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: BBC Two is no longer broadcast in analogue as it has made way for BBC digital (on the same frequency).
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David: When the aerial lead is unplugged during the scan, I wonder if it could it be being held too close to it; i.e. enough for the Frome signal being picked up by the aerial and down the cable to be "heard" by the receiver.
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Dave Saunders: Not sure about getting rid of the speech descriptions, but the reason that you don't get all the channels from Belper is because the Commercial (COM) broadcasters don't wish to transmit from it. They broadcast from about 80 of the largest (by viewer population) transmitters in the country and cover 90% of the population. For a more in-depth explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
You appear to be in an area served by Sutton Coldfield which carries the COM channels, although it carries West Midlands regional programming instead of East Midlands which Belper broadcasts (as a relay of Waltham). You could have a second aerial fitted for Sutton Coldfield to allow reception of the COMs. Not sure how this might work (or not as the case may be) with recording equipment though.
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Paul Evans: See:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
If you can receive from Wenvoe at your location (and receive the lower power Commercial multiplexes that aren't available from Bargoed) then have an aerial installed for it; that's going to be your only way.
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Peter P: Your receiver may have tuned to the Brighton Central transmitter rather than Whitehawk Hill. Whitehawk Hill is the main transmitter for Brighton and Brighton Central is a filler-in for some who have difficulty picking up Whitehawk. You are in close proximity to Brighton Central which is on the top of Theobald House, hence your receiver could have picked it up.
You may find that Whitehawk's BBC channels are in your 800s.
To find out which is which, go to the signal strength screen whilst tuned to a channel. Then look for the UHF channel number that it is tuned to. For Brighton Central it is C41 and Whitehawk is C60.
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John Tarry: Unfortunately not. The other services are run on a purely commercial basis and the operators have decided to transmit from 80 or so sites and achieve a 90% coverage of the population.
See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Judging by the Digital UK predictor, you appear to have a "good" chance of receiving the services from Crystal Palace.
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Chrissie: The first phase of switchover at Rowridge occured on 9th March only affected BBC channels. On 21st March ITV will go on to full power (as BBC is now).
Until then, ITV1, C4, C5 etc are on UHF channel 32. If your set allows, manually tune to C32. Depending on its design, it might tell you the signal strength on that channel. It could be too low to produce a picture and you may find that moving your aerial whilst looking at the strength indicator might help you receive these services.
As I say, on 21st March, they will go on to full power (and will move to UHF channel 27).
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Stephen: BBC on channel 24 is from Rowridge.
Rowridge uses low channels and Whitehawk are high channels. Run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up until 50% to avoid Rowridge and get Whitehawk.
Or if it gives UHF channels, get the aerial plugged in for C48 which is the lowest Whitehawk one (from 21st March it will be C51).
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Old Gadgee: From the splitter towards the TVs there are variables. They are:
1. Cable and connectors. The longer the cable the more loss along its length and therefore the lower the level of the signal will come from the output end for the same level of input signal.
2. Differences between tolerances of tuners such as signal level needed to work, level of noise/poor signal that they will work with.
The reason some work and some don't could be one or the other or both to a certain degree.
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J Green: According to Digital UK Tradeview, yes, all muxes from Whitehawk will be on the full final power on 21st March.
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Rachel: Which transmitter are you receiving from? (Or what regional programming do you get?)
I had a look at your road on Google StreetView and see that quite a few houses have two aerials; one on Crystal Palace (London programming - pointing east) and another on Hannington (Meridian - pointing west).
Those that have one aerial (that I saw) were all on Crystal Palace.
The power of the HD services from Crystal Palace is on lower power than the standard definition channels. Hence, if your aerial is directed at Crystal Palace, then you will probably have to wait until switchover on 18th April.
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Dick: Check that BBC1 is tuned to UHF channel 60 for Whitehawk and not channel 24 which is Rowridge.
If it is tuned to Whitehawk, I wonder, could be too high a signal level? See Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Pat Smith: Not sure about your problem, but channel 25 from Ashbourne is "BBC A" multiplex which carries standard definition TV and radio. Channel 22 from Ashbourne is "BBC B" multiplex which is the HD one and carries ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD as well.
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Pat Smith: Not sure if this might be your issue as it's a low power affair. I see that the transmitter can be seen across the valley from your road:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The other thing is that your aerial should be vertically polarised, that is elements upwards, for Ashbourne.
From your location Sutton Coldfield can be picked up and it is the same direction (albeit 6 degrees different). However, aerials for it should be horizontally polarised (elements flat and parallel with the ground).
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Dick: Fortunately Rowridge uses low channels and Whitehawk high ones. A simple way to stop Rowridge being picked up during the automatic tuning scan is to run it with the aerial lead unplugged until it gets to 50%.
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Peter P: When I said BBC should be C60, I was assuming that your aerial is directed east to Whitehawk Hill.
However, if it is on Rowridge (Isle of Wight) then 24 is correct.
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Dick: Try removing the aerial plug from the Humax and holding it close (a centimetre or two away) whilst tuned to BBC1 on C60. You will need to run the scan with the aerial unplugged up to 50% to get it back on C60.
Unplug it with the signal strength screen on. Wait ten seconds or so for it to adjust and see if there is an improvement. The aim is to see if there is too much signal and holding it like that should loose some.
Another way of loosing some signal is, if it is a screwed together aerial plug, remove the metal outer part of the plug so that only the inner pin goes into the socket.
Or try using a set-top aerial if you have one as this will pick up less signal.
Not all equipment is the same and of the same sensitivity, so don't think that there is a fault with the Humax just because the Panasonic works fine.
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Colin T: Is there a full factory reset option you could try?
See also:
Problem with Toshiba 17WLT46B after Sudbury Switchover | AVForums.com - UK Online
Toshiba 17WLT46B and Freeview update. | AVForums.com - UK Online
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John Haynes: Unless the signals are being picked by yourself, and you have no way of escaping them, then I am not totally sure what your issue is.
I shall assume that your objection to Wenvoe is that your TV is tuned to it and showing its pictures. Unless you are somehow prevented from accessing your TV, then I do not see how you can be forced to watch it!
Payment of the British TV Licence does not guarantee access to any TV signals. However, as you are in England and in an area served by Mendip which is an English transmitter, it begs the question why you, by your own admission, subject yourself to "programs (sic*) WHICH ARE OF NO INTEREST OR USE" ?
* I say "sic" after "programs" because that is the American English way of spelling it. We are in England now and in English English it is spelt "programmes".
It is important to point out that TV signals do not obey borders. The same goes for signals from England into Wales.
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Carl k: Storeton Granada uses low UHF channels (22 to 29) wheres Emley Moor uses higher ones (41 to 52). This means that you can run the automatic tuning with the aerial plugged in for Storeton and unplugged for the rest.
As a percentage, unplug at 25% and leave it unplugged until it gets to the end. This will also prevent you from picking up Storeton Wales which uses 53, 57 and 60.
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Simo: What do you mean by your tuners "are still picking up the old BBC multiplex"?
The signal you refer to as being "weak to non-existant"; is it that you've picked up the new high power BBC signal from Rowridge on channel 24 instead of the new high power one from Whitehawk on C60? Or the Whitehawk one is in the 800s?
Whilst on a particular programme channel, being up the signal strength screen and hopefully it will tell you the UHF channel it is tuned to so that you can identify which signal it is receiving.
If the problem turns out to be picking up signals from Rowridge, then Rowridge uses low channels and Whitehawk high ones. So run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged for the first 50% of the scan to avoid Rowridge and get Whitehawk.
If your receivers give UHF channels as it scans, then Whitehawk uses channels from 48 upwards.
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Miikescki: Not all boxes present this choice of region.
Your suggestion is likely to lead to poor reception or perhaps bouts of poor reception. This is because on selecting "BBC South" you are opting to for your receiver to tune to the signal from Rowridge and when selecting "BBC South East" you are opting for Whitehawk Hill.
Those who have two aerials that are combined where one is pointing at Rowridge and one at Whitehawk can obviously choose and should not have issues ensuant.
However, where one has a single aerial that is, by its nature, directed at one particular transmitter, it is installed to receive from that transmitter. The results will be unpredictable when used to pick up signals from another direction.
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Frank Tucker: The current "digital switchover" relates to television only.
East Dean transmitting station relays only television; there are no radio transmitters at the site.
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Stephen: Which channels are you getting now (but pixelated)?
See if there are logical channel numbers 800 and upwards.
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roger: Sorry to tell you this, but your TV will not work after switchover due to the change in mode.
It is on Digital UK's list of "2k equipment".
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Shedcreations: The Digital UK list is here:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u…ment
Briantist of this website has compiled one here:
TVs and boxes that do not support the 8k-mode | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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zak: Unless there is a local obstruction (tree, building etc), then you shouldn't have a problem as there appears to be line of sight to the transmitter!
The aerial will probably be directed southwards towards Emley Moor. This will work fine with Freeview.
I would look to see if you can work out where the cable goes. Does it go into the loft and if so can you trace it from there?
Failing that, based on your good line of sight to the transmitter and 100s across the board on the Digital UK Tradeview predictor, you may find that a set-top aerial works.
The only possible spanner in the works is that the terraces run approximately north to south which is roughly the same as that of the direction the signal is coming from. You may find it tricky to position an indoor aerial where the line between the transmitter and it doesn't go through the houses!
Your best bet is undoubtedly the east side of the house. Emley Moor is at 169 degrees from your location (that being a bit anticlockwise from south). The houses are slightly clockwise of the north/south meridian.
If you can, get a roof-top aerial because it will be much more reliable. But the set-top aerial could perhaps be tried - just don't be expecting it to work perfectly (although that's not to say that none ever do).
I would steer clear of loop aerials, aerials with amplifiers (boosters) in-built. Personally I have one of these Labgear ones which I use occasionally:
Set Top Aerial Labgear | eBay
For Emley Moor you need it horizontally polarised, as in like this:
http://www.comparestorepr….jpg
The photo on eBay shows it almost vertical. It is adjustable and should be directed with it narrow-most end in the direction of the transmitter.
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Mike Drew: What has happened is that BBC Two is now no longer available on analogue. That is what happens at the first stage of switchover.
The standard definition digital channels also move frequency (UHF channel) thus necessitating the need for a retune. Where no retune is carried out, digital BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC News and some others will no longer be available (due to not retuning).
Therefore, the fact that only BBC Two is being mentioned as being lost suggests that it is analogue TV which is being referred to.
If your mother-in-law can receive Freeview before switchover, then she if best advised to use it and not bother with the analogue any more.
Has she performed a retune? If not, then she will have to do it in order to view the digital only BBC Two. BBC One can still be viewed on analogue, as too can ITV Meridian and Channel 4. Meridian will now appear on button number 2 (i.e. in the position that BBC Two used to accupy) on *analogue*.
Perhaps it would be helpful to know the model number or numbers of the devices in question so as to find the user manuals for them and thereby direct the lady through the process.
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Steven Naismith: I can't offer you an explanation as to why there might be frequent engineering works at Arrochar, but I can tell you that it won't be likely to be getting any more (Commercial) channels. This is because the Commercial operators decide where to broadcast from and operated on a commercial (profit) basis. See here for an explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Your only way to get extra free-to-air channels is probably Freesat.
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The instruction manual for Joanne's TV can be found here:
http://help.digitaluk.co.….pdf
Joanne: Do you have any channels tuned in?
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Joanne: Page 12 of the manual talks about "regional" options. To select Emley Moor, it (Secondary Region, I believe) should be set to "Yorkshire".
Basically which one you select changes which transmitter it is tuned to (where multiple transmitters can be received). You may find that your TV has picked up Belmont and it is identified by the region "E Yorks & Lincs" (as its primary service area is East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire). Due to the fact that E comes before Y, it could have defaulted to Belmont which is why you have poor reception on some channels and others being non-existant (if that is indeed the case).
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Victor Meldrew: The lack of service you have is as a result of the laws of capitalism. The Commercial broadcasters use about 80 of the largest (by viewer population) transmission sites in the country from which they achieve coverage of 90% of the population.
They were invited to increase that coverage and declined. To broadcast from the 1000 or so relays not included would roughly double their costs of transmission.
See Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice for a fuller explanation.
In some cases the Commercial channels can be received from either the parent of the relay (perhaps with a bigger aerial) or from another station that carries them.
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Sarah: As suggested try running the scan with the aerial unplugged. Assuming that you are receiving your TV from Whitehawk Hill which is main transmitter in Brighton, then you should be OK with leaving the aerial out for the first 50%.
