this is a suitable workaround, then make a note of it should you need to retune at a later date.
| link to this comment |
Cornelia: Unfortunately that set (or both sets as you have given two model numbers) is on the Digital UK list of 2k equipment which means that it won't work after switchover:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u…ment
2k mode was used before switchover and after switchover signals use 8k mode. These models will only work in 2k mode.
| link to this comment |
Charlie: Based on the results of the Digital UK Tradeview predictor, it's not very likely that you might receive these channels from any transmitter. Indoor aerials are less sensitive and in environments where the signals aren't as strong, so I think that it's a fair summing up to say that you would have to have a roof aerial to receive the additional channels, if indeed you could ever pick them up.
It's profit driven companies I'm afraid. They operate on a profit basis and not as a Public Service which is what you get now.
See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Paul Murphy: There are different regions for ITV1+1, thus the multiplex that it is carried on must have different regional variants.
The SDN Commercial multiplex which carries ITV3 has two variants: Wales and everywhere except Wales. Putting ITV1+1 on it would mean quite a few more variants would be needed, pushing up costs.
Also, I expect that consideration will have been given to what will bring in the most revenue from advertising.
I wouldn't waste my time writing to anyone; it is as it is. It looks as though you will have to go down the Freesat route if you want these extra channels.
There are some differences between Freesat and full Freeview:
Compare Freeview and Freesat TV | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
doroten: Please can you tell us the make and model of the device in question? There is an issue with some tuners where they cannot receive Mux D (aka COM6 aka "ArqB") from Crystal Palace.
| link to this comment |
Dee Tee: This is usually caused by not enough memory to store the channel information. Fear not, because it is usually the case that the receiver stores channels as it finds them. So where it finds channels from other transmitters and then the desired one last, the memory has been filled with those of the undesired transmitters. That is the desired one uses the highest frequencies (the scan goes from low frequency to high frequency).
If you let me know where you are and what transmitter you are using, I should be able to suggest a workaround to prevent it from storing the channels from other transmitters.
| link to this comment |
Andrew: Knowledge of your location would be helpful. If you are close to a high power transmitter, then the problem could be that your receiver is being overwhelmed by the signal going into it.
| link to this comment |
threewheels: As I suspected; it is one of the devices that will not receive signals with negative offsets which are in 8k mode:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u….pdf
The only change after 4th April was the BBC multiplex.
The multiplex on channel 28 is in fact 28- which means that it is a bit lower than 28. After switchover, all signals use 8k mode rather than 2k mode which they used before switchover.
| link to this comment |
Dee Tee: Well I was thinking that you had a transmitter that used high frequencies, but Crystal Palace is not.
A link to the user manual is here:
26PFL5522D/05 Philips widescreen flat TV 26PFL5522D 66 cm (26") LCD integrated digital with Digital Crystal Clear - Philips Support
Try running the automatic tuning scan again with the aerial unplugged. Once this has completed check that no services are stored. The reason I say check no services are stored is because, some devices, having found nothing during a scan (which it won't do because the aerial is out), continue with the list of channels they had before the scan.
Then run it again with the aerial plugged in up to 30% then unplug the aerial until the scan is complete. Then see if it has rectified the issue.
| link to this comment |
John Cook: The answer to your question is that you won't which is why they advised you not to retune!
You started off with one problem; picture break-up or no signal. Now you have two potential problems: picture break-up/no signal and the set not being tuned.
Digital UK publishes engineering works at www.digitaluk.co.uk/engineeringworks
Rowridge digital TV is currently "liable to interruption".
If you have a manual tune option, then try using it. Refer to the Rowridge page for details of UHF channel numbers.
| link to this comment |
john mcmanus: The transmission power of ArqB from Midhurst will increase to its full final power on Wednesday. There is no channel change, so if your receiver has picked it up and put it in its services in its listings, then you will not have to retune.
| link to this comment |
tim: Sounds like the signal strength could be too high which is overwhelming your receiver:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Try connecting a set-top aerial. Or if the aerial plug is a screwed together one (i.e. not a moulded on type) then unscrew and remove the outer part of the plug and insert only the centre pin into the aerial socket. See if these improve matters.
| link to this comment |
Big Mart: Perhaps one of the pros could step in as I'm not sure what else to suggest...except for wondering if it could be signal overload (with the effects showing on some channels more than on others):
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
tim: The likely reason that you were in an area with no signal is not because you have poor line of sight to the transmitter, but because the transmitter was not radiating an omnidirectionally. That is it was outputting a much weaker signal to its east side.
Now the signals are omnidirectional. So you have gone from being in a "very very low/non-existant" to "very high" signal area. This is quite an increase.
| link to this comment |
jan: Without knowing what it is tuned to, I cannot be certain whether the unplugging aerial trick will work. However, it is quite common in the Brighton/Worthing area to pick up the signals from Rowridge, even for aerials which face Whitehawk.
There is a simple workaround for this problem and that is keep the aerial unplugged for the first 50% of the scan.
Before you do this, I would investigate what you have at the moment. If it turns out that you are tuned to Whitehawk's signals, then retuning won't make any difference as the problem lies elsewhere.
For each of the following, bring up the signal strength screen and check to see which UHF channel it is tuned to.
BBC One WH=C60 RR=C24
ITV1 WH=C53 RR=C27
BBC One HD (if applicable) WH=C51 RR=C21
ITV3 WH=57 RR=25
Pick TV WH=56 RR=22
Yesterday WH=C48 RR=28
WH=Whitehawk, RR=Rowridge
There are other possible transmitters that you could be picking up, these being low power ones serving small areas. Without knowledge of your location, assessment of candidates cannot be made. Rowridge is most likely as it overlaps a wider area.
| link to this comment |
Charlie: The licence fee doesn't guarantee reception of any channels, let alone availability of BBC services over the air.
There are two main types of broadcaster in the UK: Public Service and Commercial.
The Public Service broadcasters are the BBC, regional Channel 3 licencees (ITV, STV and UTV), Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The Public Service broadcasters operate to provide a service. Per viewer, operation of the small "filler in" relay transmitters such as Wooburn and Marlow Bottom are greater than the main transmitters that cover large areas. We know this because that is why the Commercial broadcasters don't entertain them.
Unlike the Public Service operators, the Commercial ones' primary interest is to turn a profit. The Commercial broadcasters therefore operate using the free market model. Just like any business, they are free to decide where they wish to broadcast from. The same is true of any shop that is open for business; it will do so where it is likely to be the most profitable.
You have said that you think that you should pay less because you get less channels. In response I make some points and ask some questions:
1. The Licence Fee goes to the BBC and you have the BBC available to you as it is a Public Service broadcaster.
2. Why should the BBC receive less from you due to the decision by the Commercial broadcasters not to follow the "Public Service" lead?
