All posts by Dave Lindsay
Below are all of Dave Lindsay's postings, with the most recent are at the bottom of the page.
John Harris: If the signal strength is the same but the quality is lower then perhaps it is the signal from Emley Moor coming in too strong.
The COM channels of Saddleworth are co-channel (same frequencies) as those of Emley Moor, albeit that the former's are vertically polarised and the latter's horizontally so.
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Robert Hamilton: The terrain plotter shows that the ground rises up within one mile, in the direction of Sudbury. This might cause you difficulty in reception of it, and particularly its COM channels.
Sudbury broadcasts PSBs and COMs. Rouncefall was a new transmitter introduced at switchover. It carries PSBs only, and they are a Single Frequency Network (SFN) with Sudbury's PSBs, meaning that they use the same channels (same frequencies) and therefore they complement each other. Consequently if you were to direct your aerial to Sudbury you might find that you get excellent PSB reception. Unfortunately Rouncefall won't help you with the COMs, should Sudbury's not be good enough.
If your current aerial is a wideband one it is therefore suitable for Sudbury/Rouncefall. You could spin it round to 11 degrees, to face Sudbury. If you find that you can't pick up Sudbury's COMs, you could restore the aerial back on Crystal Palace and get a second aerial for Rouncefall. Then feed the two into a C38 diplexer to allow you to view Crystal Palace's COMs and Rouncefall's PSBs (and Crystal Palace's PSBs should you so wish).
See:
Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
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Linda Dale: BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 2 are carried on one of the Commercial (COM) DTT multiplexes and therefore are not available from the Leek transmitter.
You may find that BT will allow you to view these services via the broadband connection, although I guess it might require this to be BT Infinity. You will have to enquire about this as I don't know for certain.
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Robert Green: Taking ST6 5AN as a sample, Sutton Coldfield and Fenton would appear to be good. The Wrekin is predicted by Digital UK as being good as well. With Fenton being the closer of the two I think it is more likely to be that used in the general area - you have alluded to which transmitter you are using so I can't know for certain.
At said location Fenton is 4.7 miles away with apparent clear line of sight, according to the Megalithia terrain plotter:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
With that in mind, one possibility is that the signals being fed into your receivers are too strong.
If the feed splits with an amplifier then turn down the level of amplification. Try using an unpowered splitter instead. See:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | Digital switchover | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice (ST6 5AN)
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Ross Graham: Follow the link to "R&T Investigation", adjacent to your posting. It says that BBC TV and HD TV have been off-air from Oxenhope transmitter since 11:04hrs. R&T Investigation only reports on BBC transmitters.
I will make one observation if I may. You say "all other channels working", but don't say what they are.
Oxenhope broadcasts only PSB channels (BBC, ITV, ITV+1, ITV2, Channel 4, Channel 4+1, E4, Film4, More4, Channel 5 and the four HD services). Judging by the Digital UK predictor and Streetview photos, which show Keighley-facing aerials, you may be able to receive the full-service from it, probably with a replacement aerial.
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Bridget Mutter: No, ITV3 isn't likely to be broadcast from Newhaven transmitter. You don't appear to be in with a shot of receiving from a full-service transmitter (which would give all the channels, including ITV3).
You might wish to look at getting Freesat, assuming that you have a satellite dish fitted, or are allowed to fit one.
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Malcolm Mercer: I am given to understand that the BT Sport services are available over the air, effectively alongside "Freeview" channels and via FTTC broadband service BT Infinity.
Quite clearly you are receiving from the Whitby relay transmitter and don't have a chance of picking up the full service from Bilsdale, so the former is out. The question is, therefore, do you have Infinity and what equipment is required to watch BT Sport via it?
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Callum: What's near the lead? Try running it differently for test purposes. If it runs alongside others like HDMI then maybe interference is being picked up. Moving the two away from each other while observing the troublesome channel might give a clue.
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david: I doubt they will get the new HD channels before 2017. This is because the two new networks of transmitters are being set-up on a shoestring, using equipment which is lying idle.
In 2017 the licences for these services may be revoked by Ofcom so as to allow major changes to the Freeview network.
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david: Further to KMJ's posting, of course Rowridge will be carrying the two new HD muxes, but Salisbury will not.
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Mark: I would suggest no because it is a communal system and therefore the system should be providing you with a good signal from the wall socket.
If this has been happening since switchover in June last year (and perhaps if it hasn't) then maybe the signal strength from the wall socket is a bit on the high side meaning that the amplifier (booster) within the aerial system could do with being turned down.
At switchover there was quite an increase in transmission power from Dover. The system may have been set-up for the weaker pre-switchover signals and now that the signals are stronger, it could be amplifying them too much.
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Mark: Try and establish whether it affects other tennants, checking that it is Freeview they are using and not a satellite or cable service.
And try swapping the aerial lead which connects the TV to the wall socket.
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jb38: Yes. It returns Error 500: "internal server error". I used it a week or so ago and I remember it did the same then.
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JOHN HUGHES: Mount Leinster doesn't share any channels with Fishguard, so if it is being picked up then that is because your receiver is doing an automatic scan. If this is the case then you may be able to disable the function to add new services or else you may have to look at adding a filter or attenuator in order to prevent it from receiving Mount Leinster.
Fishguard's PSB2 and PSB3 are on 58 and 54 respectively which are co-channel with Kippure, south of Dublin. If that's your problem then a solution may be more tricky. The Digital UK predictor does mark these two channels down on what it gives for PSB1, presumably due to possible interference from Kippure.
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Caroline: You are not "forced" to pay for any TV service; the only pre-requisite is a TV Licence.
The politicians decided that the Commercial broadcasters (which don't transmit from Whalley transmitter) could pick and choose - i.e. they have free reign on their transmission network. Things today must be run for a return which is why your transmitter only carries those it has to; it is there to provide a Public Service.
See here for an explanation:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) Freeview Light transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
The only thing you can do is assess whether you might be able to receive from Winter Hill.
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Roger Shrimpton: No, this isn't likely as the Commercial broadcasters don't wish to pay for it because they don't see it as worth their while. See here for an explanation:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
The only question to ask is are you in a location that could receive the full service from a transmitter like Caradon Hill?
As a sample, I took a postcode near to the Community College and the prediction from Digital UK for reception from Caradon Hill was excellent.
I believe that if you have BT Infinity then there is a way that you can watch the BT Sport channels via it, although you will have to ask BT.
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Y Fuller: Because there are two types of broadcaster in the UK: Public Service and Commercial.
The Commercial (COM) networks which carry Drama and others have free reign on where they wish to broadcast from, a decision which was driven by their objective to make a profit.
The Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) networks, on the other hand, must provide a service to the population, which means installing transmitters like St Anthony in Roseland that serve small pockets.
For a further explanation see:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) Freeview Light transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
You would appear to be in a spot where reception of the full complement of channels from an alternative transmitter is not possible.
Perhaps consider a satellite service such as Freesat. This does not carry Drama because it is only available via satellite on Sky's subscription platform.
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Jonathan: You will need to switch your bedroom TV to digital (perhaps labelled "DTV") to view Freeview. The analogue part is only used for reception of the output of the Sky box. Once you have tuned that in then you leave the analogue tuning alone.
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Peter Vile: It is "AV line in".
Mike B is referring to the fact that when you connect your Freesat box it will be via scart. You will therefore have to select the appropriate scart input (AV line in). For example, "Ext1", "Scart1" etc.
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Terry: Because at least one is tuned to "another" transmitter, perhaps one to which the aerial doesn't face. The solution, therefore, is to have the one showing West Midlands tuned to the correct transmitter which will also reduce the possility of poor reception caused by the signal received being off-beam of the aerial's direction.
Which transmitter is your aerial pointing to - Nottingham (Kimberley) or Waltham?
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Paul: The signal is very strong in Ossett so I don't think there's any chance that it won't work!
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Anthony: Whilst it could potentially be single frequency interference, I will make one observation.
If you haven't had your "old" aerial replaced, it could be a Group A one. Of all Bilsdale's channels, COM5 is on the highest, it being C46. This is furthest "out of group" and therefore potentially your aerial may be least sensitive to it.
I covered this one previously:
Bilsdale (North Yorkshire, England) Full Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Basically a Group A aerial is designed to be sensitive to Group A frequencies which are the bottom third. COM5 and other COM channels from Bilsdale are in the middle third of the band (Group B) and so the sensitivity isn't as great there.
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john: I suggest that you consider where the signal might be expected to be the best in your property and work from there. This would be upstairs (assuming you're not in a bungalow) at a window facing south-west. Do a manual scan of channel 12D, if your receiver offers manual tuning. Observe the signal strength and move it to best effect.
"If" you manage to receive 12D at this location (having tuned it in) then move your radio to the room where you would prefer it to be sited. If the signal isn't there or isn't good enough then you will have to move it. Don't rescan as once it's tuned it will provide the service if the signal is available.
Bear in mind that computers, laptops and the like generate electrical noise which can degrade DAB signals.
Refer to the Ofcom coverage map here:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/s….pdf
There are several maps, see the one on page 6 of the PDF for "indoor coverage under normal propagation conditions". As is to be expected the coverage isn't as good in the Vale of York.
Failing that, you might be able to receive BBC Radio Leeds on FM. The Holme Moss transmitter might be your best bet, it broadcasting on 92.4MHz. Or perhaps Keighley on 102.7MHz.
Again, the strategy must be if you're having difficulty to take the radio to where it is thought most likely that the signal will be present, and then work from there.
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S.N.Haldar: One of the things to consider is whether broadcasts use the DVB-T digital signal standard or the later DVB-T2 standard.
In the UK, standard definition broadcasts use DVB-T and high definition broadcasts use DVB-T2. Thus, a "Freeview HD" receiver is capable of receiving DVB-T and DVB-T2 signals. I understand that BT Vision boxes are standard definition only, and therefore only contain DVB-T tuners.
I haven't established for certain whether India uses DVB-T2 exclusively, but if the area you're going to has signals that are, the BT Vision box won't pick them up.
See:
News - DVB
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debbie: Yes.
However, if the TV has Freeview built-in then the stand-alone Freeview box is perhaps superfluous.
Without explanation of the purpose of the booster (how it's connected) I shall assume that the aerial feed goes into the booster, out of it and into the Freeview box and out of that and into the TV.
If you wish to add a Freeview recorder then just daisy-chain it on the aerial feed. That is put the recorder before or after the Freeview box.
If your TV does not have built-in Freeview then there is no need to connect the aerial feed into the TV as it serves no purpose.
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Bill: Reports are that the Newhaven TV transmitter went off at 08:39 this morning, so perhaps its DAB was also taken off the air.
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Brian Baines: There is, apparently, a "3" mobile phone mast about 300m away from you. Follow the link "Reception map" next to your posting.
Maybe it has started 4G services at 800MHz. BBC services from Kendal transmitter are on the highest frequency and just below the frequency used by 3's 800MHz 4G base stations.
at800 is the organisation set-up to by the mobile operators to deal with interference, so I would be inclined to give them a ring and see if your issue might be caused by it.
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jule: Your situation would appear to be almost identical to that of Brian Baines whom I replied to in the posting above yours only an hour ago.