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frank tunstall: Assuming that your aerial is directed at Sudbury, then the Commercial channels should hopefully become available to you on 27th June when their transmission power is to that of the Public Service ones.
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frank tunstall: Sorry, I see you specifically referred to Bramford transmitter. The answer is no, the Commercial operators aren't likely to ever transmit from there. They use about 80 of the largest (by viewer population) transmission sites in the country from which they achieve coverage of 90% of the population.
They were invited to increase that coverage and declined. To broadcast from the 1000 or so relays not included would roughly double their costs of transmission.
See Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice for a fuller explanation.
The predictor suggests that you might be able to receive directly from Tacolneston. There are houses on High Street that have aerials on Tacolneston.
Of course, assuming that there aren't any trees that might be an issue, an aerial on top of the three storey flats in which you reside would mean that the aerial is higher up (assuming that you or an installer acting on your behalf has access).
That does beg the question, if you have a communal aerial, why does it point at Bramford and not Tacolneston (or Sudbury) ?
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Joanne: For the following programme channels, bring them up and go to "Signal Information" (see page 16, figure 3).
Hopefully it will tell you the UHF channel (frequency) that it is tuned to for each one of the following.
BBC One should be 47 (could be 22 or 34)
BBC One HD should be 41 (could be 28)
ITV3 should be 51 (could be 30 or 31)
Pick TV should be 52 (could be 53 or 27)
Yesterday should be 48 (could be 60 or 42)
For each of those programme channels, let us know which UHF channel it is tuned to.
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Joanne: Are those strengths out of a hundred? They are very low and perhaps suggest that jb38's comments above about too strong a signal might be right.
Too strong a signal is often reported by receivers as too weak a signal. It's a bit like someone shining a bright light in your eyes; you would tend to close them and therefore not see anything.
See here:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
If you have a booster, then you should remove it.
Are you using a roof-top or external aerial?
If you are using an outdoor aerial, try removing the aerial plug and holding it close to the aerial socket, observing the signal strength meter. Give it ten seconds or so to adjust but see if it increases when you do this.
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Michael: I found the instructions for the device in question here: http://www.topuptv.com/as….pdf
Perhaps the PVR's "loss of signal" icon (detailed at the bottom of page 32) is indicating where signal level is almost low enough for it not to work.
It would appear that there are two main transmitter possibilities at your friend's location: Bluebell Hill and Crystal Palace. A look on Google Streetview shows most are on Crystal Palace with a few on Bluebell Hill.
Based on what I can see (with no experience of the area in question), perhaps your friend's location is getting towards the outer edge of Crystal Palace's current pre-switchover (and therefore low power) digital signals' coverage.
If the aerial is on Bluebell Hill, then the aerial *may* need replacing due to the frequencies used. If the aerial faces Bluebell Hill, then I can elaborate why it may need replacing.
Before any of this, the first thing I would do is confirm that the receiver is tuned to the transmitter to which the aerial faces (and not the other one). If it isn't tuned correctly, then poor reception is to be expected.
Page 29 shows the "Tuning Information" screen. It shows "frequencies" in the form of UHF channel numbers. For Crystal Palace they are 25, 22, 32, 34, 29, 28 and for Bluebell Hill they are 59, 24, 27, 42, 39, 45.
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Robert: Probably not because the Commercial broadcasters have opted to transmit from about 80 sites nationwide thereby achieving 90% coverage of the population.
The Commercial operators were invited to increase their coverage, but declined. There are around 1000 or so small relay transmitters including Buxton. For the Commercial operators to broadcast from them would roughly double their transmission costs.
For a fuller explanation, see Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Brian Springthorpe: Look at the Winter Hill coverage map above. It should be receivable along Wales' north coast and the east of Anglesey.
See the full list of TV services (excludes radio) after switchover:
Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
This shows the six groups or "multiplexes" (or "muxes" for short) as they're known. Three of them are Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) muxes, these being BBC A, D3&4 and BBC B. The other three are Commercial (COM) muxes, which are SDN, Arq A and Arq B.
For each COM mux, see if the first programme channel exists in order to see if that mux exists. So look for ITV3, Pick TV and Yesterday, each of which is part of SDN, Arq A and Arq B, respectively.
Try manually adding each one. As your mother seems to have good reception of Winter Hill (albeit off the back of the aerial), then that might be worth trying.
For manual tuning, channels are:
ITV3 Llandona=C43 / Winter Hill=C58
Pick TV Llandona=C46 / Winter Hill=C61
Yesterday=C50 / Winter Hill=C55
For those that already exist, it might be worth looking to see what UHF channel they are coming in on so as to work out what transmitter they are coming from. This information is usually given on the signal strength screen.
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Mr G .ANDERSON: No, these are part of the Commercial multiplexes which are carried by around 80 of the largest (by number of viewers) transmitters and achieve a 90% coverage of the population.
See Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice for a fuller explanation.
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Wendy: You will need to ensure that the TV you buy has an analogue tuner in. That is the "old" system.
In order to watch your Sky box you will have to select the analogue part of your new TV.
As the five analogue channels you have at the moment are on Freeview, you may just not bother tuning them in on the analogue part of your new TV. If you put your Sky box on analogue number 1 (instead of BBC One analogue), you will just need to press the button that switches to analogue in order to watch Sky.
If you want help, let us know the model number that you intend to buy and we should hopefully be able to find the specification to see if it will work with your Sky box.
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Bob: See
Digital UK - Planned Engineering Works
Hastings Digital TV is "Liable to interruption".
Looking at Postcode Checker - Trade View suggests that after switchover Heathfield will "Good" at your location. All others, including Hastings are "variable". Indeed, some of Hastings' multiplexes are predicted as being "poor".
According to this plot, you have clear line of sight to Heathfield (assuming no local obstructions):
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
It's probably best to see how it goes, being mindful that Heathfield might be a better bet come switchover if Hastings is not perfect.
The switchover dates for Heathfield and Hastings are the same: 30th May and 13th June.
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dave williams: The issue this site has with respect to accurate prediction of coverage is that the powers that be won't release the radiation patterns for a whole host of transmitters, including Storeton.
A radiation pattern gives an indication as to the level of signal that will come out in each direction.
The calculation for the coverage therefore probably assumes an omnidirectional pattern which Storeton is not:
mb21 - The Transmission Gallery
This probably explains why nothing is shown at all for Storeton (Granada) by the Digital UK Tradeview system at your location, not even a "poor" prediction.
Looking at the coverage map for Winter Hill, there is a drop-off before the Dee Estuary, which would suggest that the land goes downwards. Looking at the contours, you are probably at lowest level before the water.
I also see your problem as I had a look at Google Streetview of your road! The tall aerial masts tell the story and Stratford Road is even lower down than West Vale.
Your area is predicted to get excellent reception from Moel y Parc, but as you are in England would like to watch English TV.
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Steve: Channel 24 is BBC A multiplex (BBC One, BBC Two etc) from Rowridge. Midhurst's is now on 55.
In fact, Midhurst uses channel 50 upwards. You could run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up to 55% to ensure that you don't pick up Rowridge.
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Peter McMahon: Lots of advice and products at www.aerialsandtv.com
Wideband yagi are less sensitive at lower (Group A) frequencies. See Gain (curves), Again
If you're going for Divis and require a high-gain aerial, probably best to get a Group A on rather than a wideband. This is the advice given by ATV.
One thing I will say is that prior to switchover, Mux C is on channel 48 and this is the only one that is outside Group A. After switchover, Divis will return to being a Group A transmitter.
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lisa: There has been no retune events for Rouncefall.
I wondered if there might be any connection to your change in reception and switchover events that happened last night.
Midhurst switched last night but it did not use the same channels as Rouncefall before or after switchover.
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Chris: There are quite a few areas of Wales where the Commercial (COM) channels such as Dave will never reach. Due to the terrain, there are many small transmitters that the Commercial operators aren't bothered with.
Merthyr is one such example; it is a Freeview Light transmitter, only carrying the Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) channels.
See Freeview multiplexes | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice for a list of all the multiplexes. The PSBs are BBCA, BBCB and D3&4. The COMs are SDN, ArqA and ArqB.
ITV4 is COM and I am not aware that there is a Welsh version. Are you referring to S4C? If so, in Wales S4C is on logical channel number (LCN) number 4 and Channel 4 is on LCN8.
If you provide a full post code, a more accurate prediction of the likely possibilities can be made. Aberdare transmitter is a full Freeview transmitter (it carries PSBs and COMs). It also requires aerials to be vertical.
Looking at your neighbours' aerials will also yield clues.
For Merthyr Tydfil transmitter, your aerial should be vertical.
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Phil: A look at the Digital UK Tradeview predictor for your post code (click the link next to your posting) is interesting.
For all multiplexes from Midhurst, it regards 100% of the post code area "served" (on its criteria). However, C61 (D3&4) is 96% "served" and 100% "marginal", so too is BBC B (HD services) on C58. The key here is not the absolute values, but the relate difference of these two multiplexes.
This could perhaps be a suggestion that there is another transmitter whose signals might be detrimental to reception of these multiplexes from Midhurst at this location.
In October this year, D3&4 is due to move to C56, and that too has the same 96% served prediction.
I've looked at the transmitters which use C61 and I've not come to any definate conclusion. Mendip uses C61 and C58. It also uses C56 at the same power as 61 and 58.
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JIM: Could you receive any Freeview before switchover?
If your aerial is pointing at Brighton Central, then you will only receive BBC channels; the rest will come next Wednesday.
All the aerials I can see in your road on Google Streetview are on Brighton Central and it is on the top of Theobald House. Aerials should be horizontal for it.
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george austin: If your combi does not have Freeview built in (that is it is analogue only; previously you receive only the four or five channels), then it will need a separate Freeview box to work after switchover.
This creates its own issues when programming by timer. You would need to set the timer on combi and that on the Freeview box (or leave the Freeview box turned on).
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george austin: The poor picture you have on BBC channels could be as a result of your receiver tuning to a transmitter other than the one to which your aerial faces.
You have said that your aerial is on the roof, but have not said which transmitter or which direction it is pointing. I shall assume that it is directed at Whitehawk Hill as that is where all the aerials point in your road on Google Streetview.
For Whitehawk, aerials are vertical and it is located near to East Brighton Golf Club and East Brighton Park. You are near to the Brighton Central transmitter which is a "filler-in" for those that can't receive Whitehawk. There is also the possibility that you could be picking up the main Rowridge transmitter (Isle-of-Wight).
To find out which you have, go to the signal strength screen whilst on BBC One and it should tell you what UHF channel it is coming in on. If it's 24, then you are picking up Rowridge, if it's 41 then you are picking up Brighton Central and if it's 60, then it's Whitehawk.
If you are picking up Rowridge, then run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up until 50%. If it's Brighton Central, then that's a bit more tricky. Try 50% and if you still have issues, post back and I will offer a further suggestion.
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lgb2100: This tells us that one is tuned to one transmitter and the other is tuned to the other.
As a guess, you have Emley Moor and Bilsdale which give Yorkshire and Tyne Tees respectively. As you haven't given your location or direction of the aerial which is common to both (or indeed which transmitter it is facing), then there isn't really much else I can say.
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lgb2100: I wouldn't have thought that you could pick up Emley Moor in South Shields!
Perhaps it is or was a mistake on the EPG.
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trevor: The Commercial multiplexes are at low power and restricted in the general direction of Guildford due to being co-channel with some of its services. The Public Service multiplexes are not.
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Stuart O.: Refer to the Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting Stations for Multiplex Licences Version 7 27 January 2012:
http://licensing.ofcom.or….pdf
For Moel y Parc, 51 (SDN) and 52 (ArqA) are 10kW. 48 (ArqB) is also 10kW but "Until 24 October 2012, services are subject to a
reactive power restriction of 5,000 Watts".
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Stuart O.: Perhaps both is correct. From Fenton, the Commercial multiplexes are at half power with respect to the Public Service ones.
If you go to the plot on the Fenton TV transmitter page (the one at the top of this page), you can select the different multiplexes and see their expected coverage.
The page Find out how to receive Freeview and Freeview HD | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice only shows those that have the greatest coverage. (LL115FQ)
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Jon Stanley: Assuming that you are receiving from Mendip, then wait until 28th March when Arqiva B multiplex which carries Sky Sports will go to full power.
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ATOMS: The Commercial broadcasters do not wish to spend money on transmitting from some 1000 or so small relay sites such as Haslemere.
Digital UK Tradeview doesn't rate Midhurst at your location at all, not even "poor". I think that the fact that there is a hill in that direction means that you're not going to get it.