3. Why should those who can receive the Commercial channels pay more to the BBC?
As you prefer the model of paying for what you get, you should in fact pay more. This is the free market model.
The cost per viewer of running your transmitter is higher, therefore you should pay more than those that receive from high power transmitters.
Democracy could then be introduced in that the local population could have a vote on whether they wish to have the Commercial operators broadcast from their transmitter. This, of course, would mean viewers in the area paying more for their licence so as to subsidise the financially unviable transmitter for Commercial operators (if the vote was in favour).
I think that the benefits of the "Public Service" mantra are clear to see. I would not attack it simply because the Commercial networks do not mirror them from a coverage point of view.
I sympathise and am concerned about the way in which things are going. There are similar issues in terms of coverage with telecommunications and postal services.
| link to this comment |
Martin Curtis: The Henley relay transmitter is never likely to broadcast them. However, if you are in a location where you can receive from Crystal Palace, then you will probably be able to get the Commercial channels. The Digital UK Tradeview predictor suggests that this may be possible, although an exact answer can only be determined by an installer testing the signal strengths whilst on site.
For an explanation, see
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Big Mart: I think it might be possible to have overload at that distance. This is more likely the bigger (higher the gain) of the aerial as by definition they pull in more signal.
There is no need to check out 118 channels!
They are transmitted in groups known as multiplexes; see "After switchover configuration" here:
Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
There are six multiplexes (including one for HD) so you only need to look at one service from each. I would focus on the first from each: BBC One, ITV1, BBC One HD, ITV3, Pick TV and Yesterday.
| link to this comment |
Ray: The power of the Commercial (COM) multiplexes, SDN, ArqA and ArqB are 50kW horizontal and 200kW vertical. The Public Service ones are 200kW horizontally and vertically.
Your issue isn't forced to be weak signal. It could be interference from another transmitter such as Crystal Palace which is co-channel for the COMs. The difference is that Crystal Palace only transmits horizontally, so you will probably be best advised to switch your aerial to vertical.
| link to this comment |
Dee Tee: Thanks for posting this. It sounds as though you may have been given a way of resetting it to factory status.
It could be that there were some remnants in the memory of the channels pre-switchover that was conflicting with the current post-switchover channels and that only carrying out this procedure clears.
I will refer others with this and similar Philips models to your posting should they have the same issue.
| link to this comment |
Sean: A communal aerial system such as that in your building is usually the responsibility of the landlord. So if it found to be faulty, then the organisation or person responsible should have it fixed.
However, based on what you've said, I'm not sure that you have done anything that would tend to suggest that the fault lies with the aerial system.
Would I be right in saying that your flat has one aerial socket (e.g. in the lounge) and you wish to feed a TV in another room from it as well as the lounge TV?
The first thing to try is connecting the TV/box that is adjacent to the aerial socket on the wall directly to it and seeing if the problem clears. If it does, then this would tend to suggest that it is something to do with your internal wiring.
Is the three way splitter a powered one or not?
What sort of reception did you get before switchover? Did you have the splitter connected whilst you had good reception before switchover (if you ever had good reception before switchover)?
| link to this comment |
roy in southend: London switchover completed last Wednesday and Anglia switchover completed last July.
So either:
1. you are tuned to an Anglia transmitter (probably Sudbury) even though the aerial faces London (Crystal Palace), or;
2. you have been incredibly slow at retuning, or;
3. your block of flats have two aerials (one on Sudbury and one on Crystal Palace) which are combined and fed throughout the building's distribution system. This would give you the choice of reliable reception of either region.
Some receivers, when they encounter signals from different regional transmitters, present the user with a menu with those regions. It is often the case that there is only a single aerial which is directed at one transmitter. Therefore selection of any region other than the one of that transmitter may be liable to poor reception because the aerial was not intended to pick it up. The same thing happened in the days of analogue and would usually result in a poor picture.
As for Crystal Palace vs Sudbury, the former uses low channel numbers and the latter's are higher. During the automatic tuning scan, Crystal Palace is picked up below 30% and Sudbury is above. So unplug the aerial lead during part of the scan, to avoid the respective transmitter's signals.
| link to this comment |
tim: If the receiver is overloaded with signal, then the signal strength readings will be likely to be misleading.
That is because the circuitry is overwhelmed by the signal, it can't function normally.
The fact that there is an initial blip of 18% and then nothing could give rise to the theory that the signal level is too high.
Try putting less signal into the TV. For example, remove the aerial lead and hold the plug close (a centimetre or so away). The aim is to loose a bit of signal. Bear in mind that the receiver may take 10 or more seconds to adjust to your change, so wait.
Or as I said above, try removing the outer part of the plug (if it's a screw-together one).
When you do this, observe the signal strength meter and see if it increases.
| link to this comment |
Nick: Refer to the list of BBC DAB transmitting stations for its national multiplex:
BBC - Help receiving TV and radio - Transmitters
Aldeburgh is 1.8kW, Mendlesham is 4.3kW, Manningtree is 5kW.
DAB multiplexes are single frequency networks. That is the BBC national multiplex, for example, is on channel 12B nationwide. So between two transmitters the signal received can be the sum of both, or indeed you may have the sum of three.
The pros could perhaps suggest whether a directional aerial is better. I suspect that an omnidirectional DAB aerial may be best for you.
The other thing you have to contend with is that not all services are available from all transmitters. The BBC as a Public Service broadcaster usually has the best coverage. So it is available from Aldeburgh transmitter whereas the commercial national multiplex ("Digital One") does not broadcast from this site.
Then there is the question of what site(s) local/regional broadcasters use. According to tx.mb21.co.uk Aldeburgh DAB is BBC national only, and Mendlesham and Manningtree carry BBC national DAB services, as well as the Digital One one.
This page on Wikipedia suggests that there are no local/regional services in Suffolk:
Digital radio in the United Kingdom - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
You would be best advised to check to be sure this is right.
However, what it does mean is that you have no idea of where any future local and regional DAB broadcasters might site their transmitters. Thinking this way makes me think that you need an omnidirectional DAB aerial providing that it is sensitive enough to pick up BBC national and Digital One. If you can get these DAB services at ground level with a portable radio, then I would say definately go with an omnidirectional DAB antenna.
| link to this comment |
Nick: For technical parameters of all UK radio transmitters (including DAB), download the spreadsheet here:
Ofcom | Tech Parameters
| link to this comment |
James Bright: Your receiver has a mind of its own.
Where receivers find signals from more than one transmitter they put the duplicate channels in the 800s.
Evidently yours is one of those that knows better than the user and moves things around as it pleases. Look through the settings to see if there is an option that you can turn off to stop it from doing this.