BBC standard definition channels from Beacon Hill are on UHF channel (frequency) 60-, as they are for Brian. According to the "Reception map" there is a "3" base station about 400m away from you on roughly the same bearing as Beacon Hill. It may be the case that it has started broadcasting 4G services in the 800MHz band (just above BBC).
If you have any boosters then I would try removing them or reducing their level.
The people to speak to who can answer the question as to whether a 4G signal might be the cause of your issue are at800.
Website: at800 | 4G & Freeview | 4G Interference | 4G Filters | at 800 MHz
Telephone: 0333 31 31 800 or 0808 13 13 800
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jule: at800 has been formed by the mobile companies and is charged with alleviating interference on TVs caused by 4G services. It will provide one filter per address, where necessary.
BT Infinity is a broadband service and, as such, is not a TV service. If you are thinking of BT TV, provided using a BT Vision or BT YouView box, then that too uses the "Freeview" signals and so BBC standard definition services may be affected in the same way. The on-demand BBC iPlayer operates over the broadband connection and so is not affected.
If you have another Freeview receiver such as a recorder try watching BBC services on that as a temporary workaround.
Or a set-top aerial might provide enough TV signal whilst not picking up as strong a 4G signal as the rooftop aerial does. This, again, could be a temporary workaround.
Ultimately you need to establish whether 4G signals at 800MHz could be the issue and you do this by contacting at800. If they say it could be then they may send you a filter.
By retuning you have probably shot yourself in the foot as now your TV isn't tuned. If it has manual tuning then go to it and manually tune UHF channel 60. If you find no workaround and wait until the filter comes then try manually tuning C60 as if you have all other channels then an automatic tune will do nothing other than take longer.
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Rosemary: You need a conventional (terrestrial) television aerial. However, it is likely that you will not receive all Freeview channels as you are served by a transmitter which carries only Public Service channels, these being: BBC TV and radio, ITV, ITV+1, ITV2, Channel 4, Channel 4+1, E4, Film4, More4 and Channel 5. It also carries, but the LG model you have won't receive them.
For that reason a satellite receiver could be a better bet, particularly if you haven't got a terrestrial aerial. It would seem a waste having one installed if the limited channels available don't satisfy you.
Freesat is the free-to-air satellite equivalent of Freeview, although there are differences in what channels are available.
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Christine: Judging by the fact that we have just changed from BST to GMT it would seem likely that that is the reason why.
If you have not experienced this before then that begs the question: what is different? Are you using a different receiver or is there a setting that is different?
Are you saying that even though the clock changed, as it should, all the timings changed?
What is the make and model of the recorder in question?
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Rosemary: I second jb38's reply!
By paying £10.50 per month would, in effect, be renting the ability to record prrogrammes. Set at the side of what jb38 has highlighted, there would seem to be no contest.
To look at it another way, if you are paying over £30 per month now, the Freesat receiver will be roughly the same as four months' payments to Sky. And after that there are no other charges.
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Christine: That does seem odd. And, of course, what was 21:00 is now 20:00, yet the timings have gone the other way!
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david bell : Services that broadcast only part of the day timeshare with others.
For example, it is known that BBC Three and CBBC take turns to use the same capacity.
According to Wikipedia, ITV3+1 timeshares with CITV and The Store:
List of digital terrestrial television channels (UK) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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James Town: First off, check that your TVs and boxes are tuned to the correct transmitter. I guess Sudbury is likely to be what your aerial faces, so bring up the signal strength screen on the following services and observe the UHF channel (frequency) it is tuned to:
PSB1 | BBC One | C44
PSB2 | ITV | C41
PSB3 | BBC One HD (if applicable) | C47
COM4 | ITV3 | C58
COM5 | Pick TV | C60
COM6 | 4Music | C56
One or more of your receivers could, potentially, have tuned to Crystal Palace which is in the opposite direction and which, if available, would be found first during the scan. If so, you should be able to avoid this by having the aerial unplugged for the first 30% of the scan.
You refer to "limited channel selection". Would this be PSB channels only? If so and if your TV is tuned correctly (to Sudbury, I assume) then have you had your "old" aerial installed in the days of four-channel analogue replaced with a wideband one? If not, you may be able to workaround with a signal amplifier (booster).
You mention breakup on the Humax on "non-mainstream" channels. Would these be the COMs? And would these be the ones that the kitchen TV hasn't tuned in?
See this page for a full list of services by multiplex (PSB or COM):
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
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Rosemary: Indeed, which is why I suggested that Freesat might be better than Freeview for you.
Unfortunately there is never likely to be more channels broadcast from the Rothbury transmitter, and over 1,000 similar stations. This is because there are two types of broadcaster in the UK: "Public Service" and "Commercial".
The Public Service Broadcasters are BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. They have obligations to provide a public service, both in terms of programme content and coverage. For that reason you have a terrestrial television service.
The Commercial broadcasters, on the other hand, are run purely for profit and can choose which transmitting stations they wish to utilise. Due to their private interest they use those which serve the most viewers for least cost.
Broadcasting from the small "filler-in" stations don't make sense to them. See here:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) Freeview Light transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Berni: Have you tried taking the Technika set and connecting it to the aerial lead that feeds your larger set?
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Anna: The symptoms you describe usually occur when the receiver (box) has run out of memory for tuned channels. This occurs when signals from other transmitters are picked up before the desired one, the scan running from low UHF channel (frequency) 21 upwards. Winter Hill's channels are at the high end, with PSB2 (which carries ITV, Channel 4 etc) on the highest and is thus found the last.
I would run the scan with the aerial unplugged until about 50% then plug in. If having done this you are missing any channels continue on and try powering it down and then on again to see if ITV, Channel 4 is retained. If it is then run the scan through but plug in a bit sooner, the point being that you were a little too late and it missed some of the lower channels.
In numberical order (and therefore the order they will be found during the scan) the channels from Winter Hill are:
Pick TV - C49
BBC One - C50
4Music - C55
ITV3 - C58
ITV - C59
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Mick Jones: The information on this site is from Ofcom. Which page does it say "DAB coming (out of area)" as it isn't this one? Knowing that might allow some context to your question as on the above map there is no "out of area" and only a "coming soon" for Leicester.
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Paul: As you say you have a really strong signal so a piece of wet string is likely to work!
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Alison Fairgrieve: The question was answered by MikeB:
Can I use an existing sky dish with a freeview box? and if so can the two services share the same dish? | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Having read your follow-up posting here, I would say that the reference to "Freeview" in the earlier posting was correct.
The answer to your question is "yes".
As MikeB said, you would be using the TV as a monitor, i.e. to view what is fed into it from the Freesat box via a HDMI lead or scart lead. The fact that it has capability to receive Freeview is immaterial as that part of it would be left unused.
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Chris Bevins: I'm not quite sure what is being referring to. The Isle of Wight transmitter is Rowridge and cannot interfere with that from the Newhaven transmitter as they broadcast on different UHF channels (frequencies).
Have you or has your in-laws confirmed that they are tuned to the Newhaven transmitter and are not, unwittingly, watching the output of another transmitter such as Rowridge or Whitehawk Hill (Brighton)?
Newhaven transmitter only carries Public Service channels (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and a few others), so if they get the Commercial ones (ITV3, Pick TV, Dave, 4Music and others) then those must be coming from elsewhere. Thus the question must be which channels are being referred to?
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Chris Bevins: The point about not retuning may have been made because it is now tuned the correct transmitter and therefore that any dabbling in with the tuning can only ever result in the same result (i.e. tuned to the correct transmitter as before) or worse, it being tuned to the wrong transmitter.
The point is that there are six multiplexes (signals) for terrestrial television. Each carries a number of services. See here for a list of the multiplexes:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
The PSB (Public Service) channels are available from all transmitters and serve everywhere that the former four-channel analogue was available. The COM (Commercial) channels broadcast from 81 of the larger transmitters, which doesn't include Newhaven.
Thus some viewers only get the PSB channels. Some may get intermittent COMs, and I wonder if your in-laws could be in that position.
Judging by the Digital UK predictor they may be able to receive COMs from Rowridge or Whitehawk Hill. In the case of Whitehawk, it is on the same bearing as Newhaven, so the aerial is pointing in the right direction. However, it could be intermittent if the terrain blocks line-of-sight.
If, having tried reception of COMs from Rowridge and Whitehawk they remain intermittent then there is not a lot else that can be tried. They must accept that they are not reliably served by these channels.
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Louis: If your aerial faces Sutton Coldfield then you have what is being broadcast from that transmitter. To receive East Midlands would mean using the aerial to pick up a signal from a direction other than that which it faces which could mean poor reception.
Looking at Streetview, most of the aerials I can see are due east, so are pointing to Waltham which is the East Midlands transmitter. If you're on Sutton Coldfield then could this be because there is an obstruction preventing good reception of Waltham? Some of the houses are three storeys and there are trees along the A38 which could perhaps be a cause of difficulty.
Anyway, if you wish to have a shot at it then if your TV has manual tuning, use it. If it doesn't then it gets more tricky - I will make suggestions if that is the case.
Wipe what's stored, probably by running the scan through with the aerial unplugged. Then tune in the six (five if it isn't HD) channels:
PSB1 - BBC One | W=C49 | SC=C43
PSB2 - ITV | W=C54 | SC=C46
PSB3 - BBC One HD | W=C58 | SC=C40
COM4 - ITV3 | W=C29 | SC=C42
COM5 - Pick TV | W=C56 | SC=C45
COM6 - 4Music | W=C57 | SC=C39
W=Waltham; SC=Sutton Coldfield
So, for example, for PSB1, which carries BBC standard definition TV and radio, manually tune to C49. I have given the Sutton Coldfield channels as well. I suggest that you use the three Sutton Coldfield COM channels (rather than those of Waltham) and if your set is HD its PSB3 as well.
In short, manually tune 49, 54, 42, 45 and 39. Also 40 if it's a HD set.
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Louis: One further thought: If it turns out that reception from Waltham is poor, but you would like to persevere in order to view local news, then you might wish to tune in Sutton Coldfield on all the standard logical channel numbers (i.e. BBC One West Midlands on number 1, ITV Central West on 3 etc).
To achieve this, having wiped what's stored, manually tune Sutton Coldfield's channels, 43, 46, 42, 45, 39 and 40 for HD.
Then manually add 49 and 54. These services will be put in your 800s. Depending on the design of the set you may be able to swap them round so that BBC One East Midlands is on 800 and ITV Central East is on 801. You should be able to identify which you are watching by viewing the signal strength screen - it usually gives the UHF channel number (e.g. 49 for BBC One East Midlands from Waltham). Some pieces of equipment don't give channel numbers, but give only frequencies in MHz instead, so you might need to convert.
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Louis: In your initial post (Thursday 31 October 2013 1:33PM) your last question was how can you get East Midlands news back.
If you previously had it at this address then perhaps you were lucky. If it was at a previous address whose aerial pointed to Sutton Coldfield then perhaps you received BBC and ITV from the Derby relay.
Some parts of Derby can't receive from Waltham, but can receive from Sutton Coldfield. To address the issue that these people got West Midlands programming, a transmitter was built at the Fire Service Headquarters at Littleover. This relays Waltham's PSBs (and therefore BBC One East Midlands and ITV Central East) and broadcasts directionally towards Derby. See the map for coverage: Derby (Derby, England) Freeview Light transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice (don't be drawn too much as to whether you're inside or outside the green area - use it as a guide only.)