The next best transmitter, which is shown as "good" is Crystal Palace, but unfortunately the Commercial (COM) channels (which Haslemere doesn't transmit) are co-channel.
The only other suggested possibility is Hannington, but its COMs are shown as "poor" and their transmission power is half of its power for the Public Service channels (which are "variable").
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Tony: With a more exact location I could perhaps be more specific.
But taking the post code LL11 5UN and inputting it in the Digital UK Tradeview predictor gives:
Postcode Checker - Trade View
There are a number of transmitters found. The only Welsh one is Moel y Parc, but Sutton Coldfield comes up tops.
Unfortunately, BBC A (standard definition services of BBC One, BBC Two etc) and BBC B (HD services) are co-channel (same frequency) with those of Commercial services from Sutton Coldfield.
This means that you will only be able to pick up ITV Wales and S4C until 2013 when they too will be co-channel with Sutton Coldfield. This is unless there is somewhere your aerial can be mounted where the signal from Sutton Coldfield can be blocked such as on one side of your house (not sure how effective this might be).
As I say, with a more accurate location I might be able to be more specific, but based on what I found, the Sutton Coldfield would appear to be the spanner in the works. (GU273RW)
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Dave Williams: I think that Winter Hill is your only possibility of receiving Granada/North West TV. If you are looking at DIYing, then I recommend that you look at ATV Sheffield's website. It's full of lots of information and they sell stuff mail order.
This page is what they recommend for Winter Hill: Winter Hill Transmitter (LL115UN)
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sophie, tracey: It seems that the weather is playing its part, signals are carrying much further than they normally and interfering or obliterating reception of local services.
See here for an explanation:
What is the Inversion Effect and why does it effect my Freeview TV reception?
| ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Sophie: Assuming that you receive your TV from Rowridge on the Isle of Wight, run the aerial scan and unplug the aerial when it gets to 20%. This will allow you to pick up Rowridge's frequencies. If the French signals are coming in on higher frequencies, you should miss them out. If they are around those of Rowridge, then there's not a lot you can do but wait. (LL115UN)
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Clive: It's probably the lift conditions that are making signals travel further than they normally would. See here:
What is the Inversion Effect and why does it effect my Freeview TV reception?
| ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
We've had a report of French TV being received in Portsmouth and signals from Mendip in Somerset being picked up in Rayleigh.
I say "probably", it may be advisable to check that your receiver has tuned to Whitehawk and not Rowridge or one of the other transmitters in the area.
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M Dutton: It's probably the lift conditions that is making signals go further than normal. See: What is the Inversion Effect and why does it effect my Freeview TV reception?
| ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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geoff: If you are picking up BBC A (BBC One, BBC Two etc) multiplex from Rowridge on C24, then you could well pick up the other higher power multiplexes when they come on air next week.
Fortunately Rowridge's services are at low frequencies and Whitehawk's at high ones, so just run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up until 50% to avoid the possibility of picking up Rowridge.
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dannar: Perhaps it might be worthtaking some photographs.
The first thing to do is talk to your neighbour about it because it will obviously involve him or her.
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Sarah: It is the weather causing it:
High pressure causing channel loss through "Inversion" | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Nicholas Willmott: The question should surely be, does Ofcom have the Statutory powers to require the operators to broadcast from all relay sites (assuming that there are channels available)?
The other thing is that if the current Commercial operators were to have broadcast from all sites (or as many as there are spare channels for), then it's likely that the channels in the 30s, cleared for the future three licences (COM7, COM8 and COM9) would have had to be used for them. This would mean that there would be no auction and therefore no revenue from the sale of the COM7, 8 and 9 licences for wherever such monies go.
Out of interest, where does the revenue from Commercial licences go, the Chancellor?
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Nicky: I think that you have quite a good chance of some result if you can position with a good view in the direction of the transmitter.
It's not possible to give an absolute "yes" or "no" answer; more a likelihood of success.
With 20 miles clear line of sight to Belmont, unless there are local obstructions, then you shouldn't have a problem.
Your chances of success are greater at the side of the house that faces the transmitter, providing that there is, for example, another house there. Upstairs is also better than downstairs.
I have one of these Labgear aerials that I use where a fixed aerial isn't available:
Set Top Aerial Labgear | eBay
As I say, Belmont is your best option which is north east from you. You may even be able to see it on a clear day and see the red lights on it at night.
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Neil: Gauging your likelihood of success requires a more precise location, preferably in the form of post code. This is particularly so in your area as with the hills and valleys, what can and can't be picked up can vary house by house.
You say that when analogue was switched off, you lost many Freeview channels. This implies that you did receive some before. If you received some before switchover, then you must have been picking them up from a main station such as Wenvoe. The relay transmitter at Abercynon did not carry Freeview before switchover and only carries Public Service channels now.
If you could pick up the weaker pre-switchover Freeview signals from Wenvoe (or another transmitter that operated pre-switchover, then you should not have an issue now, being as the signals are stronger.
So if you picked up Freeview before, what did you use?
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Robert: The reason you have duplicated channels is because your receiver has picked up the new full power BBC services from Rowridge which are on C24.
Rowridge uses low channels/frequencies and Whitehawk high ones, so if you run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged for the first 50% it will miss out Rowridge and pick up Whitehawk.
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Mike W: It is possible that the BBC One you are watching (which is breaking up) is not from Midhurst but from another transmitter.
The best thing is to confirm that it is from Midhurst. If you go to the signal strength screen whilst on BBC One it will hopefully give you the UHF channel number that it is tuned to. In this case it should be 55.
If it's anything else, then let us know what it is so as to suggest a possible solution.
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Wendy Townsend: What is the model name and number of the recorder?
When you connect the recorder box into the aerial lead, do you loose all channels on the TV?
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Grant Buckley: Looking at the location and the fact that your aerial is, one assumes, on the top of the six storey block, you should not have any issues with signal strength.
Where a communal aerial system is provided, then the signal should be the appropriate level when it comes out of the wall socket. If it's not, then it is the operator's responsibility. The operator is probably the landlord.
However, the first thing to check is that the your receiver is tuned to the signals from the transmitter to which the aerial faces. The height of the aerial makes it very likely to be receptive to signals from other (which the aerial does not face).
Which programme channels show low signal strength and drop-out?
Also, for each of the following, go to the signal strength screen and let us know which UHF channel it is tuned to. Receivers usually give this information, although not always.
BBC One (probably channel 24 or 47)
ITV1 (probably channel 21 or 44)
BBC One HD (if applicable) (probably channel 27 or 41)
ITV3 (probably 42 or 51)
Pick TV (probably 45 or 52)
Yesterday (probably 39 or 48).
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Chris: ITV4 isn't the same as Channel 4. I think a little potted history lesson is necessary.
In 1955, "ITV" started up, which is a group of regional operators such as Granada, Meridian, Yorkshire etc. Over the years, the regional operators have been bought and now those in England and Wales are all owned by the same company, ITV Plc. Today it uses the "ITV1" wallpaper for its network of regional stations. I'll come on to why the "1" has been added.
In 1982, the fourth television service was launched in the UK. For everywhere except Wales, it was Channel 4. Wales got its own fourth service, S4C.
The introduction of the digital system ("Freeview") means that more channels can be broadcast. This has lead to the BBC, ITV Plc, Channel 4 and others introducing other channels.
The BBC started up BBC Three and BBC Four, ITV Plc has ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and Channel 4 has E4, More 4, 4Music and Film4. The "1" on ITV has been introduced due to the other three ITV Plc services being in operation.
Because the Freeview system can carry more channels, Channel 4 can now be broadcast Wales, as well as S4C. Because button number 4 is used in Wales by S4C, Channel 4 is on button 8 in Wales.
The transmitter called "Aberdare" is on the hill to the east of Cwmbach. See here for a map of the location:
Bing Maps - Driving Directions, Traffic and Road Conditions
And here for photographs:
mb21 - The Transmission Gallery
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Dennis: No because there are only a handful of ITV1HD regions (four or five, I believe).
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Beryl Gray: Yesterday is one of the channels that is not available on Freesat, but is available on the full Freeview service. As you are in an area served by full Freeview now, then you will be after switchover.
Yesterday is not available on analogue and has never been. Terrestrial analogue consists of BBC One, BBC Two, ITV and Channel 4. Channel 5 is available on analogue with limited coverage.
As you TV is likely to have Freeview built in, or you have a separate Freeview box if it doesn't, then you would be best advised to retain it and the terrestrial aerial as a back-up should the satellite services be unavailable and also so you can view channels that aren't available on Freesat.
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S Williams: Try running the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged up until 63%. You may have to manually add C48 for ITV3 etc.
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Grant Buckley: Your reply has confirmed that all channels are tuned correctly to the same transmitter, Emley Moor.
As you have found, digital broadcasts carry a number of services as part of the same signal. That is you get a basket of programme channels on one frequency known as a multiplex. The six I listed above are each part of a different multiplex.
When did this problem begin?
Have you tried changing the aerial lead from the wall to the TV? Is it short?
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Stuart O.: As a guess, I would say that the significance of 24th October is that it is the date the the whole of Ireland switches to digital TV. I wonder, therefore, whether "reactive power" means that the power might be reduced should the signal travel further than normal and interfere with other services on channel 48.
The mention of 12.5kW is perhaps the figure that was quoted by official sources such as Ofcom at the time it was written. As I say, if you refer to the latest Ofcom document, it says 10kW for the COMs, so this would appear to be the current value.
Perhaps one of the pros could shed more light on this and whether my guess might be right.
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Paul: The current "digital switchover" is for terrestrial television only. It has nothing to do with radio and nothing to do with DAB.
The design of some receivers leaves a lot to be desired. This is not specifically confined to the "cheapo" sets.
There will always be instances where signals from adjacent transmitters overlap. Some boxes just go with the first one they find.
Transmitters do broadcast their "Network" name, but not all receivers display it. However, most receivers display the UHF channel that is being received and this information is usually given on the signal strength screen.
In some cases where incorrect transmitter(s) are being picked up, it's possible to remove the aerial lead for part of the scan to get it to do what you want it to do.
It is possible to do this with the caveat that you will have to manually add a couple as they are mixed in with those of Heathfield.
Midhurst's channels are 55, 61, 58 (HD), 62, 59, 50
Heathfield's are 29 to 54 now and 41 to 52 after its DSO.
So, if your receiver shows UHF channel numbers when it's scanning, start it off with the lead unplugged and connect it after it's scanned 54 to avoid Heathfield. You will then need to manually add 50 (Yesterday etc) and probably 55 (BBC standard definition services).
If your receiver doesn't give channel numbers, but only a percentage, then the scan is likely to be from channels 21 to 69, so plug in around 71%. Then manually add 50 and 55 as explained above.
Whilst this may be clumbersome, it might be more attractive than letting it put Midhurst in the 800s and you having to swap each one.
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Peter: Some receivers, having performed the automatic tuning scan, will ask the user to choose the "Network" or "Region". This is in fact selection of which transmitter to go with. It is therefore important to ensure that the correct one is selected and that the default should not necessarily be chosen (which could be the first one in alphabetically).
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Simon Miller: It should improve come switchover.
Tunbridge Wells is traditionally a "Group B" transmitter. That means it uses frequencies in Group B which is roughly the middle third of the band used for television.
Consequently, Group B aerials are likely to have been fitted. They are aerials that are much more sensitive around Group B frequencies.
Unfortunately, some of the pre-switchover digital channels are outside of Group B, them being higher. This means that your aerial (if it's Group B) won't "hear" these as well. The affected multiplexes are Mux 1, Mux 2 and Mux D; see the top of the page for the services that these carry.
After switchover, all multiplexes will use Group B frequencies. So I would not replace the aerial because the current one should work OK from 13th June.
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steve: The likely answer is never as the Commercial broadcasters do not wish to invest in transmitters at 1000 or so small sites like Dallington Park. They achieve around 90% coverage of the population from about 80 sites nationwide. They were invited to increase their coverage but declined. The cost of broadcasting from the relay sites would roughly double their costs of transmission.
They work on a commercial basis where they generate revenue from advertisers. The objective is therefore to get as many people to view the adverts as possible at the lowest possible price.
See here for a fuller explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Frank Sanjana: I'm assuming that you're receiving from Hannington. If so, then the Commercial channels will remain on low power until 4th April for SDN (which carries ITV3 and others) and until 18th April for ArqA and ArqB which carry Pick TV, Yesterday, Dave, Film4, Sky News and others.
The missing channels you identify are all on ArqB multiplex and you need to try manually tuning to C47 for them.
If you have a signal booster, you should try removing it.