Come Blue Bell switchover, you may find that this won't happen because its signals will be stronger. Crystal Palace completed switchover on Wednesday and so its digital signals are now much stronger.
If your box allows manual tuning, then I would run the automatic tuning scan through with the aerial unplugged so as to blank out what's stored. Then manually add the six multiplexes from Blue Bell.
| link to this comment |
I Pike: Ensure that your receiver is tuned to Rowridge for these services. Go to ITV3 and bring up the signal strength screen and check that it is tuned to UHF channel 25. Likewise for Yesterday it is C28. Pick TV is C22.
If you are tuned to Rowridge, then you may benefit from switching your aerial to vertical.
The Public Service channels (BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc) are at a transmission power of 200kW horizontally and vertically. The Commercial ones (ITV3, Pick TV, Yesterday, Film 4, Dave etc) are 50kW horizontally and 200kW vertically.
| link to this comment |
I Pike: I should also point out that the three Commercial channels use the same frequencies as Stockland Hill and Crystal Palace, so depending on your location they could be the cause of interference.
On Wednesday when the Rowridge Commercial channels changed channels, the power of Stockland Hill went up, and Crystal Palace's came on air at its switchover.
Without knowledge of your location, I can't know how likely this might be that it is interference.
Switching your aerial to vertical should help with that if it is. It will be two-fold:
1. A stronger signal.
2. Greater rejection of the unwanted signals as they are horizontal only.
| link to this comment |
tim: Where a signal is split using an unpowered splitter (i.e. no amplification), then it stands to reason that the strength of the two outputs must be less than that of the one input.
However, where an aerial lead "loops through" a device, the signal is amplified to counteract the loss caused by splitting it.
| link to this comment |
Martyn: Google <<vestel t810>>
Unofficial Vestel PVR Information (UK) - T810 Freeview Recorder
As it says, this is an unofficial site, so use it at your own risk. I haven't used it and therefore can't vouch that for the content. Use it at your own risk.
| link to this comment |
len: The RF output (i.e. output on the aerial lead) of the Sky box doesn't provide stereo sound. This is the same as other devices (recorders, video recorders, DVD players etc) which don't put out stereo sound.
| link to this comment |
John F: Yes, Belmont ArqA is on C53 and ArqB is on C60.
See "After switchover configuration" here for the programme channels carried on these multiplexes:
Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
As for your problem when you were at Crystal Palace, your receiver was probably being overloaded with signal. I suggest that you carry a variable attenuator around with you. See here for an explanation:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Of course, caravan aerials by their nature are lower down than aerials on the top of houses, so you will be less likely to suffer from overloading, except perhaps in extreme cases when you are very near to such a high power transmitter. That said, if you're using a high-gain antenna you are more likely to suffer overloading when in strong signal areas.
| link to this comment |
Ray: Different frequencies travel differently. So in the days of analogue if you remember ever siting an aerial, there were places where one channel was good but another wasn't so. This is because different frequencies get bounced around, refracted etc in differently, so at the point of reception they may not all be of equal strength.
| link to this comment |
d smith: Yes it will...but it will only be a Freeview Light transmitter, it carrying Public Service channels only. They are BBC, ITV1, ITV1+1, ITV2, Channel 4, Channel 4+1, E4, More 4, Channel 5 and HD services.
The transmitters that will carry the full services after switchover are the ones which have the low power Freeview before switchover.
If you provide your location, preferably in the form of post code or nearby post code, we can see what the likely possibility is that you can receive from one of these full Freeview transmitters.
For an explanation of why Morpeth won't carry the Commercial channels, see Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
brian m: Does this posting from Dee Tee help you?
Freeview reception has changed? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
By the way, tonight ArqB from Midhurst goes up to full final power.
For ArqB services, see "After switchover configuration" here Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Peter Barnard: See the top of the page.
You get Public Service channels only which are BBC TV and radio, ITV1, ITV1+1, Channel 4, Channel 4+1, E4, More 4, Channel 5 and the four HD channels.
If you are lucky, you may be able to receive from a main station such as Heathfield so as to get the full service when it switches over in June.
| link to this comment |
Gerry King: I hate to tell you this, but I think that the Chepping Wycombe relay transmitter has spoiled your party.
Digital UK Tradeview predictor thinks that the Hannington PSBs are "good" at your location, but the COMs are all "poor". Unfortunately it doesn't give away why it thinks that the COMs are so bad.
However, if you go to this page UK TV Frequency map - channel C41 (634.0MHz) before switchover map | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice it shows that Chepping Wycombe is co-channel. Its radiation shows that it throws its signal out to its north east.
The channels allocated to the COMs aren't as good as those given to the PSBs. There is more compromise with them. Hannington's COMs are at half transmission power with respect to its PSBs. This example shows why; that is the three channels are "re-used" by this relay transmitter in an area where its PSBs are probably satisfactory.
As Hannington and the interfering transmitter are inline with one another, there is nothing you can do with respect to a better aerial that will reject the unwanted signals (from another direction) or a makeshift shield made of chicken wire and kitchen foil.
Based on the predictor, the next-best transmitter to pick up the COMs from is Crystal Palace. Two are "poor" and one is "variable". Unless it can be pinned down why Digital UK thinks that two are worse, e.g. another interferer, and the interfering signal can't be avoided, then maybe there is an outside chance of receiving these from Crystal Palace.
I'm not sure how accurate Wolfbane is. However, I put in your post code and selected the DX box which means that it returns everything, including the weakest of the weak at your location:
UK digital TV reception predictor
The only transmitter that is listed by Wolfbane that is co-channel with Crystal Palace's COMs is Rowridge. So perhaps it is Rowridge that is degrading the result from the DUK predictor.
Directional aerials differ in sensitivity to a signal, depending on the direction of that signal. So it may not necessarily mean poor reception. However, it may be the case that an external aerial may be necessary. Or then again, you "may" (it's a "try it and see" thing) get sufficient signal from Crystal Palace in your loft, and it may also be a location where there is nothing (or negligible signal) from Rowridge.
For DIY aerial information, see www.aerialsandtv.com
| link to this comment |
Denzil Dexter: Change your aerial to vertical polarisation if you can.
The Commercial channels (including the ones you mention) are 50kW horizontally and 200kW vertically. The Public Service channels (BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc) are 200kW horizontally and vertically.
Also, the three Commercial channels are co-channel with their partners from Stockland Hill. The only difference being that Stockland is horizontally polarised only. So switching to vertical should help reject Stockland if it is interfering and should also help pick up more signal from Rowridge.
Also, if I were you, I wouldn't assume that the problem is too low a signal. That is not, of course to say that it isn't the case. Be mindful that too much signal can appear as too little signal where digital is concerned.
See Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
I should imagine that if you do have too much signal, then based on your distance from the transmitter it won't be as a result of the aerial. It is more likely to be due to the amplifier.
Another thing is that it could be that the higher power Public Service channels are acting to de-sensitise your receiver, thus it doesn't "hear" the lower power Commercial channels which are nearby. Reducing or removing your level of amplification could help rectify that.
Indeed, if you're DIYing it, then I would start off by removing the booster and switching the aerial to vertical and then work from there.
| link to this comment |
Gerry King: I'm not sure how effective an external aerial for Hannington might be. I appreciate that you said that you have no chimney, but it may be the only way.
Chepping Wycombe was co-channel with Hannington's COMs when it was broadcasting analogue. It completed switchover last Wednesday. Also, Hannington's COMs have remained on pre-switchover power and using pre-switchover antenna until recently. C41 and C47 changed in the early hours of 18th, which is probably why you lost reception at that time.
Perhaps one of the pros could offer their thoughts on this. I wonder, why might the analogue not have affected the apparently lower power Hannington COMs, yet now it is digital, it seemingly obliterates reception?
| link to this comment |
ken white: Full HD has nothing to do with Freeview HD. It simply means that it is capible of showing pictures up to 1080p.
However, if your TV does have a Freeview HD tuner built-in, then there may be an option to specify DVB-T2 mode when manually tuning to C50.
The specification will say "DVB-T2" which is what HD services use. DVB-T is standard definition, so if it only says that, then it won't pick up Freeview HD.
| link to this comment |
Jon: The Saltdean transmitter will never transmit the Commercial channels as their operators do not wish to do so and this is the case in nearly 1,100 similar sites in the UK. See Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The only possible way to get the channels is if they can be received from a station that carries them. Those being Whitehawk, Rowridge and perhaps Heathfield (which switches in June).
I had a look on Google Streetview and spotted an aerial on Whitehawk on a house on Ashdown Avenue.
Numbers 34 and 36 Chorley Avenue also have aerials on Whitehawk (photos taken March 2009). The former's aerial is below the top of the roof of the latter.
Both of these are bungalows which, by their very nature, have their aerials lower down that houses. So if they can get it, then it should raise hopes that others might do.
| link to this comment |
Denzil Dexter: I'm not sure what else to suggest. Perhaps one of the pros will be along soon.
jb38 can you help Denzil?
| link to this comment |
Percy Verance: Short answer: "Probably not"
Long answer: As the problem is likely to be within your own system, then it is your responsibility and therefore if you do not wish to do anything to try and solve the problem then the likely answer to your question is that the problem will not be fixed.
| link to this comment |
Peter Barnard: I sympathise. This is private enterprise doing what it does best; serve its own interests.
Whilst, as far as I know, the Freeview literature carries in the small print something along the lines of "subject to coverage", I do not believe that it makes clear that some channels are only available in most areas, or even better, that certain areas receive only restricted channels.
Freesat is a possibility and there is a comparison of channels available on Freesat versus those on the full Freeview service:
Compare Freeview and Freesat-from-Sky TV | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
ITV3 is available on Freesat.
| link to this comment |
Robert: HD services are available from all Freeview transmitters that have completed switchover. The likely answer as to why you don't get HD services is because your receiver does not cater for HD services. These are in DVB-T2 mode and this will be shown in the specification section of your receiver's manual (if it exists). DVB-T is the mode of standard definition services.
www.stv.tv/hd says that STV's HD service will begin on 6th June. Also on Freeview HD is BBC One HD, BBC HD and Channel 4 HD.
For a comparison of full Freeview vs Freesat, see Compare Freeview and Freesat TV | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Percy Verange: Let us know how it goes.
Cynical is OK. I was taking you at your word; that you didn't wish to know what the problem was.
Clearly if you wish to fix it, then you will have gathered some degree of knowledge of what the problem was having carried out rectification.
| link to this comment |
Nick: At the top of the page, under the heading "After switchover frequency notes" there are references to "mid-2012". These dates have now been finalised and the events are due to take place on 27th June.
I assume that at the time the text was placed on this page, the sources did not have a specific date.
However, if you refer to Digital UK Tradeview predictor, you will see that it is now 27th June that the changes will take effect.
Also refer to Ofcom's licences document, V7 27th January 2012 which gives the date that Sudbury's COMs are due to increase in power:
Ofcom | Supplementary licence documents in relation to DSO
Briantist: Can you update?
| link to this comment |
John Bates: It is SDN (ITV3 etc) that will remain on low power until 27th June. It is on C42 which is presently used by Dover until it switches on that date.
I conclude that the likely answer to your question is due to Dover using the same channel.
| link to this comment |
Briantist: There is no SDN shown after switchover.
ArqB is shown as being on C42 after switchover when, according to DUK Tradeview, it is on C41. SDN will be on C42.
Postcode Checker - Trade View
| link to this comment |
Andrew: I don't think you stand a chance of receiving Freeview until switchover.
When it does happen though, Bilsdale will be Group A for Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) multiplexes and Group B for the Commercial (COM) ones.
The power of the PSBs will be 100kW whereas the COMs will be 50kW. The latter will also use a less robust mode so that they can fit in more services.
As Robert Hill says, you could use a Group K aerial which covers Group A and Group B. However, by extending the range of frequencies that the aerial works for, there is a trade-off in sensitivity (gain).
Looking at the Digital UK Tradeview predictor, you will need all the gain you can get.
You could opt for a Group B aerial on Bilsdale for the COMs and continue to use your C/D Guisborough aerial for the PSBs. Then diplex the two together.
If the downlead is old, then it may be a good idea to replace it with double-screened cable such as Webro WF100.
For lots of information and products, see www.aerialsandtv.com
I'm not a professional on this matter, so perhaps others on here could be more specific.
However, there may be a marked difference in the strength of the signals coming down your aerial lead. I expect that the ones from Guisborough will be stronger. I wonder if a masthead amp will be necessary for the Bilsdale COMs aerial...
Some pages on ATV's site that may be of particular interest:
Bilsdale TV Transmitter
Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales - The diplexer that splits at C51 will allow you to combine your Guisborough aerial with the Group B Bilsdale aerial.
| link to this comment |
Sarah: I think that the main reason for USB sockets appearing on DVD players, TVs etc is so that you can put photos and maybe videos onto a USB pen drive and play them. The USB socket isn't for connecting it to the TV.
If there are HDMI sockets on both the DVD player and TV, then that should be the prefered method of connecting the two, even if there are no HD pictures to show. Failing that, use the scart.
You can get right angle adaptors for these things. For example, put <<right angle hdmi>> into Google. There are right angle scart adaptors, but looking at photographs of them, I'm not sure how much space they might save.