Because of its location, Sutton Coldfield and it are on roughly the same bearing in the target area and therefore a single aerial pointing somewhere between the two allows reception of both. If you previously lived in that area then you could have had your aerial pointing to Sutton Coldfield whilst being able to receive East Midlands programming.
Judging by the coverage map you may be on the fringes. You could try scanning for its BBC One on C48 (690MHz) and ITV on C51 (714MHz).
Do as jb38 says and enter the frequency and then wait to see if it gives any indication of strength and quality before pressing the button to scan (which could be "OK" or "add services" or something similar).
Derby, like Waltham, is close to being at 90 degrees from the direction your aerial is facing, that is to the side, and the aerial is least sensitive 90 degrees to where its facing (which is what jb38 was referring to when he talked about the "null spot").
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Lee: Practically non-existant.
The reason is because the Commercial broadcasters (those that don't transmit from Calne and over 1,000 or similar small transmitting stations) don't consider the investment worth the return. They serve 90% of the population and the cost to broadcast from these other transmitters would be roughly equal to what they pay now on 81 of the largest transmitters. It would, however, only add 9% of the population to their potential viewer bases.
See here for a further explanation:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
As Michael says, Digital UK suggests you might be in a location where the full-service from Mendip can be received. Have a look around to see if neighbours have gone for this option.
Calne aerials are vertical (elements up/down) and Mendip ones are horizontal (elements flat) and 44 degrees anti-clockwise of those facing Calne.
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Rex Eady: No, and aerial is an aerial. It isn't specifically designed for receiving analogue, digital, high definition or whatever, but it is the frequency of the signals in question which dictate its design.
If this has only started to happen recently then be aware that there are engineering works going on at Sandy Heath.
For BBC One HD check that you are tuned to Sandy Heath on UHF channel 21 (474MHz). Observe the strength and quality when it's good and when it's not so good.
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David Parker: As a Yorkshireman I don't have any insider knowledge. The Emley Moor page says July 2014.
I imagine that Briantist has taken this from a recognised source.
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Dennis : So does the BT Vision box tune correctly to Bluebell Hill or is it giving Anglia?
You've already given the answer to your question: you're in a difficult reception area for Bluebell Hill and Crystal Palace.
Looking at the OS map, in the direction of Bluebell Hill the ground rises up towards Starmore Wood. Whilst the Anglia transmitters are further away there is probably a clearer path between you and them.
If your aerial was on Crystal Palace then I would suggest unplugging the aerial after your TV has scanned its channels as they are all in the first third of the band, with Anglia's being in the middle third. Unfortunately those of Bluebell Hill and Rouncefall/Sudbury (the transmitters which broadcast Anglia together on the same channels) are interleaved.
If your TV has manual tuning then why isn't it allowing you to do it? What is the result?
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Robert Walker: You are correct. The analogue signals were switched off in Ireland on 24th October 2012.
Judging by Streetview photos of Donegal Town centre, aerials are horizontally polarised and pointing south south west, which by my reckoning means they are pointing to Truskmore transmitter. This broadcasts Saorview on UHF channel 53, so if your TV has manual tuning try a scan of C53.
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LouiseB: By resetting you are simply deleting what is stored and then carrying out a scan of what is available. As the channels ceased to be available to you before resetting then how can the act of resetting ever make them available?? The answer is that resetting will only result in loss of the channels from the receiver, or them coming back, in which case they would have come back anyway because the receiver will give you the best picture it can for the signal being fed into it.
I wonder why you aren't using Bluebell Hill, which would also give you BBC South East and ITV Merdian, rather than their London variants from Crystal Palace. The only thing I can think, other than maybe you prefer London news, is that the hospital is in the way.
I suggest that you don't have line-of-sight to Crystal Palace. I can't say with absolute certainty, but I think the brow over which you are receiving is somewhere around Shorne Wood Country Park. Anything on that brow that might change, such as trees, and anything that is in or near the line-of-sight that changes could affect your reception.
I then looked at the satellite image your area, as published by Google. To the north of the hospital, in the direction of Crystal Palace is a field which has outlines of roads. It looks as if there is a development which has appeared since the photograph was taken. If this is the case, and buildings have gone up this year then there must surely be suspicion that this is the cause for anyone experiencing degrading TV reception from Crystal Palace to the area's east.
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LouiseB: Looking at your street, there are going to be few, if any, locations where reception from Bluebell Hill within the loft "might" be a possibility.
The row of houses are in line with the signal! That is, the houses run a little clockwise of being north to south and the signal is coming from just clockwise of south.
It's likely that the signal path will be through a neighbour's roof space and that's aside from the question of whether there are trees and other obstructions in the way.
The hospital and trees around it quite clearly cause difficulty with TV reception from Bluebell Hill as the houses which are closer to it tend to be using Crystal Palace.
Quite frankly, I think that you have been lucky to have ever been able to receive Crystal Palace with a loft-fitted aerial, bearing in the mind that you are low down with higher ground in the way.
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Anna: If this happened when you put your box into standby then perhaps it is because it doesn't have enough memory to store the channels. The fact that it is ITV/C4/C5 etc, which is found last during the scan, could perhaps mean this is a possibility.
See here for an explanation I gave to someone else the other day (also on Winter Hill):
Most popular questions | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
The point is that it hasn't (if indeed this is problem) run out of memory because it can't handle all the channels from Winter Hill but because there are other channels its picked up from other transmitters. You need to prevent it from picking up some of those others so as to have room for what you want it to store. It's a bit like not eating too much before lunch and then not having enough room for the main meal.
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LouiseB: You don't have line-of-sight to the transmitter. The effect is that there are spots where one or more signals (frequency/ies) is/are good and where one or more aren't so good. The objective is to site the aerial where all are good.
Because (apparently) an object has changed that is in the path of the signal, one or more signals have changed. This is not an unusual effect - both that the change has caused a change in reception and that not all frequencies are affected to the same degree.
The irony is that if you go to the science department of the Academy, they should be able to explan what might have happened!
The point I alluded to in the first paragraph is that radio waves (signals) travel in straight lines. You can't "see" the source (Crystal Palace) because there is high ground in the way. Consequently, you are relying on the waves bending around the obstruction, which is the brow of the hill.
Different frequencies bend differently - that is they scatter differently. The result is that in the "shadow" of the hill there are spots where one or more is good and others aren't so. Thus, in the shadow there are less places where good reception can be had on all channels.
Now, if you understand that, consider the effect that a building might have. It might be a bit like the brow of the hill, as far as effect on the signal goes; it might affect one or more frequencies and others get away pretty much unscathed.
In your case you may have both these effects together (as far as Crystal Palace goes at least). The more of this that you have, generally speaking (even the professionals say all of this is a black art), the more you could have issues.
The point is that the (apparent) change in the building has resulted in a change to the signal.
The rain on the building perhaps changes how the building affects the signal. For example, maybe it reflects it in a way that acts more to your detriment.
What you might do is try moving the aerial along the loft to see if there is a spot that gives better reception.
The reason aerials are put on rooftops is because that is the place where the clearest view can be had, where there is the least chance of objects being in the way. This goes hand in hand with trying to reduce the degree to which signals being received have been bent and therefore scattered by objects.
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LouiseB: I think that your difficulty with Bluebell Hill is caused by a combination of the hospital and the fact that the houses run in line with the signal. It's likely to be a waste of time if, on pointing the aerial at Bluebell Hill, it's being directed through a neighbour's loft space.
At least with Crystal Palace the house is perpendicular to the signal path (from the transmitter).
If your aerial is Group A (red tip) then it isn't so suited to Bluebell Hill. Group A is the bottom third of TV frequencies. Bluebell Hill's channels are Group B, which is the middle third.
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Anna: Your follow-up posting means that what I suggested in my posting at 10:17pm isn't the issue.
I am not sure what else to suggest; maybe others can chip in.
I do note, however, that there are mobile phone base stations 1km away to your west, which is the direction your aerial is facing. The other fact is that ITV/C4/C5 from Winter Hill is on the highest channel which is just below any 4G signal operating in the 800MHz band.
That said, the signal from Winter Hill would be expected to be strong, which counters to some degree any likely interference. In any case, 1km is quite a distance, I would have thought (although I'm not the expert in radio signals).
Maybe if you have an amplifier (booster), particularly to split the aerial feed to more than one room, this could be affected.
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Anna: It's unlikely that a laptop will interfere with the TV reception. You could always try powering down your laptop as that would prove either way.
It may be worth finding out if there is a 4G testing in your area which may interfere with TV reception. The body set-up by the mobile operators and charged with alleviating interference is at800. Give them a ring and explain the issue, giving times of the interference if you have them and they should be able to tell you whether those times coincided with a 4G base station being on the air.
See here for contact details:
Contact at800 / DMSL | General Enquiries | at800
If it appears to be a possible case of 4G interference then they will probably send you a free filter to put on your aerial lead.
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LouiseB: There is a wealth of information on ATV's site:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
They also have an online shop - other retailers are available.
If you get a yagi type, go with a Group K, which is Group A and B combined. This will work for both Crystal Palace and Bluebell Hill.
If you are sure that you will only be attempting reception from Crystal Palace then a Group A will work. The point is that a Group A isn't really designed for Bluebell Hill.
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jonathan: No you can't.
YouView uses the terrestrial "Freeview" system to receive TV services (other than those that it gets "on demand" over your broadband connection). It isn't compatible with any satellite platform, whether it be Sky or Freesat.
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LouiseB: A 4G filter is unlikely to be required, and if it is it can be added later. Those at greatest risk of interference use a transmitter which broadcasts on C60 or C59 which are the closest to 4G signals.
According to publically available data, the closest base stations to you are on the hospital (or at least within its grounds).
I've posted on the Crystal Palace page: I suggest that you get a Group K aerial if it's a yagi; a wideband is unnecessary. Invariably DIY shops and other outlets sell wideband aerials.
Do your homework and track down a model that professional installers would use.
Also, bear in mind that if all else fails you might have to have it put on the roof.
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Ian: The difference in predicted coverage is due to the difference in published radiation patterns of the two muxes. See above under the heading "Is the transmitter output the same in all directions?".
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mike jones: No.
The Commercial broadcasters aren't likely to be broadcasting from Llandrindod Wells transmitter and over 1,000 other similar small relays, ever. See here for an explanation:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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john hope: There aren't likely to be any more services available on terrestrial television (Freeview) from the Newton transmitter. This is down to the Commerial broadcasters having free reign on where they transmit from, a decision driven by their objective to generate a return by showing adverts to as many as possible for least possible cost.
See here for a further explanation:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) Freeview Light transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
In general, a satellite service is likely to be the only was Hexham residents will increase the number of services.
In spots where reception from Pontop Pike is possible, be aware that its Commercial channels from Pontop Pike (those that aren't carried by the Newton relay) are co-channel (same frequencies) with the Haltwhistle relay transmitter. So some viewers could potentially end up no better off, or at least suffer interference at times.
DAB will be available in Hexham within two years. Last month the BBC announced that it will be installing 162 new DAB transmitters for its national network, including one in Hexham:
Where will the 162 new BBC DAB transmitters be? | Digital radio | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Richard Wicks: You can still watch local news with your aerials combined as they were previously. The added difficulty is with COM5 and COM6 from Belmont being on C53 and C60 respectively.