You may be able to get all channels to work, or perhaps at least get Sky News and Food (ArqA) to be more solid by putting an attenuator on line with your aerial lead. I am referring to a device such as this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VARIABLE-ATTENUATOR-TV-SIGNAL-REDUCER-20dB-3-5-6-9-10-12-15-18-DIGITAL-FREEVIEW-/370552240392
The issue could be that there are now high power digital signals BBC and ITV1 etc when there wasn't before. These could be acting to desensitise your receiver and in so doing it doesn't "see" the lower power channels you're having problems with.
The attenuator will reduce the level of all signals. A variable one such as the example I've given will allow the level of reduction of signals to be varied so as to see if a happy medium where all will work can be arrived at.
So basically the hope is that the level of the high power signals can be reduced sufficiently (to increase the sensitivity of the receiver) *and* that the degree of attentuation does not reduce the level of the weaker signals too much so as to not be receivable.
There is therefore no guarantee that a balance can be struck.
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Sarah: On the basis of what JimF has said, to increase your chances, your radio probably needs to be on the side of the house facing Exeter with the clearest possible view in that direction. Try taking it upstairs on that side of the building and see what sort of signal strength you get on each multiplex.
St Thomas broadcasts BBC National (12B), Digital One (that's the commercial national multiplex and it's on 11D) and South East Devon (11C).
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Sarah: Having taken it from the shop all tuned in, then the worst thing you can do is rescan.
Once tuned, the radio "knows" what channels are available and will receive them when sufficient signal is available to it.
Rescanning wipes its memory so it no longer "knows" what's available and you then have to get this list of what it "knows" back by repeated re-scans until you have them all.
Where you have the radio in a location where it is tuned to a particular station but where there is insufficient signal to hear the station, then retuning cannot possibly have a positive impact in that it will not enable you to hear the station. The only outcome it can have is a negative one (i.e. you loose the station in question from the list).
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pete: Is your aerial directed at the Steyning transmitter (your aerial will be vertical) or is it on Midhurst (aerial will be horizontal)?
If your aerial is on Midhurst, then you shouldn't be tuned to Steyning and its existance will not improve your reception from Midhurst.
It is worth confirming that BBC and ITV1 are tuned to the transmitter to which the aerial faces.
From Midhurst, BBC is on C55 and ITV1 on C61.
From Steyning, BBC is on C59 and ITV1 on C50.
Therefore, when it is scanning, Midhurst is the first BBC signal (of the two transmitters) and Steyning is the first ITV1 signal. I wonder, therefore, if this could have resulted in your main ITV1 signal being tuned to Steyning when in fact it should be Midhurst.
You should be able to confirm either way by viewing the signal strength screen whilst on each channel; most receivers give this information.
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Derek Green: The vertical element of the COMs will only be introduced on 18th April when they change channels and when their ERP is increased.
The vertical element of the PSBs' signals has been introduced at switchover.
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Kim V: Confirm that the jerky BBC channels are coming in on channel 24 and not 46 which is Winterborne Stickland or even 61 which is Mendip.
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Dino: In circumstances such as yours, you would be best advised not to retune because the only possible outcome is that (most likely) you loose the programme channels from your receiver or you get them back. Crucially, the act of retuning cannot have any affect on getting them back, therefore they would have come back anyway if they are back after retuning.
The act of retuning is therefore like shooting oneself in the foot. Only where there is reason to retune, such as a change of channel should retune be carried out.
The only way you are going to get it back is to repeatedly manual tune to channel 31 until it comes back, whereas had it been left, you could simply have select CITV to see if it was back.
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martin: For Whitehawk Hill, all channels post-switchover are "in group", that is they are in Group C/D. This was the case before switchover, except for analogue Channel 5 which was on channel 35. So a wideband aerial is not necessary after switchover.
You will not pick up HD signals yet because they aren't being broadcast!
High definition services become available at the second stage of switchover, which for Whitehawk is this Wednesday.
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charlo: BBC Local Radio is on DAB multiplexes that are operated by commercial companies. Thus, the areas that they are available is dictated by the areas that commercial broadcasters wish to serve.
The national BBC multiplex could never carry different stations in different areas because DAB does not allow it. It is a single service nationwide and is carried on the same frequency in all areas (a "Single Frequency Network").
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Jimb: No, the Commercial broadcasters in question do not wish to transmit from 1000 or so relay sites like Woolwich. They use about 80 to achieve a 90% coverage of the population. Their interest is viewers to watch advertising that they sell.
For a more in depth explanation, see:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Derek Green: The "Poole" relay I referred to is at Parkstone. It will be a "lite" transmitter.
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Jimb: I think that the digital programme channels you have are likely to be coming from Crystal Palace.
To check, go to the signal strength screen whilst on ITV4 or Film4 and it may well tell you what UHF channel it is tuned to. For Crystal Palace it will be tuned to 29.
The Digital UK Tradeview predictor suggests that you will have a very good chance of receiving from Crystal Palace after switchover:
Postcode Checker - Trade View
This doesn't take into account local obstructions (trees, buildings etc) that may affect reception.
If you do decide to have your aerial replaced with one on Crystal Palace, then you will probably best to wait until switchover has completed on 18th April.
The current signals are weaker than they will be after switchover. An aerial that will work now (i.e. that will be sensitive enough to pick up the weaker signals) will be more than is necessary after switchover.
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John Illy: There is the power of the transmission; that is the strength of the signal as it leaves the transmitter. And there is the strength of the signal at any particular location.
If the signal that you are trying to receive at a particular location is "low", then it will be more susceptible to interference than one which is "high".
The higher the power of the transmitter, the higher the level of the signal will be at your location.
The sentence that you've quoted explains that the "low" level digital signal is more affected by "high" strength analogue [than if the local digital signal had been of "high" strength].
An analogy is if you talk loudly (the level of your voice is "high") then the reception of your voice will be less susceptible to interference from those talking around you. If you talk quitely (your voice at "low" level), then the person listening to your voice is *more likely* to suffer interference due to the person speaking at "high" level nearby.
The receiver of your conversation is hearing all voices in the area, and in order to hear you, yours needs to be at the receiver's ears.
The signal going into the receiver's ears is therefore the sum of all voices in the area, each having travelled to that location (and therefore lost some of their volume). The same goes for reception of electromagnetic (radio) signals.
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John Illy: My last but one paragraph should say: "The receiver of your conversation is hearing all voices in the area, and in order to hear you, yours needs to be *highest* at the receiver's ears."
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Paul Brown: Mux 1 is on channel 59 which is now used for a post-switchover multiplex at Midhurst (since last Wednesday) and also for Mux D at Tunbridge Wells. According to Digital UK Tradeview, Mux D on C59 is at 200W. The Ofcom guide to pre-DSO transmitters which was last updated two years ago, says that TW Mux D was at 100W:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/s….pdf
Reigate uses channel 24 (same as Mux 2 from Blue Bell), and its power was increased on 7th March. I have seen suggestion by other contributors to this site that that was done to counter possible interference due to another transmitter, Rowridge, switching over to digital and using the same channel.
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martin: I apologise if my reply was somewhat flippant.
The only thing I will say is that in your general area receivers can sometimes tune to Rowridge instead of Whitehawk. The workaround is to run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged for the first 50%. This works because Rowridge uses low frequencies and Whitehawk high ones.
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Mark: If DAB+ is to replace DAB, is this the sort of thing that we will have to get used to?
DVB-T being replaced by DVB-T2 and so on?
Is it not possible to design in backward compatibility?
It means more "switchovers" to the newer systems.
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David Rolles: It's a good idea to confirm that the TV is tuned to the signals from Wenvoe and not Ynysowen or Methyr transmitters.
Ynysowen or Methyr only broadcast Public Service channels, so Commercial ones must be coming from Wenvoe.
Look at the UHF channel it is tuned to on one service from each multiplex. This information is usually given on the signal strength screen.
BBC One is C41 from Wenvoe, C59 from Ynysowen and C25 from Merthyr. ITV1 is C44 from Wenvoe, C55 from Ynysowen and C22 from Merthyr. BBC One HD is C47 from Wenvoe, C62 from Ynysowen and C28 from Merthyr.
Because of the spacing out of the frequencies used by Wenvoe and the other transmitters, it's possible to have the aerial unplugged for parts of the scan to ensure only Wenvoe is picked up.
Have it unplugged up to 30% and then unplug again at 65%.
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Ricardo: Remove the booster/splitter and connect the feed from the aerial to one of the TVs. Get the aerial working with one TV and then introduce the splitter/booster.
As Crystal Palace is still transmitting analogue services, I suggest that you connect the aerial to an analogue TV and move it around to find out where the signal is the best. Do this for the four analogue channels but not Channel 5 as this is from Croydon and not Crystal Palace.
It is much easier to "see" signals using analogue transmissions than digital ones.
At 2.6 miles you should be aware that you could suffer overloading problems and may therefore need to add attenuation to your aerial system.
Try manually tuning to add the missing multiplexes (don't rescan as this will loose those you've already got):
BBC One=C25
BBC Four=C28
ITV1=C22
BBC One HD=C31
ITV3=C32
Pick TV=C34
Yesterday=C29
Only retune at switchover on 4th and 18th April once you have all the services in your receiver's memory.
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P. Smith: If Hannington's C45 has already been picked up and put in your 800s, then manually tuning to it might do nothing as the receiver already has the channel stored in its memory.
As Crystal Palace (London) uses low frequencies and Hannington uses those higher up, run the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged whilst it's scanning Crystal Palace's channels. Have it unplugged up to 33% should do it (or wait until it gets past C34 if it gives channel number whilst scanning).
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Ken Tibbles: The Digital UK Tradeview predictor suggests three transmitters at your post code. The hilly nature of the area could mean that the area of the post code varies as to what can be picked up and what can't.
Caradon Hill is the first in its list, but it doesn't appear to be the best (based on what Digital UK "thinks").
The PSB are the "Public Service Broadcaster" ones which carry the BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV2, E4, More4, HD services and a few others. The COMs are the Commercial multiplexes which carry the likes of Pick TV, Yesterday and Dave.
The PSBs from Caradon Hill are at 100kW and the COMs are at 50kW. However, whilst the COMs are expected to be "good", the PSBs are "poor" and will get even poorer in April. This is because the COMs from Stockland Hill use the same three channels. That is albeit that Stockland's COMs have negative offsets and Caradon's positive ones.
Stockland Hill is the next transmitter that Tradeview gives a prediction for at your post code. Its PSBs are predicted as "good" and are radiated at 50kW whereas nothing is predicted for its COMs which are at 10kW (at the moment) and they are co-channel with Caradon's PSBs (with opposite offsets). In April, Stockland's COMs are due to increase to 25kW which would explain why the prediction for Caradon's PSBs goes down in April.
Last is Huntshaw Cross which is "good" across the board (except for ArqA which is on low power until next week when it too becomes good).
Again, Huntshaw Cross' COMs are at half power to its PSBs; COMs being 10kW and PSBs 20kW.
Your location is an example of why there are low power COMs services from some transmitters; that is because channels are reused more often and inevitably there are going to be locations where both clash making them unusable or unreliable or at least cause a headache as to where to locate the aerial where the signals from the interfering station are at their lowest whilst still receiving sufficient signals from the desired station.
It's the 18th April when the COMs are due to increase in power from Stockland, so that date may degrade your reception of the PSBs.
Putting in your house number or name into Tradeview may give a more accurate picture for your property.
Looking at the satellite images and Google Streetview, I note that there are trees in the direction Huntshaw Cross for quite a few houses as well as some residing lower down (in the direction away from Huntshaw Cross).
If you decide to go for Freesat, you could retain the current aerial for the Commercial channels that aren't on Freesat.
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Virginia Thorne: Upavon is one of 1000 or so small Public Service only transmitters. The other services are run by the Commercial broadcasters who decide where they wish to place their transmitters. They cover 90% of the population using 80 of the biggest (by population) transmitters. For them to transmit from other transmitter sites, it would roughly double their cost. They declined to increase their coverage.
For a fuller explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
However, I tried an Upavon post code in the Digital UK Tradeview predictor (predicts coverage of transmitters) and there may the possibility that you are on the fringes of Rowridge which is on the Isle of Wight and serves a large area, much of it being on the mainland. It would depend on exactly where you are.
I have spotted one or two aerials on Rowridge in Upavon by looking at Google Streetview. This rather confirms that it might be a possibility to receive from it. Rowridge broadcasts Meridian whereas Upavon relays Mendip which is West region.
It is possible to combine two aerials on different transmitters, however, in this case the channels (frequencies) used by Rowridge and Upavon don't permit this.