I'm surprised that the wall mount blocks access to the sockets on the TV.
| link to this comment |
Andrew: Another page to look at on ATV's site is the one with gain curves on:
Gain (curves), Again
This shows how yagi aerials aren't so good at lower frequencies and why a wideband (probably high-gain) will not be the best for you if you decide to receive all services (PSBs and COMs) from Bilsdale.
| link to this comment |
Ann: Have a look in the 800s; you may find Midhurst's ArqB services in there.
Depending on the design of the receiver, it may be that C50 has been picked up in the past and put in the 800s. When you manually tune to C50, it may do nothing because as far as the receiver is concerned, it has that channel stored in its memory.
A rescan may be in order to rectify the problem.
| link to this comment |
Brian O'Keefe: The Hertford relay, as part of the Crystal Palace group, completed switchover last Wednesday when it began to use C54 for digital. It had previously used C54 for Channel 4 analogue.
Now that Crystal Palace has switched and is on full power, you could try manually tuning to its ArqA on C22 and ArqB on C28. You may be able to receive these off the back of your aerial until Sudbury goes to full power.
| link to this comment |
Bill Harrington: Yes, although it and the other Commercial channels are on low power from Sudbury until 27th June when a retune will be required.
If there is a manual tune option, try it. ArqA which includes Pick TV and Sky News is on C54 up until 27th June.
| link to this comment |
Ann: I found your post code on a previous posting of yours and the Digital UK Tradeview predictor doesn't even make mention of Midhurst at your location. Hordean transmitter is predicted as being excellent for you so I expect that it will wipe out any chance of reception of C50 from Midhurst, even though they are different polarisations.
Why does your aerial not point to Rowridge? According to the pages for Midhurst and Rowridge on this website, the BBC and ITV regions are the same for both, so changing wouldn't affect the regional programmes that you get.
The thing with Rowridge is that it now transmits horizontally and vertically. The Commercial channels are stronger vertically than horizontally (200kW vs 50kW); the Public Service channels are the same in both planes (200kW). So if you have an aerial installed for Rowridge, then it should be vertical.
| link to this comment |
Kim: This problem is usually caused by the TV not having enough memory to store all the channels it finds. Fear not though because what they usually do is store channels from other transmitters, so the trick is to prevent it from doing this.
In my experience helping on this site, this problem seems to affect some Philips models.
What happens is that the automatic tuning scan "looks" at different frequencies from low to high. The fact that you have channels in the 800s means that it has picked up signals from other transmitters.
Of the services from Oxford transmitter (which I assume your aerial is directed at), ITV1, C4, C5 are higher than others. The only group higher is the one which carries ITV3 and others, so I wouldn't be surprised if the problem affects that one as well.
There is a simple solution and that is to run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged and then plug it in when it gets to 50%. This will prevent it from picking up the signals from other transmitter(s) which are filling its memory, leaving no room for the ones that you want.
| link to this comment |
Pongo: Take a walk around the area and see what transmitters the other houses are using.
Any prediction or suggestion made here would need investigating as only when an installer is on site can confirmation be given that it is possible to receive from a particular station. Local obstructions can affect what can be picked up.
Digital UK Tradeview predictor suggests you might have excellent reception from Portishead relay transmitter. However, it is a Freeview Light transmitter, carrying Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) channels only. These being BBC TV and radio, ITV1, ITV1+1, ITV2, Channel 4, Channel 4+1, E4, More 4, Channel 5 and the four HD channels.
It would appear that reception from Mendip is out of the question.
The predictor says of reception from Bristol Kings Western, "good" on some channels and "variable" on others. I wouldn't be too concerned about the latter; what an installer finds when on site is what matters. Bristol Kings Western is a full Freeview transmitter and therefore carries the Commercial (COM) channels as well as the PSBs. It is a relay of Mendip (as is Portishead) and therefore carries the same regional programming.
You are predicted as being able to get excellent reception from Wenvoe. It too is a full Freeview transmitter but it carries Wales region programmes. The channels used for Wenvoe and Portishead will allow an aerial on each to be combined (diplexed) together into one downlead. You would then be able to watch West programming from Portishead transmitter and receive the COMs from Wenvoe. There are, however, some receivers that don't fair well when picking up some channels from one transmitter and others from another, this being an issue for some recorders that may not record due to this.
If possible, I would say that your first preference must be receiving the full service from Bristol Kings Western.
The Portishead transmitter is on the top of Hanhover House, Friary Road which is at 208 degrees (roughly south south west). Aerials directed at it will be vertical. Bristol Kings Western is at 86 degrees (east) and aerials will also be vertical. Wenvoe is at 265 degrees (west) and aerials will be horizontal.
| link to this comment |
Ann: If you can pick up one of the muxes from Rowridge off the back of your aerial, then perhaps it isn't so bad. As I said, Rowridge's COMs are weaker horizontally than vertically
As for not getting anything on C50, your aerial is most sensitive in the direction that it is facing and the polarisation it is set for. Clearly it is picking up too much signal from Horndean and this is trashing the Midhurst signal. The interfering signal does not have to be at such a level as to be useable if the Midhurst one wasn't there, which is what I think you may have been expecting by attempting to tune in C56 from Horndean.
If your aerial were to face Horndean, and it was vertical, it would get more signal from it and the level of rejection of Midhurst's C50 would be much greater than it is now which means that you may well be able to receive C50 from Horndean.
One of the problems you've got is that to get a good signal from Midhurst, I guess that the aerial needs to be high. But that's exactly where the stronger interfering signal from Horndean is likely to be!
I can see the tree-covered hill on Streetview from Hawthorn Road where there are quite a few large aerials on Rowridge. Clearly you are closer to the foot of that slope than they are, which is why your chances of reception are lower.
| link to this comment |
jb38: It's interesting the point you make about using an aerial with wider acceptance in combination with an amplifier where there is difficult non-line-of-sight. I've always wondered why you wouldn't just go with a higher gain aerial so as not to have to resort to amplification. This makes sense; thanks for the insight.
| link to this comment |
Nick: I do not believe that jb38 has implied that a lower gain aerial plus booster is a "substitute" for a high gain aerial. He has said that a lower gain aerial plus booster can be better in difficult non-light-of-sight situations.
That does not mean that high gain antennas don't have their uses. What ATV is probably saying is that a low gain antenna plus booster is NOT the equivalent of a high gain antenna without booster.
| link to this comment |
Nick: Quite a lot.
Think of car headlights a night when they are coming towards you over the brow of a hill. Before they get over the brow, you do not have direct line of sight. You can see the growing mass of light above the horizon (which is the highest point).
Now imagine that the light is a signal you are trying to receive.