In answer to your question, I've made a suggestion before:
Freeview reception - all about aerials | Installing | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
This requires two diplexers, a King's Lynn aerial and two Belmont aerials or one Belmont aerial fed into a splitter.
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John Layton: Firstly, any receiver that does not have a manual tune function is not fit for purpose in the "real world".
There is quite a simple answer and you might kick yourself when you find out what it is.
All of Tacolneston's channels are high up and Belmont's PSBs (which carry BBC and ITV regional services) are low down. Have your aerial lead unplugged whilst the box is scanning channels up to about 35. As a percentage (if the box gives percentage progress) then that is about 30%.
Once you've completed, check that COM5 (Pick TV) is tuned to C45 and not C53 (which is Belmont). Also check that COM6 (4Music) is tuned to C39 and not C60. This information is usually given on the signal strength screen.
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Paul McIlfatrick: The NIMM isn't expected to be extended to relays.
It is currently available from Black Mountain (which is adjacent to Divis), Carnmoney Hill which serves Newtownabbey and surrounding area and Brougher Mountain.
Its purpose is to complement the overspill from the South, which is why the main transmitter at Limavady doesn't carry it.
Ofcom published a factsheet here:
http://consumers.ofcom.or….pdf
The map shows a little hole in the coverage where you are. It would appear that Clermont can't help you either.
If an aerial installer confirms that you have no chance of receiving RT terrestrially, then perhaps Saorsat is your only option.
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JR: Because the signals are being picked up from a full service transmitter, the most likely being Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace is on a bearing 49 degrees anti-clockwise of Woolwich and it broadcasts horizontally rather than vertically.
Looking at Streetview there is a mixture of the two on Abbey Road.
Many communal aerial systems are filtered so as to only allow through channels used by the transmitter in question. This is evidently not the case here.
You should be able to confirm where the channels are being received from by viewing the signal strength screen for the following:
PSB1 Woolwich=C60 | Crystal Palace=C23
PSB2 W=C57 | CP=C26
PSB3 W=C53 | CP=C30
COM4 CP=C25
COM5 CP=C22
COM6 CP=C28
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Ken Campbell: I write on here as a technical bod rather than an aerial installer.
An aerial amplifier (booster) without any power going into it usually gives nothing out. Where the signal going in is very strong then a little signal might come out.
Therefore, in order to test without the amplifier it must be removed from the feed. It could be, and indeed it would be best, that you have a masthead amplifier (i.e. one that is close to the aerial - with only a short piece of cable between it and the aerial) in which case the box, perhaps behind the TV, into which mains electricity flows is merely a power supply which feeds the amp adjacent to the aerial. So turning it off, or even removing it for test purposes, still leaves the amplifier connected.
A look at your road on Streetview (photos taken June 2012) shows it to be a new development with few TV aerials and some satellite dishes. Indeed, the only TV aerial I spotted is on number 48 and judging by the photo it appears to be little above the apex of the roof.
I then placed myself on Marcroft Road near to the end with Tir John North Road and observed that Marcroft Road slopes downwards, so the roof line of that house and quite a few others are likely to below those I'm stood next to.
With that in mind and with the fact that you are at the bottom of a drop which is causing difficulty with reception from Kilvey Hill, I wonder if, as well as getting the aerial up as high as possible, having it sloping upwards a little might be worthwhile, this assuming that the bracket allows.
With digital reception there are two factors: strength and quality. Quality is digits all present and correct so as to allow the picture to be built up. A small (low strength) signal of good quality can be made bigger with an amplifier. A poor quality signal of any magnitude cannot be made better with an amplifier. See here for an explanation:
Television Aerial Boosters / Amplifiers, Splitters, Diplexers & Triplexers
A high gain aerial has a narrower acceptance angle because its gain (increased sensitivity in one direction) comes from having less gain elsewhere. That is, if it were used to send out a signal (transmit) it would emit a narrower more concentrated beam than one of lower gain:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
Where there is no line-of-sight such as because one is at the bottom of a slope which blocks view of the transmitter, there is obviously no beam to focus on (signals travel in straight lines). Consider car headlights coming towards you but which are not visible because there is higher ground between you and them. Over the brow you can see light and if the light were brighter it would light where you are because it bends at the point it meets the brow. Such a situation would be like sunlight which lights all parts of a room, even though not all parts are in direct line-of-sight to the sun.
Now remember the points about digital signal quality and the fact that higher gain aerials have narrower acceptance angles. These aerials are therefore looking across a narrower angle and therefore rely on the quality across that (narrower) angle being good. If there is a momentary drop in quality across that angle, the quality of the signal going down the lead will dip. If, however, a wider angle of viewing is available, that drop in quality may be across a smaller proportion of the total angle, hence the average quality of the signal (that which goes down the lead) doesnt drop as much. The signal level may be lower, but an amplifier can improve that. This is why in situations such as yours that an aerial that isnt high gain accompanied with an amplifier is better. Indeed, one of the experts on here suggests a log periodic (rather than a yagi) with an amplifier can be effective:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
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James Town: You posted previously about this and myself and MikeB made some suggestions:
Resolve your interference problems | Freeview Interference | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Richard: The bearing is 232 degrees.
However, in order to use a compass you need to take into account the fact that Magnetic North and True North are different. The former varies over time and by location.
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Helen Rankin: Where does your aerial point? South west to Black Hill or east to Craigkelly?
Judging by Streetview photographs Black Hill is generally used in your area. If you are using Craigkelly then you may have difficulty receiving all channels, judging by predictions.
Further advice on reply.
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How come the local TV channel from Rowridge will only be broadcast horizontally? Whilst many will have their aerials horizontal, vertical polarisation is surely favoured for new installations and so all channels should be available vertically.
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Helen Rankin: The first step when retuning is for what's been stored previously to be deleted. So it's not so much a case of them being lost, but rather that they aren't found again when receiver scans for channels.
Digital reception relies on the signal level (strength) being above a particular level (threshold). Signal levels vary slightly due to atmospherics and the like. Thus, the likely answer is that the level has dipped a little.
If the receiver has manual tuning then I would use that to try and restore the other channels. For Craigkelly channels are:
COM4 - ITV3 - C42
COM5 - Pick TV - C45
COM6 - 4Music - C39
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john layton: I don't think you have any worries about having too much signal at your location.
The pixelation could be down to not having line-of-sight with the transmitter, something which you can't do anything about. The terrain means that the northest edge of Norfolk has difficulty or cannot receive from Tacolneston, which is why there are a series of relays along the north coast.
As far as aerial groups goes then if you have a Group C/D aerial, strictly speaking the three COM channels on 42, 45 and 39 are "out of group" and therefore your aerial isn't as sensitive to them as the PSB channels. That said, it might be good enough for the COMs, in which case the gain on the PSBs is a bit greater than the minimum required.
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Kevin Wright: I suggest that the ongoing engineering works might be the cause, and indeed anytime Belmont is on low power you could, potentially, not be able to receive it.
The Digital UK predictor doesn't think you will get reception from Belmont, except "poor" for the HD multiplex.
However, it predicts good coverage by the Sheffield Crosspool transmitter. I guess you might be using Belmont because Crosspool is out of the question.
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rod tucker: No, because you aren't in a location where the Commercial multiplexes are available.
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Jeff Boyle: In answer to your question, they won't because the spectrum has been sold.
The company Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, which trades as "at800", was formed by the mobile operators and is charged with alleviating interference by providing one filter per household in most cases.
If the filter supplied does not solve the problem then at800 must provide another solution, but this requires the viewer to contact them rather than a web forum which is not connected with them.
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Jeff Boyle: The answer to the question is not as I said, although it is true that the decision has been made and that the spectrum has been sold.
The authorities can only resolve your reception problem when you tell them. If you haven't spoken to at800 then they aren't to know.
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Jeff Boyle: The "problem" is with your system due to the strength of the 4G signal that it is picking up. It is Freeview reception that is affected, not Freeview transmission. The solution can only ever be as it is now: filtering out the 4G signals.
TV aerial systems don't tend to be fitted with expensive filters that only allow through the frequencies used by the desired transmitter. Had they been so then there would not be an issue.
Some tests were run earlier this year and the results were that fewer than expected would be affected:
Expecting 4G interference? Tests now show that you have a one in 300 chance | 4G-at-800 | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
If people wish to spend their time writing to complain then this will achieve nothing, other than allowing them to have a moan. The decision to use the 800MHz band for 4G has already been taken. The time for viewers to make comments was when this was being planned.
The solution in most cases is to fit a filter. Where this doesn't work then at800 has an obligation to take other steps. It is hardly going to take such steps with a particular household - before the 4G transmitter is switched on - just incase a filter won't work!
In your case the filter should be fitted between the aerial and the signal amplifier.
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Kevin Wright: If your sets have manual tuning then this could be useful. Usually when you select a channel UHF number on the manual tune screen, but don't press the button to scan that channel, it will give an indication of strength and quality, even if this isn't good enough to resolve a picture. Bringing up the signal strength screen on a tuned service (e.g. BBC One) will probably show no strength even if there is something there and which is under the threshold required to show a picture.
Increasing the level of the amplifier might bring in the missing channel(s) if the issue is that it is too weak. If it is too poorer quality then amplification won't help.
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Daiva: As you would appear to live in a block of flats then the suspicion must be that you are using a communal aerial system. If this is the case then it is possible that the aerial system is at fault.
Enquire with neighbours in the building. Be aware that this may not affect satellite reception (Freesat, Sky etc) and so some might still have television if they are using a satellite service.
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Paul Wharton: Use the analogue part of the television to tune in the output from the Sky box. If it doesn't have an analogue tuner then it will not be able to show the output of the Sky box on its own.
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Paul Wharton: Knowledge of the make and model number may be able to ascertain how the analogue part can be tuned, this being if the user manual can be found online.
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Paul Wharton: There is usually a button to switch mode or perhaps the one you use to switch inputs.
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DaveW: If your TV is giving you East Yorks & Lincs then it is tuned to Belmont and this needs correcting.
If your TV was tuned to Waltham prior to the retune then all you suceeded in doing was "untuning" the TV, which is shooting yourself in the foot.
There may be a regional or network selection, whereby you can choose East Yorks & Lincs or Central/E Midlands, this in actual fact choosing which transmitter to use.
Failing that, manual tuning or unplugging the aerial for the first 30% of the scan should do it. If you unplug the aerial for the first 30%, you will need to manually add COM4 (ITV3 etc) from Waltham which is on UHF channel 29.
If there is going to be one channel from Waltham that is affected by 4G signals broadcasting at 800MHz then it will by the HD one because it is on the highest channel of all of Waltham's.
If, having reverted the TV back to Waltham, you are still without HD services then try manually tuning to UHF channel 58, selecting DVB-T2 mode if there is such an option (the two modes being DVB-T and DVB-T2). If you have no joy and you have a signal amplifier (booster) in circuit then bypass it and try scanning C58.
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Pierre Josling: If there is going to be one channel from Lambourn that is affected then it will be PSB2 (which carries ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc) as it is on the highest UHF channel, it being C58.