However, they are both in the same direction (to within a couple of degrees) from your location and come 18th April the Commercial channels from Rowridge (those that aren't transmitted by Upavon) will be on full power vertically. Before switchover Rowridge's signals were only horizontally polarised, meaning that aerials needed to be horizontal. After switchover it transmits both horizontally and vertically, the Commercial channels being stronger in the latter. As Upavon is vertically polarised, a single vertically polarised aerial may work for both.
In the first instance, you should try manually tuning to UHF channels 25, 22 and 28 on 18th April. These are the three channels of Rowridge's Commercial services and they will come on high power on that date.
I must warn you that there are a few possible stumbling blocks that I can think of:
1. There are some PVRs that don't work too well where they have some channels from one transmitter and some from another. It's therefore not a problem if you don't record the channels.
2. You may need your aerial replacing for one that is sensitive enough to pick-up (or "hear") the weaker Rowridge signals.
3. There may, coming down your aerial lead, be a disparity between the strength of the Upavon signals and the Rowridge ones; the former may be much stronger. The strength of Upavon's signals *may* result in reducted sensitivity of your receiver which in turn makes it more difficult (or problematic) receiving Rowridge's.
This is akin to a bright light with a much dimmer one next to it. The bright light (e.g. a car headlight) makes one's eyes less sensitive to light and hence less sensitive to the already dim light.
As I say, these are possibilities. I would certainly hold out a little hope of more channels come 18th April.
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Tony: According to Ofcom's latest document, on 18th April all three of Hannington's COMs (41,44,47) will go up to their full final power.
Digital UK Tradeview suggests that for Hannington there will be "COM power-up" on 4th and 18th April. However, the power is shown to increase to full level (25kW) for all three on 4th April and not increase on 18th.
I suspect that both of these sources are not entirely correct.
I suggest, as KMJ,Derby has said, that come 4th April, Guildford will relinquish use of channel 44 and therefore Hannington's (ArqA) will go up to full power.
Then two weeks later, when Guildford stops using C41 and C47, Hannington's other two COMs will go on full power.
Obviously, there will be no need for a full retune; just manually tune the multiplexes when they become available, except for poorly designed sets that don't have a manual tune option.
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Val Grace: The Llanelli transmitter, which is to the north of the town on Ty-du Hill, only carries Public Service channels, which is what you've got. This is because the Commercial broadcasters only wish to spend money on transmitting from 80 or so sites nationwide, missing out 1000 or so small sites like Llanelli. For a further explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
In order to get the full service, your aerial will have to point at Kilvey Hill in Swansea. Loft aerials, by their very nature, get less signal than if they were outside, but in some cases that is sufficient. You have found that you get sufficient signal from Llanelli.
However, you may (or may not) be so lucky turning your aerial to Kilvey. Looking at Google Streetview there are quite a few aerials on Kilvey. But the direction to it is inline with the terraces, so a loft aerial is almost certainly out for it due to that fact.
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Pete: Before switchover, the HD multiplex from Crystal Palace is not as powerful as the standard definition services.
HD services are not part of the standard offering before switchover. Crystal Palace was one of only five transmitters nationwide to be selected to carry HD before switchover. It was essentially shoehorned in on the best channel available which is used by Sandy Heath and Reigate which will have resulted in restrictions on how powerful it can be. Perhaps being a loft aerial it's not quite good enough to pick up the lower power HD services.
I wouldn't go replacing the aerial or doing anything costly as not only is it not guaranteed to work, but the current setup will probably work come 18th April.
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Tim: That page states "Supports HDTV/AC3 standard for high definition video and high quality audio experience (DVB-T reception only)", so it only receives standard definition (DVB-T) off-air.
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Briantist: Having looked up "backward compatibility" and "forward compatibility", I agree that I meant to say "forward compatibility".
I believe that the question should have been, "is it not possible for DAB+ services to be forward compatible with current DAB radios?"
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Tim: I don't know the answer to your question, but you can't pick up Freeview HD services.
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Kev: That is correct. The three Commercial multiplexes remain on low power and on their pre-switchover channels until 18th April on which date another retune will need to be carried out in order to continue to receive them.
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Andy: The Digital UK page for the times that switchover is completed for Whitehawk and its relays is here:
Digital UK - Relay transmitter switching times
Some relays are shown as due to be completed by sometime in the afternoon. If you are on Whitehawk, then it has completed switchover.
This is not uncommon. The main station will usually be done overnight, and only then can relays be changed. Some take longer due to the fact that engineers will have to commute.
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K.T.: See Freeview on Whitehawk Hill TV transmitter | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Whitehawk's digital signals will be at 4kW.
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David George: Digital UK says "Late afternoon".
Digital UK - Relay transmitter switching times
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Kath: The channels you have are those that are carried by the Littleborough transmitter. There is no plan to add extra services, the Commercial broadcasters have chosen not to spend money on 1000 or so small transmitter sites such as Littleborough. For an explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Your only real option for extra free to air services is Freesat. There would appear to be a communal satellite dish on the front of the building, mounted on the same pole as the terrestrial aerial which faces Littleborough.
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Kev: Either Luscombe Valley or Canford Heath on C45 as they both use the same three channels and aren't far from you.
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steve: If your aerial is pointing at Ventor transmitter, then no, it is and will remain a Public Service transmitter only.
If you received Freeview before switchover, then (extremely likely) you were getting it from Rowridge, even if your aerial is pointed at Ventor. In which case, you need to get an aerial for Rowridge, assuming that the signal is reliable enough where you are.
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Paul: The reason you do not get the "full" Freeview service is because the channels you don't get are operated on a commercial basis. The Commercial operators decide where to put their transmitters, their business plan being that they sell advertising to advertisers.
They achieve 90% coverage of the population by broadcasting from 80 or so of the biggest (by population) sites. To transmit from the 1000 or so transmitters such as Cirencester would roughly double their costs of transmission, something which they have decided against.
For a fuller explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
This is capitalism for you. If it isn't likely to produce a return, then it won't get done.
The Licence Fee goes only to the BBC which is a service that broadcasts from Cirencester. If you are receiving BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV2, More4, E4, HD and a few others, then you have all channels that are available from Cirencester. These are the Public Service Broadcaster multiplexes.
The best thing you can do is see if you may be in an area where you can receive directly from a transmitter that carries the Commercial channels. Oxford and Mendip may be the two main ones in the general area of Cirencester.
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Kristina: As it says above, Brighton area transmitters are now carrying BBC South East, these being Whitehawk Hill and its relays.
The signals from the Rowridge transmitter can be received in parts of Brighton and it is likely that your television upstairs has tuned to it.
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Frazer Palmer: From the first stage of switchover, Whitehawk Hill switched from being BBC South to BBC South East. This, apparently, also meant that the regional news programmes adjusted their coverage as well so that South East Today reports on Brighton. See here for an explanation:
Brighton transmitters will be in BBC South East from 7th March 2012 | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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bob smith: You probably can get all the Freeview channels.
The transmitter that serves your area the best is the small Dallington Park one. However, this is a Public Service transmitter only and therefore does not carry Commercial channels such as Dave, Film4, Quest and many others. To get the full Freeview you will probably have to go with Sandy Heath to the east.
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Tim Bishop: There is a "Brighton Central" transmitter which acts as a low power "filler in" for areas with difficulty receiving from the main transmitter in Brighton which is Whitehawk Hill.
Brighton Central transmitter is on the top of Theobald House and directs its signals to its east.
However, Brighton Central did not carry Freeview before switchover and now switchover has completed it only carries Public Service multiplexes (BBC, ITV1, ITV2, Channel 4, E4, More4, Channel 5, HD and a few others).
The long and short of it is that if you received Freeview before, you were almost certainly picking it up from Whitehawk (and certainly not Brighton Central) and that you should probably like to continue to do so now so as to provide you with the full range of Freeview channels.
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Noel de Souza: In order to answer such a question knowledge of where you are and what transmitter you are using is really necessary. If you do not know the name of the transmitter, then with your location and direction of the aerial we should be able to work it out.
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steve: The first question is how likely is it that you can receive from Rowridge? There is no guarantee that you can receive from Rowridge or any transmitter that carries the Commercial channels.
A quick look suggests that the area is very low lying, so in general, if you live at sea level, then your chances are pretty much non-existant.
To give a better indication as to your chances, what is location, preferrably in the form of post code?
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steve: The predictor reckons that you will only receive from Ventnor:
Postcode Checker - Trade View
In any case, as you live in a block of flats you would need permission from your landlord. (PO381DN)
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M. Sottilini: The main transmitter for Brighton, Whitehawk Hill, now broadcasts BBC South East rather than BBC South. See the page on this change:
Brighton transmitters will be in BBC South East from 7th March 2012 | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
I wouldn't be surprised if BBC South Today and BBC South East Today will have varied the area they report news from accordingly.
Further to your west, TV reception comes from the Rowridge transmitter on the Isle of Wight. This transmitter carries BBC South and it can be picked up in parts of Brighton.
The fact that one of your TVs has tuned to BBC South tells us that your aerial, even though it faces Whitehawk, picks up sufficient signal from Rowridge to produce a picture.
When an automatic tuning scan is performed, and signals from more than one transmitter are found, only one transmitter's signals can be stored in the prescribed logical channel number positions. That is 1=BBC One, 2=BBC Two, 3=ITV1 etc. The duplicate BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1 etc (from other transmitter(s) are usually placed in the 800s; i.e. starting at 800).
Some more modern receivers ask the user which "region" or "network" they wish to use (where more than one is picked up), which is really asking which transmitter to use.
Perhaps the one that has tuned to BBC South (from Rowridge) simply goes with the first signal it finds when scanning. Rowridge uses low frequencies and Whitehawk high ones. So when a TV is scanning, it will find Rowridge first and then Whitehawk.
Perhaps the other TV (the one that has BBC South East) is a bit more sophisticated and chooses Whitehawk as it is a stronger signal. I say "perhaps"...I can only speculate as to why what has happened has happened and more to the point, explain why different results may be achieved on the same aerial.
In order to get the TV to tune to Whitehawk (instead of Rowridge), start the automatic tuning scan with the aerial unplugged and then plug it in at 50%. This will have it unplugged when it scans frequencies used by Rowridge and plugged in for Whitehawk.
To watch BBC South Today, you will have to tune to Rowridge. Due to the fact that your aerial points in a different direction, it is possible that reception will not be perfect.
However, if you wish to try it, then I suggest that you carry out the procedure of running the tuning through with the aerial unplugged for the first 50%. This will get BBC One South East from Whitehawk stored under button number 1.
Having done this, go through the menu to the manual tuning function (assuming that your TV has one) and manually tune to UHF channel 24 which is what Rowridge's BBC One (South) is broadcast on. This will add the Rowridge BBC programme channels in to the 800s.
This way you can watch BBC One (South East) from Whitehawk most of the time, and switch over to South on 8?? when you wish to watch South Today.
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Bert: Whitehawk Hill (Brighton) now broadcasts BBC South East. See here:
Brighton transmitters will be in BBC South East from 7th March 2012 | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
And here:
BBC - FAQs - Why did my BBC Region change from BBC South to BBC South East on Wednesday 7 March 2012?
You may be able to receive South Today from either Rowridge (the main transmitter on the Isle of Wight which also serves a large area on the south coast) or Findon.
Your receiver may have picked up these and put them in your 800s (programme stations numbered starting at 800).
For manual tuning, Rowridge BBC is on UHF channel 24 and Findon's is channel 44.
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Tim Bishop: The mode of the signals has changed from 2k to 8k and this proves fatal for some older receivers - they weren't built to work in 8k mode.
The other possibility is that the signals are too powerful now. This problem can be indicated by receivers as "low signal", but I'm not sure how likely that might be at your location.
What are the model numbers of your TV and digital set-top box?
Do you have any amplification (booster) in your aerial system?
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Mr Smith: You are in an area served by the Aldbourne relay transmitter. Now switchover has happened, this is only does not carry the full range of Freeview channels; it is a Public Service transmitter only. You received full Freeview before switchover, so you must have been getting it from Hannington.
The first thing to do is ensure that your receiver(s) doesn't choose to use the signals from Aldbourne. They use low channels and Hannington uses ones higher up, so as a matter of course, it is a good idea to have the aerial lead unplugged for the first 20% of the automatic tuning scan to avoid picking up Aldbourne.
The Commercial multiplexes will be on low power from Hannington for a few weeks more.