I believe that what jb38 is saying, is that it is best to use a low gain/wide acceptance aerial to collect this "mass of light" rather than a high gain/narrow acceptance one.
Read ATV's page on amplifiers:
Television Aerial Boosters / Amplifiers, Splitters, Diplexers & Triplexers
Amplification is fine so long as you are amplifying a small good quality signal. If you amplify a small poor quality signal then you will end up with a large poor quality signal.
Because a high gain aerial has a narrow range of acceptance, it is imperative for the signal to be "good" quality along that narrow path where it is most sensitive. If it's not, then all you'll have is a poor quality signal.
The suggestion that a low gain antenna is better means that the signal that it is "collecting" is over a wider surface area of the aerial. Therefore, if "some" of that is "poor" but most is "good", the "good" will win through and therefore the signal carried down the aerial lead will be "good".
Or to think of it another way, consider the high gain antenna with small acceptance angle. Let's suppose that "most" of that angle is filled with a signal that is "poor". The signal carried down the lead will therefore be "poor". Now imagine replacing the high gain aerial with a low gain one that has a wider acceptance angle. Because the "poor" bit is spread over much smaller proportion of the acceptance angle, it therefore follows that the signal from the aerial is better (albeit perhaps of smaller magnitude).
jb38, am I on the right lines?
| link to this comment |
Andrew: You may find this discussion interesting:
Freeview on Sudbury TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
jb38 says that where there is difficult non-line-of-sight a lower gain aerial with booster is better than a high gain one. The reason being that lower gain aerials have wider acceptance angles.
As you don't have line of sight, I thought that this might be useful to you.
| link to this comment |
will snell: I quite certain that it doesn't apply for Belmont. There is a retune due for Sandy Heath viewers on 9th May, but you're firmly outside its area!
Have a look in the 800s for another transmitter's services. Unless it was transmitted by Belmont, which would be doubtful and the fact that only one TV gives this message suggests that it may not be.
| link to this comment |
Ann: This has happened in other areas. People who could receive the full Freeview service before switchover (and therefore on low power) found that a relay transmitter adjacent to them which they do not use wiped out any chance of receiving the Commercial channels (which the relay doesn't transmit anyway) when it came on air at switchover.
As an example, Steyning transmitter relays Midhurst's Public Service channels and rebroadcasts them on the same channels as Midhurst uses for its Commercial services. So those living in places where they can receive directly from Midhurst but close to Steyning transmitter will probably find that they can no longer get the Commercial services from Midhurst.
The reason that it's like this is because of scarcity of frequencies and the requirement to fit it more services, albeit that they (the Commercial services) are quasi-national.
In the days of analogue, all transmitters had four channels each. Now the main ones that serve large areas have six and the "filler-in" relays have three.
Midhurst is one of those where the transmission power of the three Commercial channels are lower than that of the Public Service channels. The "re-use" of these channels in closer proximity to the re-use of the Public Service ones is probably the reason for this.
As KMJ,Derby says, a wideband aerial isn't the best for Rowridge in poor reception areas. The sensitivity of these aerials is lower at Group A (bottom third) channels which Rowridge uses exclusively. See these plots:
Gain (curves), Again
See also:
Rowridge Transmitter
| link to this comment |
Steve: Your most likely Anglia transmitter would seem to be Rouncefall and Sudbury (which operate on the same channels). These are higher up that Crystal Palace, so run the automatic tuning scan and unplug the aerial when it gets to 30%. If it's Sandy Heath that you're picking up, then its Public Service channels are 27, 24 and 21, so the unplugging aerial trick won't avoid these if they are able to be picked up with your aerial.
What I would say is that, presumably, Crystal Palace is the "main" transmitter and Sudbury or maybe Sandy Heath is/are in the 800s. If this is so, then what you've experienced suggests that the TV displays messages applicable to all transmitters to which it is tuned and not just the "main" one.
It "may" be that the message relating to the Sandy Heath retune is also broadcast by Sudbury and relays of the two. I wonder if this is the case as if it weren't, then there would need to be a way of "inserting" this message for Sandy Heath broadcasts and not Sudbury ones.
| link to this comment |
John F: Channel numbers start at 21 and go up to 68 or 69. 69 minus 21 is 48, so perhaps that's where the number comes from.
At your location, Sandy Heath is probably available. Belmont's BBC is C22 and Sandy's is C27. Yet Belmont's ITV is C25 which is after Sandy's which is C24.
My guess is that it doesn't select the stronger signal but the first one!
It might be worth researching the channels for the transmitter you will be using (as well as those that you may pick up which you are seeking to avoid) at a particular site. Digital UK Tradeview predictor is good for this. Enter the post code and tick the box to say that you're in the trade.
Digital UK - Postcode checker
| link to this comment |
Robin Burnett: At just over a mile from this high power transmitter, your receiver could well be suffering from signal overload problems or at least the higher power (horizontally) Public Service channels acting to make reception of the Commercial ones more problematic.
I am wondering why you have replaced your aerial. The one used for analogue would be expected to work fine as all channels are within Group A.
The situation with Rowridge is that it now transmits horizontally and vertically. The Public Service channels (BBC, ITV1, C4, C5 etc) are 200kW horizontally and vertically and the Commercial ones (those you're having issues with) are 50kW horizontally and 200kW vertically. If you haven't done so, then switch your aerial to vertical.
You really need the smallest aerial you can get. Have a look at:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
With just over a mile, you may well find that a 20dB attenuator isn't enough. Perhaps you will need a high value fixed one (e.g. 24dB) and a variable 20dB one. Connect them inline and adjust the variable one.
One of the issues that is likely occur is that the high power signals will desensitise your receiver to signals that aren't as strong. This is like when your eyes desensitise when exposed to higher levels of light.
Don't get me wrong, at a mile a 50kW signal is very strong!!!
| link to this comment |
Ann: You aren't picking up C50 from either because they are corrupting one another. Your aerial faces Midhurst and so picks up some of its C50 signal. However, even in that position, evidently, it picks up enough of Horndean's C50 to render either unuseable. In essence what you have coming down your aerial lead is the sum of both signals.
Remember that the aerial is most sensitive in the direction to which it faces, and is less so in other directions. However, it is probably in such a location that the unwanted signal is so strong that the lesser sensitivity in that direction (than forward facing) is still sufficient to pick up that signal.
I doubt that attenuation would help. The problem is that you would be reducing the level of everything coming down your aerial lead. So now have you a "large" poor quality/corrupted signal. Attenuating it will give you a "small" or "smaller" poor quality/corrupted signal.
| link to this comment |
W L PENDER: What transmitter are you using?
Digital UK suggests Salisbury may be the best. However, Rowridge is also good and only 30 degrees away from Salisbury at your location.