Judging by the fact that the metal tower to which the TV broadcast antennas are fitted also has what appear on Streetview to be three sets of mobile phone antennas (so possibly three network operators) there is the possibility that it is being used for 4G transmissions. Obviously with your aerial pointing to the TV transmitter it is also pointing to any potential 4G base station at that location.
I suggest that you give at800 a ring and see if there are any 4G base stations in your area - see at800 | 4G & Freeview | 4G Interference | 4G Filters | at 800 MHz
By the way, I'm not sure why you've changed your aerial. There is no such thing as a "digital aerial" and a wideband aerial isn't required for Lambourn. It is perhaps wishful thinking that you might get more channels than you have!
All channels from Lambourn are within Group C/D, as they were for the former analogue. And the transmission power is, in real terms, a little above that of the former analogue.
I put myself on Hungerford Hill on Streetview and the other side of the valley can be seen. Even with a power of 2W, with clear line-of-sight at 3/4 mile you won't need anything special.
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Pierre Josling: If you have a signal amplifier (booster) connected then perhaps you don't need it and indeed, perhaps it is that which is overloading.
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Dick Crabtree: The Commercial (COM) channels from Craigkelly, which you are having difficulty with, may require a replacement aerial. At your location they could be intermittent at times, or perhaps all the time, due to the fact that the Auchtermuchty transmitter broadcasts on the same channels. The COM channels from Criagkelly are also lower power to its PSBs.
The point is that the COM channels have inferior coverage to the PSB ones. Transmitters like Auchtermuchty only carry PSB channels and with transmitters like Craigkelly that do carry COM channels, there are some who only get the PSBs reliably.
If your current aerial is a Group A one (red tip) then it might be better to replace it with a Group K one (which spans Group A and Group B). See here for ideas:
Craigkelly Transmitter
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Mike: How were the digital signals from Emley prior to switchover? If you picked them up then I think you might get the new HD muxes, bearing in mind that their transmission powers are higher.
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Frank: Heathfield (and therefore Newhaven which rebroadcasts it) carries BBC South East and ITV Meridian (East). Rowridge carries BBC South and ITV Meridian (Southampton). Whitehawk's regions are a hybrid of Rowridge and Heathfield. Its BBC is South East (as Heathfield) and ITV is Meridian (Southampton) (as Rowridge).
For information and ideas on aerials for Rowridge, see:
Rowridge Transmitter
Your high gain wideband yagi aerial isn't so "high gain" on Group A channels (see the above link). Thus, if you need a high gain aerial for Rowridge, a Group A aerial is best.
Also, the higher the "gain" of the aerial, the narrower the acceptance angle. Thus, if you haven't got line-of-sight you have no "beam" which to aim at and are relying on the signal bending at the brow over which you receive.
Use manual tuning so as to get the channels from the transmitters you want rather than what the TV "decides" to give you.
The simplest permutation is to use a single aerial pointing somewhere between Newhaven and Whitehawk, or perhaps nearer the latter as its signals aren't as good. This would require no diplexer. This would allow viewing of both Meridian micro-regions and BBC South East. If you want BBC South as well then you would have to look at installing a Rowridge aerial as well.
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Frank: A wideband aerial isn't necessarily required - it depends on what UHF channels (frequencies) you are looking to receive, this dependent on transmitter(s).
Usually, the PSB channels of transmitters are within the same aerial group as the former four-channel analogue. This is the case with Newhaven whose channels have always been in Group B (yellow tip). See:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
Whitehawk's are Group C/D although C48 (COM6) is at the top end of Group B (there is an overlap).
Don't read too much into the coverage maps. Being outside of the green area does not mean a signal won't be received. The map shows areas where the signal level (strength) is calculated as being at or above a particular level at a particular distance above ground. Thus, as the ground drops away the signal level required to "light" the area green is further above the ground.
The channels from the three transmitters - Newhaven, Whitehawk and Rowridge - are as follows:
21 Rowridge PSB3
22 Rowridge COM5
24 Rowridge PSB1
25 Rowridge COM4
27 Rowridge PSB2
28 Rowridge COM6
40 Newhaven PSB3
43 Newhaven PSB2
48 Whitehawk COM6
50 Newhaven PSB1
51 Whitehawk PSB3
53 Whitehawk PSB2
56 Whitehawk COM5
57 Whitehawk COM4
60 Whitehawk PSB1
As you can see, the channels of Newhaven and Whitehawk span Group E (which is Group B and Group C/D combined).
Multiplexes are:
PSB1 - BBC standard definition
PSB2 - ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc
PSB3 - HD services
COM4 - ITV3, Quest etc
COM5 - Pick TV etc
COM6 - 4Music etc
For a full list of services by multiplex, see:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
I suggest that you try resiting your aerial outside, pointing in the direction of Newhaven and Whitehawk. Then try and tune in the three PSB channels of the former and the COM channels of the latter.
If you are using manual tuning then having entered the UHF channel number wait and see if a reading is given as to the strength and quality on that channel (i.e. don't press the button to scan immediately).
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Frank: I wouldn't worry about the YouView not having manual tuning. The TV is probably more useful to you fitting your aerial as it has manual tuning.
With the manual tuning screen you can select the UHF channel you want and then move your aerial until you get a good signal, as indicated by the on-screen signal meter. With automatic tuning you can't do this and you can only ever tune in something that is there and this requires the aerial to be in position.
Once you have the aerial fitted you can see what the automatic tuning on the YouView box gives you. It may give you what you want or you might have to unplug the aerial for part of the scan to get it tuned as you want it.
For example, if it picks up and stores Rowridge under the proper logical channel numbers (that is *not* in your 800s) then this can be avoided by unplugging the aerial for the first portion of the scan where Rowridge's channels are broadcast.
Automatic tuning works fine in the lab where a test subject is provided with signals from one transmitter, but in the real world there are always situations with overlapping transmitters.
The "Log 36" is a Vision V10-36L:
V10-36L 36 Element Stub Tuner Super Log Periodic Aerial » Vision Products - Powerful Products. Easy Installation. Excellent Value
As you may have read, the advantage of a log periodic over a yagi is the flatter response and it's wideband, so it can be used for reception of channels from Rowridge (which are all in Group A).
If the strength isn't good enough then you can always add an amplifier.
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Dawn, Sue, Christine: This issue has affected Top Up TV users and the solution is to change the setting from 14 day EPG (electronic programme guide) to 8 day EPG.
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gwyneth preece: See above postings!
The posting immediately above yours confirms that switching from 14 day EPG (electronic programme guide) to 8 day EPG. This problem is widespread and apparently affects Top Up TV boxes, due to the recent ceasation of the service.
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Corneilius: No! This is because Freeview channels come from a transmitter on the ground and the satellite points to a satellite - these are two totally separate platforms.
A small proportion of the population can only receive the Public Service Freeview channels, which I gather is what you have. In some cases a replacement aerial may bring in all channels, but this can only be advised with knowledge of your location, preferably in the form of postcode or a postcode of a nearby property such as a shop.
Your other possibility is to use the dish for Freesat.
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Debbie : Do you have a Top Up TV box? If so, then switch from 14 day EPG (electronic programme guide) to 8 day EPG.
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Brian: As you are on a communal aerial system it is always worth enquiring with neighbours to see if they have the same issue, as if they do then the problem lies within the system and as such it should be reported to the party responsible for its upkeep. When you speak to others ensure that they are using terrestrial (Freeview) and not a satellite platform like Sky or Freesat.
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SophieD: This has nothing to do with the aerial.
What you describe is usually caused by the tuning memory being exceeded. The broadcast channel that is picked up last is forgotten, and in this case ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc are on the highest channel (and are therefore picked up last during the scan).
The memory is exceeded because the set picks up signals from other transmitters before the one you want. If you run the scan with the aerial unplugged for the first 30% this will avoid picking up some of the lower channels.
If this doesn't work then you could manual tune.
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mrs evans: Do you have a Top Up TV box? If so, then switch from 14 day EPG (electronic programme guide) to 8 day EPG.
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Jackie: Do you have a Top Up TV box? If so, then switch from 14 day EPG (electronic programme guide) to 8 day EPG.
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Jackie: So then look for a setting that can be changed from 14 day EPG to 8 day EPG.
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david: Payment of the Licence Fee does not provide any warranties as to what can be received - it simply permits one to use TV receiving equipment. Thus, the "classes" you identify have no connection with the Licence Fee.
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Andrew Brown: Your website URL needs correcting as there is a comma after the "www" rather than a dot.
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Mike: I suggest you use a log periodic, so the Log 36 or DM Log fit the bill.
You are about 30km from the transmitter, which is around 19 miles.
Signal strength isn't that important - it's quality that matters. With 100% quality all the digits are present and the picture is the best it can be.
That said, the strength would appear low in view of your distance from the transmitter.
The Public Service (PSB) channels from Bilsdale are in Group A, and so a Group A aerial installed in the days of four-channel analogue should work fine for the PSB channels.
Presumably you have at least one television with built-in Freeview. So what does it read on the five channels (or six if it's HD)?
PSB1 - BBC One - C26
PSB2 - ITV - C29
PSB3 - BBC One HD - C23
COM4 - ITV3 - C43
COM5 - Pick TV - C46
COM6 - 4Music - C40
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cate: You received two replies to your earlier posting:
Feedback | Feedback | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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sarah lee: Typing in capitals (as in your 6:02PM posting) is rude and shouting. Perhaps you should push off and acquire some respect and manners for others.
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Malcolm Godden : You are not alone!
See here for another complaint from a viewer on Hungerford Hill and my subsequent response:
Oxford (Oxfordshire, England) Full Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
If you have an amplifier (booster) then the filter should go before it.
Failing that I suggest you give at800 a ring.
Contact at800 / DMSL | General Enquiries | at800
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Malcolm Godden : I guess the unwanted 4G signal is strong at your location as you are only 300m from the base station (assuming that it is the one which is co-sited with the Sheepdrove TV transmitter.
If you have a set-top aerial then it might be worth a try, at least as a temporary measure. The objective being to pick up less of the 4G signal.
Or a piece of wire a foot or two long inserted into the inner part of the aerial socket.
These are suggestions that may be temporary workarounds until at800 comes up with a solution.
Incidently, have you fitted your filter immediately behind your TV set? Or if there is a recorder, have you fitted it before that?
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Mandy : Perhaps it's interference emitted by the HDMI lead and being picked up by the aerial lead. Try moving the HDMI lead away from the aerial leads or indeed, remove the HDMI lead completely and power on the Sky box then see if the Freeview on the other TVs is still affected.
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angela baker: As you appear to be using a communal aerial system and the problem affects several users of that system it would seem likely that the issue is not with your own equipment. I would report this to the party which maintains the aerial system.
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JamesD: As Russ Dring says, BT Sport isn't broadcast by the Calne transmitter.
The Digital UK Coverage Checker suggests that you "might" be able to receive all channels from Mendip. Such predictions never be totally accurate, and this is particularly so in situations like yours where the transmitter cannot be seen.
There are trees in the way on the high ground which is in the way and they could affect you, and such effects could be seasonal.
If you do decide to have a shot at reception from Mendip then I suggest you retain your Calne aerial as a back-up, incase reception from Mendip does deteriorate.
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Beth: There will be no live mains (or shouldn't be) within the aerial. If no signal is coming out of it then this could be for a number of reasons.
The most obvious is that the "splitter" box requires a power supply, and without one isn't likely to give any signal out.