On 4th April, ArqA on C44 (carries Pick TV etc) will switch to its full final power. Two weeks later on 18th April, SDN on C41 (carries ITV3 etc) and ArqB on C47 (carries Yesterday etc) will go to full power.
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neil: For lots of information and products on this, see www.aerialsandtv.com
Unfortunately, due to the channels used, it won't be possible to diplex (combine) two aerials, one for Poole's PSBs and one for Mendip COMs.
Poole PSBs are 57, 60, 53
Mendip COMs are 48, 56*, 52
* Changes to 56 on 28th March; currently on 67
Looking at Digital UK's predictions for your location (these would obviously require further investigation as to how good the signals actually are), possibilities may be:
1. All services from Rowridge - this would obviously likely only to be available to you when the COMs are on full power on 18th April. The advantage would be that it will need only a single aerial.
2. Rowridge PSBs + Mendip COMs - Rowridge PSBs will be better than its COMs, so if PSBs are OK, but COMs not, then you could get the COMs from Mendip.
3. Winterborne Stickland PSBs + Mendip COMs - *Not sure about this one* - Winterborne Stickland is another relay of Rowridge and it uses channels 40 to 46, therefore to diplex with Mendip COMs, you will need a diplexer that combines 21 to 46 and 48 to 69; I've no idea whether such a thing is available. However, be aware that near to the crossover, there will be greater attenuation.
See ATV's comments on combining two aerials:
Television Aerial Boosters / Amplifiers, Splitters, Diplexers & Triplexers
In the next year or so, new licences are expected to be auctioned by Ofcom. Channel 36 is expected to be used as a Single Frequency Network across the UK and two other services are likely to start-up using channels 31 to 37 (or maybe 38, not sure).
The point is that if, for example, you use a diplexer that splits at C36, then you won't be able to receive this new service without alteration to your system.
Expect these additional services to broadcast from the sites that currently carry COM services and certainly not from PSB only transmitters.
Read the bit from ATV about aerials. Widebands have less gain at Group A frequencies, so probably best to stick to a Group A aerial for Rowridge, if you decide to go for it. This will obviously allow you to pick up new services in the 31 to 37 area when they come on air.
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Ron Scholes: The other three multiplexes that you do not receive are operated by the Commercial companies and they can choose where to install their transmitters.
The Lulworth transmitter is like 1000 or so other small relays; Public Service only.
The Commercial broadcasters achieve around 90% coverage of the population by transmitting from about 80 of the largest (by viewer population) sites. To transmit from the rest would roughly double their cost of transmission.
They are profit driven organisations that sell advertising to advertisers and show their output to as many viewers as possible at the lowest cost.
For a fuller explanation, see here:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Jean: Can you give the model number of the DVD recorder that is causing the problem?
Perhaps the issue is caused by it finding too many channels than it can hold in the memory, which causes it to "forget" some and therefore regard them as "new" when it is turned on. It is quite possible that some of these channels that are clogging up the memory are ones from another transmitter (Hannington, Mendip) and not Oxford. Are there channels stored in the 800s and if so, how high do they go (what is the highest)?
There may be an option in the menu to turn of notifications of new services if you cannot cure the problem another way.
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John Beeston: Which services are you having issues with?
Digital UK Tradeview predictor suggests that Dover will be best for you both now and after switchover, it giving "good" across the board and after DSO. Is there a reason that you can't receive from Dover?
If you are using Blue Bell Hill, a wideband aerial will be needed (or combined Group aerials).
Blue Bell Hill uses C24 for Mux 2 (ITV1 etc) and C27 for Mux A (ITV3 etc). The predictor suggests you will have "poor" reception on these, whereas the others are better, them being "variable".
On 7th March, the power of C24 and C27 from Reigate went up to 2kW and 1kW respectively. This was done because Rowridge which serves a big chunk of the south coast and uses these channels switched over on that date.
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John: Different receivers work differently and some may be more sensitive to others. That is both sensitivity of signals and immunity to interference.
I would not read anything into "Freeview" and "Freeview+" as these are simply brand names associated with non-recording and recording devices.
Have you had your Group A aerial replaced with a wideband one (or a second Group C/D aerial fitted)? If you haven't had this done, then that will explain poor reception of the COMs. If you would like me to explain what this means, then let me know.
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mr p lees: If there are, then they are operating illegally as the licences haven't been auctioned yet.
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jonny: That is correct. Those whose reception of SDN, ArqA and ArqB *horizontally* is not good enough can switch to vertical polarisation.
The power before switchover was 20kW at 260m above datum. So now the radiating antenna array is higher as well.
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Frazer Palmer: Oh no it's not!
Switchover "completes" for Southampton, Portsmouth and Brighton | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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Bob Hobbs: Whitehawk Hill is not transmitting BBC South. Any BBC South you are picking up is coming from another transmitter and it is this issue which you need to address.
Based on the Digital UK Predictor, the signal from the Findon transmitter (which is on the hill to the north of High Salvington), which carries BBC South, is good where you are, so I think that this is the most likely candidate, with Rowridge being less likely.
To find out which you have, bring up the BBC One South and then go through the menu to the signal strength function. On that screen it usually gives the UHF channel (frequency) it is tuned to. If it's Findon, it will say channel 44 or if it's Rowridge it will say channel 24.
When automatic tuning is performed, it scans from low frequency to high. Because of the fact that Rowridge is the lowest, then a bit of a gap, then Findon, and then Whitehawk, you can prevent it from picking up the wrong transmitter by keeping the aerial lead unplugged during the scan, until it reaches the frequencies used by Whitehawk.
The automatic tuning scan goes from channel 21 to 69. Some models might give the channel number as it's being scanned.
Assuming that it's Findon that you're trying to avoid, then it uses channels 44 (BBC standard definition), 41 (ITV1, C4 etc) and 47 (HD services).
Whitehawk's lowest is C48 which is Yesterday (and other services).
Carry out one of the following:
- *If* your receiver is not a HD one, then you don't need to worry about 47 from Findon. The target is to plug the aerial in after 44 and before 48. Say at 50%.
- *If* your receiver is a HD one, then you need to avoid 47. If your receiver allows manual tuning, then don't worry about trying to get 48 during automatic tuning; manually add it once it's completed. Plug the aerial in at 59%. If, after doing this, you're missing HD services, then manually tune in to 51. And for ITV1/C4 etc it is 53 (hopefully you got the aerial in in time for that).
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John: I would agree that there are two issues.
(i) Issues with reception:
I think that the issue won't be with your aerial as you have had it replaced as I expected you might need to have done.
Is this a new problem?
Where does your aerial system serve? Does it just go to one point, e.g. the lounge, or is it split and if it is split is this a powered booster/amplifier?
If there is more than one aerial point (i.e. it serves more than one room), try connecting it to another point and tuning in the Panasonic that doesn't pick up the COMs. If there is manual tuning, then use it. Channels are COM4/SDN=C53, COM5/ArqA=C57 and COM6/ArqB=C60.
I don't think that the issue will be to weak a (COMs) signal at your aerial. At 6 miles from the transmitter, you have clear line of sight (assuming no local obstruction).
I came across this picture of Balvenie Castle and the transmitter can clearly be seen on the horizon:
Panoramio - Photo of Balvenie Castle
The image can be clicked for a high resolution one and there is no doubt that it is the television transmitter.
There is a possibility to be mindful of that the signal level being too high with the clear line of sight to the transmitter. For this reason, amplifiers should be removed if possible, if only for test/fault finding purposes.
A set-top aerial is another way of testing, it providing a lower signal level (assuming that it's sited in a suitable place).
(ii) The picture issue from the Alba is likely to be an issue with the connection between it and the TV or a problem with the output connection on the box or input connection on the TV.
There are two commonly used formats that are connected using a scart lead:
1. Composite video: This uses one conductor (wire) to carry the video. By its very nature this means that all the picture is sent down one wire (and obviously split up as necessary, as it were, at the other end).
2. RGB: This stands for "red, green, blue" and this uses a separate wire for each colour. This provides a better quality picture than composite video because it keeps the colour components separate.
The fact that you are saying that one or more colours is lost intermittently suggests that this is using RGB and that the problem is an intermittent connection with one or more of the three conductors. Perhaps try another scart lead or try connecting it to another television.
It's usually the case that TVs that have more than one scart socket on have one that accepts RGB signals and this is usually Ext1 (or AV1). So if you remove the scart plug from Ext1 on the TV and plug it in to Ext2, it may appear to solve the problem, but you will probably have just connected it using composite video.
The ghosting you see if likely to be an issue with the scart lead.
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Andy: According to the Digital UK Tradeview predictor, you would probably get a better signal from Findon. However, it only broadcasts the Public Service multiplexes.
The Rowridge COMs (SDN, ArqA and ArqB) will be on full power from 18th April. From that date they will also be on higher power vertically, so you will be best advised to switch your aerial to vertical from that date.
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Paul Brown: I'm not sure whether there is anything you can do.
Crystal Palace would appear to be your best bet (assuming no local obstructions). Its switchover is 4th and 18th April at which time your post code is predicted to have "good" reception across the board.
If reorientating the aerial is out, then you could always try tuning one or more Crystal Palace multiplexes in and seeing how good they are. Come 4th April, BBC will go to full power and on 18th April, the rest will follow.
If you look at Tradeview predictor for your post code, you will see a number of transmitters are suggested. However, all apart from Crystal Palace (excluding Forest Row which isn't on air yet), have some multiplexes that are co-channel with others. None are sparkling and you may have to try it and see how much they interfere (if at all). Of course, your aerial will, to a degree, be less sensitive in directions other than that which it faces, so that might help avoiding interference.
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Bernard Roughton: Piddletrenthide is only a Public Service transmitter; the Commercial broadcasters do not wish to pay to transmit from this and 1000 or so similar small relays. They achieve around 90% coverage by using 80 of the biggest sites (by viewer population).
To transmit from the rest would roughly double their cost of transmission They were asked if they wished to increase coverage and they declined. They are private profit driven organisations and generate a return by selling advertising which they show to as many people as possible at lowest cost.
See here for a further explanation:
Will there ever be more services on the Freeview Light transmitters? | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
The Digital UK Tradeview predictor suggests that your reception from Rowridge may be "good" for the Public Service Broadcaster or PSB services (those are the channels relayed by Piddletrenthide), but "variable" and "poor" for the Commercial or COMs (the ones that you don't get now).
I guess that the reason for the lower rating of the Rowridge COMs is due to possible interference from Stockland Hill as its COMs are co-channel with Rowridge's COMs (although its PSBs are not).
Mendip is predicted as "good" with some multiplexes being "variable". Two of its COMs are predicted as "good" with one being "variable". Going fully with Mendip would mean a change of regional BBC and ITV programming. Having looked at your road on Google Streetview, I see that there are a mixture of Mendip aerials and Piddletrenthide aerials. They are roughly in the same direction, but the former are horizontal and the latter vertical.
Some suggested possibilities (which will probably need an expert opinion, such as aerial installer, to say how feasible they might be) are:
1. Change entirely to Mendip which will mean a change of regional programming. This will require a single aerial.
2. Diplex (combine) your current aerial with one on Mendip so as to receive its COMs. This will give you BBC South and ITV Meridian, as now, but with the COMs. Be warned that whilst from a signal point of view this is perfectly find, some PVRs have issues where different multiplexes come from different transmitters.
3. Attempt reception of all services from Rowridge. You will have to wait until 18th April for this as its COMs are on low power until then. Once that date has passed, Rowridge will be broadcasting horizontally (as it was before switchover) and vertically. The COMs signals will be more powerful vertically, but the vertical element of the COMs will only become available on 18th April, which is why you will probably need to wait until then to do that. Receiving Rowridge vertically will also help reduce the possibility of the possible interference from Stockland I mentioned as it is transmits only in the horizontal plane.
4. Increase the number of channels you have with Freesat. There are some services such as Sky News and Dave that aren't on Freesat but are on the full Freeview service. If you used this in conjuction with a Mendip aerial, you could then get all the channels available on Freeview (but not on Freesat), plus you would be able to receive BBC South/ITV Meridian via satellite, negating the need to connect the current Piddletrenthide aerial. It might be a good idea to retain (even if you don't use) the current aerial as a back-up or if you decide to change the arrangement.
P.S. One other thing to mention is that in the future it is expected that there will be three more licences granted to Commercial broadcasters. Expect these to not bother with Piddletrenthide but transmit from Mendip and Rowridge.
Because of the UHF channels they are likely to use (somewhere from 31 to 38 from all transmitters), this could perhaps present a problem, particularly if you go with option 2. It may be that in the future you may need a second aerial for the new services from Mendip. You might like to raise this potential issue with the installer, should you decide to go down this route.