My guess is that the TV with issues is tuned to Rowridge instead of Salisbury.
Fortunately Rowridge uses low channels and Salisbury high ones, so (if you are on Salisbury) then run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up to 50% in order to avoid Rowridge but get Salisbury.
| link to this comment |
Robin Jenner: Where abouts are you?
There are a few areas where Midhurst's Commercial channels may be not longer receiveable. See for discussion of one such example location:
Freeview on Midhurst TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Nick: As far as the question of Sudbury or Tacolneston goes, assuming no local obstructions, the former would appear to be the much better bet.
I refer you back to my earlier posting to you on this:
Freeview on Tacolneston TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Click the "Terrain between..." links for plots.
| link to this comment |
John Chambers: Indeed.
The only thing I can suggest to you in the mean time is that, if your receiver allows manual tuning, you do so to UHF channel 28. This is the equivalent service from Crystal Palace and has been available since 18th April when it switched. You may be lucky and be able to pick this up to some degree until Sudbury's power goes up.
| link to this comment |
Duanne: The transmitter in Leek only carries Public Service channels. This is because the Commercial broadcasters (that don't transmit from Leek) don't wish to spend the money on doing so. This is the case for nearly 1,100 similar small sites nationwide.
See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
If you are lucky, you may be in a location where you can pick up all channels from a main station that carries them.
If you are not, then Freesat may be your best bet for extra channels.
If you supply your location, preferably in the form of a post code or nearby post code, we can look up Digital UK's predictor which should give some idea of the likelihood of you being able to receive the Commercial channels.
| link to this comment |
Duane: What can be received can really only be determined with an installer on site. Local obstructions such as buildings and trees can all play their part, but are not factored in to prediction systems.
According to the predictor, Sutton Coldfield is your next best bet. However, whilst its Public Service (PSB) channels (the ones you currently get from Leek) are "good", the Commercial (COM) ones are "variable" and "poor". This looks to me as thought the reason for this difference is down to the fact that the Moel y Parc transmitter uses the same three channels as Sutton Coldfield's Commercial ones, but not its Public Service ones.
Whether it will pose problems can only really be determined by an installer. You may find, for example, that something (e.g. trees) acts reduce the level of signal from Moel y Parc, thereby making reception of the COMs from Sutton Coldfield good. Also, aerials by their design, "reject" signals from other directions (other than to which they face) to a certain degree, so depending on what direction it is from may affect how good a new aerial will be at ignoring the unwanted signal.
Failing that, the COMs from The Wrekin are predicted as "good", although two of its PSBs are "poor". I can't work out which transmitters DUK thinks may interfere here*. If it did prove to be an issue, but the Wrekin's COMs were OK, then you could always combine your Leek aerial with one on the Wrekin in order to get the full complement of channels.
* Maybe Storeton or Ladder Hill are predicted to interfere with two of the Wrekin's PSBs, although they are vertical and Wrekin is horizontal, so the aerial will be at right angles to their signals, thereby helping to reject them.
| link to this comment |
Duane: Sorry, it's probably not the simple answer you were hoping. This is the consequence of the quasi-national networks that the Commercial broadcasters operate. People such as yourself whose native transmitter is a PSB-only one obviously wish to receive all channels if possible. It may be possible, but there may be some length that will have to be gone to such as cost of a new aerial.
You may also find looking around at neighbours' rooves gives some ideas; see what transmitters they are using.
See Digital UK Tradeview for the directions of transmitters:
Postcode Checker - Trade View
Under "Aerial Group" H means horizontal, so aerials will be horizontal and V means vertical, hence aerials will be vertical, same as for Leek.
| link to this comment |
jb38: Thanks for the interesting insight.
The topic is coming clearer to me.
I can see how trees and passing traffic may be an issue where they pass over the brow of the hill. The brow being perminantly flat means no change in the path of the signal. Moving trees or traffic effectively acts to vary the "brow" of the hill so that it is not flat and crucially is always varying.
What about polarisation of signals? Are vertical ones affected more than horizontal ones or vice versa?
| link to this comment |
Rob Godwin: If your aerial is pointing south and the elements are vertical (up/down), then it is facing Tavistock transmitter which does not carry these services. You have therefore been receiving those channels from another transmitter (probably Caradon Hill) and therefore the solution to reliable reception is to replace your current aerial with on on Caradon which is due west. For Caradon, aerials are horizontal (elements flat).
Have you been along this road and had an aerial on Caradon fitted?
| link to this comment |
Nick: This page, also from Megalithia (the website that does the prediction for how good your line of sight is):
Mo' Betta - abuse of DTT TV booster amplifiers
Boosters should be fitted before loss:
- before a length of cable whose loss is too great for the signal to stand (this may be useful where there is a good quality but low amplitude signal), or;
- before a signal is split (so as to counteract the loss of splitting the signal).
| link to this comment |
Dominic: At such close proximity to the high power transmitter, I think that your receiver may be being overloaded:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Try something that will pick up less signal and see if the problem goes away or at least subsides. A set-top aerial maybe. An aerial lead on its own may pick up enough signal; you may have to move it about to best effect.
Or if the plug on your aerial lead is a screwed together one, remove the outer part and put the inner pin into socket.
You may need quite a bit of attenuation. A 20dB variable attenuator may not be enough. Perhaps a high value fixed, e.g. 24dB in conjunction with a 20dB variable will give you enough attenuation whilst allowing you to fine tune.
| link to this comment |
Nick: I have just found this Arqiva document on a prospective Suffolk DAB multiplex which does list Aldeburgh:
http://stakeholders.ofcom….pdf
Thinking about the intended coverage area of the Suffolk multiplex (Suffolk!), *relatively* speaking the area left out (uncovered) if Aldeburgh wasn't used would be greater (relatively) than with the national multiplex.
There are more Digital One transmitters coming on air. I know that Scarborough was added a few years back. Due to the terrain, the only reliable transmitter for TV and radio is its own.
I have to say though Nick, from what I can see, you aren't in a valley of which there are a few in the area and of which I assume those living in will have no option but to rely on Aldeburgh. For that reason, I get the feeling that, whilst it is unfair that there are those who cannot get commercial/independent DAB stations, you may be in an area where you can. And if you add to that the fact that you intend to receive at roof level, then your chances must be even greater!
| link to this comment |
Terry Ward: Combine Divis and Calbeck signals. You ain't gonna do it!
Why do you want Caldbeck anyway, when Divis is a full service transmitter?
You need a diplexer such as these:
Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
You need one which splits the two at a workable channel.
| link to this comment |
Robin Burnett: Whilst line-of-sight is of course the best, such a high power transmitter can still be effective (and not require a booster) over the brow of a hill.