A photograph of said objects and/or knowledge of the manufacturer and model number(s) may allow identification of their purpose.
If you are looking to use an aerial for Freeview then it might be that this aerial is can be used.
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Mandy : You've done right trying different RF channels.
I'm not familiar with Sky boxes, so suggestions are general. On the same vein as discounting possible interference from the HDMI lead, perhaps leads for ethernet (network - i.e. to connect to the internet), USB and maybe others could interfere. With this in mind, if there are other leads like that which come to life when the Sky box is on, then try removing them to discount them as a possible cause.
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Mandy : What about getting one of the TVs in one of the other rooms, complete with Magic Eye, and plugging it directly into RF2 of the Sky box. Probably best to power down the Sky box first.
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MikeP: JamesD's postcode is carried in his posting, it being under the blue links to "Reception map" etc.
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Nicholas Willmott: The plan for the forthcoming COM7 and COM8 multiplexes was one of serving the most viewers for least cost. Ofcom has granted the licences, subject to a clause that allows withdrawal in 2018:
Want BBC Three, FOUR, CBBC, CBeebies and BBC News in HD? You can, in 2014 | High definition | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
For that reason, costs are being kept down by reusing equipment used previously prior to switchover.
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Reilly: I suspect that Will is correct - it is down to the data the broadcaster is putting out.
I have had the same thing happen in the past with a Freeview PVR which has series link enabled.
The workaround may be to cancel the link to the EPG and instead set a timed recording. This obviously does mean that if the broadcast time is changed that the recording time won't change accordingly.
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Will: Which is a messy solution. The moral is when purchasing such a device to ensure that it has manual timer recording facility.
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k: The postcode is only required in order to give you the regional programming for your location. Try entering another postcode.
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Mike: In addition to the response given by jb38, it is worth pointing out that Bilsdale currently has ongoing engineering works which could affect your reception.
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MikeP: Judging by the radiation pattern and ensuing coverage map above, it would appear that the Calne transmitter does serve JamesD.
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D Hardy: It isn't necessarily the case that your aerial is not pointing to Winter Hill.
Even with an aerial pointing to a particular transmitter and providing a good signal, a receiver can "decide" to go with a different one during the automatic tuning scan. It is worth noting that Ladder Hill's channels are lower than Winter Hill's and so are picked up earlier during the scan.
Winter Hill is on a bearing of 309 degrees and Moel y Parc is at 255 degrees.
Try manual scans of Winter Hill's UHF channels. Digital UK predictor doesn't rate them although I'm somewhat sceptical that predicted interference from another transmitter could be playing its part in the prediction.
If your Romiley aerial is a Group B one (yellow tip) then it won't be best for Winter Hill:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
Winter Hill is all Group C/D, although with the possibility that in the future the rest of C/D could be sold off for mobile services it is wise to use a Group E or even wideband.
If you can receive COM channels from Moel y Parc you could diplex that aerial with one on Ladder Hill to give you North West programming.
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D Hardy: Receiving channels from Winter Hill or Moel y Parc come with the warning that it might not work or might be intermittent, perhaps seasonal.
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Nicholas Willmott: There is another factor and that is the availability of suitable broadcast channels, C31 through to C37 (C36 excepted) being used exclusively.
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Sherryl Irving: In a situation where multiple TVs fail which are all connected to the same aerial then suspicion must immediately fall on the bit that is common to them all - the aerial through to the splitter. Where there is a powered splitter involved then one not uncommon possibility is that this has failed. Even though its power light may be on, it doesn't mean that it is functioning correctly.
In such circumstances, to test, connect the incoming aerial feed directly to one of the output feeds going to one of the rooms.
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Maeve clark: By rescanning you deleted all channels stored, that's what's happened.
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Valerie Butterworth: If it's set to 14 day EPG (electronic programme guide) then change it to 8 day EPG.
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Maeve clark: As indicated above, there are engineering works being carried out on the Craigkelly transmitter. You will now have to either do a rescan or attempt manual tuning to add the missing multiplexes, something which wouldn't have been required if a reset had not been carried out.
For manual tuning to Craigkelly:
COM4 - ITV3 - C42
COM5 - Pick TV - C45
COM6 - 4Music, Yesterday - C39
(This information is given at the top of this page.).
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D Hardy: Having looked at your location, you clearly have a number of factors that could cause you difficulty with reception from Winter Hill!
I refer to the fact that you are down a slope which is tree covered, and you may be in a bungalow (so lower down).
Looking at Streetview photos (taken October 2008) most aerials are on the Romiley relay transmitter.
What I will say is that higher gain isn't always better because in order to increase gain, the acceptance angle (or "viewing" angle) is narrower. Thus, you are looking for good average quality across a narrower angle, whereas a wider acceptance angle may give better average quality. The strength can be increased by an amplifier, but if the signal is poor nothing can be done.
Good luck!
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Matthew: LCN is "logical channel number", i.e. LCN1 for BBC One, LCN2 for BBC Two etc.
Ensure that it is set to UK as an incorrect country setting can sometimes result in services not assuming their proper LCNs.
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D Hardy: You won't be able to diplex Moel-y-Parc and Romiley because the broadcast channels used don't allow. You could diplex MYP with Ladder Hill, if you can receive a good enough signal from it.
For more information on diplexing see:
Television Aerial Boosters / Amplifiers, Splitters, Diplexers & Triplexers
The three MYP COM channels are 48, 51 and 52. Romiley uses 41, 44 and 47. Ladder Hill uses 23, 26 and 29.
Diplexers generally split at 36, 38 or 51.
I can't advise on particular models as I'm not an aerial installer. However, ATV Sheffield provides a wealth of information and has an online shop. I know they sell Blake stuff and Vision stuff. Televes, Triax and Antiference are three other names that spring to mind.
I've come across these "overlap blocking filters" from Blake:
Overlap Blocking Filter from Blake UK
However, I'm not sure any will be of use to you. Whilst there is one that passes 48 to 62, there isn't one that passes 21 to 47. The filters will slope off so 48 is likely to be reduced a bit. The same effect is true of diplexers on channels adjacent to the split. I suspect that even if you could get filters with these passbands that 47 and 48 would not be useable because of the slope-off and the edge of the band.
There are notch filters available, but these are expensive. I know Televes do them, but you're talking over £20 for one which only does two channels.
Moel-y-Parc is due to have two new HD multiplexes soon, and these will be on 32 and 34. If you can pick them up where you are then, having diplexed a Ladder Hill aerial, you'll have filtered them out. What you're really looking for are two blocking filters 21 to 30 and 31 to 52 (or higher) so as to make your own diplexer.
One word of warning: In five years' time it could all change again. The two quasi-national HD muxes I mentioned - which use 31 to 37 exclusively - have been granted licences which could be revoked in 2018. This is because the 700MHz band (roughly 49 to 60) could be sold off for mobile services (5G maybe). This would obviously mean that transmitters on those channels will have to move downwards and probably those on lower channels shuffle down as well. There have been suggestions that the three COM multiplexes could become single frequency networks on channels in the 20s.
If this were to happen and you had diplexed a MYP aerial with a Ladder Hill one (with a 36 or 38 diplexer) then you would have to change it. Providing that Romiley was still Group B and on channels that your diplexer allowed, then you could simply switch your Ladder Hill aerial to face MYP and the MYP one to face Romiley.
With this in mind, I suggest that you get a Group A aerial that would be suitable for reception from MYP. Wideband yagis are a compromise and on Group A channels aren't as good as higher up the band:
Aerials, TV Aerial and Digital Aerial
The Group A aerial would be suitable for Ladder Hill now, whilst being suitable for MYP if it used Group A channels.
Alternatively, you could have a MYP aerial and Romiley aerial and keep them separate. You might use MYP as your main transmitter and switch to Romiley for regional programming. This would require a separate set-top box receiver. If you distribute the signals to different rooms you would require two distribution systems in order to have regional programming in each room (and of course you would need a set-top box in each room).
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Diane Skelly: As you are in an apartment block then that begs the question is it a communal aerial system you are using? If yes then enquiries should be made with neighbours to see whether they have the same issue - ensuring that it is Freeview they are referring to and not a satellite platform like Freesat or Sky. If others have the same issue then the problem is within the aerial system, therefore the party responsible needs to be made aware so they can organise repair.
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Kathy Webb: It is good question and I don't have an answer. I know that there was a plan to increase coverage of multiplexes like Teeside, which would have included bringing it to Saltburn by broadcasting it from Skinningrove. I'm not sure whether that's been shelved as digital radio switchover seems to be being put back further and further.
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andrew burroughs: It is the case that the COM channels provide inferior coverage to that of the PSBs.
One of your neighbours reported that he could not receive C28, even with vertical polarisation:
Rowridge (Isle Of Wight, England) transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
Unfortunately the powers that be won't release the radiation patterns - these show how the transmitter throws out the signal in each direction. My suspicion is that the COM channels from Rowridge are directional with little or nothing to the south, whereas the PSBs are not. If this is the case then it is an example of where the COM channels are inferior in coverage terms.
It may be that the COM channel antennas don't point in your direction and that the "bits" of signal you are getting are off the back or edge of them. With that in mind, it is to be expected that the way in which these "bits" are scattered may vary by channel (frequency).
You can try turning your aerial for vertical polarisation, but this didn't help for Colin up the road.
Rowridge broadcasts horizontally and vertically (this being unique among the main stations). The PSBs are 200kW horizontally and vertically whereas the COMs are 50kW horizontally and 200kW vertically. A wideband aerial is not needed for Rowridge. Yagi widebands aren't as good on Group A channels, which Rowridge uses exclusively. If a yagi aerial is used it should be a Group A one.
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Adrian: It's on a bearing of 68 degrees. Remember your compass uses Magnetic North which varies slightly by location rather than True North or Grid North.
I would suggest that you won't get a usuable signal from Nottingham, but instead should use Waltham, which is at 103 degrees and also carries East Midlands programmes.
Nottingham is vertically polarised and Waltham is horizontally polarised.
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Roger Parker: Select 8-day EPG - this is what's broadcast by Freeview.
Evidently the 14-day EPG service was made available by Top Up TV and as it's now ceased the extended EPG is no longer available.
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D Hardy: Using the splitter as a combiner is, by far, the cheapest and most straightforward possible solution. It isn't forced to work, but worth a try, particularly as there's no other straightforward solution.
The point is that the best practice way to combine two feeds is to have them filtered, which is how a diplexer works.
With your combiner, when receiving from Moel y Parc the Romiley aerial is connected and vice versa. Ideally, the one you don't want should be filtered out.
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xlcr: Queries of this nature can only really be addressed with knowledge of the location, preferably in the form of postcode, or that of a nearby property such as a shop. This is so that predictions of the signals available can be looked up.
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Betamax_man: Looking at satellite and Streetview photographs of the area it seems clear that reception from The Wrekin along the road your daughter lives on could be difficult due to the hospital building and the many trees in the area.
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Linda Stokes: Presumably you are receiving from Winter Hill transmitter. If any services are likely to be affected by a nearby 4G base station operating in the 800MHz band then it will be those you identify.
The organisation that can tell you if there are any 4G base stations in your area is at800. They may provide a free filter if it is suspected that this could be the cause of your issue.