If you go with option 3 (a single aerial on Rowridge) you will be OK.
If you go with option 1 (a single aerial on Mendip), then this will need to be a wideband aerial. If it is a Group C/D aerial, then you will need a second aerial for the new services. Again, best to raise this with an installer.
I add this P.S. as a warning, so that you aren't taken by surprise (and perhaps annoyed) that in a few years time you find that you have to have more work done in order to receive the future Commercial services.
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M.Rowell.: Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 are available via terrestrial services from BT Vision and TopupTV:
Gone Digital | Sky Sports on Freeview how do you get it?
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Graham: Providing you can receive ArqB multiplex, then you are able to "receive" Sky Sports 1 and 2 because they are carried on that multiplex.
There are five standard definition multiplexes and on HD one. Each multiplex carries a number of services (programme channels). Yesterday is also carried on ArqB, so if you have it, then you can watch Sky Sports, providing you have an appropriate subscription.
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John Hewlett: I am wondering if the problem is that it will only work in 2k mode and not 8k mode. After switchover, transmissions are in 8k mode.
Digital UK Tradeview shows that SDN/C30 (ITV3 etc) and ArqA/C37 (Pick TV etc) are still in 2k mode. It says that ArqB/C33 (Yesterday etc) is in 8k mode now.
There is a retune event on 18th April when the rest will increase in power and move to 8k mode.
Digital UK has put together a list of 2k equipment here:
http://www.digitaluk.co.u…ment
Also see this page:
TVs and boxes that do not support the 8k-mode | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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jb38: You say that boxes should always be left in standby and not turned off at the mains.
I have one in my bedroom and switch it off at the mains at night, primarily due to the "Update" it does at 2am and 5am, necessitating the fan to run.
There are two other PVRs in the household and they (both Pioneers) perform these updates.
Can you shed light on what they're doing during the Update?
Do all Freeview receivers do these updates at standard times of day? And if so, this must surely show up on the electricity distribution grid as all devices spring into life at the same time.
So why not have the Updates carried out at random times, as well as allow time periods to be set during which they are never carried out? Do the 2am, 5am etc Updates coincide with when some information is transmitted (which is not transmitted at other times)?
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Jan Clay: The choice is region is simply a choice of which transmitter to tune to.
Because the Fens are flat, signals from multiple transmitters are available.
If you have selected the wrong region, then it is not surprising that you are experiencing poor reception. What you are doing is receiving signals from a direction to which your aerial doesn't face.
The signals from other transmitters may be sufficient to make your receiver aware that they are there (and therefore add them to the Regions list), but they aren't good enough to produce uninterrupted reception.
In order to work out which region you need to select, we need to know which transmitter your aerial is pointing at. If you do not know, then what direction is it pointing in? And are the elements of the aerial horizontal or vertical?
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S Rogers: As above. Signals are carrying further than they normally do due to the inversion effect caused by high pressure.
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Richard: Yes, a Group A aerial perfectly fine with Rowridge.
COM5 is on channel 37 (offset upwards) and C37 is the top of Group A.
Rowridge will be transmitting all six multiplexes horizontally and vertically after 18th April.
The PSBs are 200kW in both horizontal and vertical planes (and they are that now). The COMs will be 50kW horizontally and 200kW vertically. The vertical component of the COMs will not be introduced until 18th April, on which date you may get better reception by changing your aerial to vertical polarisation.
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jb38: The device in question is a Sony RDR-HXD870.
This brings me on to another point. In this forum a number of people have reported issues with Humax devices repeatedly freezing on a particular day; usually Wednesday.
I observed that on the same day, a firmware update was broadcast for the model(s) in question.
As a logical thinking technical person I wondered whether the two were linked. I asked if these people switch their machines off at the wall when not in use. I have to date not had any response to confirm either way whether it was the firmware upgrading process that was inconveniencing their viewing and for which they probably powered it off at the wall again to get it to work.
It stands to reason that during the upgrade process of firmware, any device will be innoperable. Does it sound feasible that these experiences are caused by the firmware upgrading process, for which, apparently, the device has attempted a number of times, only to have its power disconnected?
I should point out that I would leave my device powered on at the wall if there were a way to opt out of the Updates at 2am and 5am. I switch it on at the wall when I get up and usually don't use it immediately; the objective being so as to allow it to update/build up the EPG as well as being ready to record the programmes that I've set.
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david newton: That is because the engineering messages are from the BBC; which is what the "[BBC]" means. The BBC only provides reports of work that is affecting or will affect its own services.
Digital UK does not mention Bilsdale has having any work carried out at all.
There is another report made an hour ago about loss of the channels you mention, although the person has not said which transmitter he is using, Bilsdale looks pretty likely:
Seaham digital switchover date | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
And another about issues with all channels this morning:
My Freeview box has no EPG, is blank on FIVE, ITV3, ITV4, ITV2+1, has no sound or the channel line up is wrong | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
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david newton: You are predicted as being able to receive Yorkshire Region programming from Oliver's Mount now.
Oliver's Mount is one of a few stations that has seen the power of its digital services post-switchover being higher than that of former analogue ones. This means that its coverage area will have increased. So if you couldn't pick it up before, you might be able to get it now if you would to change region.
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Kev: Do not adjust your sets!
There have been reports made on this website of issues with reception of ITV1, C4, C5 etc from Bilsdale today.
There are no planned changes with the signals from Bilsdale that will require retuning until 26th September, which is the first stage of switchover.
If you do encounter poor reception, the best thing is not to retune.
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Kev: See above for Joh K Slater's posting this morning.
It seems that there's engineering work going on, perhaps allowed due to the good weather.
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A: You say that Whitehawk Hill appears to provide Saltdean with a ITV. What makes you say that?
Refer to the post-switchover list of multiplexes:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
ITV1+1 is carried on PSB2 (D3&4), as is ITV1, so your TV would expect to be tuned to the same signal for both. The same goes for Channel 4, Channel 5, More 4 etc.
The predictor suggests that you can't receive from Whitehawk. Saltdean is a Public Service Broadcaster (PSB) only transmitter; it does not carry the Commercial (COM) multiplexes.
So if your aerial is pointing at Saltdean and your receiver has tuned in the COMs, then they are coming from elsewhere. For reliable reception, your aerial should point in the direction from which the signal is coming from. Therefore, you might consider a replacement aerial to receive the COMs, *if* there is a transmitter whose signals reach you.
The best way to find out which transmitter each service is coming from is to look at the UHF channel on the strength screen.
For Saltdean BBC One is C55, ITV1 is C54 and HD services are C58.
You say that you have ITV1+1 from Southampton. Is this on C27 by any chance? If so, then it is coming from Rowridge.
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Jan Clay: If you are receiving from Tacolneston you should select "Anglia".
There are perhaps some clues carried in the answers to these questions:
- What BBC and ITV regions do you normally watch?
- You say that your TV is tuned in correctly. Go to BBC One on the TV and then bring up the signal strength screen. It will say which UHF channel (frequency) it is tuned to. Do the same for ITV1.
If BBC One is on C55 and ITV1 on C59, then the TV is tuned to Tacolneston and you will be watching BBC East and ITV Angia. You need to select "Anglia". Tacolneston is south east from your location and your aerial will be horizontal (elements flat).
If BBC One is on C49 and ITV1 on C46, then the TV is tuned to King's Lynn transmitter which serves a small area. It is located at Sandringham and your aerial will be vertical (elements upwards). You need to select "Anglia" for this transmitter. King's Lynn does not broadcast all services, so you may be missing the Commercial channels, or they may be subject to poor reception.
If BBC One is on C22 and ITV1 on C25, then the TV is tuned to Belmont which is near Louth which is north west from you. You will receive BBC One Yorkshire (Look North from Hull) and ITV Yorkshire. You need to select "E Yorks & Lincs". Your aerial will be horizontal (elements flat).
I think it is unlikely that you will be served by the transmitters that identify themselves as "Cambridgeshire" and "Bedfordshire".
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Bryan: Some services are on low power from Sandy Heath and this will be the case until 9th May.
Services are broadcast in groups known as multiplexes. Each multiplex is a single signal, therefore if you will have the same reception issue with all services on the same multiplex.
There are five standard definition multiplexes and one high definition one. See here for a list of which services are carried in each:
DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
COM4/SDN is on low power until 9th May. Is this the one you are having issues with? If so, then there's probably not alot you can do other than try swapping the aerial lead with the one in the bedroom.
Perhaps the signal level coming down the aerial lead is around that at which your receiver fails to show a picture and therefore a tiny reduction makes it unable to resolve a picture.
Some devices have built-in signal boosters. If this is the case here, then there is nothing to be lost by trying it on for that multiplex until the transmission power goes up.
If you are watching the channel you're having trouble with on your TV and it disappears, you could try connecting the incoming aerial feed (from the wall socket) directly to the TV (instead of via the PVR).
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Charmian Martin: The COMs will remain on the same channels and they are all in 8k mode now, so you shouldn't need to do anything.
The Forward Error Correction for SDN (ITV3 etc) will change on 18th April, but receivers usually don't require retuning when that happens, so you will probably have to do nothing.
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Joe: Try putting a variable attentuator inline with your aerial and adjusting if, seeing if it's possible to improve reception of ArqA (E4+1, Dave etc) and even get ArqB back (Yesterday, 4Music, VIVA etc).
For a few pounds it is probably worth a shot:
VARIABLE ATTENUATOR TV SIGNAL REDUCER 20dB 3 5 6 9 10 12 15 18 DIGITAL FREEVIEW | eBay
It may be that the high power signals are acting to desensitise your receiver (reduce its sensitivity) which then makes it unable to pick up the weaker signals.
Attenuating the incoming signals might reduce the strong ones enough to allow reception of the weaker ones. It is obviously a balance that is needing to be struck of which there is no guarantee that it is possible because the attenuator reduces everything, including the weaker signals.
If you try this, then whilst adjusting the attenuator, monitor the strength/quality of ArqA to get it to its best. You will need to give it 10 seconds or so to catch up with the change you have made. Then manually tune to channel 63 which is ArqB. You may find that further adjustment will improve reception of ArqB.
The situation with low power of COM services will remain until 27th June.
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steve M: Be aware that reception of C24 from Blue Bell which is Mux 2 (ITV1, Channel 4 etc) may have changed due to changes with other stations that use that channel.
On 7th March, the power of C24 from Reigate was increase due to Rowridge switching to digital. Rowridge uses C24 for its full power digital service and formerly for one of the analogue services.
Is reception not possible from Tunbridge Wells transmitter?
I put TN9 1SU into the predictor, and it suggests that reception will be excellent, even now, before switchover with the lower power signals:
Postcode Checker - Trade View (TN9 1SU)
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steve M: Indeed, a four services (out of the six) of Blue Bell and Tunbridge Wells are co-channel until switchover!
- C59 BB Mux 1 / TW Mux D (both no offset)
- C42 BB Mux C (neg offset) / TW Mux A (pos offset)
- C39 BB Mux C (pos offset) / TW Mux C (no offset)
- C45 BB Mux B (neg offset) / TW Mux B (pos offset).
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Nick: The "others" are links and if you click on them it tells you what they are.
Unplug your aerial whilst it is scanning Aldeburgh channels. Scanning is from 21 to 69. If it gives only a percentage, you can work out what percentage to plug in at. 25% should do the trick.
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Nick: Looking at the list of BBC National multiplex transmitters, your nearest would appear to be Aldeburgh (1.8kW), Manningtree (5kW), Mendlesham (4.3kW).
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Nick: The list of BBC national DAB transmitters is here:
BBC - Help receiving TV and radio - Transmitters
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Briantist: C42 and C45 are showing with the green bar Group C/D bar when they are not.
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Idris: It is not good practice to combine two aerials using a splitter in reverse without filtering.
A diplexer combines two aerials into one downlead. Each of the two inputs are filtered to only allow certain channels through. Some examples are here:
A.T.V (Aerials And Television) TV Aerial, DAB Aerial, FM Aerial. onlinesplittersandamps.html#TVTVdiplexers">Online TV Splitters, Amps & Diplexers sales
The only thing I would say here is that if you go with the "Channels 21* to 35 combined with 37 to 68 (i.e. split at CH36)", then you won't be able to receive (without altering your aerial system) the future multiplex that is expected to be broadcast on Ch36. For that reason I would probably go with "Channels 21* to 37 combined with 39 to 68". This does mean, of course, that you will have to receive the future multiplex on C36 and the two others expected to broadcast on 31 to 35 from Rowridge.