It is possible that the signal strength from your aerial into your amplifier is too high for the amp to cope with. This means that all outputs will be distorted and no level of attenuation on the inputs to the TVs will repair this bad signal.
The purpose of the booster is presumably to provide equal signal levels at each aerial socket.
| link to this comment |
Terry Ward: I'm not sure of how much spacing there needs to be between digital channels.
There are a number of issues you really need to be aware of before you start:
1. You really need filters or a diplexer to combine the aerial feeds which you can't use because of Divis and Caldbeck both being Group A.
2. Calbeck broadcasts two variants of the Public Service Channels (English and Scottish), both of which are ITV Border and not STV. Scottish broadcasts reportedly use directional antennas, unsurprisingly in the direction of Scotland.
3. All of Calbeck's nine channels have negative offsets. I have read where all those transmitters that use C30 have a negative offset. So I assume that reason for them all needing negative offsets is because all neighbouring channels from 22 through to 30 are used by Caldbeck. Perhaps one of the experts could confirm that digital broadcasts can be on adjacent channels. Also, that a positive offset on C22, for example, means that if C23 is to be used, then it must also have a positive offset.
I like a challenge too, but would it not be easier to receive ITV1 HD from Isle of Man?!
| link to this comment |
Terry Ward: Having looked at this page:
TV regions overview map | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
I suggest that Port St Mary, which is Group B may be the best. At 2kW it is the most powerful transmitter on the island.
The only caution I would give is that the powers that be won't release the radition pattern so the projection by this website of its coverage assumes an omnidirectional antenna has been used.
| link to this comment |
Nick: It depends on where you are, but it could be too much signal:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
| link to this comment |
Den: Could you get Freeview before switchover?
I see that the Bembridge area is quite well served by the Brading relay transmitter which does not carry the Commercial channels such as Yesterday. I wonder if this is a general indication of difficulty receiving directly from Rowridge in some parts of that area.
| link to this comment |
Dominic: There are a whole variety of reasons why it may differ.
The Commercial (COM) multiplexes use a less robust (less fragile) transmission mode, so if all five standard definition multiplexes have equal distortion due to signal overloading problems, then you may find that it is too much for the Commercial ones to be useable, but not the Public Service ones.
Different frequencies get bounced around and refracted to different degrees when passing through walls and other objects. Thus the affect and end result may be different for all.
Personally I wouldn't ever use a loop aerial for TV reception. All signals come from one direction (from one transmitter) and are polarised (horizontal or vertical). A loop antenna has little or no directivity or polarisation.
I have one of these Labgear aerials that I use where a fixed aerial isn't available:
Set Top Aerial Labgear | eBay
Of course, it's not forced to be too much signal. It could be too many reflections, your aerial not really having any directivity means that it may be more susceptible to picking up these. Again, if the signal received by your aerial results in all five channels being poor (battered around with reflections etc), the Public Service ones may be useable when the COMs aren't.
| link to this comment |
Corin: See
London TV channel only on Freeview could leave millions unable to view - News - London 24
If it won't work in London, then where will it work?
Granted the issue there is also a lot about there being Public Service only relay transmitters that will never carry such a multiplex. That said, there are probably many in the yellow area who won't be able to receive such a low power signal, even though they receive their TV directly from Crystal Palace.
| link to this comment |
Fuming: I can think of two possible solutions.
Firstly a bit of attenuation to bring down the level of signals coming down your aerial cable.
One of the issues you have is that Rowridge now transmits all channels horizontally and vertically. However, horizontally the Commercial ones (the ones that you're having difficulty with) aren't as strong. Vertically they are of equal strength. The Public Service ones are the same vertically and horizontally.
It may be the case that the high power Public Service signals are acting to make your receiver less sensitive which is causing issues with picking up the weaker ones. Reducing the level of all signals at the input "may" be a solution.
Failing that, switching your aerial from horizontal to vertical should do the trick.
I suggest the attenuation route first as it's the cheapest if you would have to get someone in to alter your aerial. It isn't forced to work, but based on your distance from the transmitter may well help.
You can get variable attenuators from sources such as eBay. One such example is:
1-20dB variable digital tv aerial signal attenuator | eBay
| link to this comment |
CWHerts: If you have a booster, remove it. Then perform and automatic retune with the aerial lead unplugged until it gets to 30%.
| link to this comment |
mandy burnell: Have the aerial installers confirmed that the signal is coming from your aerial socket? Or do you have another TV or box that you can connect to it to see if there is a signal?
Or can you have one of your neighbours bring their TV round and try it?
There is the possibility that the lightning strike has damaged the tuner. If so, the TV may still be of use, but will require a set-top box to receive TV.
| link to this comment |
JORDAN: Not usually.
I do remember a case of someone on here who said that he had no quality but good signal on the Commercial channels after they'd changed, so it may be possible, but very unlikely.
| link to this comment |
Mr KN Young: My sympathies are with you.
We discussed this point a few months ago and it was clear that there will be some in the area who will no longer be able to receive from the Haslemere relay:
Haslemere digital TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
You are right on the edge of (or "was" on the edge of) the Haslemere relay's signal as it beams the main part of its signal in the direction of the town in the valley. Clearly this is no match for the Crystal Palace channels at your location.
I'm not a great complainer, but as a matter of principle I would probably do in this case. However, I was going to suggest that you raise this matter with your MP, but then I found out who it is...
As far as Meridian programmes goes, the Digital UK predictor isn't inspiring. It suggests Guildford and the "other" transmitter which are both London region.
If there were ever to be an outside chance of receiving from another transmitter like Midhurst, you may have even more difficulty with all those trees.
On the face of it, Freesat may be your only way of restoring your local news. I suggest it not because I want to, but because it may be your only option.
| link to this comment |
Steve Flynn: I'm interested to learn of how you got on. Can you receive from the Haslemere relay or is there too much intereference from Crystal Palace?
A resident of Grayswood has just posted to say that he can no longer get Meridian from Haslmere:
Why do the six Freeview "multiplexes" have twenty different names? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
1837
| link to this comment |
PurpleV: The increase in power will hopefully be enough.
If you are receiving from Bilsdale Moor, then the transmission power of the BBC signal is lower than that of ITV1, C4 etc. Also there is engineering works going on at all the transmitters that currently transmit Freeview and this is in preparation for switchover.
| link to this comment |
Tuesday 17 April 2012 6:51PM
Abby: By "normal" I assume you are referring to analogue as you only make mention of the five channels available in analogue.
The first stage of switchover at the Crystal Palace transmitter happened on 4th April when BBC Two analogue was switched off. Tonight the rest will go. So if your TV does not have a digital (Freeview) tuner built in, then you will need a separate set-top box.