Give them a ring and see what they say (bear in mind that it could be something unconnected with 4G signals):
Contact at800 / DMSL | General Enquiries | at800
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RICHARD BROWN: You should have all PSB services, which is more than 9!
See here:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
If you have a standard definition receiver then you will have PSB1 and PSB2. If it's HD as well then you will also have PSB3.
The other channels are the Commercial (COM) ones and they are only available from main transmitters and a select few smaller ones.
It's doubtful that you might receive all channels from Emley Moor due to being so far off line-of-sight. In such situations if you can then reception may not be perfect. Imperfections could be seasonal.
If you can't receive all channels terrestrially, then a satellite service such as Freesat may be the only way to increase your choice.
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xlcr: It could be a fault with the wiring, a connection or the aerial.
If you have a signal amplifier (booster) connected then you may need to remove it, or at least reduce its level, because it could potentially be pushing the level up too high, which could be the cause of your woes.
You said you have two TVs, so if they are fed by an amplifier then perhaps it is pushing the level up a bit too high. Different receivers have differing tolerances and sensitivities which is why these sorts of things affect some and not others.
Try bypassing any amplifier by connecting the incoming aerial feed to the feed going out to the room where the TalkTalk box is.
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Betamax_man: Different frequencies (UHF channels) are affected in different ways when they pass through/over objects which is why you get situations where not all signals are received at the same levels.
You may have experienced this if you ever used a set-top aerial with analogue reception. It was a case of putting the aerial in a location that allowed reception of all channels. Some may have been better than others.
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malcolm Godden: I replied to your posting above. Have you contacted at800 about your issue? What did they say?
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Colin Davies: I would suggest that it doesn't and that it's likely that your reception is marginal for this channel.
The power of the signal isn't as great as the others, plus it is directional towards Manchester. Thus, there some users of Winter Hill who won't ever receive it and some who will receive it at a strength which is hovering around the lower threshold point at which their receiver can't resolve a picture (and may show "no signal" or similar.
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kim: No. A YouView box uses these terrestrial (Freeview) system.
If there is a roof-top aerial then where does the coax stop? Has it been cut off outside (as it runs down the wall)?
For satellite there is an on-demand system called "Freesat Freetime":
Freetime from Freesat. Catch up on the past seven days of TV and watch On Demand, subscription free
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natasha : I think that if reception indoors is possible that it will not in any way be unversal across the entire floor. That is, there may be parts of the room where reception is possible and others where it is not.
I suggest that indoor reception from Emley Moor isn't likely because, not only might your location be a bit low down, but the terrace runs in line with the signal. The transmitter is on a bearing of 156 degrees and if you look at the terrace on a satellite image (e.g. Google Maps) you will see that it is just a bit anti-clockwise of being north to south. Thus, the signal path (if you were to "draw" a line between you and the transmitter) would go through other properties - for this reason I think it unlikely.
You "might", however, be able to receive PSB channels from the Bradford West relay transmitter, which is on the roof of the Royal Infirmary.
This is to your north, so if you are to receive it upstairs the most likely place is at one of the rear windows (I assume here that you are on the opposite side to the school).
Go to an upstairs window and point the aerial to the north. The aerial should be vertical (with the elements up/down rather than flat). See if you have a television or box that has manual tuning. Wipe what's stored by running the scan through with the aerial unplugged.
Then go to the manual tuning functions and select UHF channel 55 (BBC from Bradford West) but don't press the button to scan immediately. Instead wait and see if it gives a reading of strength/quality. If it's good then add the channels. Do the same for UHF channel 59 which is ITV, C4, C5 etc.
Bradford West doesn't transmit the Commercial channels (which includes ITV3, Pick TV, Dave and others).
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natasha : I should add that when you manually tune C55 and C59, as described, that if the reading isn't good enough then move the aerial and see if you can find a spot where the signal is better. Once it's good enough you should be able to press the button to scan (maybe labelled "add channels" or something similar).
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natasha : Scrap that idea. I've just noticed that your terrace is back to back with the parallel street, meaning that you have no back windows!
The only answer would appear to be to use the rooftop aerial.
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Guidance on the planning regulations are here:
Planning Portal - Satellite,TV and Radio Antenna
Permission is not required for an antenna that is not more than 100cm in any linear dimension.
Looking at the dimensions of aerials sold by ATV, only the grid antenna doesn't need permission:
ATV`s Choice Of Aerials for digital TV
Is it the case that in practice most installations require permission but most people don't bother seeking it?
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Luc: I suggest that a loft-fitted aerial may be out of the question at your location because higher ground is in the way. The aerials on properties in your road are larger and often mounted higher up than normal, which is probably due to obstructions, including the higher ground.
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Maeve clark: Unfortunately we do not have a crystal ball.
However, I see no reason why the changes that have acted to your detriment should be perminant. Perhaps the reserve antenna is being used and/or they are on reduced power. After all, you are probably on the margins for these channels.
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Brian D Cameron: The Sale of Goods Act does not apply with respect to payment of the TV Licence and signal quality because the TV Licence simply permits the licensee to watch television and offers no guarantees as to availability of signal or warranties on aerial and receiving system.
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Mar: If your aerial can be set horizontally or vertically then it should be vertical - see:
http://farm5.static.flick….gif
If your TV has manual tuning then use it to try and restore COM5 multiplex (which carries Pick TV, Sky News and others). Tune to UHF channel 22.
Whilst on the manual tuning screen enter/select C22 (482MHz) but don't press the button to scan/add channels. Instead, wait and it should give a readout of strength/quality. This should allow you to position the aerial where the best signal is received, although you will need to ensure that the other four standard definition channels (and one HD channel, if applicable) are also good.
The channels to look at are:
PSB1 BBC One
PSB2 ITV
PSB3 BBC One HD
COM4 ITV3
COM5 Pick TV
COM6 4Music
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pw69: The coverage map assumes that the terrain is entirely flat, which is why it is a perfect circle.
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kevin: Assuming that there are no local obstructions then you would appear to have clear line-of-sight to Winter Hill 26 miles away.
With that in mind a log periodic should be your aerial. These are naturally wideband, and so will be suitable now and in the future, if Winter Hill uses Group A or Group B) channels. Indeed, the new HD multiplex is on a Group A channel (C31) and even though it is lower power, you may well be able to get it at your location.
See here for more information:
Winter Hill Transmitter
If you already have an aerial, which may be Group C/D, then give it a try. All channels except the new HD multiplex are within Group C/D, and you "might" find that it works and therefore doesn't need replacement.
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Susan: If the three other TVs could view the Sky box then they must be fed from where the main TV is.
You will probably have two conventional (terrestrial) aerial sockets behind the main TV. One will be the incoming feed from the aerial and the other will be the outgoing feed to the other rooms.
The outgoing feed is the one that was connected to RF2 socket on the Sky box. As a test, use a lead to connect the incoming aerial to the outgoing feed to the other rooms. Then check that the other three TVs work; remove the link and confirm that they don't work.
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rob castle: I assume you are using Bilsdale transmitter. There was engineering works at Bilsdale last week and Digital UK doesn't say these are still ongoing.
Retuning will achieve nothing except perhaps a negative outcome, as you found. This is because the TV will give the best picture for the signal being fed into it.
If you have not had your aerial from the days of four-channel analogue then it could be an effect of it being less sensitive on the channel used by Sky News.
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Lawry: It might be useful to know the make and model number of your YouView box, this being to give more specific suggestions.
I don't have much first-hand experience, but if there is a setting to prefer one particular network or region, then this might want turning on. Or perhaps there is a setting to enable/disable automatic updates (adding of new services) - this can't always be turned off.
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malcolm Godden: My understanding is that the issue affects the PSB2 multiplex (which carries ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and others). If this were an issue with the BBC or HD services then I would suggest contacting the BBC Engineering department.
The PSB2 multiplex is operated by Digital 3&4 Limited (D3&4), which is a consortium by ITV and Channel 4. I have been unable to locate a working phone number for D3&4.
Some websites give its details as: Digital 3 and 4 Ltd, Unit 4, 56 Norich Road, Wymondham NR18 ONT. Telephone 01953 608040. This number is not recognised.
Transmitters are run by Arqiva (www.arqiva.com) whose head office number is 01962 823 434. Don't hold your breath about them acting on calls from viewers. Clearly they probably receive reports from issues that aren't anything to do with them and therefore aren't likely to respond to individual reports. You can but try, explaining that you know of a number of other viewers in the same position. The next step could, perhaps, be to get others to speak to Arqiva.
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Richard E: They have done this for BBC One Yorkshire which is now "BBC ONE Yorks".
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Heather Lisle: There is not usually commentary in-between frames anyway. When on normal broadcast (BBC One or BBC Two) they go to the studio but on the Red Button there is no "studio".
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J. Mooney: I wouldn't think that a booster should be required at 1 mile from a 400W transmitter, unless perhaps for the purpose of distributing to more than one room.
Have you tried removing the booster?
Are you unable to receive all channels from Sutton Coldfield? I looked on Streetview at your road and all the aerial I can see are on Sutton Coldfield. They are higher gain and higher up than normal, so reception isn't easy.
With Kidderminster you only receive the Public Service (PSB) channels.
Also, check that the TV is tuned to Kidderminster transmitter and not Sutton Coldfield. Bring up the signal strength screen on the following and observe the UHF channel number that it is tuned to:
BBC One = C49 for Kidderminster; C43 for Sutton Coldfield
ITV = C58 for Kidderminster; C46 for Sutton Coldfield
BBC One HD = C54 for Kidderminster; C40 for Sutton Coldfield
If you have ITV3, Pick TV or 4Music then these must be coming from Sutton Coldfield as Kidderminster doesn't carry them.
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Syd Wall: The answer must be that "something" has changed. Assuming that this is not with your box, then it must be a change, perhaps a slight one, in the signals (perhaps strength) from Sutton Coldfield and/or Lark Stone which means that the "decision" as to which it goes with for the "main" channels is different.
How might this be proven? Where might it get you?
Automatic tuning functions are not infallible when fed with duplicate signals from more than one transmitter. This was the case in the days of analogue and is still true with digital.
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David Hathaway: Depending on your location you could only receive the Public Service (PSB) Freeview channels. This will be the case if you are on the Monmouth transmitter. See above for the services it carries.
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Tim: C29 uses DVB-T mode.
I don't believe COM8 on C35 is on air yet, although I'm not in the area so can't check. COM7 is being introduced from transmitters but COM8 has yet to be turned on anyway.
C33 is on air. Perhaps the lower power is the reason you can't get it, especially as you are relying on a set-top aerial facing away from the transmitter.
I can't believe that an appartment block does not have a TV aerial system!
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Dave: BT is correct - the transmitter network and the receiving aerial system is nothing to do with it.
Retuning is only necessary if the receiver is tuned to the wrong transmitter. Where this is found to be the case then this cannot possibly be the fault of the transmitter to which it is not (but should be) tuned!
The point is that the receiver will give the best picture it can on the channel/frequency it is tuned, based on what is being fed into it from the aerial lead.
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Tim: No, there are no plans.
The two new HD muxes will available from 30 transmitters, usually on lower power than the rest.
C29 will be a bit higher power than C33 and C35, but still lower than the main six.
Perhaps you should get a petition together with your neighbours to have an aerial system installed.