There may be other solutions using filters and a splitter in reverse.
See ATV Sheffield's site for more information:
A.T.V (Aerials And Television) TV Aerial, DAB Aerial, FM Aerial.
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MH: I'm not surprised that Mux 2 and Mux A are the two you don't have as they are co-channel with Sandy Heath whereas others are not. Sandy Heath switched a year ago and has been using these channels since then.
I suggest that you try tuning to Sudbury/Rouncefall as they have switched to full power. It's a try it and see sort of thing; I wouldn't go altering the aerial but if it provides a more stable reception than now, then it might be better until June when Blue Bell switches.
Rouncefall and Sudbury work as a Single Frequency Network for the Public Service channels. That is they are on the same frequency (this works!). Rouncefall was introduced at switchover and only broadcasts the Public Service channels. The Commercial channels are on low power from Sudbury, so you will probably have to stick with Blue Bell for these.
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David Precious: The only thing I can think is to ensure that only signals from Midhurst are stored and that it doesn't store signals from other transmitters (if that is what it does).
I'm skeptical as to whether will cure the problem, but under the circumstances it would seem that only thing to do. Some systems' EPGs don't work well with signals from multiple transmitters.
If it has entries in the 800s, then this means that it has picked up signals from more than one transmitter. It puts duplicates (e.g. a second BBC One) in the 800s.
Some ideas for achieving the object of Midhurst only channels being stored:
Midhurst uses UHF channels 50 to 62 (frequencies). The automatic tuning scan runs 21 through to 69.
If you keep the aerial unplugged until about C48 (or 55%), then you should miss out any transmitters that use channels lower than this.
If there are transmitters that are interleaved within Midhurst's channels, then having completed this procedure you will still expect to have them in your 800s.
Examination of those channels and in particular what UHF channel(s) they are on by looking at the signal strength screen should allow you to work out which transmitter it is and therefore which channels you need to avoid.
The services are broadcast on multiplexes. Each multiplex carries a basket of services. For example, BBC One, BBC Two, BBC News and others are all carried on the same multiplex or signal.
For a list of services before and after switchover, see DTG :: DTT Services by Multiplex
The Digital UK - Postcode checker will also give you an idea of what you're likely to receive, although not all will pose a problem for you. Tick the box to say that you're in the trade and it will give you transmitters and channel numbers.
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David Precious: Carry out a factory reset before you start as a precaution (so as to wipe anything stored).
If you do this and still get some 800s, then it may be best to factory reset again before you try again to avoid the other signals.
If you have manual tuning, then this may be a way round it. This could enable you to tune in all Midhurst multiplexes (having factory reset) or if, having reset, you can only tune automatically, then aim to pick up at least one from Midhurst and manually tune the rest.
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A: Heathfield is horizontal and Saltdean is vertical. A look on Streetview at the aerials at the post code you've given show them to be vertical and pointing at Saltdean.
Saltdean receives Public Service channels from Whitehawk and rebroadcasts then on its own channels (54, 55 and 58 for HD), as do many relays. This was the also case in the days of analogue.
By their very nature, relay transmitters must be sited where they have good reception of their parent.
It is unfortunate that the terrain does not permit you to receive from Whitehawk, even though it is only just over three miles away. Similarly, Newhaven and Lewes are served by relays due to them being in valley.
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Mr T J Coates: The first thing to confirm is that the TV is tuned to the correct transmitter.
When digital switchover occurs, signals become stronger and consequently carry further, causing areas of overlap. Maybe this is what has happened.
One reason may be that when your TV stores the channels when performing its automatic tuning scan, it goes with the first one of each that it finds. So if a neighbouring transmitter is found first (perhaps previously the signal was too weak to be available at your location), then it goes with that. Your local transmitter may be in the 800s.
Do you have programmes stored in the 800s? Do they appear to be stable?
In order to suggest a workaround, please can you let me know your location, preferably in the form of a post code (or perhaps nearby post code of a shop if you don't want to give yours) ?
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Mr T J Coates: I'll just add that I asked for your location in order to work out what signals that could be picked up by your receiver.
Also, what transmitter does your aerial point to (or what direction is it pointing in)?
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Brian: I would install an attenuator and reduce the signal for all, including the box.
Different equipment responds different, with respect not only to sensitivity (i.e. some will work when others won't) and this includes when the signal is on the high side.
Reducing the signal level into the box should not affect the reception unless perhaps you're going to do it to such a degree that the signal level is only just good enough.
There is a big enough window for which reducing the level to make the LGs work won't push the box below the level it needs.
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sally: As you already have an aerial, it is probably best to try it and see if it is sufficient. However, Crystal Palace completes switchover on 18th April so you can only say with certainty if it will work then (if it doesn't work now).
In order to get HD services on Freeview you will have to wait until 18th April, no doubt. HD Freeview services aren't normally available before switchover. Crystal Palace is one of a few exceptions.
However Crystal Palace's current HD service is on lower power than the standard definition services with restrictions in some directions.
In particular, the Reigate transmitter uses the same frequency as Crystal Palace uses for HD (at the moment). Not only does Reigate serve your general area, but the HD signal from Crystal Palace is likely to be reduced in that direction to avoid interfering with those receiving from Reigate. So it's safe to say that you won't get HD from CP before 18th April.
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Mrs Ellen Poole: Unfortunately there's not a lot you can do *if* the interfering signals are coming in on the same frequency as those you are trying to pick up from the local transmitter you normally receive from.
However, the fact that you've rescanned does not necessarily mean that the channels you are picking up now (such as TMC) are coming in on the frequencies used by your local transmitter. It *could* be that the signals from your local transmitter are now back to normal, but that these other signals from France are stronger (but on different frequencies) and so the BT Vision box chooses these as the "main" services.
I have never used a BT Vision box, but I understand that they do not have manual tuning which is very poor.
What I would do in your position is go to TMC (and other foreign channels) and bring up the signal strength screen. This will hopefully say which UHF channel (frequency) the service is on. If it's that which is used by your local transmitter, then you know that you're probably going to have to wait. If it's not, then you might have a chance of tuning it back in again on your local transmitter which the Digital UK Tradeview predictor would suggest is Caradon Hill which is north from your location.
When the box scans, it "looks" at different frequencies; channel numbers from 21 to 69.
Caradon Hill uses channels from 21 to 28, so if your French signal is coming in on, say, channel 44, and you've unplugged the aerial by that point, then hopefully it won't "see" it.
If the BT Vision gives the channel numbers as it scans, then unplug at 28. If not, then unplugging at 18% should do the trick.
If, after doing this, you still have some foreign channels, then perhaps they are on the same frequencies as those of Caradon.
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Michael: A Group A aerial will work with all channels used by Caradon.
See here:
Digital TV Transmitters
See also other pages on ATV's website for background information on installing aerials.
See also this plot showing that your line is slightly obstructed:
Terrain between ( m a.g.l.) and (antenna m a.g.l.) - Optimising UK DTT Freeview and Radio aerial location
I wouldn't like to suggest what sort of aerial you might need as I'm not a professional. You may find that those at ATV may be able to advise you.
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O2 reports an issue with a base station in the area. It would appear that the site is home to base stations for the five main public mobile networks, as well as Airwave, the network used by the emergency services.
The Twitter account for Kestral FM reported the issue at 3pm this afternoon. It broadcasts on 97.1 FM from the site.
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Lucy: TV in the UK is broadcast from powerful main transmitters which spread their signals over large areas. Despite this, there are pockets where these signals cannot be received sufficiently from these main stations, usually caused by the terrain.
In these places small low power "filler in" transmitters are installed, such as that at Patcham so as to provide a service.
The channels that don't broadcast from Patcham are run by the Commercial operators. They operate solely to generate profit by selling advertising to advertisers. Their objective is therefore to gather as many viewers as possible (to watch the adverts) at lowest possible cost to them.
They have opted to transmit from 80 of the largest transmission sites (by viewer population) and achieve 90% coverage of the population.
There are around 1000 small transmitters like Patcham and for them to transmit from them would roughly double the amount of money they spend on transmitters. They were invited to transmit from more sites, but they declined.
The services that are broadcast from Patcham are the "Public Service" ones.
In some cases it is possible to have a new aerial fitted to pick up the full Freeview service from another transmitter.
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Dave: No. Your best option would be to look with a view to receiving from Whitehawk if you can.
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David, you have rather confirmed my suspicions. I was looking to see if the local electricity distributor (whatever it happens to be called today) carries reports of issues on its website.
It is SSE Power Distribution and messages have been posted on the Twitter feed (the author of which has signed of for the night):
southernelecPD (@southernelecPD) on Twitter
It was posted an hour ago that the majority of homes in Haslemere that lost power now have it back.
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Brian Wood: The use of "Storeton Wales" is so as to distinguish from the Granada services that Storeton transmits. It carries the Wales Region channels towards Wales as well as Granada ones.
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Richard Walker: With such close proximity to the transmitter, the signal level going into your tuner could be too high for it to cope with.
Have a look here:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
Another thing to be aware of in your general area is that receivers may tune to Rowridge when doing their scan (because its signals are quite strong and/or because they will be found before Whitehawk when scanning). The trick here is to remove the aerial lead for the first 50% of the scan.
If you have a set-top aerial, then try it, at least as a test as it will pick up less signal, though whether it works will depend on location.
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Tracy Gill: Retuning was necessary this morning because the Commercial services changed channel.
If you are missing BBC services, then you need to manually tune to channel 61. Running the automatic tuning scan just risks loosing others.
With such close proximity to the transmitter, your receiver could be being overwhelmed by the level of the signals going into it which could be the cause of your problem. Have you tried fitting an attenuator?
See here for an explanation:
Freeview signals: too much of a good thing is bad for you | ukfree.tv - independent free digital TV advice
You can pick them up for a few pounds on eBay:
VARIABLE ATTENUATOR TV SIGNAL REDUCER 20dB 3 5 6 9 10 12 15 18 DIGITAL FREEVIEW | eBay
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Katy: It would appear that you are probably picking up West from Mendip instead of Central from Oxford.
Is your aerial facing Oxford?
The easiest way, if your set allows, is to change the "Region" or "Network" and that is in practice selecting the transmitter.
It may well be the case that your box has stored the Oxford channels in the 800s. Consequently, manual tuning to Oxford may not move its services to the proper positions (1 being BBC One etc). Depending on the design, the box may just do nothing because as far as it's concerned, then channels are already stored.
You really need to wipe the channels from the memory before attempting a manual retune. How you achieve this will depend on how the box works. For example, on some you may be able to run the automatic tuning scan through with the aerial unplugged to "blank" its memory. On others this will result in it telling you that nothing was found during the scan and that it has retained the channel line-up it had before!
What is the make and model of the box? I may be able to find the instructions for it online and make further suggestions.
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Simon: I must echo the thoughts of Richard Davis. The fact that reducing the level of the signal going into your tuner does not improve matters suggests that the signals are overloading the amplifier.
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margaret: To get the missing channels, you need to got to the manual tune function on your receiver (assuming that it has one) and tune to channel 55.
Where is your aerial pointing? Is it pointing east north east? Or is it pointing north west?
It should be pointing east north east in order to receive the Freeview channels as only Pontop Pike is broadcasting them.
There are engineering works at Pontop Pike this week which means that digital TV is liable to interruption and analogue may be subject to weak signal (although with your close proximity I shouldn't think that will be an issue for you).
You should therefore not retune your set because when the signals come back, they will be as they were before; in the same place.
As I say, you will have to keep trying manually tuning to channel 55 until they come back.
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Friday 9 March 2012 10:57AM
David: You're only 200 or 300 metres from the Frome transmitter, so maybe it is being picked up by the aerial socket (without the aerial plugged in).
Does this sound a possibility? Does it show that some services have been picked up whilst the aerial is unplugged?
If so, then you need to get it such that it doesn't pick up these channels.
I'm not an aerial installer; the pros may have a better suggestion but either:
* take the TV to another room that is further away from the transmitter (i.e. where there are as many walls between the TV and the transmitter (which is on the roof of the telephone exchange), or;
* you need a radio transmitter to hold near the aerial socket whilst it's scanning the channels used by Frome. I'm not sure how effective this might be. A broadcasting cordless phone or mobile phone held close might be sufficient to stop the TV from receiving the Frome signals. You will need to have them transmitting at the time, i.e. making a call.
Once the scan has passed 25% it has passed the channels used by Frome, remove the source of interference. Plug in the aerial at 50%.
If each on their own doesn't work, then you could try both.
As I say, I'm not giving any guarantees as to what will work; I'm just suggesting what I'd try if I were you.