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Dave: Your point that this has happened for no apparent reason hits the nail on the head - that is the reason isn't apparent.
In order to solve an issue we must first accept that it exists. Giving in to frustration and saying that the problem lies elsewhere and is someone else's job to fix may get us nowhere.
Reception issues generally fall in to one of three categories:
1. Some fault with the viewer's equipment, wiring or aerial.
2. A change along the signal path (line) between the transmitter and receiver.
3. A fault with the transmitter.
Looking at your location, I think that it number 2 is quite possible (that's point number 2 above rather than some other "number 2"). Click "Terrain plot" at the side of your posting and you will see that the line (signal path) from your location to the top of the transmitter runs pretty low to the ground for about 4km (2.5 miles). Hover your mouse over the plot and the pointer will change to a crosshair. Click a point and it will show a map with a black marker which has a down-arrow on, this being the point you clicked.
The point 2.5 miles from you is Keycol Hill, just east of Newington Railway Station. I suggest that anything that has been built between you up to approxiamately Keycol Hill could "potentially" have an affect on your signal.
Before you consider the above, however, I would start off by checking that the BT Vision box is tuned to Bluebell Hill. If it is found to be tuned correctly now, should reception go poor then check it again (for the service tuned to).
The tuned UHF channel is usually given on the signal strength screen. There are five for standard definition and for Bluebell Hill they are as follows:
PSB1 - BBC One - C46
PSB2 - ITV - C43
COM4 - ITV3 - C45
COM5 - Pick TV - C39
COM6 - 4Music - C54
(PSB3 carries HD services only, so I haven't included it.)
Each signal, known as a multiplex, carries multiple services. A full list of service by multiplex is here:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
So when viewing the signal strength screen on BBC One, or any BBC service, it should be tuned to UHF channel 46 (C46), for example. CITV is carried on COM4, which is on C45.
The box could possibly be tuning to Crystal Palace, which slightly clockwise of Bluebell Hill. Its five standard definition channels are (just in case the show up on your check): 23, 26, 25, 22, 28. If it is found to be retuning itself then this is your issue and therefore we need to look at what could be done to stop it doing this.
I reitterate, if it's found to be tuned to Bluebell Hill then retuning is a waste of time and the problem lies elsewhere.
Incidently, I notice you've only made mention of the BT Vision box. Does the TV not have Freeview built-in and if so, how does this fair?
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Dave: To summarise my posting above:
Is this signal one that is being broadcast by Bluebell Hill (showing as being tuned to UHF channel 39, 43, 45, 46 or 54)?
Or is it coming from Crystal Palace (22, 23, 25, 26 or 28)?
The UHF channel number is usually shown on the signal strength screen (I'm not familiar with the BT Vision box, so apologies if the information isn't given).
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Ruth: This is the effect of a free-market. What you have is thanks to the "Public Service" obligation of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
See here for an explanation of why the UK now has a two-tier system:
Londonderry (Northern Ireland) Freeview Light transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
You're not likely to receive more channels from any other transmitter. Probably best to go with satellite (e.g. Freesat) if you wish to increase your number of channels.
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Paul: If it's a yagi type then Group K it must be for both transmitters.
The Wrekin
Sutton Coldfield Transmitter
A wideband isn't necessary for both these transmitters. At present The Wrekin uses Group A and Group B channels (which covers Group K).
Sutton Coldfield broadcasts the six main multiplexes only on Group B channels. It will carry the two new quasi-national HD multiplexes on C33 and C35, so just within and just below Group B. However, it is doubtful that they will be available to you, them being on much lower power.
In the future the channels used are only ever going to move downwards, in order to make room for mobile services. It is for this reason that, for Sutton Coldfield, the Group A base should be covered.
The Wrekin is lower powered than Sutton Coldfield. If there are aerials on it when it is closer then you must ask why. Both broadcast the same BBC and ITV variants so there is no difference there. It's doubtful that you will get the new HD muxes from Sutton Coldfield so from a channel choice point of view there is probably nothing.
Even still, with a Group K aerial you could always try Sutton Coldfield or turn it to face The Wrekin if the Sutton Coldfield HD mux on C33 (which comes on air on 10 December) isn't available.
What's wrong with the current Wrekin aerial? If it's still a Group A one then it might not be good enough for the COM channels which are in Group B.
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chris scorer: I think it points to Caradon Hill.
Channels for it are 28, 25, 22(HD), 21, 24, 27.
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Chris: Perhaps it is the strength that is verging on the excessive, at times rises and overwhelms the tuner:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | Digital switchover | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
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Chris: In view of the fact that you aren't in an area coloured green I looked at Streetview photos and I see that most aerials are directed to the Keighley transmitter (or perhaps Idle). I think that even though you're only 13 miles from Emley that you're so far off having line-of-sight that too much signal isn't a likely possibility. Why are you using Emley rather than Keighley or Idle?
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James MacMillan: Click the link "R+T Investigation" at the side of your posting - it says that the transmitter has been off air since 15:53.
Refer to the map from Scottish & Southern Power Distribution:
Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution - Power Track map
It says that there is a power cut affecting PA75, which is where the Glengorm transmitter is. The start of the power cut is reported as being 15:56.
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Jim J (NG14 6**): COM7 from Waltham doesn't come on air until some time in 2014.
On 10th December Sutton Coldfield's COM7 comes on air and it will be co-channel with that of Belmont.
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Sam: Judging by the fact that you reside in an appartment block you may be using a communal (shared) aerial system. Therefore it must be suspected that as all channels have failed it might be the aerial system that has failed.
It is worth enquiring with neighbours to see if they have the same issue, although you must ensure that they are using the terrestrial system and not satellite (Sky/Freesat) or cable TV (Virgin Media).
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Dave: Channel 5 doesn't wish to pay for its HD stream to go on Freeview. It's only available on Sky's subscription platform.
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jayne: For terrestrial reception you will probably need to direct an aerial to Sandy Heath transmitter which is slightly anti-clockwise of east. Your satellite dish will be directed a bit anti-clockwise of south.
If you have a satellite dish then this can be used for Freesat, so you might be better off buying a box for it.
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Hebden Bridge (Calderdale, England) Freeview Light transmitter
Thursday 5 December 2013 5:42PM
Hebden Bridge
Thursday 5 December 2013 5:42PM
Hebden Bridge
Gill A: Enter the postcode for the transmitter into the Northern Power Grid website and you will see that the time the transmitter went off air 11:43, according to R+T Investigation, is the same time at which the power went off.
The postcode, HX7 6JW, is given at the top of this page.
The answer therefore is: some time after the power is restored.
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Mark A.: The standard definition "switch-off" would, based on comments posted on this site, affect Commercial (COM) channels and therefore would not mean the ceassation of BBC Four, CBeebies or BBC News in standard definition.
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Alan Woodward: Refer to my posting immediately above yours!
There is a power outage to the site so, unless you have a spare generator, the answer is "some time after the power is restored" !!
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Peter Rostron: No, BBC Four HD won't be available from Waltham on 10th December because the multiplex which carries it, COM7, will not be on air from Waltham until next year.
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Simon: You may be able to restore service, at least using a temporary measure - my sympathies go to you as three more days to wait, and then there is the potential inconvenience of having to have someone at home, if occupants work.
A set-top aerial might be worth a shot, the objective to reduce the strength of the apparent offending 4G signal. Do you have a signal amplifier (booster) as these can be prone to overloading due to strong signals on nearby frequencies (such as 4G at 800MHz).
Have you received a filter?
Click Reception map at the side of your posting - it gives the known locations of mobile base stations. We have no idea how up-to-date this data is and which station it is that is carrying 4G at 800MHz.
There is a base station outside the Burnt Post, which is probably in the same direction as your aerial is pointing. There are other base stations nearby along Kenpas Highway.
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Trevor: Speak to at800 and see if your issues coincide with the introduction of a 4G base station operating in the 800MHz band.
Perhaps your signal strength is excessive, which is what was causing the quality to be below 100%.
Remove any amplifier (booster) that may be in-circuit.
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nerijus: I would think it pretty much impossible to put an aerial on the roof in your area and get nothing from Waltham, providing it's pointing in the right direction and is set horizontally.
If there is an amplifier (booster) connected to the aerial lead then if it's not powered it may well give nothing out.
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deirdre thompson: It is worth giving at800 a ring to see if any 4G base stations operating at 800MHz have started up and whose introduction coincided with your issue.
There is a mobile base station 100m away from you on Chillingham Road. It is next to the bus stop adjacent to Warton Terrace, and outside Motor World. This does not mean that it "is" the issue, but raises the possibility due to the close proximity.
at800 is the organisation set-up by the 4G mobile phone operators and is responsible for rectifying viewers' reception issues caused by their signals.
at800's contact details are here:
Contact at800 / DMSL | General Enquiries | at800
Have you received a filter through the post from at800?
If you have a Freeview TV or other Freeview device, you may find that can show Sky News - this being a temporary workaround until a perminant solution is found.
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John McCann: I comment on here as a technical bod rather than an aerial installer and for that reason I'm not qualified to say whether the installer was right or wrong.
However, I have made the following observations:
We have exchanged messages on here before and I have previously said that you do not have line-of-sight to Heathfield, whereas you would appear to have so to Tunbridge Wells:
Tunbridge Wells (Kent, England) Full Freeview transmitter | ukfree.tv - 11 years of independent, free digital TV advice
(Unfortunately the terrain-checker I used then has since died.)
The terrain plotter on ukfree.tv suggests that the signal path is low to the ground in some spots, which are wooded or have trees nearby. So it's not surprising therefore that you might have difficulty.
Since switchover Heathfield and Tunbridge Wells have operated as a Single Frequency Network (SFN). This means that they broadcast on the same channels (frequencies), something which the digital system allows for. Therefore, the signals complement one another. The only thing is that Heathfield uses horizontal polarity and Tunbridge Wells uses vertical polarity, thus the complement is not as good as it might be because the aerial is opposite polarity for one of them.
The transmission power of Tunbridge Wells transmitter is slightly greater in real terms than that of the former four-channel analogue.
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John McCann: It might be worth enquiring with your neighbour to see if he/she has started to have difficulty with the HD multiplex, that is if they have a HD receiver.
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John McCann: The transmitter at Heathfield is 31km away and radiates at a power (ERP) of 20kW. Tunbridge Wells is 15km away and its ERP is 4kW.
"If" you had line-of-sight to both transmitters, the strength of the signals at your location would be about the same - Tunbridge Wells being a tiny fraction less than Heathfield.
So it seems that Tunbridge Wells should not be ruled out, unless there is some obstruction that rules it out.
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Friday 4 October 2013 2:35PM
Claire: See for a picture of an aerial vertically polarised and one horizontally polarised:
http://farm5.static.flick….gif
Aerials are fitted (polarised) either horizontally or vertically depending on what polarisation the signal uses (whether it is horizontal or vertical). Prior to switchover Rowridge's signals were only horizontal. Following switchover it began broadcasting vertically as well as horizontally (it is the only main transmitter in the country to do so). The main reason that it broadcasts horizontally is so as to serve existing aerials - new aerials are best fitted vertical and some viewers such as yourself should benefit from switching to vertical polarisation.
The channels you are having difficulty with aren't as strong horizontally, but are stronger (and as strong as the others) vertically.